Through the Double Doors

The double doors on the ninth floor separating the bone marrow transplant patients from the rest of the hospital opened today and Qavah walked through them wearing her face mask, which she is required to wear until one hundred days post-transplant.  Her eyes sparkled over the top of her mask so we knew she was smiling.  We walked within the hospital halls, went to the library on the sixth floor, and visited the gift shop.  We were allowed to take her outside to walk on the sidewalk beside the hospital building too.  She felt the sunshine and the wind in her face, and we could hear her giggle as she walked.  Paul pushed the ever-present IV pole and we stayed out long enough to run down the battery.  When the beeping started, we looked for an outlet in the cafeteria to recharge because it was obvious that Qavah had no intention of returning to her room.

I remember writing a post two months ago in which I mentioned the children playing in the healing garden below.  Today it was Qavah's turn to play there, and perhaps another young patient looking down from the upper floor windows felt inspired by watching Qavah.  I didn't take pictures today, but my memories are clear.  There are snapshots of the day in my heart that make me smile, and I want to give praise where praise is due.  The Lord has rescued Qavah out of many trials and miseries, and His hand is upon her as she sleeps tonight. Praise and honor go to Him.

The Power of a Dream

Yesterday I attended the ordination of the Chaplain I mentioned in a previous post. I drove across Pittsburgh through a rain storm and went about ten miles beyond my right turn because the road sign was not visible.  But I made it to the church in time to get seated and I watched the proceedings begin in the chapel.  The church was comprised mostly of African Americans, and the Chaplain from Nigeria and his family.  

This dear brother in Christ was dressed in a suit, and his wife and children had also dressed in their finest to help their Daddy celebrate his special day. The service touched my heart, because this man and his wife worked so hard to obtain his degree with four children to raise.  He humbly thanked God in his Nigerian accent, and gave honor to Him for the victory.  He then told of the day almost two decades earlier when he had just finished drying off his legs having washed them for prayers.  He was faithful to his Muslim upbringing and faithful to observe the times of prayer.  That particular day, as he was drying off his legs, he had a clear vision of being in a suit, and he was preaching Christianity.  He did not understand the vision then, and thought it would not be wise to share that vision with his Muslim family.  He really had forgotten about the vision because it didn't make any sense.  He had not planned to become a Christian.  

As he stood in front of the church in his suit telling about that vision, he said, "this is the day the vision is fulfilled."  He spoke from his heart about his love for Jesus, and his desire to reach Africa for the glory of God.  He told of the financial hardships of attending school in Texas with a growing family, and the number of times it seemed impossible to ever achieve his goal of becoming an ordained minister.  But the Lord of hosts was with him, and now that he is an ordained minister he plans to use his training to preach the Gospel.  I don't think I will ever forget the times we have had praying together over his mission while Qavah listened in from her bed in the hospital room.  He and his wife are planning to go back to Africa and accomplish the tasks the Lord brings before them.  

Before I left the chapel on Sunday, the elders and Pastor held my hands and prayed about Qavah. Their prayers for her were so humbling, and mighty.  I felt my heart strengthened after such a hard week of observing her misery.  Before we leave Pittsburgh, Lord willing, we will worship there at that little chapel again, and Qavah will meet those who prayed for her.  My heritage is Jewish.  My skin is white.  Sunday was a picture of what heaven will look like as we gather around the throne together, every color, nation, tribe, and tongue.  It is only in Christ that we will see that unity, and only through Christ that there will be peace among Muslims and Jews, and all ethnic groups.  This past Sunday, Christ was the unifying theme of our lives and worship.  Together we celebrated the life of a humble man from Nigeria with a dream, who loves the Lord with all his heart. My days here is Pittsburgh have enriched my life, and I will never be the same.

Sending Me My Brothers and Sisters

It has been a difficult day for Qavah.  This afternoon, the Chaplain came into the room for his weekly visit.   He surveyed the situation and went to sit on the sofa while I tended to Qavah's needs. When I sat down, he said, "I have just been praying a prayer of thanksgiving for Qavah, and praising God for what He is doing."  I felt encouraged by his words, which I found strengthening in the circumstances. He smiled confidently and said, "He Who began a good work in the Children's Hospital, will be faithful to complete it for Qavah." (paraphrasing Philippians 1:6) Those were faith-filled words; apples of gold delivered in due season.

