Merry Christmas!

First let me say I haven't blogged for QUITE awhile. Not that I don't have anything to share but having dial-up doesn't help! I figured I had better get at least one more in before the new year begins.

We enjoyed spending lots of time with family in Iowa and Wisconsin. It is so good to be together. Being together though sure isn't like it used to be. Seems that growing up and change go hand in hand. I do enjoy having our children around and their excitement at being able to spend time with everyone.

The kids had fun opening gifts.

We even made it out to cross-country ski with my brother and his wife. This is when I also realized that I was more out of shape than I thought! Josh and Jess both run, as does Owen, so I was a little out of my league. But it was beautiful and so wonderful to feel alive!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

October

In October we enjoyed rides at the Mall of America. It was fun to see them in the process of remodeling everything.

We were able to see my younger brother Matt's football games and sit in the stands with my brother Nathan and my Mom.

Ginny hosted a Tea Party at Grandma's house in WI and Aunt Pat was even able to come for "Tea by the Sea".

We tried to get out to the parks as much as we could before the cold and snow came.

Last Summer of 3 Pushes

Well, Bible study began again today! I am excited to dig into Beth Moore's study of "Breaking Free" this Fall. I am anticipating what God will teach me through it. Although I am a bit more reluctant to do this study than any other one. I am guessing this means that I really need to do this one.

We also went to the park this afternoon!! The kids are finally at the point where they seem to be done with afternoon naps. This means we actually have time to go to the park before dinner which is great. I am thankful that Moriah likes to swing so much.



As I snapped this picture I realized this is the last summer that I will 'have' to push all 3 on swings as Ginny will be able to really pump herself on the swing next summer. Kinda exciting and kinda sad. My baby is growing up. I know that Ginny will still want a "princess underdog" and Joseph will want a "duck underdog" but once she figures out how she can get higher than an underdog by herself my help will not be wanted.....

Ginny pushing "Snow White"

Lord, guard my babies as they grow and mature into young women and a man. That they will be sensative to your Spirit and strong in their resolve to follow you.

Last Swim of the Summer

Happy Labor Day!

We decided to stay on extra day in WI to enjoy the sunshine and the lake.

Joseph absolutely loves the water. Although, he would much rather eat if he gets the chance.

Ginny likes to be BY the water but not really in it--especially if we are at the lake.
She does like to water the sand though!

Moriah is just cute!!

We enjoyed a nice and quick lunch and then returned to Grandma's for naps and a quick dinner before heading home. What a great, relaxing day!

New Homes

We went to Wisconsin to help my parents finish moving into their new home.

They are so thankful to be 'at home' after all of the crazy house renovation, selling, searching, apt living and final move over the last 9 months!

Anyways, the only pictures I have of the weekend are of the kids even though my brother and cousin and their wives and my aunt and uncle were around. Oh well!

Ginny and Joseph have new homes too! They can't wait to go back to Grandma's house to decorate them and play in them again.

Moriah found her sweet spot and played continually the longest I have ever seen her.

I came in to get Moriah this morning and she was sitting in bed like

this and holding her blanket. She was just waiting for me and cooing.







Then she was mad because I tried to take too many pictures!!

Oh well! She is just too much fun sometimes :)

Girls Weekend

We went to WI this weekend as all of the males, minus Joseph, are had a Guys Weekend.
We went to a few garage sales and spent a wonderful afternoon at the beach!

Ginny loved sitting in the big floaty and Joseph had a blast driving his big sister crazy. He would get wet sand in his cup and pour it onto the floaty or onto Ginny if he was crafty enough! He thought this was GREAT!



The Girls: Moriah, Mom, and Aunt K., Ginny, and myself.



Moriah hung out with her toes in the water and ate snacks. I love this picture of her.

I-35 Bridge and Prayer

There is a prayer meeting tomorrow evening (see info below) here in Mpls. to pray for and about the bridge collapse and what God's greater desire is.

