Friday, May 12, 2017

Carried

I'm sitting on the bed next to Ed reading your comments. I joked to Ed that I found the perfect way to get lurkers to comment - announce a life-threatening medical emergency. I don't know if you all are telling your friends or just checking back many times a day, but this blog never sees this much traffic in two days.

Okay, joking aside, I read your comments with their assurance of prayer and quotes from the Word of God and feel overwhelmed by God's love as shared through His people. Thank you so very much for helping to carry our load.

Yesterday afternoon, we had an anointing service for Ed. As it states in James, the elders of our church anointed Ed with oil for healing. The service was a blessed time of sharing God's Word and personal testimonies of God's touch. I will not soon forget the sight of Ed's two brothers, my dad, and our entire church ministry team laying their hands on Ed and praying for him. Ed and I have both felt the "peace that passeth all understanding" since that service. We know that our powerful God is at work, whether by miraculous healing or by walking with us on this journey.

This morning Ed, Terry (Ed's brother), and I met with the neurosurgeon. He showed us the MRI scans of Ed's head which show a three-inch mass behind his right eye. This tumor is on the surface of the brain on Ed's non-dominant side and is accessible for surgery. After discussion of various options, we decided to schedule surgery for next Tuesday, May 16 to remove as much of the tumor as possible. At that point more testing will be done to determine if the tumor is cancerous.

There are a lot of unknowns. I can't believe I'm throwing around words like "brain surgery" and getting calls from the hospital about pre-opt directions. But we truly do feel as if we are being carried by a loving God.

75 comments :

  1. May God be your strength and song through this journey you find your family at this time.
    Diane Histand

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  2. Please keep us posted, if possible, or is that asking too much? :-) You feel like family. Are you familiar with Caring Bridge? Such a great place to keep people updated. Love to all of you...
    ~ Lois Johnson

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  3. I kept checking back for an update! I'm so glad you are feeling the peace of Jesus, and I will keep praying for your family!

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  4. Your family is in our prayers. The peace of having hands laid on you for anointing the sick is a powerful thing, not soon forgotten. God's peace is the greatest blessing in this life and I know He will continue to support and strengthen Ed and you and your entire family.

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  5. That is very good news that it is operable. We're keeping all of you in our prayers.

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  6. I was hoping Ed would be anointed, what a special, blessed time of prayer to carry you all through this time. We will continue to pray! Rest in the almighty, comforting hands of our heavenly Father!

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  7. Gina, you and Ed have been on our hearts all day long. We have been praying for Ed & your whole family, and we've also passed along your need for prayer to our family and friends! We will continue to "storm the gates!" I hope that you will also continue to be flooded with His peace that surpasses all understanding. We serve a mighty Jehovah Rapha and He IS faithful! Psalm 27:13-14 is one of our family's life verses and it kept coming to mind today. "I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your hear take courage." With love & prayers, the Canfields

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  8. I very rarely comment on your blog, but I read it always. I guess I'm one of those lurkers! Last night our small group Bible study prayed for Ed, you, and your family. It's also been put out on our churches prayer ministry. I pray you will feel God's healing touch and His peace as you go through the next days and weeks.
    Blessings, Betsy

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  9. I am one of those lurkers that faithfully read your blog but rarely comment. You have been heavy on my heart and in my prayers day and night since you first shared about Ed. I will continue to pray for you, especially next Tuesday.

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  10. We will continue to uplift your ENTIRE family. My daughter's family also has a "prayer cylinder" , which they choose from each day. I will ask them to include you, Ed,and your children. We serve a Mighty God...all is well to all that trust Him.

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  11. My mom had two emergency brain surgeries one year ago. She had abscesses that kept returning until they got the antibiotics correct. Brain surgery is virtually painless, and recovery is quick. I will pray for God to guide the surgeons hands.

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  12. God bless and keep you as you go through this. Keeping you all in my prayers.

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  13. Oh my goodness, thank you again for updating. I'm sure it feels as though you're spinning, I can't imagine all of these unfamiliar territories, but I know the Lord is ruler over all. Praying for wisdom as you walk forward and the Lord to receive honor and glory in your lives each step of the way.
    He has already allowed you to continue in grace, Praise God!!!
    Praying for you all and so thankful for the support of your family, friends and church.

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  14. Didn't know that all this was going on with Ed! Will be easy to remember his surgery date as it is Shane's birthday. Praying for you all.

