I Know

... you sisters are just waiting for an invite to show off your Christmas decor .. so, while we are waiting for the Scarf Sister's Bible AND a few more ornaments to show up in the mail .. have at it.  Post several pictures of your tree trimming activity ... and while you're at it .. share a favorite Bible scripture of this special season.

Love,

Mrs. Mac

What has happened...

to our Scarf Sister Bible??

DRAINED & EXHAUSTED

First of all, I appreciate all of the prayers lifted up on our behalf while we were home in St. Louis over Thanksgiving week. To say that it was pretty rough would be an understatement. We stayed at my In-Law's home for the majority of our visit. We were both mellancholy walking through that empty home filled with so many memories. I did my fair share of crying, Dave photographed the entire house and we spent a lot of time talking and sharing our feelings. It became a little easier by the end of our visit.

We DID get to spend time with our oldest daughter Jennifer and her family and I got to enjoy my grand-babies too! We spent time with Dave's youngest brother Perry and his wife Peggy (one of my best friends) as well as 2 other families that we consider best friends/family. That part brought some sunshine into our bleak visit.

My mother is not well. I was the only one that she wanted to visit with her so Dave and the children did their own thing. I admit that she looked much better than I expected. She was wearing a turban as to hide her bald head and her skin color was better than I expected. She is however weak. I spent a good portion of Saturday (20th) with her and on Monday when I spoke to them they said they were supposed to go in on Tuesday to get the results of her latest scan. I spent Tuesday with them and she was having quite a bit of pain, they have upped her pain medication to 2 every 4 hours. We went in to see the Oncologist and it was bad news.

When she was diagnosed back in June with Colon Cancer, the plan was to remove the tumor and perform a temporary Colostomy. They would treat her with chemo and radiation and then hopefully reattach her in *6-8 months. When they got in there, the tumor was much more invasive and they decided to perform the temporary colostomy, shrink the tumor and THEN remove it. What we had no way of knowing is that this cancer is VERY aggressive and VERY resistant to treatment. In the time that she was healing from her surgery and before chemo began, the cancer had spread rapidly, into the lymph nodes and liver. She began chemo in August, their strongest line of defense and had some positive results. Suddenly though, it quit working. They began her on their next best option and she responded well initially but then the cancer became resistant again. essentially the news this past Tuesday is that there is a third treatment but they are expecting the same result. It's like sending in the 3rd string quarterback in the Super Bowl to accomplish what the best and 2nd best couldn't! Then he mentioned hospice. He was sincere and sympathetic but that didn't keep my world from crashing apart.

On Thursday, Mom didn't even want to see me and I had to respect that.

I did get to spend most of Saturday with them and it was pretty emotional. Neither of THEM is ready to give up and I saw a spark in my Mom that has been missing since June. In the midst of all of this, God gave me a precious gift. My Mom was lying on the couch the entire visit and she was feeling comfortable enough with me that she didn't bother with wearing her turban. As the 3 of us conversed, every time Pop spoke and I would look at Mom, she was hanging on his every word. Her love for him was all over her face and it brought me to tears.

Please lift us up before the throne of mercy and grace. I don't know how I will bear it to lose my Mom as well as seeing what it'll do to Pop. I am thankful for God's constant presence and peace but I am am really hurting.

God's Blessing To You All This Thanksgiving Day

happy thanksgiving to all of our american sisters, from your philippine sister, crown of beauty, your norweigian sister, felisol. your sister from india, amrita and your canadian sisters julie, saija, rebecca and terry...
god bless you all and may you have a joyful time as you give thanks to the lord for all of your blessings!

god bless america and your brave troops this thanksgiving!........

