This Past Weekend

The death of Gunther also affected Sparkles. She went outside Friday night and could not find Gunther. Her and Gunther had their own "conversations" each time Sparkles went outside. This night, Sparkles came back into the house looking sad and she went straight to Bryce and started licking his face. It seemed as if she understoond his grief and wanted to comfort him. Pets are amazing. After what seemed like a long week-end, Sunday came with blessings of wonderful services which included miraculous healings, people being saved, and a baptism. Then, Monday arrived and pushed us into more work.

This year, I have been assigned the job of master coordinator for the Western District Ladies Conference. This conference is quickly approaching (March 12-14) and I have much work to complete. Please be patient if I am not posting as frequently. Hopefully, I will soon return to my usual schedule. If you have not visited our website, please feel free to peruse at www.wdladiesministries.com.

R.I.P. Gunther 02.20.09

Gunther, named after the renowned animal trainer Gunther Gebel, is a beautiful shepherd who was from a bloodline of working K-9's. Today, the vet said if it was his dog, he would let him sleep. Gunther was struggling to get up and down because of hip dysplasia, could barely walk because of a tumor on his front paw, had severe skin allergies, an entire body yeast infection, and was deaf. Whenever he shook his head, you could hear fluid swishing. He was nearly 13 years old and Bryce's best friend. Bryce held him until he took his last breath. We have all cried.

WARNING!!!

Darin & his darling wife, Duana

If you revisit my friend Darin's blog about his new iLimb, please have a box of Kleenex before you view the fourth video of Day #3. "Walk With My Girls." (See below post for link to his blog.)

Congratulations, Darin!

Our family has a long-time friend, Darin Sargent, who was born missing his left arm from just below the elbow down and, even though he has accomplished much, he is now the proud recipient of the iLimb. I thought you might enjoy seeing some pictures and reading about Darin at his new blog http://theadventuresoftheilimb.wordpress.com/ On the right side of the blog page, there is a link to "The iLimb" that shows a short video of how the arm works. Nothing short of amazing!

Praise Report

Since the wreck, Bryce seemed to get worse instead of better. He has been unusually quiet, moving slowly, and having difficulty answering simple questions. The doctor was suspicious of a small bleed in the brain and referred Bryce to a CT Scan. Whenever Bryce would try to concentrate or focus, he experienced excruciating pain and, his memory was affected. He said, "It feels like someone is squeezing my head tight." On Saturday night while at Central Valley Singles Conference, Bro. Stoneking walked over to Bryce before preaching and cupped his hand around the back of Bryce's head and began to pray for him. Later, as the presence of God moved in a mighty way, Karen Harding walked over to Bryce and put her hands on each side of his head and began to pray. This is what Bryce said after we got home - "Bro. Stoneking had no idea where my head was hurt and he put his hand on the exact spot where I have been having the worst pain. While he prayed, I felt all the pressure leave my head. The sides of my head were still hurting and Karen came and put her hands exactly where it was hurting and prayed. The pain left. For the first time since the wreck, I think I will be able to sleep tonight." The next morning, Bryce woke up for Sunday School and said he felt rested and did not have any pain. God is amazing and He deserves all the glory for this miracle and you, my friends, deserve thanks for your continued prayers on behalf of Bryce.

Happy Valentine's Day

Here's hoping your Valentine's Day brings you lots of

hugs, kisses, lovin' and,

of course,

chocolate!

Bryn and Blake's Valentine Cards

Again this year, I let Bryn and Blake order Valentine cards from Costco and they chose what pictures they wanted on their cards. (I took snapshots of the cards and they aren't very clear.) I want to give a shout out to fellow blogger Mervi for taking the picture of Bryn's face with her hair in her eyes. He snapped this picture while we were at camp this summer and that is the picture Bryn chose as the large picture on her card. I snapped the other two of Bryn at her birthday party. Blake chose a picture from photographer Kim Lancaster who also photographed freeWAY and myself for our respective CD's. The other two pictures of Blake were snaps I took of him. The last picture is of a jumbo cookie. The kids received, by special delivery, large, heart cookies from their Grandma and Grandpa Allard. It has become a tradition for grandma and grandpa's church to make these large, decorated, heart cookies as a fundraiser each year. Each one is personalized. The best part is they taste good, too. :)

High And Heroic Temper

The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper.
- Aristotle

This could easily represent my dear husband right now. Yesterday he received good news and bad news. Bad news first - he has three cracked teeth because of the accident. Good news - the California Highway Patrol completed their investigation of the wreck and determined that Brian was within legal speed limits and all fault is on the tire.