As we were driving out of Roanoke two months ago I prayed, "Lord, send me your children, send me Christian brothers and sisters to help me in Pittsburgh."  I checked "yes" in the little hospital admissions box that asked the question, "Do you want a visit from the Chaplain."  Shortly after Qavah was settled into her room, a man from Africa came to visit, introducing himself as the Chaplain.  His accent reminded me of one of our own Pastors at St. John back home.  This brother, an answer to my prayer, had to flee Central Africa because of persecution. He was born into an Islamic family and became a Christian, forcing him to leave his country.  As he grew in the knowledge of the things of the Lord, his love for the scriptures grew. He is like a walking concordance, and I have come to love the spiritual conversations of this brother in Christ. He has faithfully stopped in each week to encourage me in my faith. If Qavah is well enough to leave her with a sitter, Paul and I hope to attend his ordination this coming Sunday afternoon at a church near here.  

When Kathryn was here, we were able to sit with the Chaplain and share the supernatural way God intervenes in our circumstances.  Kathryn was able to share her experiences of her time in Heaven, and he likewise had many situations to report; times when God moved mountains to deliver him.  We boasted in our God for hours, and were strengthened by it. These spiritual conversations make up my days here.  Kathryn said she felt as though she had been on a spiritual retreat when she visited.  New friends in Christ have arrived at our hospital room door, just as I requested, reminding me that God answers prayer. He is faithful, and as a result, the time here has been so sweet. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.   ~Philippians 4:6

The Boy Down the Hall

I fell hard for the little ten-year-old boy down the hall.  His smile was broad and it lit up his face. When we first arrived I caught glimpses of him playing games with the nurses, or seated in the playrooms playing computer games.  I saw him often, but I didn't see his parents.  They weren't here often.  I overheard someone say that his family life was fractured and broken and he was better off here than home.  A few days after hearing that, I met his father in the small kitchenette used by parents needing coffee or refreshment.  His father told me that his son had just a short time to live.  From that time on, I felt a strong conviction that I was to help the child somehow.  I ached for him, as I am sure many people did.  I prayed often and asked others to pray for him. Kathryn and I prayed for him several times a day.

One day last week, my heart was so burdened for that little boy that I asked permission to see him, just to sit with him.  His dad gave permission, and Kathryn and I entered his room late one night as he was settling down.  He recognized me but was most interested in Kathryn and asked about her.  I told him that Kathryn was my daughter and that she had been very sick too.  I told him that she was so sick that one day Jesus came to her and showed her what Heaven was like. He looked at her intently and wanted to know about Heaven as though he was hungry to hear it. Kathryn quietly shared her Heaven experience with him.  She began telling him about the animals in Heaven.  She told him how the animals in Heaven can roam freely and children can ride them, because they are no longer dangerous.  After listening for a while, I asked him if anyone had ever told him about how he could be sure of getting to Heaven. He said they hadn't but he wanted to know.

After a very brief explanation of the depth of the love Jesus showed us when he died for us, I asked him if he believed Jesus wanted to save him and take him to Heaven.  He said he believed.  I asked him if anyone ever prayed with him to ask Jesus to be His Lord.  He looked me right in the eye with a hunger in his soul that was almost too intense for me to witness.  He asked me, in a desperate tone if he could pray about that immediately.  With Kathryn standing beside me, and my hand in his, I prayed and he repeated, "Jesus, I believe you are God's Son and You died for me.  I ask you to be my Lord and save me.  This I pray in Jesus' Name, Amen."  When we were finished he asked Kathryn to come back and tell him more about Heaven.  The next morning, Kathryn did that.  She told him about the acres of fruit trees, the beauty of nature and freedom to enjoy it.  He fell asleep listening to her. When we left his room, I whispered to Kathryn, "Jesus said you couldn't stay in Heaven because there was more for you to do on Earth and this was a part of His plan." She smiled at me and, after that, we were at peace when we talked about the boy. 

I woke up the next morning to a vibrant dream that the beautiful little boy walked up to me in a blazing white T-shirt and khaki shorts. He grinned his usual way and said, "I am alright now, perfectly alright!" I told Kathryn about the dream immediately.  She replied, "Mom I prayed during the night that Jesus would come for him bringing a big beautiful tiger to take him into heaven riding on its back."  I was so touched by her simple trust in the things Jesus will do to express His personal love for each one of us.  I smiled just to think of it.

