Happy Birthday Andrew

Today is Andrew's 24th Birthday and here is the latest update:

"In speaking with my dad this evening, he emphasized that Andrew is still critical, but improving. He has come a long way, but still has a long way to go. I think this is the best way to characterize Andrew’s journey thus far. We are so encouraged by his improvements, but he still needs so much prayer. Andrew had some trouble breathing this morning, so they decided to go ahead and do a tracheotomy. This will be a good decision long term as this will avoid the reinsertion of the ventilator before each surgery and the pain and annoyance that the ventilator brings as well. He is progressing well in his surgeries. He had another this morning and did just fine. His kidneys are still functioning about the same, showing good promise of return, but are still a concern. My dad also told me that his white blood cell count is up, signaling a possible return of infection. Please lift up his body to God as he heals. I realize that his progress will look like two steps forward and one step backward as we move forward. The good news is that we are going forward! And, I thought I should let everyone know that tomorrow is Andrew’s 24^th Birthday. So, Happy Birthday Andrew! I pray that tomorrow will be a very special day for him and my family."

~Katherine

I have also attached the letter from Tom Leopard last night for those of you that did not see it. As a sister, I am so humbled by the support that Andrew is receiving. Thank you all for your prayers!

Good Morning Christian Friends,

I have asked Katherine to give me the pen today to address each of you that visit this wonderful web site daily. Let me first introduce myself, my name is Tom Leopard and it is an honor to call the Kinard family close, personal friends of my wife and myself. Their faithfulness to Jesus Christ inspires both of us daily.

So many people in the community have asked me, "How can we help the Kinard?" The Kinard's needs today are very small, but the future financial needs for Andrew are uncertain, and that is why I believe the Lord has placed on my heart to establish something that everyone can do that would be a special touch for Andrew. This week, with the help of very special friends on the team, we have established a foundation to honor Andrew. This fund will honor Andrew for his bravery and service to his country, and for his continued love for Jesus Christ. The United States Marine Corps has been unbelievable in providing for the Kinard's daily needs, but we know that there will be out of pocket expenses for Andrew down the road. I truly believe that God has a wonderful plan in place to use Andrew for His mission on earth. Andrew is a very faithful, Christian, and could possibly even use the funding down the road to continue to glorify his creator's name.

A weakness of mine is asking people for donations, but through Jesus Christ, He has opened doors and made the establishment of this foundation so easy for me, and others to set this up for Andrew. He has led me to Mr. Hugh Brantley, President of the Spartanburg Christian Community Foundation, who will be overseeing this foundation with the help of the “Helping Hands of Georgia”. I, along with a spiritual committee will be administering the funds for Andrew’s needs. The address is listed below and I ask that through thoughtful prayer that the Lord will guide you in your decision to contribute to this fund. All checks must be made out to “The Spartanburg Christian Community Foundation, and then note to be used for “The Lt. Andrew Kinard Foundation”.

If you have any questions about this fund, I ask that you direct them to Hugh Brantley by calling him at (864) 949-5700. All contributions are tax deductible, and a receipt will be mailed to you upon receiving a donation.

The address is:

Lt. Andrew Kinard Foundation

c/o Spartanburg Christian Community Foundation

P.O. Box 2397

Spartanburg, SC 29304

Through the love of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, I thank you in advance for your donation.

Psalm 91:14-16 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Thank you so much,

Tom Leopard

Kelly's Pictures of Thanksgiving

Here is Kelly's pictures from Thanksgiving. The first one is of Jackson smiling at his Gran. The second picture is Boo Boo sticking out his tongue and the third is Jackson hugging the very important Kelly pillow. The last picture is of our dog Millie Boo who does not receive that much attention right now and Kelly thinks she is depressed. I think that Millie just did not get her 4 hour nap in this day.