Keith is doing much better and is wanting to return to work. Bryce is not fairing well. He is having excruciating headaches when he concentrates, dizziness, hot flashes/sweats, and is having difficulty with his memory. Today, the doctor ordered a CT scan of his brain and instructed Bryce to avoid any vigorous activity until they can determine if he has a small bleed in the brain. Please continue to pray for him.

Bittersweet

The below link is the epitome of bittersweet. I decided to just give you the link so you can read it for yourself and see the pictures. My heart is saddened for this beautiful girl.
http://www.bakersfield.com/hourly_news/story/685559.html

Miracle On The Hudson Interpretation

???

The original intent of my blog was a place where I could write devotions, share happenings in my life, brag on my kids, etc. I never imagined what a powerful tool a blog could be when I was in need of prayer. With just a few moments of typing, I can solicit prayers from around the world. Now we all know that God does not need multiple prayers to touch someone, and at the mere mention of His name miracles happen. So why do we ask one another to pray for the same situation? I am sure we can all offer an answer, but I think there is something about uniting our prayers that causes our faith to rise. If you wish to offer your thoughts, I would enjoy hearing them.

Anyway, all of this came to my mind tonight when I decided to post a prayer request for Jolene, our fellow blogger. She had surgery yesterday, it was successful, and now she needs a speedy recovery.

Yes, I Like Living

I like living. I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing.

- Agatha Christie

I'm Still Kickin'

Please accept my apologies in the delay of posting! Keith was released from the hospital after a ten day stay of which eight days were in ICU. Brian brought him to our house and he was here until Saturday. During the time Keith was here, I also had to help organize a funeral and plan a menu for the family reception. Following the funeral that was at our church on Saturday, we drove Keith home to San Diego. We stopped frequently so Keith could move and to help keep him comfortable. Bryce drove Keith's car home for him. By the time we got home Saturday night (really Sunday morning about 2:00 am), we just fell into bed. It was very tempting to sleep in, but I went to Sunday morning service and was glad I did. The presence of God met me there. Today, I have tried to catch up laundry, office work, and seemingly a gazillion other things. Keith has not taken any pain meds for several days and he is steadily improving. There is so much to tell but I am weary and it will have to wait. Tonight, my bed is more inviting than blogging. Thanks, again, for all the prayers you have lifted towards heaven on behalf of Keith, Brian, Bryce, and our family.

Keith Cried

Keith was moved out of ICU and transferred to a Kaiser facility where he will continue to recover. His progress was so good today, that he may be discharged within a couple days. His coworkers wanted to send him flowers but he could not have flowers in ICU. Instead, they gave him money for a Bible. Keith has been wanting a Thompson Chain Study Bible with his name stamped on it for a long time. Today, Brian took him the new Bible with "Keith W. Smith" stamped in metallic letters on the front. When Brian handed Keith the Bible, Keith held it to his heart and cried. Next, Brian gave him a card from Bryn's Sunday School class and it had a prayer cloth in it that her class had prayed over. That brought more tears. Keith is a very tender-hearted, sweet guy with a deep love for God. During many of their concerts, Keith has reached out to hurting and broken people and they have been healed and restored. With the healing power of Jesus, Keith will sing again, minister again, and give God all the glory.

Happy Birthday, Good Lookin'!

3 months old
2 years old

a collector's knife given to him by Joy, his nanny

The candles set the cake aglow!

"Good Lookin'

Building a gingerbread house at Sunday School

Twelve years ago, my white-as-milk, red-headed son, Blake, was born. Most of the time I call him, "Good Lookin'." Blake is brilliant, sensitive, compassionate, caring, tender hearted, precocious, curious, a sore loser, a high achiever, and handsome. He loves soccer, Wii, Playstation, plays saxophone in his school band, takes piano lessons, is a GATE student, and can't wait to get to his Sunday School class each week. I love this kid beyond measure but the greatest thing, he loves me in return.

HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY, BLAKE!!!

Keith Is Improving

Last evening, Keith's fever went down, he talked to his mom, and walked a few feet down the ICU hall. If you know Keith, you know he is ALWAYS talking so his injuries had to be bad to silence him. Just knowing he is talking again convinces me he is on the road to getting well.