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  15. Amazingly, Very few churches these days follow the Biblical unction to go to the Elders when you are sick, and let them lay hands on you. Wonderful that you are able to share that news far and wide, setting an example. SO VERY glad that the news is encouraging all around! Praising the Lord!! Prayers and hugggs continue! Love this encouraging Scripture for you: Psalm 27, 13-14

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  16. :) That's so funny about the lurkers :) It's morbid but one time a "news-loving" woman somehow got the idea that a certain teenaged girl in our family was "in the family way" and it took us awhile to figure out why so VERY many people we knew but who lived some distance away were just happening to be passing by our area and drop by!!! Such is the way of the world!!!

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  17. I got your update via email and just fell apart. Please know that even though we have never met there are folks whose lives your family has touched. God bless you and keep you.

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  18. Gina, my heart keeps traveling the few miles between my house and yours, over and over. Praying, hurting, caring.

    One of my favorite songs in hard times...
    Prince of Peace, control my will
    Bid this anxious heart be still.
    Bid my fears and doubtings cease
    Hush my spirit into peace.

    May Thy will, not mine be done
    May Thy will and mine be one.
    Chase these doubtings from my heart,
    Now Thy perfect peace impart.

    We care! Lucia

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  19. Still praying, Gina.

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  20. We are praying for you at home and at school at Huyetts. May God receive glory from your lives. Tara

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  21. Yes praise the Lord for His assurance and care! This reminds me of the beautiful hymn, Praying People. Here is half of it.

    VICTORY CAME THIS MORNING THE SUN WAS SHINING IN
    I FELT MY BURDENS LIFTING I FELT SWEET PEACE AGAIN.
    SOMEWHERE SOMEBODY'S PRAYING
    LORD I KNOW THEY'RE TOUCHING YOU
    I CAN FEEL YOUR HOLY SPIRIT
    I KNOW THEY'RE PRAYING THRU.

    YOU PUT ME ON THE HEARTS OF PRAYING PEOPLE
    THEY SAW MY FACE AND FELT MY PAIN
    AND IT BROUGHT THEM TO THEIR KNEES
    THEY PRAYED IN FAITH BELIEVING OLD SATAN HAD TO FLEE
    MY CUP IS OVERFLOWING AND NOW MY LIFE IS FULL
    LORD YOU PUT ME ON THE HEARTS OF PRAYING PEOPLE

    God bless you!

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  22. Gina, I've been following your blog for months but didn't know how to comment before. I've learned so much from your blogs! Please know that my husband Glenn & I are holding you both up in prayer for God's strength & healing. Please know you both are loved. May our Lord Jesus bless your whole family with peace.

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  23. I'm another one of your lurkers, I suppose! I've been praying for your family. I hope surgery goes well.

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  24. Thank you Gina for the update. Please know you are all in my prayers.

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  25. I will be praying for Ed and your whole family.

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  26. Praying for Ed and that you will continue to know the Lords peace and strength on this journey. God bless you. Bev (another lurker here in England! )

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  27. Gina, I am praying for Ed, and all your family.

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  28. I'm crying for you and Ed. Your story brings back so many memories from ten years ago when my husband (then my boyfriend) got headaches, eventually had a ct scan, where they found a tumour and operated a few days later. It's traumatic and faith-shattering and faith-building. I'll be praying for you.

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  29. Dear Gina,
    I believe it when you say "we are carried by a loving God" It is only He who knows, He who protects and He who loves. There have been times in my life when I have felt frustrated, but all said and done, He loves us and we go on ahead only with Trust and Faith in Him. Everything will be alright.

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  30. Gina, I will continue to pray for Ed that you will get a good report after the surgery and I know that God will guide the surgeon's hand.

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  31. I'm so glad you are feeling peace. You continue to be on my mind and in my prayers...

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  32. oh Father God! Cover this home with your grace. Send your Holy Spirit to bring comfort. Boldly we approach your throne and ask for healing. Jesus I thank you that you are close to the broken hearted. Thank you that Ed and Gina are not walking this alone, thank you that you are their Father and you are holding them in the midst of the unknown.

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  33. Ed and Gina,
    This is so scary, and at the same time I am so happy to hear this report. Praise GOD that the tumor is operable and in a good place to be removed!!!! That is wonderful news. :) I wish there was not a tumor at all.