Today, I specifically pray that Jackson will fear the Lord and serve Him: "You shall fear only the Lord your God; and you shall worship Him, and swear by His name" (Deuteronomy 6:13) Suggestions by Donna Otto in her book The Stay at Home Mom

I have just mastered memorizing "Great is Thy Faithfulness" which I sing to Jackson every day. It is amazing how little hymns I actually know by heart. Do I really want Jackson to remember me singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star?" I really think we dumb things down too much for our children today---they can understand a lot more than we think. The next song I am working on is "By Thou My Vision" to sing to him.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Refrain

Zachary Benjamin Brammer

Zachary was born this past Monday about 3 pm weighing I think 7 pounds and 12 ozs. I am so excited and miss Laura so much. We lived in the same apartment complex when we both found out we were pregnant. Her husband is Ben Brammer and is a pastor in Rocky Mount, N.C. and a PhD student at Southeastern. Congratulations Ben and Laura yall are going to be great parents. Zachary is so handsome!!!!! We get to meet him in February when Ben does a revival at our church. His blog is http://www.mondaymorningleftovers.blogspot.com/ and his old blog is http://benbrammer.blogspot.com/

Luke 1:46-55

Mary's Song

And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
or he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."

As Christmas aprroaches I can not help but to think of our Savior's Birth. Now, after giving birth to a son I cannot imagine what Mary went through knowing that her son was the promised Savior. Dr. Rummage, one of the best preachers I have ever heard, preached a sermon on these verses. His three points taken from the text are:

"My Soul Magnifies the Lord"
1) Through Jesus Christ God has given us a underserved blessing (vs. 47-50)
2) Through Jesus Christ God has given us a unmatched strength (vs. 51-53)
3) Through Jesus Christ God has given us a unshakable promise (vs. 54-55)

We really are either magnifying the Lord with or life or we are failing to see him. Are we knowing him and making him known?

Go to hear some great sermons by Dr. Rummage at http://www.hgbc.org/media/index.php?a=l&id=350&modtype=m&type=wmp

Jackson's New Schedule at 11 Weeks

Yeah! Jackson has finally adopted to his new schedule. It took just a couple weeks but now we are only feeding him 5 times a day and I feel like a new woman because I am not constanly feeding him. According to Baby Wise, we are on Phase Two: Extended Night---Weeks 9-15 week. This is his day now:

8-8:30 am Wake Up, Diaper Change and Eat 6 ozs
8:30-10am Wake Time (in his chair and on his matt)
10-11:30 Nap Time (wrapping Jackson very tight in a swaddle---learned it from the dvd Happiest Baby)
11:30 am Diaper Change, Eat 6 ozs
11:30-1 pm Wake Time (go to the church office and see the secretaries)
1pm-3pm Nap Time
3 pm Diaper Change, Eat 6 oz
3-4:30 Wake Time
4:30-6:30 Nap Time
6:30 Diaper Change, Eat 6 ozs
Wake Time 6:30 on no more naps unless he is fussy
Bath time 7:30pm
9:00 Diaper Change, Eat 6 ozs
10:15 Bed Time

He eats at 8 am, 11:30am, 3:00pm, 6:30pm, 9pm roughly. If he cries before his feeding I try others things like giving him his passy but if that does not work I feed him as long as it has been 2 1/2 hours from the start of his last feeding.

Basically he gets 3 big naps at 1 hour and 30 min minimum. If your baby does not sleep for at least 1 hour and 30 min times he will be fussy (swaddling him tight is crucial!) He can get 32 ozs of milk a day but usually only takes 27 ozs during the day. The doctor said for the first year they need 24 ozs of formula minimum and no more than 32 ozs in one day. Since Jackson is now 12 pounds he can take half of his body weight each feeding (6 ozs).

We should hopefully be on this schedule till he is 5-6 months old.

If your baby will not stop screaming/crying try this---it works!!!! I recommend buying the dvd to teach you how to swaddle correctly. You can also buy the SwaddleMe blanket by kiddopotamus for babies up to 22 pounds.

"Dr. Karp believes that babies, especially in their first few months of life, can experience "fourth trimester" issues. Babies can have a difficult time getting used to the huge amount of stimuli present in life outside of Mom's body. Their reaction to all of this is to cry and cry. The Happiest Baby On The Block method formulated by Dr. Harvey Karp, addresses these issues by helping you learn how to effectively recreate the environment of the womb, outside of Mom's body. Once you have learned the steps, you will be able to alleviate some, if not all, of your baby's colic symptoms."

The 5 S's

There are 5 components to this method which, when used together, work amazingly well to calm your crying baby and in many cases help your baby go to sleep with no fuss.

