Monday, November 30, 2009

Monday

Remember Kristen and her husband as they begin their last round of injections to try and conceive. Pray for peace, and for God's will!

Visit Brayden's blog for more information on Brayden's Blood Drive, and how you participate.

Go here for an update on Brittany.

Emerson is back in the hospital, pray they can figure out what is wrong and how to treat it, and for quick healing before the holidays.

Pray for Hannah and her family as they may have to make some difficult decisions about her care. Father, cover this family!!!!

Joshua is having shunt placement surgery today. Pray for safety, a successful surgery, and that this shunt will work to ease Joshua's pain and improve his quality of life.

Kate should have the results of her kidney test in todday; pray for good results!

Pray for Layla; she has finished her transplant, but is in a lot of pain. Pray for healing in her tummy and mouth from the sores the chemo caused.

Please pray for Maryn and her momma. Maryn is very sick from the new treatments, pray for healing!

Pierce is in the hospital with pneumonia, and is retaining a lot of fluid. Pray for quick healing and comfort.

Pray for Reagan, she will be having g-tube surgery this week.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Tuesday

I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving this week, and I hope that we all remember our Safe Haven families as they are with loved ones in the hospital, or missing loved ones who aren't with us anymore.

Pray for Kristen and her husband; her IUI cycle this month was unsuccessful.

Pray for Stacie (Abby's mom); she is on bedrest and recovering from an appendectomy. She 27 weeks along, pray for health and protection for the rest of her pregnancy!

Ashley is having skin issues around her ostomy bag, please pray for quick healing of this, and for easing of her pain and discomfort.

Brayden will begin radiation treatments next week, be in prayer for him and his family.

Go here for an update on Brittany. Scroll down past the pictures, and you will see the "Brittany Update". Keep her in your prayers!

Christian may be having seizures, please pray they can find out for sure, and for wisdom on how to treat them.

Pray for Eden, that her tummy issues would clear up.

Hannah is having breathing problems; pray for healing, and wisdom on how to handle her situation.

Pray for little JJ who is dealing with the stomach flu.

Kate's blood counts are still struggling to come up. Also, they are awaiting the results of her kidney function test. Pray for good news! Also, here is Kate's new website, Pray For Kate.com! You can get to her Caring Bridge blog from there.

Layla was finally able to begin her bone marrow transplant. Pray for her during this time!

Continue to pray for Olive and her parents; that her health will improve enough that they can come back to the US with her. She also has meningitis, please pray for healing!

Pray for Dylan, he is having some eating issues. Pray that his little tummy will heal up!

Jaxson is sick with some kind of bug, please pray for quick healing.

Yesterday Abbey began running a fever. Please pray that she doesn't get sick with anything!

NEW REQUEST:

This is Perron, and we received this request from his mom. Let's add this family to our prayers!

"We have a 4 month old little boy that was born at 34 weeks, IUGR due to my pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. We have noticed that there was something wrong with the way his eyes were working and we were told yesterday that he might be blind. something called cortical blindness. We have an appointment with neuro-opthamologist on December 23rd and we could use all of the prayers we could get. Thank you for your considerations!"

Friday, November 20, 2009

New guest writer!

I am so happy to post this! This is Rian, she is a new guest writer for Safe Haven. This is her first post, just a little bit of who she is and what she has been through. I hope you enjoy this, and I look forward to much more to come!

Hi everyone, my name is Rian. Let me tell you a little bit about myself. My husband and I have been married for 10 years. We started trying to conceive in December of 2004. We quickly became pregnant, much to my surprise. At my 12wk ultrasound I found out the baby had stopped growing at 10.5wks. I was devestated. I really didn't know how I would go on living. My dream of being a mother had been stolen from me. That was just the beginning of my journey to start a family. Over the next 4 years I would see a Reproductive Endocrinologist, be diagnosed with PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome), do 8 rounds of clomid and suffer 3 more miscarriages. Then in February of 2008 I became pregnant again after an IUI with injectible medication. Of course I was on pins and needles the whole time. I had weekly sonograms to check the baby and everything always looked great. At 8wks4days I passed out while getting ready for work. My husband called 911 and I was rushed to the hospital. I was in the worst pain I had ever been in in my entire life. Eventually I was taken to emergency surgery. I had what they call a Heterotopic pregnancy. In my case I had a baby in the uterus and one in my right tube. My tube had burst and my abdomen was full of blood. As I type this I am just flooded with how good God really is. It is only by His grace that the baby in my uterus was unharmed and continued to grow and thrive. My son was born 11-17-2008.

