Checkers Hockey

What a surprise it was to receive free tickets to the Checkers hockey game here in Charlotte. Thank you! We had never been to a hockey game before (let along watched hockey), so I wondered how much I'd enjoy it. But, when you have 2 teen boys, how can you pass up free tickets? And in a private suite!

I was suprisingly amazed at how much I enjoyed the game. I could really get into hockey!

Here's some pictures of our night. We had a great time!

Prayers Answered

THANK YOU, everyone, for all your prayers. We could clearly tell today that many were praying for James.

When we first arrived at the MRI, we asked the nurse if they could use the Emla cream (numbs the skin) for injecting the contrast. But, she said they didn't have Emla cream there. I could see the panic on James' face. They came and got me when it was time to inject the contrast. I stood there reminding James of all the people that were praying for him and of the stories that everyone sent to help him get through. This brave little guy got through the whole thing without a single whimper. I WAS SO PROUD OF HIM.

The MRI shows that the tumor is the same. Of course, "gone" would have been nice to hear. But, as many of you know, I was afraid of growth because James has been showing signs of memory issues. Now we know that this must be a residual of his surgery this last summer. Praise the Lord there is no growth! And, PRAISE THE LORD for all the friends that He has given us that walk with James on this path.

Prayers

Tomorrow James goes for his MRI. Pray that it will go smoothly, James hasn't quite gotten used to having to get stuck now that he doesn't have a central line anymore. Pray that we will have wisdom regarding the next step for James.

Here are some emails that were sent to James to help him tomorrow. They are so sweet, thought I'd share them with you. Thanks everyone!!!

To My Brave Buddy James,

Hey, what's this I hear about a birthday? Why didn't I get an invitation to the party? How about sending some pictures. Not the ones from the MRI, either. I lost the address for your blog page on the internet. Care to send them to me again? Tomorrow is the big day. You will be tough, won't you? I hear that some witch doctor is going to stick you with some needles. If anyone comes near you with a spear in their hand and wearing a funny looking Indian-like outfit with feathers-----run! Otherwise, do what needs to get done so you can get healthy again.

(aka pizza pal)

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Hi!

Just wanted to let you know that we have been and will continue to keep you in our prayers! We often wonder how you are doing, but we know that God is always there with you and He will take care of you!!

Just got done reading your blog. Happy Belated Birthday! Hope you enjoy that trampoline, just don't fall off!:o)

God bless you!

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Hey Leiann, Please tell James we are praying for him here at Chicago. He is on our school's prayer list and my personal list. God will be with him, I know. The kids at school have really taken this prayer request to heart.
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Hey, James! I hear that you are going to have to be stuck -- that's not going to be any fun, I'm sure. Have you figured out how to take your mind off of those things you don't like?

I've got a couple of ways. My favorite is to talk with Jesus. You know, pick out your favorite Bible story and start asking Jesus questioins about it. One of my favorites is when the children wanted to come to Jeus and the grownups tried to stop them. Jesus told everyone to let the children come to Him. That's a good story to talk over with Him.

Another is the story about a hundred sheep. Ninety-nine of them were safe at home, and Jesus went looking for the one missing. I love that one, knowing that Jesus cares about all His little lambs.

Once, when I was in the MRI machine, the throbbing really got to me and I had to make pictures in my mind. I remembered one that was taken from a high spot over a horse farm. You could see the barn, and three large paddocks, each with some horses in it, and there was another fence that went all the way around the paddock. I pretended to be walking along that outer fence, talking to all of the horses inside and offering them an apple. It helped me get past the noise while I waited through the test.

Best of all, James, there are lots of Baptist Moms who will be praying with you and your Mom. Jesus tells us: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20) So, we'll all be there with you and Jesus in the midst of us. Just close your eyes and think about us -- some are old, some are young, but we all join with Jesus in prayer for you.

God loves you, and so do we