A blog about the rewards of motherhood which are more precious than jewels.
Monday, January 29, 2007
My New Favorite Song
"The Power of the Cross"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend (even found it on itunes)
Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.
CHORUS:
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Ev'ry bitter thought,
Ev'ry evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.
Now the daylight flees;
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
"Finished!" the vict'ry cry.
Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death;
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.
FINAL CHORUS:
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Son of God—slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Update on Andrew January 28th
This is Andrew and Katherine's daughter Caroline---precious!
| SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2007 10:25 PM, EST |
| Andrew is having a very fun weekend. Two of his best friends from home are with him and it sounds like they're having a great time together. I heard that Andrew left the hospital for the first time today to go out to dinner with the guys. Patrick Elswick (assigned to care for Andrew), Andrew and his two buddies got into a pickup truck and went out to dinner together. I cannot imagine what it was like for Andrew to see the world outside of a hospital. It wasn't until recently that he knew anything other than his room. I can't wait to hear how their time out went. By the way, I posted the picture of Andrew and my daughter Caroline, who became reacquainted after 5 long months apart. We had a fun week together. :) ~Katherine |
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| FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2007 09:01 PM, EST |
| I'm back at home tonight. I already miss being around Andrew. It is good to be home though. I saw Andrew for a few hours this morning before hopping on the plane. He's doing well. I was impressed with how he was able to get ready, get his teeth brushed, etc. with very little help. It is amazing how busy he stays. He is constantly going from one appointment to another. I'm glad he's staying busy; it takes his mind off of his situation. Well, I'm one tired traveler so I'm going to hit the bed early. I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend! ~Katherine |
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| THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2007 09:49 PM, EST |
| It is very exciting for me to see Andrew encouraged and upbeat. He's been zooming around the hospital halls in his wheelchair- so pleased with his newfound mobility. Up until a few days ago, he was rarely in his wheelchair. Now he spends most of his day in it. Just getting out of the bed makes such a difference! His OT and PT are going really well. He's pushing himself a lot. They work on his balance, rolling over, sitting up, transfering in and out of the wheelchair etc. This coming Tuesday he will have his urological surgery. They will work on repairing the damage to his ureter. His physical therapy is currently somewhat limited by his injuries and healing. Once he can get a little more past all of that, then he can move directly towards his goal of walking. Good evening! ~Katherine |
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| WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2007 07:54 PM, EST |
| Today was another action packed day. Andrew spent from around 11:15 till around 4:30 in his wheelchair. Walter Reed happened to host the first ever bilateral amputee conference today. We spent all day following around three young men who have sustained similar injuries to Andrew. They demonstrated their abilities, activities, etc. We watched them climb stairs, walk up ramps and even run. It will be a very long time before Andrew is at this point because of the extent of his particular injuries. But, it was very encouraging for Andrew to see those guys doing what they could do. This will set the goal in place and give him hope for the future. For now, Andrew needs to work on bulking up and adding muscle back to his body so that he will have the strength to work on walking. Andrew was able to transfer himself to his wheelchair several times. I was very impressed! I hope all of you have a great evening! ~Katherine |
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| TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2007 07:38 PM, EST |
| What a fun day we had today! I went along with Andrew to his Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy appointments today. Today was the first day he had true official therapy. The therapists are so nice and so great. The OT guys told Andrew that they will be able to help him get back into adventure activities like skiing or scuba diving, for example. The physical theray room has a lot of neat equipment that will be helpful to Andrew. Andrew was able to roll over onto his stomach and do a few modified push-ups. He spent a ton of time sitting up in his wheelchair today. All of that is good for his endurance and comfort level. I took some great pictures around the hospital today. I'll try to post them on this site sometime after I get home. I met his whole 'team' today- which included his head doctors, surgeons, therapists, prosthetists and nurses. I was impressed with how organized they all were in working together with a common goal. So, all in all, today was a very encouraging day! Thank you all for your prayers! They really mean so much! ~Katherine |
Saturday, January 27, 2007
What a Wonderful Weekend!
Molly finally got to meet Jackson. So did Aunt Jo, Uncle Don. In the pictures are Jackson Estes, Georgia Finn, Zachary Brammer, Jordon, and Kaitlin Smith. We had so much fun in Cary and Raleigh, NC seeing my extended family and all our friends and now their own babies! It was sureal. We miss them!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
How Deep the Father's Love For Us
This song Neely sang beautifully at our wedding. I love all the songs written by Stuart Townend. Leah showed me that he wrote In Christ Alone, Beautiful Savior and The Power of the Cross
http://stuarttownend.typepad.com/
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(REPEAT)
http://stuarttownend.typepad.com/
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(REPEAT)
Inevitability of suffering-My Intro to Counselling Women Class
Well the first class went real well and here is a little bit of what I shared. Most of my material comes from the counselling women class I took in seminary.
