Praises to the Lord for Connor!!!

I wanted to update everyone on our progress with the new treatment and new doctor. The treatment is immunotherapy and he takes it orally and by feeding tube.

We are receiving daily confirmations that this is where we are supposed to be. First of all, everything is going smoothly (except for Tait having to do the laundry at home!).

The first day we arrived we met several of the patients. When we went in to meet the doctor, all the patients in the waiting room stood in a circle and prayed for Connor. The doctor is praying for Connor. What a place of faith. It is exactly where we need to be.

How refreshing compared to words of imminent disaster that I normally hear from doctors. The doctor is not making big promises. He just says to pray that God will make this work. I told him we are and thousands of others are, too.

The second day, a woman got the great news that she was now free of breast cancer. As she made her announcement, the patients gathered around her and bowed their heads - giving thanks to the One who deserves the credit for healing her.

We felt like God was letting us be witness to a miracle. I cried along with the rest of the room, though I didn't even know her. That experience was another confirmation.

After Connor finished his first treatment on Tuesday, he walked out of the doctor's office into the waiting room to the noise of applause and cheers. All the patients were cheering for him (and they do it everyday now). What beautiful noise to my ears, though Connor isn't sure if he likes it.

After Connor's first dose, we noticed small changes. Lately, he has been moaning and very restless in his sleep. He normally can't get comfortable for very long. So the first thing we noticed was that he slept peacefully. The last two nights, we have all slept so well. Connor has not been eating either. We force him to eat a few bites at night. Today he wanted lunch and he said he was hungry after we left the doctor's office. Lately, he's wanted to lay around and sleep most of the day.

He's also been more alert each day. He's awake most of the day now and he's reading, playing his Nintendo DS and watching movies. All are improvements, so we are thanking God for any little thing.

Thanks for all your prayers. We feel the presence of God here strongly, so we know He is answering your prayers. Please pray that Connor will be much more comfortable before we fly home next Friday.

"I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.". Psalm 16:8.

Always believing,
Joy

Our Hero

As I started to write this post, and then looked back at the title, I should clarify. Our heroes are the men & women who serve our country and sacrifice their lives to protect our freedom. So, let's stop and remember them first.
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Last night, B was our hero! If you have a weak stomach or get scared by "creepy, crawlies," don't continue to the pictures.

We always get the coupons and sales circulars from Mom from her Sunday paper. She was sitting out back last night on the phone. So, she asked us to come to the back door to get everything. Since she was going to be on the phone, she was just going to reach over the fence and hand it to us when we arrived.

She had been going in and out of the gate throughout the evening, taking trash out, etc. She asked my uncle to hold so she could reach over the gate and hand us the paper when she heard us pull up in the driveway. He stopped her (a God moment) and said he could get off the phone. So, they said their good-byes . She then remembered she wanted B to help her with something in the backyard. So, she asked him to come in rather than her coming to us (another God moment). As he approached the fence, I heard him say, "oh, a snake!" For a moment I thought he was kidding and then I saw him walk away from the fence. I assumed she had put a fake snake up or something like that until he asked for a shovel or something.

I walked up closer thinking it would be a small little garden snake or something. When I made it to her gate and saw it stretched all the way I across I went looking for my camera. B, on the other hand, went to town killing the thing (sorry, PETA)!

Back to the God Moments...had Mom just reached over the fence while on the phone, she probably would have missed it and been bitten. Had she not asked B to come in the backyard, she would have opened the fence herself and it could have jumped on her, scared her, caused a heart attack, etc.....

So, B beat it with a shovel for a little bit and then threw open the gate. Mom then brought him an ax.

This is him holding the head on the shovel and holding the body in place with the ax.
¹⁸He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. ¹⁹I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. ²⁰However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Luke 10:18-20

Talk about having your "head handed to you." This is the snake's head in the shovel. Yep, that's my hubby still in his dress clothes having just killed a snake. Crocodile Hunter and all those other nature guys that wear khaki and wilderness clothes have nothing on my hubby. It's all in a days work for him.

He has no head in these pictures, but his body was at least a yard long.

You can see by these pictures that he wasn't pleased at this point.

B called this pic "the death roll."
You can see his tongue hanging out.

On the way to the trash...are you cringing and shaking as much as I am?