Just a day later, we heard he had died.  He had gone Home at last.  Not to a dysfunctional family, but to eternal peace with all the saints and angels there to greet him. Kathryn and I wept for joy when we heard the news.  He is free.  We went to a quiet place and I thanked God for sending His Son.  I thanked Him for the little boy who stole my heart, and for sending us here at a time when his heart was ready to hear the Gospel message.  I thanked Him for making it easy for a small feeble boy to enter Heaven.  He wasn't required to get out of bed to build a church or serve on a mission compound.  Jesus did the hard things for us, and all He wants from us is to hear, "I believe." 

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

Dreadlocks

Just a few days before we left Roanoke, Paul Burton and I were talking about hair.  Specifically, how to create hair for Qavah using yarn.  He went to the store and found a yarn that had a soft fuzzy texture and came home to weave the yarn into dreadlocks.  He connected them onto a piece of elastic and strung beads at the bottom of each lock.  An elastic band fits around the top of Qavah's head, and the braids hang down the sides and back of her head. She can wear a scarf or hat over the top of her head and the results are quite pretty. Qavah was pleased.  Early this morning, she decided she wanted to wear a dress and get out of pajamas.  She also wanted hair. So here is a picture of our first walk in the hallway on day 20 post transplant. She has come so far even from two days ago. Just like Sampson, her hair seemed to give her strength.

I have also been thinking about my precious son today, thankful that he enjoys weaving on his handheld loom, making hats, scarves, and now dreadlocks. He blessed his little sister with his workmanship. Thank you Paul Burton. I loved our brainstorming session, and the results put a smile on your sister's face. 

Bookends

Paul had dinner last week with Colin and Jennifer.  It was getting late and I wanted to talk to him before I went to bed so I texted him.  He didn't reply, so I texted Colin asking if his Dad had left their house yet.  Colin replied immediately and said something like, "Dad stated just a few seconds ago that he thought he should go because Mom is probably texting me about now." When Colin wrote to report that Paul and I were miles apart but still tuned into each other, I sent him back a message that was short and to the point. "Bookends." After so many years of married life we can just about predict the other.  So when he walked into the cafeteria at the hospital to greet me today, Kathryn noticed that, without consulting one another, Paul and I had both chosen to wear black and red.  I put my arms around Paul and I whispered "Bookends" in his ear.  There is a lot being held together because we are both willing to shore up our end of the commitment to our family.  Thanks be to God for my "Bookend."

What's Next?

Several people have asked if Qavah has ever "Made a Wish".  She has, and I am pondering Qavah's wish tonight. You've seen the commercials of the superhero football player who has carried the team to a Super Bowl win. He grins at the camera immediately following the game and triumphantly announce that he is now going to "Disney World."  Many children facing medical challenges do choose Disney World for their "Wish", but when asked, Qavah has consistently requested the beach.  She just wants to go to the beach and play in the sand by the water with Annelise.  It will be a while before her new immune system will be able to handle the micro-organisms in sand, but Lord willing, it will come to pass.

Since the room is quiet and I now have time to ponder, I was thinking about what Jesus did when life was pressing in hard and He was tired and worn thin by the demands of His ministry.  He was fully man, and with that being said, He needed naps and a get-a-way from time to time just like the rest of us.  But He didn't go to an amusement park, He went to the beach.  The shores of Galilee bathed in sunshine was His place of refuge, with the open blue sky above, and soft sounds of lapping water.  His refreshment was found in the quietness, and the simplicity of nature.  He withdrew in a boat to a desolate place. (Matthew 14:13)

As I am pondering Qavah's wish tonight, I think she is on to something.  True refreshment for her is pretty much the same as it was for Jesus.  An hour ago I tucked the blanket under her chin and she said, "Mama I am so tired."  I guess so!  After fighting and winning such a victory, it's time to think about going to the beach!

Walking Miracle

Last Thursday, Kathryn's surgeon gave her the "all clear" to travel.  Two days later, Paul picked her up in Fishersville, and she is now here with me in Pittsburgh.  I have not seen her on her feet and able to walk normally since last March.  When I left, just nine days after her hip surgery, she was beginning to walk around the house a little bit.  So when I saw her striding along the hospital corridor, I knew I was seeing a walking miracle.  I am so happy to have Kathryn here with me for a little while.  

