We're in this thing Together
Posted on 18. Dec, 2009 by karentrue in health
Life happens. Sometimes it happens really fast.
For those of you who need some catching up what’s been happening in our lives, here goes…
I visited my doctor a couple of weeks ago thinking I might be dealing with some hormonal changes. Turns out, I’m dealing with cysts and potential for ovarian cancer.
See, I told you it happens fast.
The past two weeks have consisted of appointments and tests that were not on my Christmas list. We’ve had conversations that no one ever wishes for. We’ve made two trips to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and will be returning again in a few days. Our schedules have been sidelined and our lives flipped upside down. We’ve had more questions than answers and, at times, more fear than faith.
Yet the past couple of weeks have focused on much more than just the c-word. Hundreds of people are praying with us. We’ve received an outpouring of love and generosity from family, friends and people we don’t even know. We’ve seen God move in doctor’s schedules, our plans and best of all, in our hearts as He makes provision and calms our fears. We’ve received a front row seat to the goodness of God that becomes even sweeter when life turns south. I’ve experienced some of the best sleep ever in the middle of one of the biggest crises of our lives. Amazing.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every time you’ve lifted my name in prayer. I’ve asked God to pour out the very best He has to offer on you. Thank you for every Scripture you’ve shared, every note you’ve sent and for the comfort that comes from knowing that you are walking this journey with us. Thank you to sweet friends who have endured doctor’s visits and to my man who has shared it all with me…for better or worse. Thank you to my sister and brother-in-law for many meals and lots of help. Thank you to my mom, dad and sister, Kim, for driving many miles to be with us. There are too many thanks to express right here, right now, but I hope to share many more here in coming days.
God is very Near
We have sought God and found that He is indeed our refuge. He has not been caught off guard by events that appear shocking to us. He is as good as ever, and we have put all our trust, hope and confidence in Him. He has shown us that we are in His care and our lives are in His almighty hands. He has walked with us this far, and we do not expect Him to leave us now or ever. We are comforted and truly at peace. Only He could accomplish such a thing for people like us.
Coming Soon
I check in for surgery Monday, December 21, 11:45 a.m., at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. My parents and my sister, Kim, made the trip to Texas this week and will follow Gerry and me along to Houston. Right now, I’m on my way home from my most recent trip to Houston where I’ve spent the past couple of days doing medical tests and visiting with doctors in preparation for surgery. Can we just say, “TMI,” on all that!?
Gerry and I will be posting updates here as we are able, and I’ll fill you in on more of the story too. God has done so much and has been so faithful, and I can’t wait to share it all. I hope you will stay in touch by leaving your comments as we make posts. I might just be out of touch for a few days, but I find great comfort and much delight in knowing that we are in this thing together.
37 Responses to “We're in this thing Together”
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- We're in this thing Together
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Brent: Karen, I tried to click on your hubbys link but go...
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Charla: This post made me smile! He is too cute!...
Elisabeth
19. Dec, 2009
Karen,
What a blessing you are! You continue to honor our Savior in the midst of a great trial and share His goodness with others. His word says we are created to worship Him and you my friend, do it so well! We are continuing to lift you and your whole family up to the Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth. He is good! We love you all and I’m so glad you were able to hold my little girl on Wed. “Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you.” Ex. 20:24
Rose Painter
19. Dec, 2009
We love you and will continue to pray for you. Please let us know when or where we can serve you.
Mary
19. Dec, 2009
you’ve been right smack dab in the middle of my heart since you shared this news. I’m praying that God grants my desire for you to be completely healed — no cancer, at all. I’m trusting that His grace and mercy are with you at all times. I’m placing my Hope in Him — it’s the only Hope we have.
Know that you have some prayer warriors in Alabama!
Joyce
19. Dec, 2009
Good morning sweet sister,
What a very rich blessing to read your “True” story. I sat with you in the waiting room of life this morning just declaring the promises of God over you and your family. What an amazing God…FULL of grace and truth!!!! Psalm 145:17-20 reminded me that, “The Lord is fair in everything he does, and full of kindness. He is close to all who call on him sincerely. He fulfills the desires of those who reverence and trust him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them. He protects all those who love Him.” What an awesome promise of hope. Sometimes there just doesn’t seem to be a word big enough or powerful enough to proclaim His greatness.
Charla
19. Dec, 2009
I love you and am praying for you!
Paula Hanna
19. Dec, 2009
You have been in my heart, on my mind and definitely my main topic of prayer this last week. I am praying for God to completely puzzle the doctor’s minds when they find only cysts.
In reading your last line of this posting I am reminded of Becky Beck. I know that she would put it to song..as she always does..We’re all in this together! You put it into words perfectly, as always.
I love you! May you have an absolutely amazing, peace-filled weekend with all your family and friends that are physically near you at this time. Know that the friends that can’t be there for you are there in prayer and love.
Shelly Rude
19. Dec, 2009
Good evening Karen,
I have been praying for you since I’ve have been chatting with Kathy. Miles & years certainly do not push aside the sweet memories I have of you. You & I both know that our God is a sovereign all knowing God who loves & cares for your every need. I will continue to check your blog & our prayers are with your family & the doctors.
Brian Nowotny
20. Dec, 2009
Our family will be praying for you Karen.
Jamie and Randy Larson
20. Dec, 2009
Wow Karen, your writing is so beautiful. You have been on our minds so much, glad to know more detail from reading. We are praying for you. Please let us know if we can do anything for you.
Wendi Westmoreland
20. Dec, 2009
My whole women’s ministry prayer team is praying for you, your family, and for your ultimate healing. God is in control and He knows every detail about your body, your struggles and you life. He will be with you all of the way and so will we. We are not close physically but please know that we are right there with you in spirit at the throne of mercy and grace. Much love and prayers,
Wendi Westmoreland
Hillcrest Baptist Church, Pensacola, Florida
Becky Stanton
20. Dec, 2009
Sweet Karen, I have been praying for you and will continue to do so. You are such an amazing light for Christ. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you!
