Who Said Transition Is Easy?

In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life...So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.” 1 Samuel 1:10-11, 20

Do you have days like Hannah? Where you pray for God to look on your misery and remember you?

I wouldn’t describe today like that, but it was the first day of college for my youngest, Josh. Many words come to mind to describe how I felt as I watched him drive down the road toward his newest endeavor. Bittersweet. Proud. Sad. Happy. So many mixed emotions. When I logged onto Facebook, this picture was one of the first I saw.

Kind of describes how I felt. I know many other mothers are going through this right now, also. I’m fortunate Josh will live at home while attending college, at least this semester. I remember a mother sharing with me once that she cried harder when her baby went off to college than when her older son joined the military. There’s something about an empty nest that shows the hands of time and pushes you into the next stage of parenthood whether you’re ready or not.

As I drove by TL Hanna High School this morning on the way to the gym, I didn’t see Josh’s truck in the parking lot as in years past and know he was inside the school. Instead, he was thirty miles away at Greenville Tech. I’m thrilled he’s on his way to becoming a full-time paid firefighter after three years of volunteering. Yet, the bittersweet feelings crept in as I realized for the first time in twenty-five years I don’t have a child in elementary, middle, or high school. Twenty-five years gone in the snap of a finger. Or so it felt.

After he was weaned, she [Hannah] took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. When the bull had been sacrificed, they brought the boy to Eli [the priest], and she said to him, “Pardon me, my lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there. 1 Samuel 1:24-28

Every time I read Hannah’s story in the Bible, I admire her faithfulness. People often beg for things from God and make promises in return. Sometimes the promises are big. Hannah’s sacrifice seems huge from my perspective as a mother. Yet, God calls us to raise godly children and then send them out into the world to live for Him. It doesn’t always turn out this way, but that’s the goal.

If you’re a mother (or father) who’s had a difficult week moving your child into a college dorm or just waving good-bye from the driveway as they leave for that first day of class, you’re in my prayers. I know what a comfort God’s peace can be during this transition.

Whether you’re going through a major transition, experiencing deep anguish as Hannah did, or just need to feel God’s grace in your life, maybe you’ll find comfort in worshipping with our heavenly Father through this song, “Busted Heart (Hold Onto Me)” by For King and Country.

Praise Report:

Emily had good results from her blood work and scans last week. Her family thanks everyone for their faithful and continued prayers as she battles Osteosarcoma.

Prayer Requests:

From Janey: Please pray for my husband [Darren] and the Northside Baptist team in Greece. This email greeted me when I awoke:  Just in case my connection fails later I love you. We have a group of Russian Muslims (300 or so) that have figured out what is going on. Making things interesting. Not really sure how to expand on that just that we are moving some things around to try and stay out of their way as much as we can.

If you have a prayer need, please share it in the comments or e-mail me confidential requests. Our prayer list is located at the top of the blog along with info on Sgt. Jesse McCart, an American soldier injured by an IED in Afghanistan. Would you take a few moments to pray for these folks, as well as those who leave comments today? Thanks!

Shalom,                                                                      

Laura ✞

©Laura Hodges Poole

BLOG  SPOTLIGHT:

My friend & fellow Christian writer, Cindy O’Brien, writes an encouraging blog, "My Little Corner." Take a moment to check it out. You’ll be blessed by her posts.

              

Emily's Story: A Child's Battle Against Cancer

Emily

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” ~Winston Churchill

I’ve not seen a more remarkable attitude than that displayed by cancer warriors. Among these warriors is a 12-year-old young lady, Emily, who is battling Osteosarcoma, a bone cancer. You might recognize her name since we have been praying for her on this blog.

I’m privileged to share this update on Emily, the beautiful daughter of Steve and Nicki Kempen. Steve has graciously bared his soul and feelings regarding Emily’s progress and her future below. I'm sure his words will inspire you to lift this family up in your prayers. 

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The past couple of months have been extremely difficult mentally/emotionally...which is odd to me...considering that Emily has progressed extremely well. 

First, I'll update you on Emily's status, and then if you want to stick around for additional reading, I will try to add perspective to the past couple of months.

Emily is scheduled to have her Chemo Port removed from her chest and have a few of her leg wounds revised on Wednesday, October 10th, at 7:00 am EST. Even though this is supposed to be a minor procedure, compared to everything else she has endured, it is still scary, and has us (Nicki and I) nervous. As far as Emily is concerned, she is excited and ready to get the surgery finished. We would appreciate prayers for a safe surgery that does not have any complications, successfully removes the port, shows that there is NO CANCER, and revises her leg wounds so they can heal properly.