    Andy and I will be praying that it is not cancerous and the operation goes smoothly without a hitch.

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  34. I will pray for you and your family. I am so sorry you are going through this.

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  35. I have read your blog for a long long time..I just feel God will heal your husband ED what a wonderful faithful servant to the Lord your husband and you are..a shining example of what people who hold God in the highest honor should received, your family of wonderful children and a faithful loving of God wife and husband you are shining example of what God creates on this earth..Praying for your Ed daily, God's blessings..

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  36. May God's rich and tender mercies be with you all. Your sweet family is in my prayers! Hugs from Spokane, WA!

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  37. Although I don't comment often, I am a faithful follower of your blog. My thoughts and prayers will be with you on Tuesday, just as they have been these past few days as you go through this medical issue.

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  38. Praying for you all

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  39. I always read your blog, and yes I am a lurker! Just wanted to say will be praying for your family and that you feel God's loving arms around you at this time

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  40. i am just thrilled at how well you are all taking this shocking news. we send our prayers to you all...but based on the amount of people from all over the world leaving uplifting, heartfelt comments...and your thorough belief in The Lord...this, too, shall pass and your family will come out the stronger for it.

    a lurker. named kymber. praying for you all.

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  41. I too am a faithful follower of your blog. I love it. You have added your husband Ed, you and your beautiful children to your prayer list. We are trusting that with so many people praying for him everything will be ok. Hugs from Iowa

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  42. I am so sorry to hear this! Will be praying... Here is a poem by Annie Johnson Flint that became precious to me when I was going through a serious health event.
    He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
    He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
    To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
    To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
    When 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.
    Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
    Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
    Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
    The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
    His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
    His power no boundary known unto men;
    For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
    He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

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  43. Just heard via Shelley. I/we will be praying and waiting to hear testimony of God's faithfulness; we know we will because He is a faithful God.

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  44. dont want you to think Im a lurker....like it here, my family went through 2 major surgeries around Thanksgiving last year, they are just almost back to a different normal (mostly diet)without prayer I believe we would have never made it. Hoping the same for your journey. (it is a journey alot of unknown paths) Abi.

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  45. I too am a "lurker" and rarely comment as well. Our family has been praying for your situation and will mention it to our church tomorrow. So thankful to know that you have had an outpouring of support from friends, family, and the Body of Christ!

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  46. My dear sister in the Lord, I am so sorry to hear this news, but will be joining you in asking the Lord to heal Ed and restore him to health.
    Lord, we are crying out to You. Please hear our prayer. Thank You for the blessed peace You have given Gina and Ed.

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  47. Another lurker. :)
    Thinking about and praying for you, Ed, and your family. I cannot imagine.

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  48. Keeping you all in prayer, especially on Tuesday. God bless you all. Sue

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  49. My gosh , may you find the strength in gods healing power to carry you on your journey, you will be in my prayers, I wish there was more I could do. from Judi

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  50. Dear Gina, I have only recently found your blog and usually cannot comment unless I comment anonymously, but I've come to admire you and your family tremendously. I'm praying for Ed and all of you. May your faith and trust in the Lord sustain you through all of this.
    BTW, I think the lurkers are coming out at this time as a way of thanking you for all you've shared with and helped us and as a way of showing support for someone they admire.
    A sister in Christ, Jan

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  51. I have read your blog for years and have commented here and there but not in a while. I just wanted you to know I am praying for your family. My family has been in the same situation twice now, the unknow can be so overwhelming never the less the known is so much more calming. God is in control, he is the great physician, we have that "blessed hope", and the promise of heaven forever with our loving savior!
    Praying for you!

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  52. I will be praying for you and Ed especially on the 16th. I am inspired by your trust and faith in God, my friend. Lean in.

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  53. I take this as encouraging news. Praising our Creator, Who heals us; praise for where the tumor is located. Glad you are both comforted.

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  54. Hi Gina & Ed. Today is Sunday & I wanted to wish Gina a happy & blessed Mother's Day! Ed, my husband Glenn is also a man of God and we have been praying for your upcoming surgery & complete healing by God's mighty hand. We are so glad to hear of your anointing service! May God bless you & your family with many more years of fruitful service in His name. Please know you are loved . (P.S. We live in Phoenix, AZ.)

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  55. Warm wishes from a lurker in Canada. Your blog inspires and lifts me up; may your faith lift you up as your family faces this challenge.

