Overwhelmed
It came from Janelle, a friend who blogs over at A Life That is Changed. She’s a cyber-pal, but she’s also a real-life friend who lives about four miles away from my front door.
She sent me this precious reminder that she is praying for my father-in-law. Just to make sure she doesn’t forget to pray, she has his name written on the back of her hand. When the ink starts to wear off, she pulls out the marker and writes it again. She’s been doing this over and over — since December 22.
Overwhelming …
And then, over at Choose Joy, a beautiful and gifted woman, Carol, is now asking all of her readers to pray for our family.
Overwhelming …
That’s the kind of love we’ve felt from friends, acquaintances, and even strangers, as my husband’s father has battled leukemia for the last year.
That’s the kind of love that has overwhelmed us as we wait now in the valley. My father-in-law, Paul, is a fighter who has come through many battles: Vietnam, the 1980s farm crisis, an earlier lymphoma diagnosis. I’d love for you to meet him in real life, but for those of you who don’t know him, I’ve written about him here.
He’s my little girls’ mud-puddle buddy, pumpkin-carver and tea-party guest. He’s my husband’s partner, working the land that surrounds our two houses.
But this week, the brave soldier decided to stop fighting and just do some livin’. We stand behind Paul, and we salute him — a man of honor and quiet strength.
Dear friends, I humbly ask for your prayers for Paul, his wife and our whole family.
Here’s part of his Caring Bridge post:
Paul came home to the farm last night.
Paul, his family and a capable team of doctors have determined that it no longer makes sense to fight the two diseases in his body — the fungus and the leukemia. He will, instead, enjoy time at home, making memories with family and good friends.
At the farm, he will be treated for any pain he is experiencing, find the rest he needs and enjoy some of the things he loves best.
We ask for prayers for healing, for miracles, for controlled pain, and for Paul to enjoy each day to the fullest. Really, that is what life is all about. Jesus says in John 10:10 that He came down to Earth “so that we may have life, and have it to the full.” He didn’t say we wouldn’t suffer in this life, but He did promise to stand with us in our storms.
Paul is feeling quite good now, and is happy to be home. We anticipate some good days ahead where we can sit, talk, laugh, reminisce and count our many blessings.
Even in the midst of suffering and trial, we know this truth: God is good.
Love, the Lees
Jesus, I lift up this family to you. You know the reasons behind the sickness, and we know as followers, as hard as it is to understand at times, everything truly does work for your glory alone. Please give them peace, and hope, and streangth. Amen
Your other thoughts were good and touching as well. Thanks for comming over and reading about Jeff, I didn’t realize,I too was being a blessing. Thank you so much, it melted my heart to know that I am indeed “blogging for Jesus”. Love and Hugs, Robin
I’ll be adding you to the blog roll too. Hope to get better ya durring the New Year. Be Blessed!
Opps, I ment, Hope to get to know you better in the New Year. Sometimes my head and hands don’t always connect when typing, lol.
Sweetie,
I am so sorry that your family is feeling so overwhelmed right now. I am a little speechless and sad to tell you the truth because I….well, I’m just at a loss, I won’t try to give advise or say words like ‘It’ll be okay’ or anything to pretend the pain will disappear because I know things are difficult right now.
However, I will say that you are a strong woman of God’s. Enjoy the memories and times you have with your FIL and spend any waking moments you can with him; you and your entire family.
I will keep you and the other Lee’s (Paul’s wife and extended family) in my thoughts and prayers as we lift Paul up in God’s hands. We’ll pray for peace, enjoyed moments, and comfort for all of you. Especially comfort for Paul.
I will share this with my husband by showing him your post; so that together him and I will be praying as a couple for you.
If there’s anything we can do; send a card to Paul or his wife; anything, just let us know and we will do it.
Love and tight hugs,
~Jesse and Sarah
Count our family in as those who will pray for Paul.
Your tribute is beautiful.