Please join us in prayer tomorrow night if you live in the area. Please see the information below that was forwarded to me in an email.
Here is their website as well: http://www.usgapn-mn.org/

"be alert and keep on praying"

*************************************************
HENNEPIN COUNTY INTERCESSORS
Everyone is invited to a time of worship and prayer for Hennepin County on August 8th at 7 PM, which will be held at Iglesia De Dios Monte Sinai Church.

Iglesia De Dioa Monte Sinai Church located at 2917 15th Ave S. Minneapolis, 55407. It is 1/2 block off of Lake Street and 15th Ave S. It is interesting to note that this building was the first church of the Jesus People Church in Mpls.

We are inviting everyone from the area to join us as we come together and pray for Hennepin County. Please invite other prayers/intercessors and worshippers to join us for this time. We are also asking you to join us in fasting and prayer prior to this August 8 meeting.

If you have any questions please contact:
Karen Kruger at USGAPN_karen@calltothewall.org or Tom Gibson at Hafire@aol.com.
God bless you,
Tom Gibson
Worship Coordinator, USGAPN-MN



Looking Ahead...

September 13-15, 2007
The Head of the Year at the Head of the River - Annual USGAPN-MN Statewide Gathering of Intercessors

Light the Highways - I35 Highways of Holiness

Oct. 26-27: Duluth Kick-Off event being held at the same time as a Kick-off in Nuevo Loredo, Texas

Oct. 28-Dec.1: I35 Highway of Holiness - 35 days of prayer and fasting along Highway I35

Watch for more information in the coming months.

What a Weekend!

Well, we had a fun weekend in Chicago/IN. Our plans were altered a little when we printed out our Cubs' tickets and realized they were for the Sunday game and not the Saturday game.

Friday we dropped Ginny in Eau Claire with my mom, drove to Cambridge and left Moriah with Owen's parents.

Saturday we drove to my brother's place in Chicago. Owen stayed there while I drove to Russiaville, IN for a first ever Maddawg reunion.

Sunday I returned to Chicago with Caroline. I dropped here off at an L station to get to the airport as I was running late on picking up Owen and Joseph to head to the Cubs game.

I had a lot of fun catching up with old friends. I can tell we are getting older as at least half of us didn't run. We talked a lot. Finished off a puzzle. Had s'mores and a campfire. Ate some wonderful food. Thanks again to Amber for all of the planning and the use of her sister's home.

Praise God for the ways in which He is working through our lives. We are looking forward to getting together again next year.

The Cubs lost to the Mets 8 to 3. We did get to see Tom Glavine's 300th win though! Josh and Amy Hawkins also joined us from TN. It was great to catch up with them as it has been way too long since we'd seen them last. Joseph experienced his first Cubs game. I think his favorite part was the popcorn! He stayed awake for the whole thing and was up until about 11.30 until he fell asleep in the car. We even stopped for some food and he didn't wake up.

Slipper Ball

Welcome to the wild and wacky world of Slipper Ball!
My kids are either really bored or quite creative. Ginny describes it this way:
"You take a slipper in one hand and a football in the other and see how far it goes!"

I am not real sure how you score or what the point of the game is other than out right laughter!!

God is GOOD!

WOW!
We just found out last night that Owen's medical bills will be able to go through COBRA!
He was able to apply through his former employer and we are within all of the time limits.
I knew God would take care of the bills but I never dreamed it would be like this. He does usually amaze us, doesn't He!! God is faithful.

Owen has even started back running 20 -30 minutes a day this week. He is thankful to be running again although it is easy to get paranoid easily. So we just take one day at a time.

Saints, thank you for all of your prayers and for standing with us.

A friend asked how I was doing recently and I said "In crisis, you usually hear people say they can barely keep there head above water. I felt like I was walking on water, spiritually, because of the faith of the saints." So thank you!

5 weeks in

Just a quick update on the last few days. Owen went to the Dr yesterday for a followup. She said that he is looking good. She had an EKG done on his heart and there is no more heart block!! Praise the Lord!
His rhythm is at 95% which is great!!! Tomorrow Owen gets his last dose of antibiotics via IV.
He is feeling better but still gets fatigued.
Please continue to pray for Owen's strength, paying for medical expenses and no recurring symptoms.
Our God is faithful!