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  56. Dear Gina, I've been reading your blog for the past year and it helped get me through my husbands second brain surgery. I am so sorry to hear that you your family is being tested in this way. My husband has had two brain surgeries in the past 6 years and I am happy to talk to you about the neurosurgery experience and answer any questions you might have from a strictly a caregiver/patient standpoint. My phone is 814 404 7488. Please feel free to call anytime. We are praying for you and your husband. Your sister in Christ, Celeste.

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  57. Praying for you and your family ❤️ Katie ( New Zealand )

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  58. I don't think I've ever commented on your blog but I love it. I've been thinking about your family alot. I'm from pleasant hill cob. Praying for you all!!!

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  59. I've enjoyed your blog for a number of years...wish I knew you in person. Praying for you and your family. I read this verse the other morning, and thought of your family:
    "And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." Psalm 50:15

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  60. Wow, I am definitely praying. It is so good that you have faith in the Lord, as He will carry your family through this. Praying for you and Ed as you carry this burden.

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  61. Gina, we are continuing to pray for you. Especially today we pray that you will be in peace -- that tonight you will lie down and rest well as you trust tomorrow to God's care. We pray now for the doctors, nurses, and surgeon as their hands perform skill and expertise that God directs on Ed's behalf.
    Trust. Rest. Believe. The Lord's favor blesses the righteous for your good and His glory.

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  62. Praying for peace for you, Ed and all of those who are touched by this situation. Also praying for wisdom and God's touch for all the medical personnel who will be with Ed and you and those who are with you tomorrow. I am looking forward to your updates, but please take some time off so you can be fully with Ed and your family. We will most certainly understand if you are silent for a few days.
    Robin in Missouri

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  63. I think I've only commented once or twice but I love to read your blog. I was shocked when I read your words and have been praying since. My favorite verse for surgery is: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

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  64. This is the first time I've seen your blog and I want to encourage you. My husband had brain surgery, also. At first we were numb and in shock. The Lord sustained us with Psalm 91 and many praying friends and loved ones. Doctor said the tumor would recur within 3-4 years but God had a different plan and my DH has been tumor-free for over 18 years! It's a hard path to travel, but you can depend on Him to hold you up through it all! You'll be in my prayers as well. Pam

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  65. Tuesday morning...lifting Ed and family up in prayer. Lord, bless the precious hearts and hands of those ordained to work with Ed. Let this time be a glory to you, and a blessing to all those involved. We thank You Lord, that You are the Great Physician and have plans for Ed, for good and not for evil, for life and life more abundantly! Thank You Father God, that You are the Prince of Peace, and are with Gina and family today, Your Love never fails. Praise You Lord, Amen

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  66. Praying for you and Ed and your family today in Canada. God brought one of my favourite old hymns to mind. Day by Day and with each passing moment...
    I will play and sing and be praying for you all today.

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  67. My dear Gina!

    We have talked personally for a while now,and I am so sorry for what you and Ed and your family are going through, I couldn't imagine. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Especially today, I'm just sitting here crying for you and your family. God please bless you and your family, the drs who are operating I know God will guide their hands and the nurses who will care for him. I know you will keep us updated and I know your next post will be great news. God's got this, love you sweetie <3

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  68. You and your family are in my prayers today.

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  69. Hello Gina, You have been in our thoughts and prayers this week. I can't imagine how you are feeling right now. I do know a little about watching loved ones suffer, my brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor about a year ago and it has been hard to watch them go through this, but God has been faithful. Keep looking to Him for strength. Joanna Meyers

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  70. Praying for your family today. Christine

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  71. Praying for you, your husband, and family today!

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  72. I was thinking of you today. I have your picture by my computer at work and when I look at it am reminded to pray. Praying that this tumor will be benign of course and also praying for strength as you take care of the children and your home. We had a bit of a scare on Friday as Mr. D was fixing our truck and it rolled off the blocking onto him. Praise God, no broken bones, just lots of bruising and taking care of our little farm alone is a job... and I don't have children, so I know you have had a lot of work to do.

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  73. I just recently came across your blog in search of sourdough recipes. I saw this post today and have been praying for your family as I go about my daily tasks. May you know the peace of God's comfort and be confident that you are safe in His hands. May you have divine strength to persevere through this big trial and the many small trials this creates. And may you cling to hope in Jesus and find Him trustworthy and true in your suffering.

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