tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4432961480530016952024-03-14T04:15:27.359-06:00TEAM CHINTeam Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.comBlogger215125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-3511348880238919042016-05-19T21:48:00.001-05:002016-05-19T21:48:28.165-05:00Choices<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.7em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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An excerpt from <a href="http://johnpavlovitz.com/2015/05/29/why-everything-does-not-happen-for-a-reason/" target="_blank">this</a> article titled <i>Why Everything Does Not Happen For A Reason</i>, </div>
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<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In this way, I believe in suffering as a sacred space; one where we get to choose.</span></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span aria-hidden="true" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It’s not a supernatural cause-and-effect experiment from the sky, specifically designed to do something to us or in us, but it is a time and place where we can respond and as we do, we are altered.</span> <span aria-hidden="true" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Our pain does not have a predetermined purpose, (otherwise we would be straddled with the terribly complicated task of figuring it out in a billion small decisions every single day), but that pain will always yield valuable fruit.</span></span></strong></div>
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</div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span aria-hidden="true" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">As much as I hate to admit it, my times of deepest anguish have almost always been the catalyst for my greatest learning, but I could have easily learned different lessons had I chosen differently.</span> <span aria-hidden="true" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Yes, I certainly grew tremendously in those trying times, but I could have grown in another direction altogether with another choice.</span> <span aria-hidden="true" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In that way, those moments of devastation held no single, microscopic needle-in-the-haystack truth to hunt for while I grieved and struggled, but there was still treasure to be found in the making of my choices and in their ripples.</span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I can remember all the horrid details, but I'll only list a few here:</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The exit # I was at when Aimee called to say Leanne was given only days to live ... #89</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Taking the steering wheel and making Bret go north on 35 when my mom texted "we need everyone here"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Literally holding a plastic bag in my hands from Ankeny to Ames because the urge to throw up was so strong</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sitting at my best friends house in Ames nursing Claire and sobbing so hard we could not talk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Driving in the pounding rain from Albert Lea to Abbott Northwestern hospital begging God for a miracle </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Running into the hospital and seeing my dad, one of the strongest men I know looking more defeated and devastated than I have ever seen him before</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Walking into that ICU room and seeing my sister laying in that bed, her body ravaged from the cancer that was killing her</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Watching Leo, Mollie, and Crosby happily run the halls of the hospital while trying to process how we would ever tell them that Leanne was dying </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I could focus only on all that. And become bitter. And angry. And resentful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had a choice to make. Because grief is a lifelong process, I will still experience all the anger, bitterness, denial, sadness, and every other emotion that comes along with grief. But I don't have to stay there. </span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was in a bible study this year and we st<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">udied the book of Revelation. Throughout this study I saw how God displays great mercy in all He does. During one lesson on suffering, the lecturer made this statement. "Sometimes all God wants us to do is to rejoice in suffering." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So I made a choice to rejoice in this suffering. I made a list of some of the ways God showed mercy to me during Leanne's death and in the two years since then.</span></span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">God allowing numerous people to come to salvation in Jesus because of her faith filled life and death</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">Bittersweet moments together in the hospital before Leanne died, including sweet goodbyes to each of my girls </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">Our entire family making it to the hospital in time to see Leanne and say good bye before she was put on meds to ease her pain</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">Sweet family time in the week between Leanne's death and her Celebration of Life service</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">New relationships made with those who have also lost family members</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">Seeing God use my grief to help others navigate their own journey of grief</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">The reminder that nothing we do can trump God's sovereign plan for our lives</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">A perspective of looking at people and circumstances in light of eternity</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222;">Do I choose to rejoice all the time? No. But I do have to say that it is getting easier and easier each time I choose joy over anger.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222;">What is God calling you to rejoice in? Even though it may seem like God's mercy isn't there, it is. You just may have to look a little deeper to find it. The choice is worth it.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-90570336932018898242016-01-16T21:17:00.001-06:002016-01-16T21:17:26.359-06:00One Month to LiveThe church that Ryan, Leo, and my parents attend is doing a sermon series about the book One Month to Live. You can check out more info on the book <a href="http://www.onemonthtolive.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Ryan was contacted by a friend at church to see if he and our family would be interested in sharing about how Leanne's life and death has affected the way we live our lives. Check out the video they showed at church last week!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/152037185" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-60878671698939735532015-10-08T21:32:00.000-05:002015-10-08T21:35:56.642-05:00Update on DebDeb had 12 of her 16 chemo treatments and was able to stop early because the treatments were so effective! She met with Dr. Bloom (Oncologist) and Dr. Johnson (Surgeon) and they scheduled surgery. She had her double mastectomy on Wednesday October 7th. Surgery went well and they had to remove very few lymph nodes!! She received the initial pathology report and it showed that her cancer had a "complete pathological response" to the chemo she received!!!! It also showed that there were no cancer cells left and the lymph nodes were also negative for cancer cells. She will hopefully head home on Friday. As of right now, she has a follow up appointment scheduled for next week where she will likely find out if radiation is necessary.<br />