Home Sweet Home!

The wonders of God never cease! Owen came home yesturday (thursday) afternoon.
We have both been resting a lot. I can not believe how tired I am from being with Owen in the hospital. So resting up has been great.

Owen is still in 1st degree heart block but the Drs were okay with him coming home.
He won't be able to drive until after his antibiotics are done next friday.

A big prayer right now is for sleep at night. We have been playing a mental game with ourselves. I listen for him to breathe and he sleeps on and off through the night. We check his pulse and try to not be nervous or fearful that his heart rate is too low.
When he was in the hospital he was monitered and could easily check. Now we kinda guess and sleep on and off. LIke I said it is all mental.

Owen is feeling better but pretty easily fatigued. We keep getting out for walks to strengthen his legs and work his heart a little.

Thank you again for all of your prayers. To God be the GLORY!!

God our KEEPER

I just tucked Moriah in bed and am sitting down to tell you of our day.

Owen is still at the hospital, Lord willing this will be his last night.
The Dr gave us hope that tomorrow could possible be the last day!!! I am ready to have Owen home and he is ready to be home.
Thankfully Owen was able to get out of bed today. We made many laps around the hallways. He was thankful to be up and about after 5 days in bed.
Thank you LORD!!

It seems now like we are waiting. Waiting for the antibiotics to continue to do their work and for his heart rhythm to return completely to normal. He is very close to being out of 1st degree block. He has had 50-60 bpm pretty much all day. SOmetimes it does dip down but it doesn't stay there long. Last night it did go into the 20's for a short time so they woke him up and he recovered very nicely.

All of the Drs and nurses have been wonderful. For those of you at Park Ave we even had Starr as our nurse for 2 days!!! What a blessing!

I am amazed at the peace that God has given me and for the ways in which He has strengthened me. I know it is because of all of the saints praying all over the world and nation.

I have been overwhelmed with all of your support from every aspect. Even in ways I would not have expected.
What a beautiful picture of the body of Christ. Each doing its part to uplift and make the body work. WOW!
THanks God.

A friend shared Psalm 121 with us today and so I will pass it on for your encouragement wherever you may be as well:

1 A Song of Ascents. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? 2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot be moved, he who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. 6 The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. 8 The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and for evermore.
The Revised Standard Version
The Bible text designated RSV is from The Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version. Copyright 1946, 1952, 1959, 1973 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Our friend shared that the LORD KEEPS us, watches over us, and is involved in what is happening NOW!!

I was listening to AM 980 tonight while James MacDonald was on and he was talking about when we are in times of desperate need that our answer often comes through what we already have. He used the example of feeding the 5,000. How he asked what the disciples were going to do to feed the people. They asked 4, 999 if they had any food. ONly one boy HAD a small lunch. Christ could have manifested food, or done some other kind of supernatural work, or had the people return home. Yet, Christ chose to use what one small boy carried and made more than enough for EVERYONE.

O LORD, use what I already have to do YOUR work, to love others, to be part of what YOU are doing. Thank you for seeing what i have and chosing to use it. Allow me to see that I have more to offer YOU than I realize--especially in times of desperate need. Including my mind, prayer, praise, encouragement, love, and being with YOU.
THank you for healing Owen and for making his heart rhythm normal, for allowing him to come home tomorrow, and putting us in a place of complete dependence on YOU. Thank you for being my ROCK through all of this. I am believing YOU!

Well the doctor took out Owen's temporary pacemaker and decided that he would moniter Owen. If they needed to they could always put it back in. Thankfully Owen has not needed it today! Praise the Lord!
Owen's prayer is that he will be able to come home tomorrow (Wed). THe doctor has not said anything about it yet so we will see. At least he will be able to get out of bed now that the temp pacemaker is out of his groin. He has been in bed pretty much since Thurs evening. He can't wait to get on his feet again.
Owen is looking so much better. His headaches are gone and he looks a lot more like himself! I can't wait to have him home again soon.

Many of you have offered to watch our children. THey are camping with Owen's familiy for the week. Moriah is staying around here with different families during the day and is then able to sleep in her own bed at night.