Her physical therapy has been going well. She is now placing about 40% of her weight on her left leg. Our therapist races her with his non-dominant leg, and she can hold her own pretty well...in fact she has won a couple of the walk-abouts. Her activity level increases every day.

Emily is keeping up with the 6th grade, and taking tests from her home bound teacher. I am extremely proud to report that she has passed all tests with high marks...even though she works and manages through chemo fog. Her spirit, kindness, and determination still amazes me! Oh, and she already has more hair than me. My kindred follicle spirit has moved on...and I am happy for her! We are now trying to guess if the treatment changed her hair color...

Britanny [Emily’s twin] is adjusting well to life in Middle School, as well. Her grades are outstanding, and she has scored well in her Advanced Placement classes. Soccer has been a little rough...a lot of players have turned over, and they are learning to play together. However, the chemistry of the team is fantastic. All of the girls get along well. Hopefully, the group will understand they are in a transition phase and stick together. The potential is great.

As mentioned above, the past two months have been odd. Hearing the "all clear" on the scans, and Emily completing chemo were two of the happiest moments we have ever experienced. However, it seems bittersweet. Our lives have a new normal...and we are still trying to figure out what normal is.

My mind obsesses with the lingering question: "How do we make sure more cancer or side effects never appear?" Prayer? Meditation? Stress Relief? Diet? Exercise? Vitamins? Lucky Pennies? Investigational stuff? What do we do? Where do we go? How do we help? How can we make sure the scans are always clear? 

Last Saturday (September 29th) at 11:00PM EST, most of the Osteosarcoma Board Members joined in prayer to heal, and help all of those impacted by this deadly disease. Osteosarcoma can take many things, but we can never let it take our spirit, our hope, or our will to win! That is easier said than done. Our prayer list contained over 200 children, brothers, sisters, husbands, fathers, mothers, and friends that have battled Osteosarcoma. Some battled bravely without success, many are still battling bravely despite a difficult prognosis, some have completed round one and are optimistically moving forward (Emily), several are just getting started in their treatment, and many have beaten Osteosarcoma.

The past two months, while positive for Emily, have been difficult for many. Several Osteo Warriors passed, and several (that we are close to) received news that Osteo spread to their lungs, or that the chemo was not working well. In addition, several children that we know battling other forms of cancer earned their Angel Wings.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among children. It has been years since a new treatment has been approved for children with cancer...almost 20 years for Osteosarcoma.

Did you know that September was Childhood Cancer Awareness Month?

Did you know that only $1.00 of every $100.00 raised for cancer is directed toward children's cancer research? The $1.00 is then divided among the various forms of childhood cancer. I was shocked to learn of these statistics.

The past several months have been extremely busy with school, work, and activities. Some of the stuff we have experienced is so silly, trivial, goofy, utterly stupid, void of common sense, head scratching, shortsighted, or shallow...but somehow we still get caught in it...how is that? I have no idea...but in the story of life. I think you can expect this kind of stuff will happen...and it is just noise, filler, and part of being human...all I can say is don't let the little bumps rattle you too much...and if you can, stop and laugh at some of the goofiness...

I know I get caught up in the silliness at times...yet perspectives change quickly when you realize a 12-year-old can't sleep because she is so excited to get a port removed from her chest or wants to visit children on the Cancer Floor she absolutely hated because she knows those children need friends. I am not sure how to verbalize or write the rest of my thoughts here, so I will leave the conclusion for your interpretation.

As always...THANK YOU for supporting us through prayer, support, and your kindness!

Steve, Nicki, Emily and Britanny Kempen 

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“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.” Hebrews 4:16

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” Ephesians 3:20

Father God, we lift up Emily to your grace and mercy. Place your hand upon Emily, her surgeons, and the operating room staff today. Thank you for the healing mercy you’ve already extended to her. Wrap her family in your comfort and peace during this difficult time. We admit we don’t understand the whys of cancer and other trials on this earth, but we know Who walks with us and strengthens us despite them. We give you all the praise, glory, and honor through your Son Jesus. Amen.

If you would like to leave a word of encouragement for Emily’s family, please do so. I know they would appreciate it!

Do you have a personal prayer need? I'd love to hear from you. Please share your requests in the comments section or email me confidential requests.

God bless,

Laura