<br />
I know Deb is incredibly thankful for your prayers. Please keep praying for:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A quick recovery from surgery</li>
<li>Low pain levels for Deb </li>
<li>Good sleep </li>
<li>Patience for Deb as she takes the time to recover</li>
<li>Wisdom as she tries to figure out what she can and cannot do in her recovery</li>
</ul>
<div>
If you are interested in bring Deb and Don a meal or to help out in another way, please contact rclemenson@gmail.com </div>
Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-85952153826636603642015-05-20T19:49:00.001-05:002015-05-20T19:49:26.542-05:00Stories: Family Edition vol. 7<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"> thought it would be good to give you all a chance to get to know my family a little better through having them share the past year in their own words. Grieving the loss of a wife, mother, sister, d</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">aughter, and friend looks different. Through each story, our goal is to give you a picture of how this year has transformed us. May you be encouraged by their humility and transparency as they share the pain of death, the hope Jesus offers, and everything else in between.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Here is Ryan's story:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God’s Plan<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we neared the end of our senior year in college and were
starting to look for “real” jobs, Leanne would always say that God has a plan
for our lives and we just need to trust him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From then on, every time something didn’t go according to our plans for
our lives, she would keep reminding me that God has a plan that is bigger and
better than anything we could plan for ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s easy to say that when you don’t get the
job you wanted and you are in a long distance relationship, but at least you
get to see each other every weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or
when you do get married, but each have to drive an hour to get to work each day
in opposite directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when you
hear the words “This is cancer” when you are so excited to be starting a
family and all that goes along with that, saying and believing that God has a
bigger and better plan for our lives is much, much, much harder to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is easy to look back and see all of the ways that God was
working in our lives and our relationship from the very beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From coordinating busy schedules in college,
to a two year long distance relationship, to getting married but each having
long commutes, to bringing us to Life Church in Fergus where the people there
took us in like family when we didn’t know anyone, to taking Financial Peace
University classes to set us up to be debt free even though Leanne had cancer,
to placing people in our lives that would and will support us no matter what,
to moving to the Twin Cities for better medical care, to keeping Leo safe and
healthy even though he came into this world much differently than we had
planned, to placing me in my current job that is awesome and that has allowed
me to go to appointments with Leanne and do whatever I needed to do to take
care of her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could go on and on, but
you get the idea.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Through all of that, Leanne still never wavered in her faith
or in reminding me that God has a plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now,
as we go on with our lives on earth without her physically here with us, I am
continually reminded that God does have a plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even though it looks nothing like what I had planned for our lives about
4 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last year has gone by
so fast and to be honest, the first few months are a blur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of you have shared stories about how
Leanne impacted your lives in one way or another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leanne was never shy about talking about God
or telling people what he had done in her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was an inspiration to many, including myself, and I believe that God
placed her in all of our lives to teach us what it means to be a faithful,
trusting, loving, and caring person.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve had several people ask me if I’m angry or mad at God
for taking Leanne from me at such a young age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I haven’t really been sure how to answer that question and honestly I
still don’t know how to answer it but I will give it a shot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t be mad that the cyst she found was
originally diagnosed as a cyst and nothing to be worried about, because if it
was diagnosed as cancer at that time we wouldn’t have Leo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t be mad that she got cancer, because
it not only brought her an I closer together, it brought our families much
closer together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t be angry that
she died because I know that she had Jesus in her heart and that she is in
Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t be angry that she is no
longer in pain and no longer suffering here on Earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t be mad about the friendships and
support that we have gained over the last 3 ½ years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I definitely cannot be mad about the way
Leanne taught me to trust in God above all else and to know that he does have a
plan that is bigger and better than anything we can plan for ourselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not saying that every day is a great day or even that any
day is a great day by any means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I
know is that we have God on our side, he will lead us through anything that he
has planned for us and he will continue to provide for us in ways that I cannot
explain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also know that God has given
me the responsibility to raise Leo without Leanne here and he will continue to
put people in place to help me raise him up to know God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fran shared a blog with me recently that does a great job of
summing up how I feel about the “firsts” without Leanne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This man lost his wife just a few weeks ago
to cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not going to go into
great detail and pretend that I came up with this on my own, so you can check
out the post at <a href="http://www.mundanefaithfulness.com/home/2015/5/6/firsts">http://www.mundanefaithfulness.com/home/2015/5/6/firsts</a>
.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favorite part of it is when he
says, “I needed to know that I could fumble through this, that I would do okay.