Using cross-cultural techniques combined with his own research, Dr. Karp has developed the "five S's system". Some babies will need all five, others just a few to help induce what he calls the "calming reflex."

Swaddling - Tight swaddling provides the continuous touching and support the fetus experienced while still in Mom's womb. Side/stomach position - You place your baby, while holding her, either on her left side to assist in digestion, or on her stomach to provide reassuring support. Once your baby is happily asleep, you can safely put her in her crib, on her back. Shushing Sounds - These sounds imitate the continual whooshing sound made by the blood flowing through arteries near the womb. This white noise can be in the form of a vacuum cleaner, a hair dryer, a fan and so on. The good news is that you can easily save the motors on your household appliances and get a white noise CD which can be played over and over again with no worries. Swinging - Newborns are used to the swinging motions that were present when they were still in Mom's womb. Every step mom took, every movement caused a swinging motion for your baby. After your baby is born, this calming motion, which was so comforting and familiar, is abrubtly taken away. Your baby misses the motion and has a difficult time getting used to it not being there. "It's disorienting and unnatural," says Karp. Rocking, car rides, and other swinging movements all can help. Sucking - "Sucking has its effects deep within the nervous system," notes Karp, "and triggers the calming reflex and releases natural chemicals within the brain." This "S" can be accomplished with breast, bottle, pacifier or even a finger.

This information was taken from http://www.babyslumber.com/happiestbaby.html

Romans 11:33-36

Doxology

33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"
35 "Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?"
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.

More Thanksgiving Pictures

Here were are again at the Country Club and then the next picture is of me, Bonnie and Ashley Knie at Virginia's engagement party at Bonnie's house Friday night. She is marrying Tobby Wood in March and Charlie is preforming the ceremony and I am a bridesmaid. The picture of the baby is of Aiden Ardis. He is one month older than Jackson and they like to hang out--haha. Then, there is Carol holding Jackson at church last night. Carol is the women's ministry enrichment director and one of our good friends.

Pictures from Thanksgiving Week

Thanksgiving Week started great when Sammy and Alyssa Rhodes came by and visited with their beautiful children Jane Mac (18 months) and Asher (2 months). Asher is just one day older than Jackson but he is already 17 pounds. We went to the doctor last Tuesday and Jackson is now 12 pounds and 7 oz and has moved up from the 25 percent to the 40 percent in weight. The next pictures you see is us at the Carolina Country Club in Spartanburg enjoying Thanksgiving dinner. We had such a great time in Spartanburg and the grandparents spoiled Jackson and got him all kind of cute clothes. Yeah! We were gone from Wednesday to Sunday---this is the first Sunday Charlie has missed in 6 months so it was good to get away and now it is good to be back. Jackson is on a new schedule now and I will be posting about that later along with more pictures. Jackson even made an appearance at Viriginia's engagement party which was so much fun!

Thanksgiving Update on Andrew

"I am now currently back in Greenville. Andrew is doing well. I already miss him so much! We spent a few hours together this morning. He was able to communicate very well with his eyebrows,etc. So, we sat and watched sports for a while and I just talked to him about what was going on with everyone. I look forward to when he will be able to talk back. The pneumonia continues to be a serious concern. Please pray that his body will fight the pneumonia, so that they can remove the ventilator soon. It is not good for it to be in much longer. And, I’m sure it is so very frustrating to be very aware and to also have the uncomfortable tube in. We really do have so much to be thankful for, though. The poor young man in the room next to him has his legs, but has suffered severe brain damage. Never again will he be able to tell his loved ones he loves them. That breaks my heart. I told Andrew I loved him before I left. He moved his eyebrows up and I said that I knew he loved me too. He shook his head yes and was pleased I understood him. We are so blessed! Thank you for your prayers. Please lift up his lungs as he suffers with pneumonia. Please pray that the vent can be removed very soon. Thank you all very much!" ~Katherine