I am tired and worn out and feel like I can't think straight half the time but thankful to be able to spend the days with Owen. What a gift every day is!

I continue to stand on God's promises and His Word. He has been so faithful and the Holy Spirit has been my comforter and strength.

Thank you again for all of your prayers, calls, emails and visits!

God is my ROCK!

The Cardiologist turned down Owen's pacemaker to 40bpm today and his heart is beating on
its own around 57 bpm. A good strong resting heart rate. Praise God!!
It was a little nerveracking at first but good. His rhythm is looking better.

Tomorrow they will take out his temp pacemaker and either put a new temp one in his neck (so he can get out of bed) or, Lord willing, he can be okay without one at all!!!! Our prayer is that he will be able to come home tomorrow night.

I am definitely tired but have felt very peaceful and bouyed by all of your prayers.
Praise God that he comes to give LIFE in full.
I have been clinging to Psalm 40 and 41.

Psalm 40:2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.

Psalm 41:3 The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.

LORD, we thank you for Owen's strong heart and for making it work like it was meant to work.
We pray for a strong normal rhythm. we pray for Owen to come home. That YOU will be glorified in everything. Thank you for the faith and prayers of the saints. Thank you for working in Owen's life.
We love you, O LORD, our ROCK!!

Day 34

Owen is in ICU.
This morning around 7am I called 911 because he passed out in bed. He had just rolled over and asked me to take his pulse. So I called and by the time the EMT's arrived he was already coming to.
They took him via ambulance back to Abbott.
In the ER his heart rate was really low--consistently in the 20's. We were pretty emotional and scared.
From the ER they took him up to ICU and around 10 am put in a temporary pacemaker
allowing his body to heal. His all time low was a drop down to 17 bpm!

He is currently pumping away at 59 bpm, resting, and making the dr's and nurses laugh :)

He will be at Abbott until Monday for sure. Hopefully tomorrow he will be moved to a regular room.

So on Monday they will turn down the pace maker and see how the antibiotics have been working.
Worst case scenario would be a permanent pace maker. Thankfully he is pumping away and stable!!!
What a blessing. It definitely takes most of the worry and apprehension out of the way.

We keep praying for healing and for God to be glorified through everything.

THank you for all of your calls, emails, and prayers!!!!

Having my mom here to help with the kids has been great. Owen's parents were also able to come up today. I am thankful they are here.

Hospital Observation

Owen went to get antibiotics at the clinic yesturday and they sent him to the hospital. His heart is not working correctly. the top and bottom chambers are beating independently of each other and not communitcating. This is a heart disassociation or 3rd Degree AV block.
His heart beat is still in the low 40's, yesturday and today. Since he is on IV antibiotics once a day they also put a PICC line in his arm. Other than his heart he seems to be doing great!
Please pray for healing, that he will have opportunities to proclaim the name of Jesus.
We are holding fast to Psalm 40 and 41.
THank you for your prayers!

My mom is coming this afternoon to help with the kids for a day or two in the midst of moving to WI. I am so thankful that she is coming.

ALSO, looks like I will be able to pick him up around supper time and bring him home!

To the clinic...

Owen didn't try and run this morning.
What a day!
Some friends came and watched the kids so that I could go with Owen to the NIP (Neighbors In Partnership) clinic in Uptown. We had a great Dr there. We were about ready to walk out with a prescription when Owen mentioned about his trouble running. The Dr decided to do an EKG.
This she found to be quite abnormal with a 3rd degree AV block and sent us to Abbott Northwestern Hospital. He was at 40 bpm.
The Dr said that if I had not been with Owen she would have sent him in an ambulance. So he will be at Abbott overnight. They did start him on intravenous (IV) antibiotics tonight. He is on 2g of Ceftriaxone once a day for 2 weeks.
I am home now with the kids. Hopefully he won't be in the hospital long.

Blood Test....

Owen received the results from his blood test....he was POSITIVE!
Not a suprise there.
When he got home from work he layed on the couch until bed time.
He was pretty tired today.
I was able to find a clinic that sees only uninsured people. we are going in tomorrow afternoon.