Update On My Patients :)

Today has been frustrating. A different doctor came in today and scared Keith saying he's concerned about his stomach but wouldn't give him any specifics. Keith's fever was up again last night and he is asking for Brian. Hopefully, Brian will return to the hospital to be with Keith in another day or two.

Bryce has been dizzy all day and doesn't want any noise. More bruises are appearing on his body and he is just miserable.

Brian has a difficult time getting up and down and it has been a little more difficult to breathe today. When Keith called him saying, "Dad, this doctor is scaring me..," Brian became very upset. He wishes he was at the hospital now.

In the middle of all this, I am cooking spaghetti for Blake's birthday. His grandma and grandpa and my family will be here soon and we will have a quiet dinner to celebrate Blake turning 12.

No 2nd Surgery for Keith

Prayer changes things. Yesterday Keith's surgeon gave only 3% chance he would not do surgery and today Keith's blood counts were better and surgery has been postponed. Doctor said, "He's not out of the woods yet," but we are feeling great about this positive turn. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you, Jesus.

Update On Brian & Bryce & 2nd Surgery for Keith

This picture is Keith singing with WAY Choir at their concert at Six Flags Magic Mountain this past September.
Keith will be in surgery again tomorrow at 1:00 pm. Tonight his temperature rose which presented more concern. All the personnel at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital have been so kind and we feel confident he is in good care. Keith's mom was finally able to get to the hospital today. Brian had promised Keith he would not leave him until a member of his family arrived.

Brian came home today and I took him to urgent care. He has lung contusions, extensive bruising on his chest, and a severe whiplash. Bryce has a concussion, bruising all over his body, and whiplash. With rest and time, they should feel fine soon.

Keith is our main concern and we pray God guides the surgeons hands and sends quick healing to his body.

Surgery For Keith

Things have changed and Keith will remain at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and is currently in surgery. He is very nervous and scared and needs the Spirit of God to bring him peace and comfort. Using my blog to ask for prayer is one thing I can do for him and I thank all of you who are reading and then upholding Keith in prayer.

Need More Prayer

When Keith was transferred out of ICU last night, it was thought he might be released today but he developed a fever during the night. He is also on a heart monitor linked to the nurses station. He wanted to sit up and move from the bed to the chair. When he stood up, his nurse rushed in and told him to lay down because his heart was doing things it should not. Now there is talk of transferring him to a different hospital. I'm confident God will continue to heal Keith if we make our petitions known to Him. Thanks again for your prayers.

Prayer Changes Things

Thank you, everyone, for your prayers. Keith was moved from ICU late Tuesday night and put in a telemetry room. He was given some broth and jello which he was able to process. God heard our prayers and Keith will not need surgery. Thank you, Jesus!! If all goes well, he may possibly be released Wednesday.

I went to the crash site, saw the marks on the road, the depth of the ravine, and was amazed once again of how God spared the lives of Brian, Bryce, and Keith. Afterwards, I went to see the car and took some more pictures. The trunk was smashed equal to the back window yet the back window did not break. All windows on the passenger side of the car were broken, there were two head marks on the windshield where Brian and Bryce's heads broke the windshield, Bryce's left hip hit the center console so hard it completely broke it off, his left shoulder broke the seatbelt holder from its place on the doorpost, Brian's chest suffered from hitting the steering wheel, the airbags DID NOT deploy, and yet all lives were spared. There are so many other things but I will spare you all the details. God is just amazing and always there when we are in need.

Thank God They Are All Alive

Tonight, I am thanking God for sparing the lives of my husband, son, and the tenor of freeWAY, Keith Smith. They were traveling home after ministering in Eureka this weekend when a back tire blew causing the car to roll several times. Keith is in ICU at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for observation of internal bleeding. Brian and Bryce have cuts, bruises, and are quite banged up but otherwise okay. I will be leaving early in the morning to travel to the hospital. I ask you to pray for Keith's healing and join me in thanks to God for His protection.

The car rolled 489 feet and landed in a ravine five feet from a tree.
The trunk top was somewhere else in the brush.

It WAS a Lincoln LS but lost it's trunk while rolling. Notice, the car ends right behind the gas cap.

