It's No Secret

Hey guys - I just have to let you in on one of the "mysteries" of Christ" (Ephesians 3:4) - Some have said that they are amazed at my strength or whatever and though I appreciate their kindness I HAVE to tell you it is really NOT me. Those of you that know me well KNOW that for a fact. My nature is to worry, fret, take charge but... I am a new creature in Christ
(2 Corinthians 5:17 NAS) "Therefore if ANYONE is IN Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold new things have come." You see the word ANYONE - that's all of us!!! I heard recently that we should pay attention to the prepositions in the Bible - see the word IN Christ - it's not in ourselves - praise be to God we can be new IN HIM!! I am awed and amazed at what He can do and is doing in this stubborn, self-centered OLD gal - He is making me NEW.

In Philiappian 4:6-7 it says, " Be anxious for NOTHING, but in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace OF GOD which surpasses ALL comprehension WILL guard your hearts and your minds IN Christ Jesus." Wow upon Wow - I don't have to worry at all - He is my peace. Oh, friend of mine do you know that peace? I long for you to know it too. Call upon our God, our Saviour, our Friend and He will save you. He will be your peace too. Romans 10:11 and 13 " For the Scripture says, WHOEVER believes in Him will not be disappointed," and "WHOEVER will call upon the name of the Lord WILL be saved."

Thank you, dear saints that are praying for me and my family. We feel it in the peace of God. You are so faithful and you are being used by God to teach us how to love and pray. You are the biggest blessing He has given us after the blessing of Himself. We love you so, so much. Thanks for letting me "preach" awhile. My "cup runs over"!!

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NAS)

"Now to Him who is able to do FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY BEYOND all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to HIM be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. AMEN!!" Ephesians 3:20-21

OKAY- HERE IT IS

Well... we heard and the surgery is scheduled for MARCH 27th - I will go in on the 26th for some pre-surgery procedures. We were really hoping it would be sooner but I can already see the benefits of it being later - I have time to buff up my body :), will get to see Chris and Rach on Spring Break, will be able to go to Rachael's showers, will be home for Matthew's and Mom's birthdays, spend spring break with Bethany and so... I guess it's more of the waiting game. I do have to go in and do some pre-op stuff and still have people I need to contact like the radiologist etc. So... please continue to keep us in your prayers as we wait. Pray that we won't give in to the spirit of discouragement -after all God is still in control and He is not bound by time - thanks for caring.

You Can't Outgive God

God is so good - you know that too don't you? He just continues to amaze me -He has shown us the "incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus." (Eph. 2:7)- He has orchestrated so much so as we wait for Him we won't" grow weary." No news on a date - hoping to hear today. We have gotten the green light from the hospital and are amazed at how smoothly and abundantly God has made that path. Also, had some major answers to prayers in other areas of daily needs. Thank you, prayer warriors. I know God is hearing you and honoring your faithfulness. I will let you all know as soon as we do on the date. Thanks for caring so much. We are blessed to call you our family and friends. Love, Tracy

Making Headway

Well, one thing I've learned is you don't rush down to the local Wal-mart and get yourself a "brain surgery"!!! I didn't realize how much time it takes and how many people will be involved before this is all said and done. This week we have seen and/or talked to 5 different doctor's offices and talked with a counselor at the hospital. For those of you who know me well you can imagine how much I have enjoyed being on the phone or driving to Houston most of the week. I have a new respect for all the different roles people play to help us get good medical care. I imagine they deal with stressful situations and difficult people most of the week. There have been some really helpful, kind-hearted people along the way.

Anyway, to cut to the chase, still no date but we are getting close. We are waiting on the okay from the heart doctor (to determine if I have the heart for this surgery :) We expect I will get a green light from him some time mid-week. Next, we are waiting on the hospital to say okay bring her in. Lots of paperwork etc. there also. I hope to hear from them mid-week too. After that, I am assured a date will be set so... sometime next week I will post the date for all of you who are following this riviting story. Never thought I'd have my name in writing for all to see but stranger things have happened. ;)

Just want to say thanks again for all of you incredible, supportive people. I have had a foretaste of heaven in the fellowship, prayers, etc. I can't wait until we can all be together in that glorious place but... for now know that I love you all more and more every day.

The Latest

Today I heard back from the hospital's office. We are still working out details but no date set yet - really glad to talk to a person today not just leave a voice mail. When I was getting discouraged that the time is dragging on someone reminded me that God's timing is perfect. I keep forgetting He is in charge of all this. Thanks for the reminders of His love and care. We'll let you know more first of next week (hopefully)

Don't Get Me Wrong

Thought I would update those that are reading this - no date for surgery yet - trying to work out logistics of it all - long, complicated process. Just wanted to let you know that even though I have "the faith of a mustard seed"(so it seems) at times I am just plain overwhelmed and exhausted by all of this. But... then I am reminded that I am under God's wing of protection (Psalm 36:7"How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.") I also remember that "When I am afraid, I will trust in you." Ps.56:3 - Yes, I have fears - lots of them but "He hasn't given me the spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind." - Thank the Lord for all the ones who encourged me to memorize scripture because His word is "alive and active". Just wanted to thank you guys again for the encouragement - especially reminding me of His word - Hebrews4:16 says, "Let us then approach the throne of grace WITH CONFIDENCE, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." I am His daughter and I will be confident in Him. Thanks for constantly reminding me of this truth. Pray with me for the doctors, hospital and others that they may see and know the Living God that we serve - He is Mighty to deliver.

Here's a Hug

I want to say thanks to all the incredible people who are ministering to us at this time(in prayer,words of encouragement, offers of help etc.)- my heart overflows with gratitude. As I think about how my body will have to "learn" to function for the parts that won't work so well after surgery I have realized that it is a neat illustration for the way the body of Christ works. You guys are showing me how the body of believers were meant to function - thanks for giving me a living example of Christ here on earth. My "cup overflows" - I love you - consider yourselves hugged. :)