Shortness of breath

Well, Owen tried to run again this morning. When he started his head began to pound, he was lightheaded, couldn't run straight, kneeled down after a block. He had trouble breathing. Owen regained his composure and walked back home.
He then layed down on the bed (this was odd to me as he never does this) and he was having shortness of breath. He checked his pulse: 38beats per minute.
Work was okay today with the normal fatigue and headache.

A slow run

Yesturday was a better day.
Today things have gotten worse as the day went on. More fatigue and headache.
ALSO, this morning Owen tried to run and could only run for a minute or so. He had to kneel down so that he wouldn't pass out. Seems odd but not sure what to think.
Still waiting for the blood test results!!!

Quiet Weekend-- Day 27

Owen seems to do better when he allows himself to rest a little bit. He has been going to work even though he felt very fatigued.
He has still been running. Anywhere from 15 min up to an hour this week. I don't know how he does it with being so tired.
The headaches seem like they have been bad. He continues to take IBU even though he doesn't like to. Seems like it helps some.
Owen said that his right arm hurts where he was bit and that his right hip also burns.
Since we are home I started him on some essential fatty acids, milk thistle, coQ10, magnesium, and a multi vitamin along with the salt and Vit C. I am hoping they will help to clear this up soon. It would be great if he didn't have to have antibiotics.
Lord, I leave this in your hands. We ask for Your healing and wisdom.
Today was also the end of the 40 day fast that we did with The Call, www.thecall.com.
Sounds like they will be doing another one next September in DC. It has been a great experience. We did a daniel fast and really learned alot about what we ate as well as being before the Lord for our nation. So much has happened that The Call became a little overshadowed as we have been trying to just exist most days.

Still tired

Owen worked today but he is tired. He has had headaches, chills, a dry cough, and light sensativity. He said he did feel a little better in the afternoon again but the days don't seem to be getting any shorter.
He ran 14:18 today over by the golf course.

Independence Day

Seems like Owen's headache is pretty constant. He slept and rested most of the day. The kids are getting antsy for him to play with them. This morning was rough but the afternoon he seemed to be feeling a little better.
Still no blood test results!!!?????

The weekend

My saintly sister-in-law took they older two children for 2 nights. She has them until Monday.
I have been needing a break as I have been doing double duty since we were up North. With Owen being so tired he has not been able to help with anything. God has truly kept me going.
Thank you Lord!
Saturday we went out for our anniversary to the Ecopolitan. They have vegan/raw foods. It was a fun experience and one we would not have had unless we had felt led to take part in the 40 day fast. I have a whole new appreciation for vegans and vegetarians. Although I don't know that I would become one it has made me take a real close look at what and how we do eat.
Anyways, Saturday was the best Owen has felt!!! Yeah! Because he felt up to it we were able to go out for our anniversary. Seems like he does better when he gets more rest.
Yesturday he slept alot. He had fever, headache, chills, coughing.
Today, was a long day at work and he was tired enough to come home early from a church meeting. When will he feel better?

Happy 5th Anniversary!

Wow! Five years of marriage and three kids later....
I can't imagine my life any other way. God has truly been using our children to teach me more of Him and his character. I have grown and struggled the most these last 5 years but I would not change it even if I could.

Owen is still sick. We all went to his office today to have lunch together and I brought him home with us because he felt so terrible. Seems like the headache is pretty bad. This afternoon he had a blood test done. A DC said he was willing to get Owen the blood test and then see him.
Ginny had a blood test as well. She took it like a champ and didn't even flinch. She has NOT been sick at all. Praise God for that!! We should have the results back no later than Thursday.

We decided to cancel our weekend trip to Chicago to see my brother and his wife, the Cubs and just have some time together. bummer. But more importantly I know that Owen needs to rest right now and take it easy.