"I just arrived in Besthesda to meet with the family just Wednesday afternoon, but yet now I sit here in the Charlotte airport on the way back to Clemson wondering how time could have blown by so fast. As I'm only a freshman in college, I may not yet fully understand how to completely cherish life and everything it brings you, but every week it seems to speed up faster than the one before causing me lately to step back, look around, and take things in because every day brings me something different. Coming straight out of the hardest acedemic period of my life and stepping back into this newest life crisis, I discovered that I've only been able to survive this past month because God has allowed everything in my mind to be "compartmentalized". Stepping into Andrew's small ICU room that Wednesday afternoon brought back to mind my previous anxiety, fear, and depression I first felt when the situation first arose. Why is this happening? Why now? And why does it have to happen to Him?? Why, why, why. God understands why, and has a plan for those "why's", I believe he just hasn't revealed it to us yet. Andrew has been progressively getting healthier these past few days. As his kidneys continually rejuvenate as well, our main concern is his respiratory system. He is still on the ventilator, but taking it out yesterday revealed to us he was not quite ready as he suffered another lung collapse, soon resolved, but the ventilator had to be put back in. Pray for the Lord's healing in this! It needs to be resolved soon, but know that even in this small set-back, Andrew is looking very well. Thank you again for your support for Andrew and the Family." -Will We have also just learned a minute ago that Andrew is again fighting an infection. We ask you to pray for his infection and the strength to fight it.

Update on Andrew-November 20, 2006

This is Andrew getting his first haircut SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2006 09:50 PM, EST

I am writing to you all tonight from the hospital just a few floors up from where Andrew is sleeping. I had such a special time with my brother today. They have lowered his level of sedation, and so he was so much more aware today than any other day. I stood there rubbing his head for a while and asked the nurse if he knew I was there. The nurse yelled in his ear and his eyes just shot wide open. I looked straight into his eyes and I knew it was my brother. I knew he knew it was me. We just held each others gaze for a long time. He couldn't move much or see much more than my eyes because of my face mask, but he knew it was me. It was such a deep connection. I just know that he is going to be alright. I sang "Jesus Loves Me" in his ear. You see, Andrew and I know that song very well. Our mom would sing that to us, as well as Courtney and Will, every night before we were put to bed. It just felt like that was the right song to comfort him with. It's hard to even find the words to say. I wanted to say so much. I wanted to take away all of those tubes and supports and just embrace him. After I finished singing quietly, he seemed as if he were trying to speak. With the ventilator in his mouth, I couldn't make out what he was wanting to say, but I didn't have to. His eyes said it all. My parents are doing well and soon we'll all be together as a family again. It just feels so much better to be here with them...to be here with Andrew. "Now I know that the Lord saves His annointed; He answers him from His holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand." Psalm 20:6

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2006 11:06 PM, EST

I will be flying into Washington tomorrow morning. I can’t wait to see my brother! I have missed him so very much. I just want to see him, give him a kiss, and let him know how much I love him. It has been hard to be away. I will be bringing my daughter Caroline tomorrow and the rest of the family (my husband Charles, Courtney and Will) will all be there by Wednesday. This should be a very special Thanksgiving… Cp. Brendan McCormick called me today from Iraq. He called to answer any questions I may have and also to let me know that Andrew has been nicknamed “The Miracle” by all the guys in Iraq. Brendan was also with my brother when the incident occurred. He said that he has seen a lot of death and injuries over there and many who were less injured than Andrew would die. He said he was sure he would die. But, he didn’t! According to a friend who Andrew spoke with before he left, Andrew said that he knew God wasn’t sending him over to Iraq for him to die there. I feel like Andrew knows that God has a lot more in store for him here on earth. Andrew is continuing to improve. His temp has looked good now for over 3 days, his blood pressure is good and his lungs are almost back to normal. They will be looking into doing skin grafting probably next week. His kidneys continue to be an area of concern and his condition overall continues to be critical. What is on my heart the most is for all of us to pray for his emotional adjustment to his injuries when he wakes up. He has such a long road ahead of him. As a sister, I don’t want him to hurt. I don’t think there’s one of us in my family who wouldn’t take his injuries and put them on himself. We will all be there for him. I just ache for the pain that he will suffer. Please lift up his heart to God. I thank all of you for your love and concern for my brother. We are very blessed. ~Katherine

Update on Jackson: 9 weeks old

This picture is of him doing his new favorite thing---sticking out his tongue and laughing. Too cute!