A Spiritual Journey

As Paul and I sit in Qavah's room taking our turn rubbing her feet and reading to her, we have been seeing subtle changes that have led us to believe that her healing is more than bone deep.  A healing is taking place that reaches into her innermost being. She quietly began to tell me some things that were on her heart this afternoon that had been hidden in her soul.  

Our conversation today began with Qavah saying, "I love you, Mama."  Then she began to cry and confess things that she had done in the past that she felt terrible about doing.  She told me how sad she was when she thinks about our dog, Ellie, who had to be put to sleep a couple of years ago because of her advanced age.  She tearfully told me that she was mean to Ellie when I wasn't looking and asked me to forgive her.  That confession led to more admissions of guilt in her actions and attitudes.   I said, "Qavah, I forgive you, and Jesus does too," after each admission of sin.  I felt so humbled because God chose me to be the one to forgive, and to assure her of His forgiveness.  In her physical suffering, she has been brought to a place of complete dependence on us, and a new level of trust has begun.  Today marks a new start in her relationship with me.  She trusted me to hear her confession of sin, and that I would not cast her out.  I am humbled by the actions of this little child today.  I want to shower her with my love, and add to her blessings.

Suffering is a difficult teacher.  But when suffering produces such goodness and beauty that it takes the breath away, it is a mystery why we choose to run from it.  No one I know wants to raise their hand to the question, "Who would like to suffer today?" But suffering is like a seed, and it can produce fruit of the sweetest kind.  For Qavah, who dared to show me the secret places of her heart today, her spirit is now at rest.  A weight has been lifted from her shoulders, and a sweetness and lightness has taken its place.  James 5:15-16 states, "And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.  And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.  Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed."

Stories to Tell

Paul is back here in Pittsburgh for the week.  We are sitting quietly in Qavah's room, Paul reading a book while I write.  Qavah's emotions and engaging personality are now hidden behind layers of pain medications.  Even though she seems so distant, I still know that she is in there somewhere. Paul continues to read to her from time to time from The Chronicles of Narnia. Her doctor told us that it will be approximately another seven days of this, and by then, she will begin to rebound. The chemotherapy drugs have taken her to a dangerous edge, yet as soon as the new cells begin to multiply, her life will spring forth and she will never be the same. I hope Paul and I will have enough energy to keep up with her as her old diseased cells leave to make way for the new. 

Qavah's new cells came from the umbilical cord of a little African American boy born four years ago.  The mother signed a document stating that she would allow the afterbirth to be used for science.  The cord blood was collected and frozen, and because that baby lives, Qavah will live. There is so much more I could say here about the value of every human life. The world is going to be astonished by the great strides in healing by using cord  blood as a medicine.  What once was discarded is now the hope of many.

Paul and I are exposed to stories here, some of magnificent healing, and some of profound sorrow. Last night we heard some very sad news about a ten-year-old boy down the hall.  His father told us the news, and we came back to the room to pray.  G.K. Chesterton said, "I had always felt life first as a story: and if there is a story, there is a story-teller."  For Qavah, and the little boy down the hall, the Story Teller is at work.  Sometimes the plot is difficult to understand, but after this life, we who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, will be raised up to live with the One Who gave us the greatest story ever told.  It is the Good News that Christ has reconciled us to The Father by his death and resurrection.  He forgives our sin, and makes us His own. To believe that story is the beginning of our greatest adventures.

Check Caring Bridge for Update

Qavah is needing me quite frequently today.  The update on Caring Bridge will explain.  Thank you for praying.

Scribbles from my Journal

Qavah is doing very well.  Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow!  She is at this moment singing at the top of her lungs with the music therapist.  Her transplant is complete and there is a feeling of relief around here; and there is joy.  We are all in awe of how well Qavah's body accepted the new cells.  

Ten minutes before the transplant team came into Qavah's room with the cord blood, I scribbled these words in my journal. "My thoughts are racing.  So many months and years in process all comes down to this.  The donated cells are being thawed at this moment.  The room is ready with all life-saving equipment should Qavah's body go into shock.  I am anxious, excited, giddy. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

We thank God for all of you; all who have cheered Qavah on in this quest.  The bone marrow has been "planted" into Qavah's bloodstream as seed is sown into fertile soil.  Now we wait for the cells to mature and take over.  We should see those results in 21 days, and Lord willing, platelets begin to show up in her blood in thirty days.  So many answered prayers all wrapped around today! What a gift; the gift of life.