On the tow trailer

Save Yourself

News around the world is touting the US Airways pilot as a hero for saving so many lives. While I do think this pilot deserves kudos for such a tremendous handling of the aircraft, I did pause to contemplate something. Did the pilot save all the people on board or did he save himself? Well, we know he saved himself and the others on board but in such a situation, I would tend to believe this pilot was intent on saving himself from certain destruction. In saving himself, he also saved those in close proximity. Scripture speaks of saving yourself. If one would focus on salvation, chances are those nearest would follow and be saved. Diligently seeking the path of righteousness will cause one to be Christ like. You will save others, when you save yourself.

Winter Camp Meeting In San Diego

Rev. Lee Stoneking
Pastor Jim Larson

Karen singing/directing the impromptu choir

It was my first time to attend Winter Camp Meeting at The Anchor in San Diego and I am thrilled I was able to go and participate. Ushers set extra chairs in the aisles to accommodate the crowd. The nightly speaker was Rev. Lee Stoneking who spoke prophetically and powerfully each night. Karen Harding and freeWAY sang each night. Karen Harding was great and, well, you know how I feel about the quartet. They were fabulous! I missed taking pictures of them because I was so focused on their performance! LOL Pastor Jim Larson had called my husband to ask if I would be attending and he insisted I sing, too. I sang Saturday night and at both Sunday services. One of the highlights of the weekend was an impromptu choir under the direction of Karen Harding. A few years ago, The Anchor choir was asked to participate in a recording with Mark Lowry. Pastor Larson got to thinking it would be great for the "ReMARKable" choir to sing since the director, Karen, was there. People quickly came from their seats to the platform and they did an awesome job. If I can get Brian to download the videos of the quartet, I will share them.

Have a blessed day!

Keep Climbing

Great is the road I climb, but the garland offered by an easier effort is not worth the gathering.
- Propertius

I Have Not Left Blogging

It could be thought I have left blogging since I haven't posted since Monday. Currently, I am in beautiful San Diego, California at Winter Camp Meeting '09 at The Anchor. Renowned international speaker Lee Stoneking, is the featured guest along with Karen Harding and freeWAY. I am hoping to remember to take my camera out of my purse and take some pictures. This Camp Meeting started last night and will continue tonight and two services tomorrow. Rev. and Mrs. Larson are the pastors of The Anchor and have been great hosts. We have enjoyed their fellowship. Of course, it is always great to be with our dear friend Karen Harding. The girl can s-a-y-n-g. You just have to hear her to understand why I said "sayng" instead of "sang." Visit her website at www.karenharding.com to hear clips from her albums.

A Wedding Week-end

Bride Anna & Maid-of-Honor Jessica This cake was set on a glass top end table. Quite interesting.
A very different table set-up with a tree through the center.
The show included a fashion show. I loved the hanging "chandeliers."
I took some close pictures so I could figure out how to make it.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Saturday, we drove to San Diego for the wedding of Anna. We drove back that night and Sunday afternoon I went to a bridal show. Before you start questioning, let me answer. No, Bryce is not getting married. He was modeling tuxedos for this event. Often, I am involved in decorating for various events and bridal shows are an excellent place to get ideas. I decided to share a few pics with you.

Therapy and More Therapy

Today, I took my mother to her therapy appointment and thought I should give a new update for those of you who keep asking how she is doing. A couple weeks ago, she fell again and thought she may have further damaged her arm. Fortunately, she was inside on carpet this time. Her doctor took x-rays and they were compared to the previous x-rays. It was determined she did not damge the arm further but possibly had some broken ribs. Her ribcage is quite calcified and has extensive deterioration from osteoporosis. The doctor said the x-rays were too difficult to see but he felt certain she had broken a few ribs. So, she missed therapy a few times and her arm was beginning to stiffen. She is now back on a hard regimen of therapy. The arm hurts most all the time but I believe it is improving. She is using the arm more often but cannot handle very much weight.

After therapy, we went to lunch and then she wanted to go to Marshall's. Falling, surgery, or pain, cannot take away her shopper's heart. LOL We browsed the sales, she tried on a few pair of boots, and after selecting a few bargains we headed home.

P.S. The above pic is mom and Bryce last year.

2009 Is Here!

To your neighbor be kind, in '09.

At the Lord's table dine, in '09.

Jesus (joy, victory...) is mine, in '09.

The devil we bind, in '09.

All is fine, in '09.

Walk the straight the line, in '09.

For heaven I pine, in '09.

New souls find, in '09.

Drink wine from the heavenly vine, in '09.

And my favorite...

Don't whine, in '09.