¹³No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. ¹⁴Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, ¹⁵that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

John 3:13-15

^18...they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

¹⁹After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.

Mark 16:18-19

After much research, we think it was a Rat or Chicken Snake. I think that's what they said they're called. Mom & B did the research. They are apparently very good climbers and go after bird eggs. Mom has created quite the bird sanctuary in her backyard. So, the likelihood of there being eggs in her backyard is high. They apparently aren't venomous, but they can bite like crazy and draw some nice blood. Yuck!!! I think we all shook and cringed & watched where we stepped the rest of the evening!!

B thinks he was trying to smile for the camera in this one.

OUR HERO!!

I know where I'm going...

As many of you know, my memory has been lacking considerably since all of this started with my health. There are days that B or Mom tell me things I've done, places I've been, people I know, but I can't remember those facts at all. It can be so frustrating as I was raised as to the importance of remembering details of people's lives. There are some days I've not known my own name, b-day, or phone #.

We watched the Indy 500 today and B kept asking me if I remembered going. His parents took us all there a few years ago. I know we were there because we have pictures in the house. However, I do not recall being there.

So, it can be frustrating to lose the memory. Amidst all of this, the one thing I've not forgotten is how amazing my Savior is...He has been my source of strength through lots of trying times and provided me with an amazing hubby, Mom, & friends to walk with me through this valley.

I received this in an e-mail today and thought it was perfect and wanted to share. I don't know the accuracy of the dates, but the point is clearly made...Enjoy!!

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Billy Graham is now 90 years old with Parkinson's disease. In January 2000, leaders in Charlotte, North Carolina, invited their favorite son, Billy Graham, to a luncheon in his honor.

Billy initially hesitated to accept the invitation because he struggles with Parkinson's disease. But the Charlotte leaders said, 'We don't expect a major address. Just come and let us honor you.' So he agreed.

After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said, 'I'm reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist, who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger.

When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it.
Then he looked in the seat beside him.
He still couldn't find it.

The conductor said, 'Dr Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.'

Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.

The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are. No problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one.'

Einstein looked at him and said, 'Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going.''

Having said that Billy Graham continued, 'See the suit I'm wearing? It's a brand new suit. My wife, my children, and my grandchildren are telling me I've gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious. So, I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion.

You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I'll be buried. But when you hear I'm dead, I don't want you to immediately remember the suit I'm wearing.

I want you to remember this:
I not only know who I am ... I also know where I'm going.'

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Billy Graham has one up on me that he knows who he is, but I definitely know where I'm going!!

I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes in Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.

John 5:24

I tell you the truth, s(he) who believes has everlasting life.

John 6:47

Kris Allen-God of this City

Don't forget to stop the music on the right.

Another Connor Update

From his Mom:

Connor was experiencing pain in his back and his abdomen was pretty extended/bloated. We ended up at Children's Med Ctr last night. After bloodwork and a CT scan was done, we know the cause of his discomfort. His pancreas and liver enzymes are good, so we know that his organs are functioning well. Praise God! The CT scan showed that the tumor has grown and that is what is pushing out on his abdominal wall. That is giving him the discomfort. The blessing is that it is not pushing on any organs. Praise God - what a miracle (one of our specific prayer requests). The bad news is that the tumor is approaching some important blood vessels like the Vena Cava. PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO PROTECT CONNOR'S BLOOD SUPPLY AND HIS ORGANS. ALSO, PRAY THAT GOD WOULD TAKE HIS PAIN AWAY, MAKE HIM COMFORTABLE.

We are headed to Dr. Rodriguez' clinic and will start treatment there on Monday. We are swinging for the fence. It's the ninth inning and we are putting in the pinch hitter, so to speak. There have been many miracles there and he is a Godly man, who gives all credit of the healing miracles to God. I like a man who gives credit where credit is due. WE feel a peace that this is where God is leading us. If we are in His Will, we know He will surround us with his love and He will not leave us.