November 22..It Is Our Sweet Sister Diane's Birthday!

diane is a very quiet sister and even though we haven't seen her around lately, she is never forgotten! the day that our dear connie introduced us to her was a happy day indeed.
we find that she is always willing to pray for any of our requests and when she sends in HER requests[mostly for her dear family], it is always a great privilege to hold her hands and pray along with her...and oh! how many prayers have been answered!

as i mentioned diane is a quiet little lady..i found this verse on her blog and you can see what she stands for and who she considers who her strength is!
bless you dear sister and we hope that you have a very lovely birthday celebration with your whole family....love from your extended family...your scarf sisters

Star Struck

Jesus!  He is the Bright Morning Star according to Revelation 22:16.  Another significant star led the way for the wise men (or scholars) to find Him; “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”   Matthew 2:2

Yesterday's mail brought a special package.  It was so exciting to receive a box with a postage mark reading, "Royal Mail" and "par avion" ... stamped on top.  Who would have thought that a few seasons ago, when the Scarf Sisters banded together, that it would go international.  A blessing indeed to be connected by heart strings around the world, tied with the commonality of Christ Jesus.


My special delivery package came from Linda in England.  She expressed her great love of God and His Word.  The star symbol reminds her of the Word of God which guides us today!  I gladly accept her token reminder of Christ and this precious symbol of Him.  Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness .. and for partaking in this exchange.

Much love .. and many hugs,

Cathy/Mrs. Mac

A Gift From Afar

My ornament from a far off land arrived yesterday ... I'll try and do a post later tonight ...

Hopefully the Bible will make an appearance soon and we can continue our journey. 

HOLIDAY MAGIC!!

I was tickled to receive my Christmas ornament from Scarf Sister Margie in the mail! It came from the great North to the warm and sunny South! I love how it reminds me of the wooden butter molds from days gone by! Now I have to decide which tree to hang it from since I decorate 3 trees for Christmas!

Full of Hope

photo source





As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.

-Isaiah 55:9-12




Chosen One gave birth by Caesarian section last night.

The doctor decided to perform the operation after hours of dry labor, as the baby showed signs of distress.

We welcomed Andre Elijah, my second grandson, into this world at exactly 7:31 p.m. on November 13, 2010.

He had to be resuscitated, and was immediately placed in an incubator and given oxygen.

Early this morning, at about 1:30 a.m., the baby's pediatrician informed us that the baby's respiratory rate was very fast. Pneumonia is suspected. A chest x-ray will be done if rate doesn't improve. Signs of infection was seen in the blood test, so the baby is also being given anti-biotics.

I have named this baby Full of Hope, and my hope is built on nothing less than the solid rock on which I stand!

Last night as my friend Trudi and I prayed for this baby, this word was impressed upon my heart, I do all things well.

My faith declaration:
Yes... faith arises in my heart my dear Father. My heart is full of hope...for You are the God who does all things well.

Dear friends, please stand and pray with us as we believe for a mighty and glorious display of God's glory.

Full of Hope
taken at 7:43 p.m. last night, 12 minutes after he was born

Update:
A chest x-ray was taken and it is confirmed that the baby has pneumonia. Three kinds of antibiotics are being administered through an IV drip. In addition to his pediatrician, we have also availed of the services of a neonatal specialist to help in the medical management of his condition. As of 4 p.m. today, the baby's respiratory rate has dropped from 90 to 70 per minute, which is a marked improvement. He was also taken out of the incubator, although he is still in the natal Intensive Care unit.

Beginning tomorrow, Chosen One will be strong enough to be wheeled to the Nursery where she will be able to hold her baby and begin breastfeeding him. I agree with Dr. Diane Nandwani, our very sweet pediatrician, this is the healing touch and human connection that will speed up the healing process. Chosen One will also speak words of affirmation over her son. Please continue to pray for Full of Hope's speedy recovery and complete healing.

My Heavenly Ornament

When I opened the box that my mail man left me, I was thrilled to find this wonderful gift!  It came from my YaYa Yarns Scarf Sister, Sherri, and I couldn't have been more thrilled. Inside the box was a wonderful hand crocheted (by Sherri) throw, so soft and beautiful.  On top of the throw was this beautiful gold bag.

Inside the bag was my ornament, this beautiful glass angel.  My little personal tree I put in the living room window contains things of beauty, things I've chosen and love.  This will go on that tree.