Rest Day

Paul left the hospital last night around ten o'clock and went back to the apartment to sleep.  I remained at the hospital and continued Qavah's body washing routine throughout the night.  Around six this morning, Qavah was asleep and I looked at her peaceful little face before leaving for the apartment.  She has had a great attitude about everything, even the middle of the night interruptions.  We were cheering for her today when she wanted to eat a fortune cookie.  She cracked the cookie open and it read, "You will live a long life and eat many more fortune cookie."  The laughter that followed felt so good.

Kathryn is back at home.  She is able to eat baby food again, and is happy and thankful to be back in her beautiful bedroom at home. We have been in touch with her today, and feel so thankful for her faith, and words of courage.  She sent me a text that read, "God sweetens outward pain with inner peace." (quote by Thomas Watson) We pray her body will stabilize with rest and  baby food.  Paul is leaving Pittsburgh on Wednesday to go back home for a time.  He will be able to take care of some household responsibilities, and attend some important meetings at his office; but best of all he'll be able to spend time with the rest of the family. 

Our schedule of Qavah's BMT protocol calls today, "Rest Day".  There have been fewer nurses, fewer interruptions, and a quietness that has settled over Qavah and her room.  Tomorrow at One-thirty in the afternoon, the Bone Marrow Transplant team is scheduled to arrive with Qavah's life-saving bone marrow.  It is a big day for our family; a promise fulfilled to Qavah. 

Manna For The Soul

The further Qavah is taken into the chemotherapy process, the less she cares to look at food.  She orders it with a smile, yet when the tray arrives, she cringes.  At the same time, Kathryn is in the hospital in Virginia and is unable to keep anything down in her stomach.  Her GI tract is not balanced after all the medications she received for her infections associated with her hip surgery and recovery.  She tries to sip, but her body rejects the least little fluid.  She is being given fluids through an IV after entering the hospital dehydrated.  The doctor added liquid vitamins to the bag for nutrition in the hopes that the situation will turn around in a few days.

Paul and I have been here in Qavah's room, taking turns rubbing her feet and reading to her.  She is also being entertained by watching the entire BBC series of The Chronicles of Narnia.  The nutritionist came by, and asked what Qavah had been eating.  I gave her a brief report of the past few days; a sip here, a bite there, but nothing close to a full meal.  She responded by telling me that Qavah has not dropped any weight and added, "She must be living on love."  It is written in Matthew 4:4 "Man does not live by bread alone but by every word proceeding from the mouth of God."  Would it be possible that the hours we are spending in prayer over our girls and reading scripture over their situations is better than fixing them a table full of food?  

Kathryn just text messaged me and told me that she was listening to a sermon in her hospital room from the Hope of Israel Church in Charlotte.  I am so proud of her for accepting the food being offered to her soul, and for not turning her nose up at it for  lack of a spiritual appetite.  When our bodies are frail, and food has lost its appeal, may we cling to the truth of His word and say, "We have feasted today on the bread of life." Thanks be to God, Who is daily blessing our girls through His life-sustaining word.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. John 6:35

Prom 2012

Yesterday, the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh held a special "Alice in Wonderland" Prom for their patients.  My mother wrote about Qavah's wonderful experience on CaringBridge.  Below is a short news video about the event.  There's an advertisement video first and then the story airs:

Blood with Power

We are trying to help Qavah keep a sense of time while she is in isolation.  It is easy even for adults to lose track of the day and date, so we are trying to help ourselves as well by having set times when certain things happen.  Friday night is "movie night", and Sunday morning is our little family worship service right here in  her room.  

When we arrived in Qavah's room Sunday morning, I wore an outfit that I would wear to church, and Paul had a Bible with him as well as some grape juice and matzoh for communion.  Qavah sat up when we walked in and looked at us, rubbing her sleepy eyes. "It's church day" we announced. She got so excited. Waking up to something different than the every day hospital routine was something she needed.  I read from Psalms, Paul prayed, and then he began our communion service.  Having served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church, he is always willing to serve communion to our family.  As he broke the bread and gave it to Qavah to dip into the juice, he said, "Qavah, this is Christ's body broken for you, and His blood is more powerful than the new blood you will receive next week. His blood has the power to forgive your sins and to raise you up to live with Him forever in Heaven."  She took the bread, dipped it, put it in her mouth, and savored it. 