Tait and I know that Connor's destiny will soon be revealed. No more waiting to see God's hand. No more God working behind the scenes. We will see His plans for Connor come to fruition soon. His healing is on the way - whether it is healing on earth or in Heaven, my son will not be suffering much longer. That being said, I still believe that He will be healed here on earth. I believe God has a special plan and purpose to be worked out through his life here on earth. What a story he will live to tell.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR SAFETY IN OUR TRAVELS. PRAY FOR MY OTHER CHILDREN WHO WILL BE WITHOUT THEIR MOTHER FOR AWHILE. PRAY FOR CONNOR'S HEALING ON EARTH AND FOR GOD'S PURPOSE TO BE WORKED OUT THRU HIS LIFE.

We wanted to let you know that Sunday afternoon, we will be having an Open House, so to speak, for those of you who want to come by the house to give Connor a send off and pray with/for him. Stop by from 1:00-2:45, if you would like. WE would love to see you before we head to the airport.

"I have to believe" by Rita Springer

I have to believe
That He sees my darkness
I have to believe
He knows my pain
I have to lift up
My hands to worship
Worship His name

I have to declare
That He is my refuge
I have to deny
That I am alone
I have to lift up
My eyes to the mountain
It's where my help comes from

Oh yeah
He said that He's forever faithful
He said that He's forever true
He said that He can move mountains
If He can move mountains
He can move my mountain
He can move your mountain, too

Oh, I have to stand tall
When the wind blows me over
I have to stand strong
When I'm weak and afraid
I have to grab hold
Ahold of the garments
The garments of praise

I know, I know, I know
Cause He said that He's forever faithful
And He said that He's forever true
He said that He can move mountains
If He can move mountains
He can move my mountain
He can move your mountain, too

I have to sing praise
When the hour is midnight
He unlocks these chains
That bind up my soul
My sin and my shame
He has forgiven and made me whole

I have to believe
He's got everything under control
I have to believe
Lord, I believe
Help my unbelief
I have to believe in You
I have to believe

Always believing,
Joy Cruse

Nate & Dakota

From Nate's Mom:

May 20 at 9:44pm

Jackie provided this update for Nate today. Please continue your prayers for him.

"Nate is doing better and should be able to come home tomorrow. He will have a week off before starting his next round of chemo.

I also wanted to request prayers for the little boy Dakota who many have been praying for. He passed away last week and I request prayers for his family and all the doctors and nurses who have cared for him for 3 years. My heart is broken for his family, but I know God is in control and He will comfort them. Love in Christ, Jackie"

Life is tough around here...

I need to post some updates on what is going on here in the near future. I've just been so behind with the peaks & valleys in the way I feel.

In the meantime, here are some pics to show you how rough things are around our house:




Poor Hank might not survive living in the lap of luxury...Don't you feel sorry for him (all cuddled up in his big chair, with his pillow tucked under his arms)?

Spoiled Rotten...

Are you Mocking Me? Spare Me...

This is from April. That's how behind I am on posting about anything that has happened around our house. However, it was too funny not to share.

B was outside grilling or something and thought a bird came in...sure enough. It landed on our china cabinet.



Don't know if it was a Mockingbird or Sparrow....
Do any of you know?

So, we took one of our fake ficus' and used it to lure the little guy. Once he got on the tree, B carried it outside and he flew away!!! I'm sure America's Funniest Home Videos would have had fun watching us that night.
p.s. Yes, he did leave a few spots for us to clean up on the tile...

Connor Update

Urgent Wednesday Update:

Connor is retaining fluid in his stomach area…not sure of the cause. Please lift up a quick prayer that the doctors can determine the cause and find a way to eliminate the fluid. Also pray that they don’t insist on his being hospitalized. Pray for Joy’s strength and discernment as the doctors discuss possible causes, and pray her faith doesn’t waver due to fear of what they may tell her.

Tuesday evening update:
Last Friday was May 15th and Connor's 4th anniversary of fighting cancer. We are grateful to God that he is still here fighting! Celebrate with us and say a prayer of Thanksgiving for his life.

This week, Tait and I need to make a decision as to where we will go next for Connor's treatment. The choice has been narrowed down to two options... Dr. Rodriguez or Dr. Burzynski. All the other options are either not available right now or are not available for Connor period. We have to believe that is just God shutting the doors on those treatments. So, again, we come to you to ASK FOR YOUR PRAYERS FOR GUIDANCE. Connor has been very tired the last few days and he's been having some back pain????? We feel the need for urgency. I think the next step will be crucial.