Inevitability of Suffering-Job Chapter 1
Inevitability of Suffering-Job Chapter 1
I. Suffering will happen to the best of us (vs 1-5)
a. Look at verse one Job was “blameless and upright” repeat and he feared God and shunned evil. Very wealthy and blessed person
b. Burnt offering for his children (vs. 5)
c. Job is a good man he walked with the Lord daily. When storm comes up Job stands. When counsel women where are they?
d.
II. God allowed Satan to Tempt Job- (vs. 6-12)
a. Satan has to get permission to test Job. The Lord rules over Satan and he does no more or no less than the Lord will let him do.
b. What is God up too? He wants to demonstrate his own goodness and glory not just his power but he is a good God worthy of honor and worship.
c. Have to be confident in God’s Sovereignty and God’s goodness or you will not be in counseling long.
d. Either God is Lord of all or not Lord of all there is no middle ground. Facing evil is hard---women have real issues real abuse have to believe that God is both good and in control (why bad things happen to good people). If God is not in control---who is? Are you in control? Is Satan in control? How can Satan be complelty in control over this earth when God created Him.
III. Suffering will happen to the People we love (vs. 13-19)
IV. Job chooses to worship the Lord (vs. 20-22) Read these verses
a. What does Job do vs. 20 he falls on his face and worships the Lord. He morns he falls on his face he is emotionally honest with his loss.
b. Have they stopped worshipping God? One of the most important aspects in true Biblical counseling is worship that glorifies God.
c. Who is she worshipping???? In data gathering when you are listening to her.
d. Everything was given to Job by God and he has a right to take it away he is an all powerful good God. Where is she at? Does she think she deserves everything?
Chapter 2:
Vs. 9
- Wife knows that God is in control and able to stop this verse 9. She knows he is all powerful now she believes he is not fair not good.
- Will you chose to curse Him or worship Him?
Psalm 139—Oh Lord you have searched me and you know me.
Ephesians
Must memorize Romans
Reasons why women need counseling
- To offer her hope. To show her that Christ is working. For her to be confident that God is sovereign and up to something good no matter what (to get her excited about God being at work)
- Women need to see their life from a God centered perspective not a “me” centered. Piper quote “Do you feel more loved by God when God makes much of you or when God at the cost of His Son allows you to enjoy making much of him forever?
- Before the face of God. We need to see our lives lived out before the face of God ---there is no God free zones for his mercy and Grace
- Close the gap between Bible land and everyday land. Live out theology
- Enemy is within- the biggest enemy is ourselves not our husband---it is our own heart!
Two Worldviews:
- Strengthen self, become independent
- Deny yourself, become dependant on God and his Word
We were not created to worship ourselves
What is the ultimate goal of Biblical Counseling? Progressive Santification!!!! Not solving all your problems.
First Step Accepting Christ:
The Lord Jesus invites all who are weary and heavy with life’s burden to receive his rest (Matt.
Heavenly Father
I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of
my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my
heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the
Cross at
Eternal Life in the
that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now
to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and
Savior. I turn from my sins and turn to you. I will Worship you all the
day's of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess
with my mouth that I have I have been saved from sin and death! In Jesus Name, Amen
Books recommended:
- Tripp, David Paul. (2002). Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands.
- MacArthur, John F., & Mack Wayne, A. (1994). Introduction To Biblical Counseling,
- Welch, Edward T. (1997), When People Are Big and God is Small.
- Ganz, Richard. (1993). PsychoBabble.
Schedule:
- Feb. 10th How to Exact Do a Counseling Session/Brain Science/ Steps on Forgiveness
- March 3rd Bible Study on Counseling Depression
- April 21st Counseling Anxiety
- May 19th on Addictions,
- June 9th on Suicide, Abuse.
- July 14th, on Infertility, Abortion and Premenstrual disorder.
Update on Andrew-January 24, 2007
Andrew has now been moved to Walter Reed for physical therapy! They did find that he has lost 100 percent hearing in one hear so be praying for that.
| TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2007 07:38 PM, EST | ||||||
| What a fun day we had today! I went along with Andrew to his Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy appointments today. Today was the first day he had true official therapy. The therapists are so nice and so great. The OT guys told Andrew that they will be able to help him get back into adventure activities like skiing or scuba diving, for example. The physical theray room has a lot of neat equipment that will be helpful to Andrew. Andrew was able to roll over onto his stomach and do a few modified push-ups. He spent a ton of time sitting up in his wheelchair today. All of that is good for his endurance and comfort level. I took some great pictures around the hospital today. I'll try to post them on this site sometime after I get home. I met his whole 'team' today- which included his head doctors, surgeons, therapists, prosthetists and nurses. I was impressed with how organized they all were in working together with a common goal. So, all in all, today was a very encouraging day! Thank you all for your prayers! They really mean so much! ~Katherine | ||||||
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| MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2007 07:04 PM, EST | ||||||
| I spent a lot of time at Walter Reed today with Andrew. Things are going fairly well there. Andrew had audiology and ENT appointments this morning. He was fitted for a hearing aid, which should hopefully help with his hearing as his eardrum heals. We visited the physical therapy room today. We saw lots of guys with similar injuries as Andrew. They were all working on various things- one was on an eliptical machine, a few were stretching, others were swimming...It was interesting to check it all out. I know this is going to be a very long process. Andrew's injuries are very extensive- actually, most likely the worse there. There are several double amputees there right now. Most of them have a good bit of leg left on either one or both sides. Andrew has a hip disarticulation on his left side, meaning there is no femur left on that side. And, his right side is amputated a good bit above the knee. These challenges are more than most have to face. I know that can be very discouraging. And, there are so many adjustments he is dealing with right now since he's moved to a new facility. Please pray for encouragement during this transitional time. Thank you! ~Katherine | ||||||
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| SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2007 08:18 PM, EST | ||||||
| It was so great to see Andrew today! He looks so good. I arrived at the hospital and there he was in his wheelchair waiting by the elevator for our arrival. He was very happy to see Caroline. It has been snowing here all day. Mom, Caroline and I had to leave the hospital pretty shortly after seeing Andrew because of the worsening weather. Actually, my dad is currently having a hard time getting back to Spartanburg (on a plane). If any of you are reading this tonight, please pray he can get back to Spartanburg shortly. I know he has a big day at work tomorrow. I'm hoping the weather will be better by tomorrow. Thank you all for your prayers! ~Katherine | ||||||
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| SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2007 07:10 PM, EST | ||||||
| I am so excited because Caroline and I will be leaving tomorrow morning to go visit Andrew again. This will be the first time that Andrew will be able to see Caroline (who is one year old) since his accident. He is very much looking forward to seeing her. She definitely takes after my brother- in looks and in personality. So, I'm hoping they'll be able to bond again tomorrow and be buddies for the week. :) My dad is up there right now. He is very pleased with the new facility and the direction they will be going in with Andrew's physical therapy. I'll be writing you guys tomorrow from DC! Have a great evening! ~Katherine | ||||||
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| FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2007 10:06 PM, EST | ||||||
| Andrew told me that he has had a very busy day. He's had meetings with nurses, doctors and phyical therapists. The physical therapists did their preliminary evaluations this morning and it looks like they'll be starting therapy tomorrow. I am excited for him in that he'll have something to concentrate on and something to work towards. I also know that physical therapy can be very painful. Please pray for him as he starts on this new road towards recovery. Thank you! ~Katherine
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Thursday, January 18, 2007
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Dr. Catanzaro Conference
I have not posted this week yet because Boo Boo had to go to the doctor on Monday and has a sinus infection. It was bad and he could not really breath at all on Sunday night---it was scary. Both Charlie and Boo Boo where sick on Sunday so needless to say I had no time for anything but taking care of my men. It is so scary when Boo Boo cannot breath and we were constantly sucking out his nose.
Dr. Cat did a wonderful job teaching Doing Life God's Way through our marriages, children, emotions, and grieving. I learned a lot! It is great to be reminded that the Christian worldview is to die to self and to be dependant on God. When something bad is happening a good question to ask is: Is this problem helping me to die to myself, and be completely dependant on God? The answer has always been for me, yes. My goal in life is not to strengthen myself, but to worship my God. No one can "make" me feel bad. I chose to feel bad. Just like no person is putting a gun to my head and saying you have to overeat. I chose to overeat. I am reminded that during a crises I do not necessarily have to be thankful for my situation but I can be thankful that God know the ends and outs of everything and that he has promised to never leave or forsake me. Daily, am I concentrating on my relationship with the Lord the most, and worshipping Him? He is the only one that can love me perfectly.
I am also teaching a Counselling Women class this Saturday at the church. I Hopefully will have the information posted later this week.
Ps--Boo Boo was not feeling good at all so that is why he does not look too happy in the pictures
Saturday, January 13, 2007
A New Year, God's Word, and Your Life
Psalm 119:9-16:
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word."
This week Dr. Rummage talked about God's Word in your life. He said that "This Book is your source of Power, use it and your ministry will honor the Lord, refuse it and the drought of sin will prevail."
Several Principles in Keeping God's word in Your life:
1) Need to be Cleansed By God's Word (vs.) We need to read it, do what it says to stay refined.
2) We need to Keep Close to it (vs. 10) We have also got to pray
3) We need to Be Corrected By it (vs 11)
4) We need to be contented by God's Word (vs. 12-14)
5) We need to be committed to God's Word (vs. 15-16)
Am I truly delighting in God's Word and Mediating on it? Do I hit the floor and ask how can I glorify God today? Or do I ask how do I feel?