Well, according to Baby Wise [we do not agree with everything in this book], we are done with "Phase One" (Weeks 1-8) where Jackson eats seven to eight daily feedings for the first two months. Jackson is successfully sleeping through the night and as long as we swaddle him tight he goes to sleep when we put him down...what a wonderful baby! I really think he is doing this because we feed him every 3 hours during the day and he gets all his ozs in during the day (about 27oz). We never feed him earlier than 2 1/2 hours from the start of the last feeding. If you feed him every two hours they are snacking all day long and never getting full, therefore, they are extremely fussy.

Now we are in "Phase Two" (Weeks 9-15) where we try for him to eat about every 3 1/2 to four hours and bump up his ozs to 6 ozs. We have tried this but he wants to eat every 3 hours and will not take 6 ozs. Now we are trying to get 3 naps in (min 1 1/2 hours in length to 3 hours) but he does not want to take a nap longer than 45 minutes. However, if we put him down for a nap after he is swaddled extremely tight he will sleep longer At six months, apparently babies take 2 naps at 2 hours long each one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Right now this is Jackson day
Diaper change Eat at 7-7:30, Awake till 8:30
Nap till 10ish
Diaper change, Eat 10, Awake 11:30
Nap 11:30-1ish
Diaper change Eat 1 pm Awake till 2:30
Nap 2:30-4 pm
Diaper change, Eat 4 pm Awake till 5:30 pm
Nap 5:30 till 7:00pm
Diaper change, Eat 7 pm Awake till 8:30 pm
Nap 8:30 pm till 10ish
Diaper change (bath every other night) Eat 10 pm
Sleeping through the night from 11pm till 7 am

Wow that is exhausting! Haha...and you wonder why new moms are tired. He definitely does not follow that schedule perfectly and some days he only has 3 naps and for only 45 minutes.

Ps Go to 1800diapers.com and they have the cheapest diapers and wipes and free shipping!!!!!
http://www.1800diapers.com/prdList.aspx?c=1

We also watch this dvd that helped us learn how to calm Jackson down when he is crying real hard. It really helped and if you want to know more about it just let me know...
http://www.thehappiestbaby.com/

Update on Andrew-November 18, 2006

Though he is still very critical, Andrew is continuing to improve. His surgery today went well. His kidneys are starting to produce a little more urine and he hasn’t had a significant temperature for over 48 hours! This is definitely encouraging.

Instead of writing about my brother, today I thought I would let some others speak on his behalf. I have copied below a couple of guestbook entries from the past few days. Both of these guys are in the brotherhood of Marines and both wrote these entries from Iraq. The first is from one of Andrew’s men who was injured along side of him, James MacKenzie. I included a portion of an email he sent me regarding Andrew and then posted his guestbook entry below it. The second entry is from a friend of Andrew’s from USNA, Sean Toolan. I hope these entries help to bring to life the character, selflessness, and love for others that my brother possesses. As a sister, I cannot be more proud.

“tell the sir that i am glad he is doing alright and home. i am also sorry
about all this and others are too. let me just share with you that most
lt(s) in other services don't go out with their marines on patrols, but lt
kinard did. always trying to get info not only to better his marines but the
mission at hand as well…”

Well Sir thought I would leave some words of encouragment. Anyways, I am Lcpl MacKenzie the SAW M-249 Gunner that was in front of you. I had the glasses. Anyways I was the one that was holding your head and trying to keep you awake when we road in Gunny Yoshia's Pig. I hope your doing ok and I am very sorry about this. I pray for you everyday and hope for you the best. Don't worry about any of us b/c I was the only other one that got hit besides you and I am fine just got a broke jaw and shrapnel. I want you to do me a favor though sir, take this time to draw closer to the Lord, your family, and most of all those that love you. We miss you sir and you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I never thought I'd say this, but I can't wait to get to be an old fart lol, b/c then I can tell my kids about a brave Lt. that didn't consider himself better than no one else and fought next to his brothers on the battlefield. "You gave it your all, and the unltimate sacrafics sir." That is above and beyound what anyone could ask. Take care and if you need anything I am still here for you as one of your Marines.