I am not going to lie to you and say that I enjoyed my journey to motherhood, because I didn't. But if I had to do it over again I don't know if I would change anything. Yes those were the worst 4 years of my life, and yes it would be wonderful if I never had to lose a child, but those years taught me so much. I know that the woman and mother I am today is because of all the pain and suffering I endured. God is using all of those experiences for His good. I always tried to remember that He had a plan, somewhere, somehow. That was not always easy and I did have my moments of depression and anger. The verse that helped me most is Romans 15:13

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

I had to realize that my hope was in Him. Not in modern medicine and fertility treatments. Not in timing everything just right. Not in having a baby and being a mother. Not in this world, but in HIM. He had a plan for my life. And regardless of what my heart wanted His plan was better than mine. My hope was that the life he wanted me to live would bring glory to Him and His kingdom. That is still my hope and my heart's desire.

Now that my son is here I can see some of God's plan working. My son was born with such an amazing testimony. He truly is a miracle. I love to tell the story of my journey and of his time in my womb. I love the glory that it brings to God. It is only by His grace that my son survived all that we went through. Emergency surgery, tons of anestheia and drugs and he is perfect. I am so excited to see the plan that God has for him. I truly believe that with a beginning like his that God has mighty things for him to do.

This world is such a dark and cold place. So many mothers, children and families have to endure so much pain and heartache. Sometimes it is just too overwhelming for me to even think about. I pray that you can have His hope in the face of your sufferings. That you can trust in Him and His plan for you and your life and the life of your family and children. He truly is good and He will not let your pain and heartache be for nothing.

I leave you with a couple verses that I hope will bring you some hope and peace.

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:3-5

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18


___________________________________________________

After four years of infertility and five miscarriages, Rian was finally able to realize her lifelong dream of motherhood. She now spends her days raising her one year old son, caring for her husband and their home. She is also co-presiding over the Amarillo chapter of Resolve. Rian has a calling to minister to women who experience suffering and heartache.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Wednesday

Aside from the requests listed below, I want us to remember every family on our lists during this week and the next as we all celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Remember our angel families as they will be missing their loved ones, and the families with sick ones who are unable to be home to celebrate with family. Let's pray extra hard during these next two weeks, and lift them up to our Father!

Pray for Brayden this week and next as he goes through his final chemo treatment.

Pray for Brayden Alexander who has a cold. Pray that it goes away quickly and stays out of his lungs!

Go here for an update on Brittney. Right now she is struggling with her breathing and has some pneumonia. Please pray for this young momma and her family! (You have to scroll down a ways on the post for the update on Brittney, it's at the end.)

Hannah has had another mini-stroke, and is also having a lot of trouble breathing. Please pray for relief and healing!

Pray for Joshua! He will be getting a shunt put in his spine at the end of the month, to try and alleviate his pain. If this doesn't work, there isn't much more they can do. Please pray for a successful procedure, and for healing of his pain.

Kate has been in the hospital fighting off fevers, please pray for quick recovery, and no infection. Also, check out her blog if you want to help out with "Kate's Crazy Cool Christmas"!

Pray for Maryn and her mother, that the issues would work out quickly so she can start her new treatment. Pray that God would open doors!

Pray for Noah and his family, they need encouragement.

Rebekah is still having feeding issues; pray that this will improve and she will begin to gain more weight!

Pray for Tripp, he is having a lot of breathing issues. Pray that this will clear up!

Dylan's blood test results came back %100 cancer free! Please continue to pray that his body will stay leukemia free!