Praying along side of you,
Darlene
Jennifer, I am praying for you and your family. We have walked a simular path with Glenn’s mom, I jsut lift you up to the God of peace and comfort!
My prayers for you and your family, Jennifer. Sometimes we must surrender to win. Your strength and faith amazes me.
And yes, God is good.
What a beautiful writing by your friend. I know God is watching over you and your family. Keep leaning, trusting and depending on Him my friend. Much love and prayers to you and your family.
Prayin’ for you and your family. May you feel God’s loving arms around your hearts through this.
Standing on the driveway of the farm Monday morning, with the wind nipping away, I stood with your husband and my dear friend – tears in my eyes and nothing in my mouth. It is rare that I am without anything to say, but that is why I praise God that when we don't know what to say or what to pray, he intercedes with groans on our behalf. We remain in prayer, but my vow is to allow God to groan on our behalf as often as I can for as long a stretch as He wants to.
May you & Scott, Paul & Joyce and the remainder of your family be blessed as Paul chooses life! Still praying for that miracle…
Standing on the driveway of the farm Monday morning, with the wind nipping away, I stood with your husband and my dear friend – tears in my eyes and nothing in my mouth. It is rare that I am without anything to say, but that is why I praise God that when we don't know what to say or what to pray, he intercedes with groans on our behalf. We remain in prayer, but my vow is to allow God to groan on our behalf as often as I can for as long a stretch as He wants to.
May you & Scott, Paul & Joyce and the remainder of your family be blessed as Paul chooses life! Still praying for that miracle…
Many things have been said and done many, many, times to let you and your family know that there is a community (and a greater community) that loves you and prays for you as you walk this road.
I don’t want to say I know what you are going through – but as you journey this path I am constantly reminded of “where” we “were” a little less than two years ago. I know that God showed his great love for us through the people he brought to love us and help us (like by buying snacks for 3rd graders…) as we were waiting and praying…and grieving. I trust that the Prince of Peace is loving you the same way.
Grateful to be the “hand;” I continue to pray for healing.
My heart goes out to you and your family as I know how difficult this is to see your loved one suffer and battle and then let go and let it in God’s hands…he has fought the good fight and now it’s time to let him go to his reward! Just wanted you to know you are in our prayers! May God give you strength,comfort and peace!
Love,
Marilyn
My heart aches for you all… I continue to pray for you… and I’ve asked my prayer team to pray also… thanks for glorifying Him even in this! Press on! A
Father God, thank you for holding this family so close in your loving arms. We praise you because we know that this life, this body, is a temporary one. And that you have reserved a special place for each one of us with you in heaven, in our perfect bodies.
We pray that you will continue to comfort this family and give them peace knowing that your will will be done. And we thank you for Jennifer and her ability to hold strong to her faith through this ordeal. With words from her heart, she is loving others even when she herself needs love.
Remind her always Lord, that she is loved.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Jennifer,
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I thought I would stop by yours also and I was so blessed by you post. What a community the body of Christ is online and off. God Bless you and your family. I have written you on my list and you will be in my daily prayer.
Big Hug from another Sister in Christ!!!
Jennifer,
I agree with you.
Amen.
Friends, I have returned to this list of comments over and over again, and am overwhelmed — once again — at the willingness of others to pray. Even people who don’t really know me, and certainly don’t know my father-in-law, have been praying.
Overwhelming …
You’ve been a blessing and encouragement to me.
Thank you.
Your family continues to be in my prayers. Enjoy this precious time with him. Pray for a miracle and rest in the knowledge, when he departs it is to a far, far better place. I am currently rereading safely home by Randy Alcorn. What an excellent reminder to me that this world is not my home even though I feel cemented in and have a terrible time keeping a heavenly focus. Thank you for your blog and the simple way you weave God and life together. Beautiful.
Lori
Hey Jen, catching up on your blog. I have tears in my eyes as I know in a small part what a battle this has been for Paul and your family. Brandy and I will be praying for a miracle, and for lots of love to surround Paul and all of you. Call if you need to chat. Love ya.