James MacKenzie

Canton, GA

To a Brother:

Drew, you are a warrior in every sense of the word. From our first days as Plebes at USNA through Rugby, TBS, and now with 2d LAR, you have always been the truest friend a man could ask for. You are one of the most selfless, positive, and kindhearted men that I have ever known and it is an honor to have a friend like you. Your incident has hit all of us USNA and 2d LAR brothers hard over here in Iraq, but in the midst of it all, your service and sacrifice has served as an inspiration to us all. I have no doubt that God has you in the palm of His hand right now and that you will recover and continue to fight as you have over here. I can tell you that we all are looking forward to seeing you when we return and know that our Brotherhood will be there for you no matter the circumstance. Stay strong brother and we will see you soon. Know that you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. "Those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary"- Isaiah 40:31

In brotherhood, Sean Toolan

2d LAR Communications Plt Commander

I appreciate these guys so much for their service to our country as well. Please lift them up to the Lord as well as they are still serving our country in Iraq.

http://caringbridge.com/cb/inputSiteName.do?method=search&siteName=andrewkinard

Update on Andrew-November 17, 2006

Congressman Bob Inglis came to visit with Andrew at the hospital today. He stayed with Andrew for over an hour and prayed over him. What a blessing to have a congressman who is a believer and has genuine compassion for those he serves!

Andrew is continuing to do well. The CT scan showed no obvious signs of infection; his fever is still present, but reducing. He’ll be going back in for surgery tomorrow morning. I was thinking earlier that some of you may not be aware that we have not been able to converse with Andrew as of yet. He is on a ventilator and has been in a drug induced coma since this incident. I really do feel like he is able to hear us when we speak to him. Please do pray that he will be well enough for them to be able to remove the vent in the next couple of weeks, as it is not healthy for it to remain for much longer. His kidneys continue to be a major issue of concern. I hope so much that they will spring back to life very soon.

Some of you have asked for my parents’ address in MD. So, here it is:

Harry and Mary Kinard

c/o Navy Lodge Bethesda

8901 Wisconsin Ave.

Bldg. #52

Bethesda, MD 20889

Thank you all for your prayers! Thank you for caring. Thank you for your compassion. I feel like the body of Christ all over this country and all over the world is embracing my brother and my family in this time of need. This has been the most real example in my life of how God designed the church to be. Many of you say you don’t know how to help. The greatest help you offer is to pray for my brother. Thank you!

~Katherine

Update on Andrew-November 15, 2006

Andrew’s 5 hours of surgery today went really well! The chief surgeon told my father that he is very optimistic about Andrew’s progress with regard to his leg wounds and getting a hold on the infection there. Next week they hope to start closing up his wounds. Andrew still has a fever (meaning infection). Since the wounds appear to be fairly infection-free, they will be conducting a CT scan this evening to look for a possible other source of the infection. Please pray that they will be able to locate the source of the infection on his body. Once he is able to fight the infection, we should see an improvement in his kidneys. Apparently, the antibiotics and other medications he is on for his infection are more of a hindrance rather than help to his kidney improvement. So, there are so many details at play here. We are so thankful for all of his wonderful surgeons. Please lift them up as they make critical decisions daily. We appreciate so much all of your prayers!

~Katherine

Steps in Releasing Your Worries to God

Here are some actions steps for women who worry. I know us ladies struggle with worry more so than men. My husband rarely worries. These actions steps I received in my favorite class in seminary, "Counselling Women." Ps-My little man does not look too worried in this picture.

Today if you are struggle with worry today I urge you to write down these four steps to releasing your fears to God taking by Mindy Williams

1. List your fears. Be specific.

2. Read Luke 22:42; 9:23, Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:9 in preparation for releasing your fears to God.

3. Confess by seeking God’s forgiveness for each of your fears (1 John 1:9

4. Face the possibility of each fear happening and then claim a promise of God that relates to each fear.

a. For example: Pray, “Lord, even if (name your fear) happens, I will follow You, and You will give me the grace and strength to go through it.”

b. You may also claim God's character traits. For example, "Even if I fail, You will love me unconditionally,"

c. Be sure to say, "God, You will be there for me, as I walk the path of obedience." Claim His sure promise rather than saying, "I hope You will be there." (Heb. 13:5b)

5. Repeat these steps whenever the fear reoccurs until you are released (Ps. 94:19).

6. Practice renewing your mind with truth (Is. 26:3).

Tuesday Nov. 14th-Katherine's Post

Since Katherine is one of my best friends, I will be posting her post every time she writes on carringbridge about her brother's condition. Here is what she says:

"How to be upbeat when you feel so discouraged…There are days on this journey when my heart is so heavy with grief for my brother. For nothing in particular- just a knowledge of what he has to face…and doesn’t even know yet. Please just lift him up to God. As I said yesterday, I still see God’s hand in this storm. I just don’t understand. I guess God doesn’t ask us to understand; He just asks us to trust Him. And I do. He is faithful. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” James 1:2-4.