Joycie
20. Dec, 2009
Good Morning
His mercies are new right now. No weapon being formed against you shall prosper! Be blessed today. In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength. Love you!
Alissa Strong
20. Dec, 2009
Karen I’m praying for you, your family, and for those who God has placed in your life to see you through this difficult time. Continue to trust in the Lord and be confident in Him. Be that Green tree by the stream!
Love ya!!
Alissa
Renee Swope
20. Dec, 2009
Father, I lift my sweet friend Karen to You. Lord, we don’t know why trials come, but in them we seek Your heart and desire to see You more clearly through them. Father, we boldly ask and believe that these cysts will come out clean and cancer free. We know that You are able to heal the sick, calm the storm and do miraculously more than we could ever hope for. So we ask that You do more, Lord, so much more.
We ask for peace as Karen and Gerry travel to Houston and prepare for surgery. Father, we ask for You to surround their home while they are gone and the hearts of their children with a hedge of protection. I pray for Gerry to be empowered with Your Holy Spirit to not only minister to Karen but also their children, just as You would.
We stand united together holding spiritual hands in the prayer room of our hearts and ask that You anoint this circle of friends and family to stand in the gap for them. We sing praises to You, our Faithful Father because You have proven to be Forever Faithful even when we are faith grows weak. We pray these things in the powerful and beautiful Name of Jesus, Amen.
Julie
20. Dec, 2009
My heart and prayers are with you! I am praying that I will head down to see you in a few days and we will celebrate with such joy that it spills out and floods that place. Oh, how sweet you are and how I love you!
Pat Hile
21. Dec, 2009
Karen,
What a blessing to have worked with you on the STORY project and to benefit from your spiitual insights as well as to enjoy your giftedness in expressing your insights in such readable and interesting manner. You are certainly in our prayers. Blessings, Pat.
Reba
21. Dec, 2009
Dear Karen,
I have been keeping up with what is going on through Kim and I have been praying diligently since I first heard about your journey. I pray for wisdom for the doctors, and strength and peace for you. I also pray that you feel God holding you in His loving arms tomorrow and know that He is taking care of you. You are loved by so many people and we all know that prayer can do some pretty amazing things. Take care and you are in my prayers.
Abby
21. Dec, 2009
Karen,
I want to let you know how much I miss you. I wish we could talk more often and catch up. I know that everything will work out just as God has planned it to already. The greatest thing in the world is knowing that He already knows where our paths lead even when we don’t. I was diagnosed with PCOS and metabolic syndrom earlier this year and I felt very scared and alone. But my dear neighbor talked with me and about how she is praying for me and my family and it brought me and reminder of how comforting it is to think God is taking care of me. I will never forget Gerry and you and all you have done for me. I believe 100% percent I would not be who I am today without your guidance. I love and miss you all dearly.
karentrue
21. Dec, 2009
It’s so great to hear from you Abby. We miss you too and would love to know about your sweet family. I pray that you will rest securely in Him.
karentrue
21. Dec, 2009
Goodness Reba, isn’t it amazing how we catch up these days? Your prayers are a treasure for which there are not words enough to say thanks. We are living on them for sure.
karentrue
21. Dec, 2009
Thank you Pat. It is wonderful to know that you are praying.
karentrue
21. Dec, 2009
Girl, you are so with me that it seems you are here. Nothing like bonding at MD Anderson. You are a joy!
karentrue
21. Dec, 2009
Renee, I will be reading that prayer many times before all is said and done. You have so encouraged me, and I am so grateful that God has allowed our lives to cross paths.
karentrue
21. Dec, 2009
Love you too friend. It is wonderful to hear from you. I miss you so. Thank you for praying.
karentrue
21. Dec, 2009
Joycie, you are a blessing, my friend. I am seeking that quietness and confidence and thank you for the reminder.
karentrue
21. Dec, 2009
Thank you so much Becky. I am honored to know you are praying for me.
karentrue
21. Dec, 2009
Wendi, I have a feeling that the enemy gets scared when you and your precious women start to pray. I’m overjoyed and am so very grateful to know you are on our side.
karentrue
21. Dec, 2009
Thank you for joining us in this unexpected journey. We’ve been overwhelmed at times, but God has heard your prayers and continues to calm our hearts.
karentrue
21. Dec, 2009
We are so grateful that you would pray for us. Thanks so very much.
karentrue
21. Dec, 2009
We are trusting and waiting and are reassured to know that you are praying with us. What a wonderful thing that God would listen. Thank you, my friend.
karentrue
21. Dec, 2009
I love you too friend. It’s been quite a road to this place, and I’m so glad to know that you are praying for us.
karentrue
21. Dec, 2009
I love you too dear friend. Your prayers and friendship are a treasure too wonderful for words.
karentrue
21. Dec, 2009
He is indeed. Thank you for sharing these words that bring such relief and joy.
karentrue
21. Dec, 2009
He is with us in ways too wonderful to describe. I am amazed. Thank you for praying.
karentrue
21. Dec, 2009
Hi Rose. We arrived in Houston this evening and would love to see you this week. It’s good to know you are praying.
karentrue
21. Dec, 2009
I know you’re traveling today, and we all miss you already! Be assured, my friend, that anything you see in me worth noticing is surely because God has done it. Thank you for praying with us.
Lavonne Isaacs
21. Dec, 2009
Karen, what else can I say but that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have always known your faith is deep, your love for God real and I’ve always admired the person you are. May His glory be revealed in us. I love you.