The treatments in the past have proven to be like a little dog yapping at the heels of this cancer. It is annoying, but not really making any impact. It's time to "aim for the fence" as they say in baseball. We know that God can use any instrument/method to heal Connor. He can heal him right now. The reason we are placing so much importance on this decision is because we want to follow His direction, be under the umbrella of His will for Connor's life. Thanks for your continued prayers.

Also, thanks for your prayers for our testimony last weekend. It went very well. The families there were just wonderful. They were so receptive, welcoming and they had such a sweet spirit. They showered Connor with so many gifts. The boys thought it was Christmas in May! We are so grateful to Lake Pointe's Men's Ministry for giving us the opportunity to give our testimony. We felt so blessed. We are so glad we could share what God has done in our lives. In the midst of all that we have gone through over the last four years, we still stand firm and say that God has never left our side (even when we have problems hearing from Him). This song "Always" by Building 429 shares the same thoughts.

I was standing in the pouring rain one dark November night
Fighting off the bitter cold when she caught my eye
Her face was taut and her eyes were filled, and to my surprise
She pulled out a photograph and my heart just stopped inside
She said, “He would’ve been three today
I miss his smile, I miss his face”
What was I supposed to say, but

CHORUS
I believe always, always
Our Savior never fails
Even when all hope is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
He will be with you always

He was living in a broken world, dreaming of a home
His heart was barely keeping pace when I found him all alone
Remembering the way he felt when his daddy said goodbye
Fighting just to keep the tears and the anger locked inside
He’s barely holding onto faith
But deliverance is on its way, cause

CHORUS
I believe always, always
Our Savior never fails
Even when all hope is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
He will be with you always

Friend, I don’t know where you are and I don’t know where you’ve been
Maybe you’re fighting for your life or just about to throw the towel in
But if you’re crying out for mercy, if there’s no hope left at all
If you’ve given everything you’ve got and you’re still about to fall
Well hold on, hold on, hold on, cause

I believe always, always
Our savior never fails
Even when all faith is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
Always, always, He will be with you always

Please continue to pray for Caden and Carson as they continue with their fight.

Always Believing,
Joy Cruse

These are pics that we took this weekend at the church when they gave their testimony:

Connor's Dad, Tait!!

Connor's Mom, Joy.

That's Connor in the middle!
Praying over Connor!!
Connor lovin' on one of the babies that came to pray over him!

Prayer for Connor

Come meet Connor and his parents this Saturday morning at 8am at Lake Pointe Church (Rockwall) in the Hospitality Center.

From Connor's Mom:

For the journal entry today, I am going to post a prayer for Connor that was written by my friend, Mary Kim Gray (another parent at our school, PCA). She so eloquently captures our needs. She is also referencing the great news about our friend, Cody Novak. After his surgery on Monday, he was pronounced "Cancer Free." Praise God!

We thank you for the great news about Cody. We are thankful for your deliverance for him. We ask and beseech you that you would provide the same supernatural deliverance to Connor. Thank you for increasing our faith and showing us again what you can do. We are frail, Lord, and need your continual reminders that you are an active, caring God who will go to any extreme to care for your children. We ask that you would bless Connor with a clean bill of health. We ask that you would intervene through the treatment and stop the cancer. We ask that you would continue to direct Joy and Tait as they look for treatment options. At the same time, we ask that Jesus Himself would touch Connor's body and restore him to perfect health on this earth. Please continue to protect his organs from the chemo--and his digestive system from the tumor. We ask once again for the tumor's total eradication.

Where Joy and Tait may be feeling frustration at not having an answer and knowing exactly what to do, we pray for you to give them supernatural peace. We pray for you to guide their encounters and their access to information. Please direct them, Lord, and let them know that you are leading them. Make this very clear to them, as you increase their faith in your provision of divine direction at exactly the right time. Give them quiet spirits and quiet moments in their busy days, so they can hear you speaking. Speak more loudly than usual, as they have a strong need for your guidance. Confirm their choices multiple times, so they will know that you are indeed leading them. Give them hope and strength in the midst of this battle that has been long and arduous. "Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10) Continue to uphold this precious family as they are strengthened by you.