Please cover Pierce and his family in prayers. They received news that his cancer has relapsed and the doctors have no hope for him. Please pray for this family!

Ava is in the hospital and they are running tests to see if she has a metabolic disorder. Pray for wisdom, and for healing!

Please pray for Jonah, and his mom and dad. His feeding is not going well at all and they are going to have to put in a feeding tube. Pray for peace, for a successful surgery, and NO bad effects from the intubation!

Reagan is in the hospital, she is having feeding trouble, and is not drinking. They are running tests to find out what is wrong. Pray for wisdom!

Pray for Abby! She is having severe headaches; pray that they are not being caused by a cancer relapse!

NEW REQUEST:

This request is for baby Cal:

"Seven month old Baby Cal started having seizures over a month ago. He is in the hospital with a team of doctors trying to pinpoint the problem. They received discouraging test results yesterday. Please pray!"

(Please also see below for an Angel Families update for today.)

Angel Families: New Request

I'm sorry about the delay in posting this....

http://herownpace.blogspot.com/

Andrew died of Group B Strep Sepsis. His mommy has started a blog to help others during the healing process.

As I have said before, please say a special prayer for these angel families,especially with the holidays approaching.

I will do more updates later.... at work....

Thanks

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Thursday

Here is the rest of today's update:

I mentioned in todays original post that Abby's mom had an appointment with a specialist today. The update on her blog said everything looked fine!

Pray for Kate and her family, that the Lord would bless them and lift their spirits.

Mikayla had her bone marrow transplant Tuesday. Pray for health and safety during these days that will follow.

Pray for Olive and her parents as they are attempting to move her to the United States. Pray that the Lord would open doors and direct them.

Check Jonah's blog for an prayer request for Tripp....he has been admitted to the hospital with suspected pneumonia.

Pray for Reagan, she is very sick and at the ER tonight.

Original post:

I was only able to get through half of the prayer list today....I will finish the rest this evening. Please remember these ones in your prayers!

Be in prayer for Kristen and her husband. She will go in for a pregnancy test on the 23rd. Pray for peace during this waiting time!

Continue prayers for Stephanie and baby Sadie as her delivery is getting closer. Pray for health and safety!

Abby's mom is going to see the perinatologist thie morning. Pray for a good report for momma and baby.

Pray for Brinley this week during her steroid treatments.

Sunday evening, little Gavin went home to be with Jesus. Please pray for his family. His memorial service will be next Sunday, November 15th.

Pray for Isaiah, his liver counts are high and will be doing testing this week.

Jace has been diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome. Here is a prayer request from his mom:

"Ple​ase say some extra prayers for us as we move forward and adjust to the reality that Jace will need full-time care for the rest of his life. He is on the severe side, and the delays are significant. His feeding issues are VERY problematic again and I pray that we can find some resolution for his comfort."

Layla was supposed to receive her bone marrow transplant on Monday, but she started running a fever. Pray that she gets well soon so they can proceed with the transplant.

Pray for Maryn's mom as she continues to try and do everything she can to help her daughter. Pray for grace!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Saturday

OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP:

Check Kate's Caring Bridge site for a way to help out this Christmas....and as always, pray for Kate!

PRAY:

The Tolbert's are home with their new baby girl! Praise God for the miracle of adoption.

I received this prayer request from Stephanie. Be in prayer for this family:

"Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
We don't know for sure, but it's very possible that tomorrow (Friday) at my specialist appt. they'll be sending us over for immediate delivery.
These days there are as many risks for her to be "in" as there are risks for her to be "out" ... we just can't win.
I'm scared out of my mind, but trying to remain positive. Sadie wasn't suppossed to make it to 15 weeks, much less this far (31 weeks), I'm not about to give up on her now. The fear of the unknown is the worst. I can imagine this would be extemely difficult no matter the situation, but the fact that we have 3 other children to worry about at home .. only makes it that much more complicated."


Please continue to pray for Gavin; he is in his last moments here with his family. Pray for his little body, and for his parents during this very difficult time. Pray for peace!!!

Dylan has his engraftment testing on Monday; pray for 100% donor cells!