Sunday afternoon we were allowed to put a face mask on Qavah and take her to the chapel on the sixth floor.  We met with a Christian couple and their four children to pray, sing, and worship.  The chapel within the hospital is a meeting place for not only Christians, but also other religions of the world.  I wondered how the chapel would be set up to accommodate multiple religions and I found out on Sunday.  Behind the altar is a very nice built-in cabinet.  The cabinet doors were open to reveal a beautiful silver crucifix; a reminder of the sacrifice made on our behalf at Calvary.  For the other religions, the cabinet doors are closed, and Jesus is hidden away.  As we observed this on Sunday, we had to rejoice all the more, for hinges and closed cabinet doors can never diminish the power of that shed blood of Christ.  Just as Paul said, His shed blood has the power to forgive sin, and to raise us up.  His power is seen in this hospital in every act of love, healing, and deliverance from evil.  He isn't hidden in the cabinet in the chapel; Jesus, the Great Physician, walks these halls.  

Quietness and Confidence

This has been a quiet day here in Pittsburgh. The doctors' visits were few.  Her room seems quieter than usual. Since chemotherapy was halted for the weekend, Qavah has been taken off her IV pole, and is able to make trips to the bathroom and move about the room as she wishes.  She has been standing at the window quite a bit today watching the world go by from the ninth floor.  I thought perhaps she might be homesick because she talked about her bedroom at home and the tree house.  I misjudged her quietness.  Later, when I was reading to her, she stopped me and said, "Mama, I am staying here until I get my new blood."  Homesick or not, Qavah has come here for healing, and she declared she is not leaving here without it. 

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”

Isaiah 30:15

Firsts

Since we left Roanoke on May twelfth I have learned how to use front loader washing machines, use a different microwave, coffee pot, heating and air conditioning system, and where to take our trash on the twelfth floor.  I've learned the hospital routine and when doctors make their rounds.  I've learned how to scan and use entry keys to different parts of the hospital, and where to go in the hospital for snacks, food, and coffee.  

In taking care of Qavah, we have had to learn to feed her using the bone marrow transplant diet, how to bathe her to keep her central lines from getting wet, and how to take her to the bathroom with an IV pole attached to her at all times.  Throw in Qavah's mysterious fevers and and night sweats, and changing her bedding and pajamas two or three times a night, and I had a new first!  I went to bed last night for what I thought would be a short nap after dinner and slept for thirteen hours.  Thank the Lord that Paul is back in Pittsburgh.  I guess I needed that nap.

Speed Bump

Qavah's fevers continued today.  She'll have a ct scan tomorrow, looking for infection.  The doctors are checking everything, so please pray for them.  A similar update has been posted on Qavah's CaringBridge website.  Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement.  They are such a blessing!

Send in Your helpers

Although I am outgoing, and didn't think I would have any trouble relating to the new people I would be meeting, I left home praying, "Lord, when we are in Pittsburgh, send your people our way."  Upon arrival, we met a group of Christians from Calvary Chapel at the Ronald McDonald House.  They were feeding the families here as they usually do one Sunday night a month.  From that initial meeting came a family wanting to come back to the hospital to pray over Qavah.  The hospital chaplin also paid us another visit today.  He encouraged us in our walk of faith.

They are everywhere; the King's kids. We are helping one another on our journeys.  We have our quirks, we have our troubles, but we also know the Lord of all creation in a way that is unique.  Our acceptance of God's Son as our Messiah gives us a unique relationship with God; one that is personal and intimate.  We can call out to Him in times of fear, and find strength.  We can bow our knee to Him as the creator of everything, and also stand in silent awe of Him.  We are united in Jesus our Messiah, Who reconciled us to God the Father for all eternity.

New rules and regulations set forth by a godless government, or the abolishment of the Ten Commandments in our schools, can ever stop the Christians in this world from declaring the Glory of the Lord through our lives.  Because He is our strength and our song.  He is Emannuel, God with us.  Therefore, we continue on here in Pittsburgh, looking forward to those He will send our way, and we intend to be blessed and to be a blessing.  We are thankful for the love of our brothers and sisters in the family of God.  I wouldn't want to make this journey alone.  Thank you friends, for following this blog, and praying for us.  It means so much to read your encouraging comments.  Especially on the tough days.  God sends us messages of hope through you.