Yesturday we started the sodium chloride/vit C treatment. So far Owen is still sleeping and has the chills. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

EM rash

Owen's rash on his right hip is getting bigger. The bite on his arm is also showing more of a rash that has spread to his armpit and back. No bull's eye with the rash but the area affected is growing.
Owen did run for 15 min today and almost an hour yesturday.
He has had really bad headaches the last few days and actually taken ibuprofin (which he NEVER does).
I have called a few clinics and they all say he needs a blood test so we are trying to figure out where to get that done for the least amount of money.
One of my books lists some vitamins and supplements that can be taken to help with Lyme so maybe we'll try some of those. I have also located some information online at http://www.lymephotos.com/ , www.ilads.org , bastyrcenter.org, www.limeinfo.net, www.lymesite.com , www.canlyme.com , and www.cassia.org ......so we'll have to see....

Is it really Lyme?

Well, Owen is still sick. Bad headaches, fever, tired/low energy, coughing, and chills. When he returned from his run he said he thought the deer flies and bitten him bad on his right hip and back of his right arm. His arm was red around the bite and his hip looks like he has a spreading EM rash, a.k.a. Lyme Disease!
Seems like it has been rough but he has still been able to go to work. He came home pretty tired today though. He did run for 45 minutes this morning!
Since we don't have insurance we are trying to figure out what to do and where to go.

LQ

We just returned from Wilderness North in Northern Minnesota for a week of Leadership Quest. What a great week! Owen was the team leader for several groups of high schoolers from different churches. His parents were even able to come up for a few days and experience Wilderness North in all of its amazing beauty!
These students were GREAT! They pitched right in and helped with camp duties and thrived in such an encouraging environment. I am thankful that I was able to get to know them a little bit inbetween juggling 3 kids and being out of our normal routine.
I was a little concerned at the amount of hurt coming from many of the young girls and number of things they are trying to decipher about their lives. I firmly believe though that there is no better place for them than to be here. Wilderness North is truly HOLY ground and God works deeply here as He sees fit on the journey that He has chosen us for.
Owen got sick on Thursday and has been pretty tired. Don't know if it is just a flu or something else. He rarely gets sick but maybe he got it from the kids.
It has been a great week but it is also good to be home and around family and friends.

A quiet weekend

This weekend Owen took Ginny to hike on the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin. He is currently in the Chequemegon National Forest (or thereabouts). Amazing how having one less child around alters my day. I definitely missed Ginny but it sure was more quiet around here. I did some reading and relaxing. Just went around at my own pace.

Of course, things abruptly came back to reality this afternoon as Ginny and Owen returned before church with much ado. They had a significant number of ticks on them, both deer and wood. Owen said he had been pulling them off in the car for the last 3 hours. Ginny had a few lodged in pretty good but she hung in there as we pulled them off of her. Or at least as well as a 4 yr old can!

It has been years since I have had to pull ticks off of someone and it seems I may have done it wrong......times have changed. We tried vasoline, heat, and acetone all of which I grew up with using. Now they say to just pull them out. Oh well!

I am glad to have everyone back together and for life to be normal again.
Thank you Lord for this little break and opportunity to BE with YOU!!

When Gods People Pray

God is so patient. He continually reminds me that I need to abide in Him, apart from anything else. He wants my time to be centered around Him. To worship Him, glorify Him, and acknowledge WHO He is.
The Bible Study group I am in right now is studying Jim Cymbala's When God's People Pray study. Today was the first lesson. Kinda funny how he didn't really say anything that I haven't heard before but he reminded me that God wants my time --for me to say "God you are THE most important aspect of my life."
WHY do I know this but seem to be unable to live it out everyday? Many people have told me that it is okay b/c I am a busy mom but I don't think that it is okay. God still wants my time. Which doesn't mean that it has to be 5 hours everyday but even 5 minutes to be still before Him and worship Him is a start. I know I can give God at least 5 minutes of my time. Yet, why do so many days go by without me giving Him a cognizent thought.
Oh, LORD, forgive me for being so selfish with my time. Teach me to give You the BEST of my day, even if it just starts with 5 minutes.

Car Rides

Being Silly in the car

First Time Blogger

Hi! This is my first blog. Carrie is helping me to figure this out. We are having a great time.
This is my wonderful family attired in Matt Kenseth apparel!! Thanks Grandma Julie!