I pray that the voice of the enemy would be silenced. I am sure that as Tait and Joy and Connor bring glory to you that Satan is determined to try to win some battles. I pray for resistance and enlightenment as to the devil's schemes. Silence his efforts to bring doubt--bind him from any work he is trying to do--and bring glory to yourself through the manner in which Tait, Joy, and Connor handle this trial. Please bring this trial to an end swiftly and let Connor live a long and fruitful life--always bringing glory to your name. Continue to give breath and life to his body on a day-by-day basis. Continue to call Connor in righteousness and help him to open blind eyes and free captives from their prisons as a result of his testimony of your goodness to him. "This is what God the LORD says—he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: 'I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.'" (Isaiah 42: 5-7)

We ask this in the name of the One who has taken Connor's hand and is always walking with him, Amen

We continue to look for the next step, as we believe God will provide a way. PLEASE PRAY FOR TAIT, CONNOR AND ME AS WE GIVE OUR TESTIMONY THIS SATURDAY MORNING AT LAKEPOINTE CHURCH IN ROCKWALL. Pray we will offer hope, strength and glory to God to those who listen. We are so excited about giving our testimony, because Revelations 12:11 says "They overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and the words of their testimony." So, here we go. I'm ready for some "overcoming!"

Joy Cruse

Dakota

This was posted on Dakota's Caring Bridge site today:

For those of you who don't know, Dakota went to heaven at 4:20 this morning! We have had such a busy day trying to get everything planned out! There will visitation on Friday night 5-8 at the George J Carroll Son funeral home in Gainesville! The funeral will be on Saturday at 10 am at the same place! Dakota will be laid to rest at the hood cemetery not far from the house! But we will be having a meal at the Era Baptist Church in Era! Thank you everyone for all of your prayers! It is a very hard time but Dakota is in a much better place and no more hurting !

Keep those prayers coming for Connor

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 5:11 PM CDT

We are still wading in murky signs and directions. No blinking lights or arrows pointing us in a direction. We were really hoping God would give us some blatant direction this week.

Still waiting on the NY surgeon to review the CT scan. Don't know anything there. We really felt God was leading us to San Francisco and a vaccine therapy there. A couple hours ago, I finally spoke with the doctor there. He can supply this vaccine on a compassionate use basis, but the problem is getting a children's facility to administer it. They have already started the process with a hospital in Cincinnati for a pediatric clinical trial of this vaccine. If the hospital would agree to do this on a compassionate use basis for Connor, this would be the speediest solution (but could still take months). So, still searching for something more immediate. We continue to look into many other avenues.

At this point, he is scheduled to do another round (3 weeks) of cetuximab with the chemo. Not real crazy about the chemo part of it. I was really hoping we would have another plan in place by now, so we could forego the chemo. Still praying for that. As you can see, we still need prayers for guidance.

On a lighter note, we have some praises from yesterday. When we got the results of Connor's blood count, his white count was well in the normal range. Yeah, immune system. Glad to know that is working well. Also, he gained 2 pounds and he didn't get a stomach ache after eating his lunch yesterday. Probably the most fun event for him was when he got the game ball at his baseball game. He hit the last runner into home, giving his team the winning point. He was so proud!

Please continue to pray for
1. healing/protect his organs
2. weight gain
3. direction
4. strength/peace
5. give Glory to God

Here's a nice quote from Oswald Chambers about the Graciousness of Uncertainty. Thanks, Gwen.

"It doth not yet appear what we shall be." 1 John 3:2

Naturally, we are inclined to be so mathematical and calculating that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. We imagine that we have to reach some end, but that is not the nature of spiritual life. The nature of spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty, consequently we do not make our nests anywhere. Common sense says - "Well, supposing I were in that condition . . ." We cannot suppose ourselves in any condition we have never been in. Certainty is the mark of the common-sense life: gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, we do not know what a day may bring forth. This is generally said with a sigh of sadness, it should be rather an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. Immediately we abandon to God, and do the duty that lies nearest, He packs our life with surprises all the time. Jesus said, "Except ye become as little children." Spiritual life is the life of a child. We are not uncertain of God, but uncertain of what He is going to do next. If we are only certain in our beliefs, we get dignified and severe and have the ban of finality about our views; but when we are rightly related to God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy.