Thank you so much Sherri, I love and appreciate the way your heart of giving is so evident in your gift!!

My Ornaments

Today I received my ornaments from our dear sister, Mrs. Mac.

She tells me that the moose ornament is from one of her favorite
shops in Coeurd'Alene and the straw star is of Scandinavian
design.The simple materials are representative of folk  people
and the humble birth of Christ.

The pretty little dish cloth was made by Mrs. Mac herself.
I love it and the colors of the yarn are so pretty.

Being a part of the Scarf Sisters is such a joy and sharing
Christmas together in this sweet and simple way is something
I'll always remember fondly.

Thank you, Cathy.


Love,
Sandy

I Love It

After hearing a knock on my front door I found a package sitting on the porch! Oh, I was sooo excited. Hurried into the kitchen for the scissors opened the box and there was a lovely wrapped box from Char! Yippee...it's my Ornament and I love it.
Thank you so much Char.
Now, without further ado, I present from the Willow Tree collection...

Angel of Hope

Three For The Price Of One!

connie and mrs. mac share the same anniversary date..november 8th and jada gigi's anniversary was october 19th.
well we have to wish them ALL a belated happy anniversary!
i have picked a song out for each of these ladies and their sweethearts with their favourite singers...
first of all this is for mr and mrs. mac



and now for connie and her sweetheart.



and finally for mr. and mrs. jada gigi a love song from one of jadi gigi's favourite singers...



and so to these precious sisters and their husbands we wish a happy anniversary and pray that they will have many, many more years together,
who knows but what the lord will come in their lifetime and they will walk into heaven together!........love from all of your sisters!

Prayer Request

There is a prayer request over at By His Stripes
if you would like to join there in prayer.

Also if anyone would like to have their name
added so you can post prayer requests there,
please let me know and I will add you.

It is a public blog open to anyone. There is also
a prayer page on facebook that links to the blog.

Blessings
Donna

Message to Deb

I have my email up now at my profile at Letters From Midlife so you can let me know your address.  I thought it was shown there but for whatever reason it wasn't.  The candy is waiting! lol

HO HO HO

It's Monday, November the 8th...Do you know where your ornament is?

In route right??!

For My Sisters

while looking at you tube for this song for my own blog , "it is well with my soul". i came across this version of it and it is so good that i thought the sisters would appreciate it with all the trials that seem to be going on.[with us all!]
love terry

ORNAMENT EXCHANGE REMINDER

Just a reminder to the sisters participating in the 2010 Ornament Exchange. Please mail out your ornament by Monday, November 8th. Let your sister know who it's from and when you receive your ornament, please take a picture and/or enter a post about your new addition for your Christmas tree!
THANKS!
Connie

Another Birthday Wish

A little bird flew my way reminding me that a dear sister had a birthday yesterday.  I'm not as fancy of a blog master as Miss Terry, but the Scarf Sisters hope your day was delightful, Sandy!

free graphics from here

Boo hoo!

I don't think anyone ever reads MY blog any more......boo hoo! I know, I know...my posts are far and few between :)....anyway...here is my recent post on our wonderful Scarf Sister reunion....check it out.....I'm not completely X'ed out of the sisterhood yet!

Happy Birthday Donna

dearest donna..all of the sisters wish for you on your special day a very happy birthday shared with your family...forget about healthy eating today and have yourself a big piece of chocolate cake with a huge scoop of ice-cream on top!
love you donna!...your name means "lady" and that is exactly what you are!
love from all of the sisters...

Dear Blog Sisters,
I desperately need some help before I take up blogging again.
My old lap top had one cup of my coffee, so it had to be replaced.
I'm just slowly adjusting to my new one, but there still is a major problem.
Somehow I cannot get the spell check to work, neither when I'm writing, nor when commenting on other blogs. Being of a sloppy nature, I hardly ever read through what I have written, depending totally on the automatic spell check.
Do anyone know what button to press to help a damsel in distress?
Any suggestion will be highly appreciated.
Yours Felisol
I