Andrew came out of surgery just fine. My heart is just so heavy for him and what he will face when he awakes. Please continue to pray over his infection and kidneys. It seems that both of these are critical issues. But, also lift up his heart. Pray that God will give him strength beyond himself to emotionally cope with his injuries. We know and believe that God is just and will take care of all of this in His timing. I am just thankful that He allows us to join in the blessing of intercession for my brother."

~Katherine

Psalm 139: 1-12

This Psalm has really touched me recently on how God knows us fully and truly. He loves us and wants the best for us. God is always is always working in our lives and is up to something good no matter what the circumstance. He is always with us no matter where we are.


Psalm 139:1-12

1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

New Pictures--Happy 2 month Birthday Jackson

Jackson had his 2 month Birthday November 12. Here are some pictures of him and the family from last weekend.

Katherine's Latest Response

This is Katherine's latest post about Andrew. It is so funny that I was listening to this song Saturday on the way to Columbia and I got chills thinking about Katherine, Andrew, and the entire Kinard family.

"This has been a trying time, but God has continued to show his sovereignty. A song that has really ministered to me during this time is “I Will Praise you in this Storm”. Click on the following link if you would like to listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHdcyue0bSw . I hope it is a blessing to you too.

Andrew will once again be in surgery in the morning. His pulmonary functioning is improving. We are so thankful for this! Please continue to be in prayer over his kidneys, his lungs, his continued infection, and the surgery tomorrow. I praise my Father in Heaven for His faithfulness and goodness to my brother and my family."

~Katherine

"Praise You In This Storm"

by Casting Crowns

I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Katherine's First Response

This is Katherine's first response to her brother's injuries. She is truly a God- seeking and God- fearing woman!

This is what she writes:

"A week ago tonight some friends and family gathered here at my home to pray for my brother. We knew very little at that point as to what happened or to what the future would look like. We lifted up a song of prayer and praise to God- Great is Thy Faithfulness. I am left speechless at God's faithfulness and goodness to our family. I realize now more than any other time in my life that this world is not my home. It is not about the here and now. It is not about us. Even as my brother lays wounded on his hospital bed, God is sovereign. The same God who created my brother and brought him into this world almost 24 years ago looks over him now as he sleeps. This same God has a plan and a purpose for his life. This same God loves him and us no less than He did a week ago. Andrew will suffer. We all know that. But, he will know and taste the goodness of the Lord! God may not heal his broken body on this earth, but I know He will bless him with a closeness to Him. I know that if Andrew were awake, he would be proclaiming God's faithfulness as well.

I will leave you guys with some news about his condition. He endured a 4 1/2 hour surgery today and it went well. Andrew is so very strong. His vitals are good and steady and his fever is down. Please continue to pray for the functioning of his kidneys. My dad leans over my brother after the surgery and said,' Andrew, this is your daddy.'. Andrew's eyes popped right open for just a bit. How encouraging!
The outpouring of love and prayers from everyone has been amazing and a blessing from God!"

~Katherine

http://caringbridge.com/cb/inputSiteName.do?method=search&siteName=andrewkinard

New Pictures

Keep on Praying for Andrew

Keep on praying for Andrew he is still not out of the woods. Here is the latest updated by our old pastor Dr. Wilton. He writes beautifully that:

"Andrew continues to strive on in his small ICU room day by day, hour by hour under the special care of the incredible nurse and doctoral staff at the hospital. I saw him once more this afternoon, and he looked better than yesterday. I realize though that in his harsh condition I shouldn't unrealistically keep my hopes up, but still know as well that he is in the Lord's hands and has many people praying for him. Please continue to pray, remembering that some of the hardest times for him, and us, are still to come.