"Believe also in Me," said Jesus, not - "Believe certain things about Me." Leave the whole thing to Him, it is gloriously uncertain how He will come in, but He will come. Remain loyal to Him.

Always Believing,
Joy

Prayers for Dakota

His Mom's post:
Dakota is feeling about the same! The Dr's came in and told me if he get worse that they want him to go to ICU! The bone marrow came back with 90% cancer! The way they talk they don't give him any hope! I don't think they have given the drugs and Dakota enough of a chance to fight this stuff! We are awaiting his blood test to come back to see how much virus is in his blood! I am praying that it is a little better so they will give him a chance! I think Dakota had a little better day today! They said that the x-ray and the CT looks worse but they have always told me that it looks worse before it looks better! Please lift our little boy up to the Lord for a miracle! Thank Y'all sooo much for all of the prayers!

4/29/09 Connor Update

Sorry I am late on posting this. We were out of town for doc appointments in Houston when this update arrived:

Last night, I gave Connor his last dose of chemo. We are looking forward to a great week this week. PLEASE PRAY THAT HE WILL FEEL GREAT - NO NAUSEA AND NO TIREDNESS. ALSO, PRAY HE WILL GAIN SOME WEIGHT. He is looking so frail. He had the stomach virus last week and lost a couple more pounds. Ugghh!

His skin is having some issues - dry and flaky, also a couple new spots on his legs. Hopefully, this is a sign that the medicine is working. The bump on his upper abdomen is not any smaller; it's possibly the same size, maybe bigger??? It's so hard to tell if this is working.

WE REALLY WANT TO ASK FOR YOUR PRAYERS FOR OUR GUIDANCE. We don't know if we should continue on this route for another round or try something new. (We have about a week to figure this out.) Everything we try is just guesswork. It is so frustrating and scary, and every decision feels like life or death. I know that God is watching over Connor and He has a plan for him. I just want to be in the loop, so to speak.

There is so much pressure to hear correctly from Him. I am praying that God would open the right door and shut all the others.

Thanks for your prayers.
1. Great week of no nausea or tiredness for Connor
2. Gain weight and strength
3. Guidance for his treatment
4. Healing
5. Be a light to others

Here's a beautiful song by Shannon Wexelberg called "In the Waiting".

I've tried to be strong
Is there something I've done wrong?
'Cause I've been waiting here so long.
You see each tear
As the months have turned to years.
For some reason You must want me here.
But I can see You're breaking up my fallow ground
In this season of such barrenness,
Lord, I have found

(REFRAIN)
You are in the waiting
In that moment of my life
When my faith and hope collide.
While my heart's anticipating
Just how and when You'll move
That's when you prove
You are in the waiting, too.
So plant Your seed
Till it's living, Lord, in me.
Make me all You want me to be.

Unveil my eyes
If I've exchanged the truth for lies.
Give me faith so I can see
The work that you began
You will complete in me.
And I don't have to understand the place You're keeping me.

(BRIDGE)
You give me water in the desert.
You lift me up on eagles' wings.
And from way up high
I can see my life
From Your view of things.
And though I've cried for an answer
I believe that I can say:
"Thank You, Lord, for every answer
You've delayed.

Thanks, Lynn Rudning for that song.

Always believing,
Joy

So proud of my hubby!

I've had these pictures saved and ready to post for almost a month now. Sorry it's taken me so long. Just wanted to brag on my amazing hubby!!

Not only is he just amazing, but he is so handy! With starting this new nutrition/diet thing for the seizures, I've needed a lot more storage space. There are a lot of items on this diet that are expensive. So, if I find them on sale, I want to buy quite a few to save $$$!!

This is him putting up a storage rack on the door of our hall closet.

Finished Product!!!

This is our hall closet.
It had shelves along the back wall and we really needed more.

So, Mr. Handy (my hubby), built me more shelves!!!

Final product!! Impressive, huh?

Finally, our laundry room had two shelves. It always seemed messy since everything was out in the open.

So, he put in cabinets!!!!

Just had to take the time to brag on him. He has put up with so much with me being sick over the last three years. He didn't work for about five months last year so that he could sit with me in the hospital. He is even sacrificing on all of his meals now to walk through the diet with me. I admire him so much and just had to brag for a quick moment!!! Thank you for indulging me!!