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Good Discussion
There is a good discussion going on about Biblical Womanhood on Charlie's blog. Check it out: http://charleswallace.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Jackson Whitehead
This is Virginia's old boyfriend's nephew. He is near and dear to our hearts because we babysat him in college and I have pictures that I will hopefully get to scan today. He brought such joy to everyone and I know we will be with him again in our eternal home. I could not move for the rest of the day after hearing of his death. He died in a car wreck. He actually drowned in the car. We know that God is the giver of life and he decides when to take us to our eternal home. This reminds me that my Jackson is ultimately God's child and I need to give him to God every day.
Jackson H. "Jack" Whitehead - Easley, SC
Jackson H. "Jack" Whitehead - Easley, SC
Sunshine and yellow, Jack was a happy little fellow. Born Jackson Henry Whitehead on July 8, 2000, he came into the world as a difference maker. He was so fun to be around bringing laughter and joy to all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Jack never met a stranger. He always saw the glass full to overflowing. He adored his little sister. He admired his Dad as his hero. And he loved his mother with abandon. He was a sheer delight to all.
Above all, Jack knew Jesus and loved Him completely. So on January 7, 2007, when given the invitation to go home to Heaven, he didn't look back.
He will be greatly missed by his Mommy and Daddy, Jason and Danielle Whitehead and his little sister, Ellie, maternal grandparents Kim and Kathie Cannon, paternal grandparents Byron and Delores Whitehead; uncles, Nate Cannon, Jon Whitehead and Hall Beard, aunts; Koehler Cannon and Jaclyn Whitehead and Fairy Godmother Heidi Ruehl; maternal great-grandparents Max and Pat Cannon, paternal great-grandfather Broadus Able. Jack was predeceased by maternal great-grandparents Homer and Irene Sidwell, paternal great-grandparents James and Nell Whitehead, and paternal great-grandmother Mary Able. We are glad to know our little obedient one is Home with Jesus.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Easley First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Robinson Memorial Gardens, 1425 Powdersville Road, Easley.
Visitation will be from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the fellowship hall of the church, prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jack Whitehead Memorial, Knightsville Elemetary School, Attn: Laura Blanchard, 847 Orangeburg Road, Summerville, SC 29483.
Family members are at the home of Jack's grandparents, Kim and Kathie Cannon, 1475 Powdersville Road, Easley, SC 29642 and Byron and Delores Whitehead, 301 Warrington Drive, Easley, SC 29642.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road who is assisting the family.
Monday, January 08, 2007
It is Our 3 Year Anniversary This Week!
We have been together for 6 years now, but for 3 years now in marriage. January 10th is the big day and my godly husband did the sweetest thing ever this week. Check it out: http://charleswallace.blogspot.com
I am so blessed to be married to such a God fearing man!
Update on Andrew -January 8th
| SUNDAY, JANUARY 07, 2007 09:40 PM, EST |
| I just got off of the phone with my dad, who is currently boarding a plane back to Spartanburg. I know that this is going to be a very hard year for my parents. Please pray that they will have a strength beyond themselves, that only comes from God, as they attempt to love on and be there for Andrew both physically and emotionally. Andrew is continuing to improve. His lungs are still an area of concern. My heart just breaks when I hear that he is hurting. The pain of the reality of his injuries is really setting in again. He has had such a realitic outlook on his situation; and, the reality of it is painful. I know that Jesus, having experienced being man, knows what pain is like on this earth. God's will involved Jesus' death on the cross, an extremely excruciating act. Yet, this pain that Jesus experienced glorified God and also redeemed the world. Andrew's pain is not in vain. God will use it in his life to love on others. And, as Andrew told my dad today, he will have his legs again in Heaven. ~Katherine |
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| SATURDAY, JANUARY 06, 2007 09:50 PM, EST |
| Andrew is doing well today. Currently, the major prayer concern is for his lungs. He has endured a lot of back to back surgeries recently; each time he undergoes anesthesia, his lungs go through a whole lot. He has pneumonia and labored breathing. I think the whole trip back to the ICU and back really discouraged him as well. Please pray that he will feel renewed and encouraged. He has a long road ahead of him and he's come so very far. I just know that from his point of view, it seems like so little. Thank you all for your prayers. They go so very far! ~Katherine |
Monday, January 01, 2007
Psalm 32
Blessed is he
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man
whose sin the LORD does not count against him
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night
your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
Selah
Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD "—
and you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Selah
Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you
while you may be found;
surely when the mighty waters rise,
they will not reach him.
You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Selah
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.
Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.
Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the LORD's unfailing love
surrounds the man who trusts in him.
Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!
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