One thing, though, is certainly for sure: this whole situation has already affected many of ours, and others, relationship with God and overall outlook towards life. We continually remind ourselves that this life is but for glorification of God, not ourselves, and for preparation of an eternity in heaven. We know that after Andrew fully recovers, his story and vibrant spirit will impact thousands of lives."

This picture is how I remember Andrew growing up---- full of life and energy. He always dreamed of being a solider from a very young age--- for our country and for our freedom....
My heart is full as the reality of what has happened to him really hits me. As I look at my beautiful son, as a mother, I cannot imagine what Mrs. Kinard is going through. You never want your children to suffer and we need to specficially pray for Andrew's family. I pray that God will give them the strength to get through this. I pray right now that the Holy Spirit will overflow them and give them a peace and hope that only comes from the Father. I pray for Katherine (Andrew's sister), that God will wrap his loving arms around her and that the Holy Spirit will be a her great comforter.

IN THE GLOW OF YOUR SMILE

BY Georgie J. Dickerson

The majesty of Your Presence

makes me a worthy child

who stands in need of Thee.

Take me and use me

according to Your will.

I only live as You breathe

into my body of clay.

Without You I can do nothing.

Place Your sunrises and sunsets

into my heart and life so that

each day begins and ends with the

beauty of Your smile as we live

the beautiful and promising days

dedicated to Your Majestic

all powerful, all loving name.

I am Yours completely. Use

me for Your service. Thank You

for smiling down on me.

Love, Your Faithful Servant

Pray for Andrew Kinard

One of my very best friends (since we were 5 years old) Katherine Kinard's brother was hurt severely in Iraq on Sunday. Please pray for him and his family. Pray specifically that he will live and make it to the States. Pray that God will give them strength to get through this and that they will all complelety depend on Him. I talked to Katherine Monday right before she found out and she was concerned for Andrew since he was on the frontlines. The entire family has great hope and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and I know that He will get them through this, and that ultimately God will be glorified.

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18).


Will Kinard write this on facebook:
"Andrew is an officer..mainly meaning that he has men under him, and he is in control of the area in which he is placed. In this case, it just happened to be a section of a town in Iraq. Andrew left some one and a half months ago, counting on staying till around April. I was blessed to be able to talk to him for the first time this past Saturday afternoon. He sounded extremely tired, lonely, and stressed. He told me of things he was dealing with that really communicated the extreme situation. Having taken all of this in, I still never believed something like this would ever happen...anyway, he left me on the phone that day saying he loved me, and couldn't wait to get home. I knew I would talk to him soon though because he had just gotten access to a satellite phone of his own. Apparently, he went out for a patrol with some of his men that next morning (sunday) when all of the sudden he got hit from a road bomb. These bombs are called IED's, short for improvised explosive devices. I know that along with him, three of him men were hit. I have no clue to the current status of them. Immediately, Andrew was knocked out, suffered massive blood loss, and was close to death. A helicopter came and picked him up to take him to a hospital outside of Baghdad. During the ride over, Andrew went into cardiac arrest. This is when you stop breathing, your heart stops, and death is around the corner. Amazingly enough, he was brought back to life, and made it to the hospital. Twenty-four hours or so later, he was taken to a hospital in Germany where he stays now. I know he has had a few surgeries mainly pertaining to his abdomen and legs. Now that he is stable, he might be making it over to DC sooner than we expected. We will be there waiting for him."

11/1/06
9:10 am

"Andrew is going to live. Early this morning, he was doing so well his doctors began
to take him off his sedation. When he awoke, the nurse asked him if he was ok, and
Andrew responded with a "thumb's up" before drifting back to sleep. For those of
ya'll who know my brother, this is very characteristic of him...even in his
subconsious mind, he takes anattitude of strength. An early CT scan of his head
also showed negative results to fractures or problem areas which is a
great sign. Andrew will be flying in tonight, earlier from his intended time,
because of his wide range of friends he has already made over the little time in the
military. Thank God my brother is alive and coming home."

You can join the group Pray for Andrew Kinard on facebook and get updates.

Go here to get more info:
http://www.goupstate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061101/NEWS/611010373/1062

http://caringbridge.com/cb/viewHome.do