Stellan will be admitted to the hospital tomorrow for treatments to begin next week. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors, safety for Stellan, and peace for his family.

Pray for Reagan who is not doing well and is in a lot of pain.

NEW REQUESTS:

I was checking Noah's blog and there was a prayer request for this little man, Carter. Please check Noah's blog for the story, and then add him to your prayers!

Baby Sam's mommy is making a book out of their blog for him; if you prayed for him and want to contribute to the book, go leave a comment!

This is Kerry; she lost her baby boy in July, stillborn at 36 weeks. This is her blog she started to help others going through the same thing. (I posted it on Angel Families, under "Andrew".)

Here is a request for Baby Chloe:

"I have another baby I would like you to add to the list. It's so very sad and I have been praying for her and her family. I am sure they could need even more prayers. Lets ask God for some guidance for them and that the financial things work out, so that they can care for their precious and beautiful daughter Chloe. She was born in april with facial abnormalties and she has a v-trach to breath!"

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Thursday

I apologize that it has been so long since I have updated. It has been a very crazy week for me, and I have just now had time to sit down and read through the blogs. I only have time right now to update about half of them, I will do my best tomorrow to get to the rest. Thanks for sticking with me!

The Tolbert's welcomed their baby girl into the world on Monday! Please pray for them during this transition time....pray for peace!

Pray for Kristen and Eli as she is finishing up her cycle this week.

Pray for Stephanie and little Sadie; the fluid on her heart is still increasing, and they may have to deliver her early. Please pray for health and safety for momma, and baby!


Here is a new button for Stacie's blog. Last Thursday, she was diagnosed with Vasa Previa, and will have to go on bed rest sometime in December. She will also deliver her little girl at 35 weeks. Please pray for Stacie and for her little girl. For health, and a safe pregnancy and delivery!

His Grace Is Sufficient

Jenny is starting a new blog for her children and ending her blog that was for Isaiah; so I moved the link the the Angel families blog.

Brayden is in a lot of pain this week from his chemo, please pray for relief and rest for his body.

Pray for Brinley; she is sick, and so is her sister. Pray for healing!

Colton passed away on the 31st. Please pray for his parents, and for his brother who misses him very much.

Pray for Eden's eyes, that they will completely clear up, and the doctor will be able to see them perfectly during the exam.

Continue prayers for Emerson as she recovers from her infection.

Please pray for Gavin and his family. He is really struggling, and he may not have much more time. Please cover this family in lots of prayers.

Pray for Hannah, she will be having surgery tomorrow to place a shunt.

Joshua and his family will be traveling to several doctor visits this week, pray for safety.

Kate is being admitted to the hospital tomorrow to begin another IV chemo treatment. Pray for her as she endures this.

Maryn had an MRI and it showed the tumor has grown; the doctor said there is really nothing they can do. Please pray for her and her family.

Pray for Mikayla as she has her radiation treatments this week.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Angel Families update: Tuesday 11/3

First, I want to apologize for not updating in a while.

There are so many families hurting and missing their angels this time of year, with holidays approaching. I know a lot of moms and dads had a rough time on Halloween, so please just keep praying for them.

Carissa is having a rough time. Pray for patience and guidance for her and her family.
http://keepingupwiththekeirseys.blogspot.com/


The Macs went to a Respite Retreat.
http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com/


If you feel led to help, there is a link on Myah's blog.
http://babyfaithhope.blogspot.com/
There is a young couple who recently lost their baby boy to anencephaly (Baby Isaiah) and cannot afford to pay for a funeral. The estimated cost is $7000 and the money just isn't there. There are two ways that you can help: (1) is to pray for them, and (2) is to make a donation to help the family.


Keep praying for Jessica and her family as they continue on their road trip in their RV promoting pediatric cancer awareness.
http://www.half12.blogspot.com/



Tyler's mom has two fundraisers going right now. She will be collecting Christmas gifts for the Benton County Children's shelter and collecting tabs off coke cans to turn in for money to go towards the Ronald McDonald charity.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tylerellzey

Followers