That I could process through decisions without her input. I needed to know that
whatever we as a family decided to do was okay.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For as much as Leanne didn’t like to make
decisions about certain things for our family and would tell me that she
trusted my decision, it was still easier making that decision with her input
and opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After reading this blog post,
I realized that whatever decision we make is ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am so thankful that God placed Leanne in my life and how
he has pieced everything together since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know I wouldn’t be where I am in my faith or in parenting today
without her influence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am also very
thankful for the White family and for all that they do to help out with Leo and
to take care of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thankful for my
family and for all the help and support they have provided us as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, I am thankful for all of the
conversations, messages, emails, texts, phone calls, and cards that we have
received over the last year from all of Team Chin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing that Leanne had an impact for God on
so many people has made this a little bit easier.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am also very thankful for all of your prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do have a few prayer requests to share.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Pray that Leo would understand what happened and for the
right words to explain it to him</li>
<li>Pray for continued peace for our families</li>
<li>Pray for my mom as she has begun her own battle and
treatments against breast cancer </li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-50624892386323680682015-05-19T21:18:00.000-05:002015-05-19T21:18:22.755-05:00Stories: Family Edition vol. 6<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"> thought it would be good to give you all a chance to get to know my family a little better through having them share the past year in their own words. Grieving the loss of a wife, mother, sister, d</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">aughter, and friend looks different. Through each story, our goal is to give you a picture of how this year has transformed us. May you be encouraged by their humility and transparency as they share the pain of death, the hope Jesus offers, and everything else in between.</span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is Chris' story:</span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So where do I start? Do I start with "God's got this"?
Do I start with how I feel? Do I start with what I've learned? Do I start with
where I go from here? Where do I start?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As I write this,
it's been almost a year since Leanne went to heaven. On one level, it seems
like that was yesterday and on another it seems like the longest year of my
life. I can remember that day and the emotions as if it were yesterday and at
the same time I cannot imagine that I have gone a year without seeing her or
hearing her voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The past twelve
months have been a season of "Firsts". First birthday, first
Christmas, first anniversary, Leo’s first birthday without mommy, you
get the picture. Each one has been a difficult reminder that Leanne is not here
to share them. This is the last first. So what now?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On that day, May
20th at 4:45pm, our world turned completely upside down. We were facing changes
in our lives we never expected or wanted. What would happen to our family? What
would happen to Ryan and Leo? What do we do? Who we talk to about this?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Here's what I
know:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">*<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We
miss Leanne like crazy.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">*<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We
know she is no longer in pain or hurting.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">*<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We
hurt for Ryan and Leo.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">*<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Our
lives will never be the same.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">*<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We
have to move forward.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Here's what I
also know:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">*<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God
is in control.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">*<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->He
never left my side.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">*<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->His
plan is perfect.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">*<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->He
knows and cares how I feel.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">*<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I
will see Leanne again.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A good friend of
mine asked me the other day if God gives us glimpses of Leanne. I quickly
answered yes. We have had messages of love and care throughout the year that
have assured us we (and Leanne) are not forgotten. We have been contacted by
complete strangers who have been touched my Leanne's story. And most
importantly, we see daily reminders of Leanne in Leo. From his
"Spicy" personality, to his infectious sense of humor, we see so much
of her (and Ryan) in him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We put on our
"Game faces" each day and go out to our work, meetings, activities,
etc. We tell people we are doing "Okay" because that's people need to
hear. To be honest, we are not doing okay. We are getting through. We are
hurting and missing Leanne. As a dear friend told me "You cannot go back,
you cannot stay where you are, you can only move forward". And so we do.
It is not easy and we are not alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Paul's 2nd
letter to the Corinthians holds language of special comfort for me; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in
despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God has been
with us every step of the way. We have been aware of his presence through his
Holy Spirit and his word. We have felt "God hugs" that reassure us we
are not in this by ourselves. It is such a blessing to have a family that are
believers and are of one mind. We are able to cling to God and each other to
get through the days, weeks and months. There have been so many of you who have
cared for us, prayed for us, been servants to us, we cannot say thank-you
enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And where do we
go from here? We long for heaven to come to earth so our family can be complete
again. We have families whose lives must go on. We have Leo to build a memory
of mommy with. Where do we go? What do we do?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What we do is we
trust in God and His perfect plan. He knew what was going to happen all along.
And He knows what's going to happen in the future. We need to rest in the
assurance of his love and provision. As Leanne said "God's got this".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I'm reminded of
Paul's letter to the Romans chapter 8:37-39; "No, in all these things we
are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that
neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present not the
future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all
creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ
Jesus our Lord".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We are not the
same people we were a year ago. In some ways we are better and in some we are
worse. We miss Leanne and we miss the way our family used to be. But we hold
dear to the promise that we will be a complete family for eternity. In that we
find hope. We have seen the incredible impact Leanne's story has had on
literally thousands of people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We pray that
Leanne's message of faith and hope in God will continue to impact lives. We are
committed to sharing her story as often as we can in the hope that lives will
change and God will be glorified.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-61913708295958084242015-05-18T22:21:00.005-05:002015-05-18T22:21:53.756-05:00Stories: Family Edition vol. 5<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"> thought it would be good to give you all a chance to get to know my family a little better through having them share the past year in their own words. Grieving the loss of a wife, mother, sister, d</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">aughter, and friend looks different. Through each story, our goal is to give you a picture of how this year has transformed us. May you be encouraged by their humility and transparency as they share the pain of death, the hope Jesus offers, and everything else in between.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Here is Bret's story:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Leanne’s loyalty and commitment to Christ has been shared on
this blog numerous times the past three years.
The verse memorization, music, thoughts, devotions, prayers, readings,
etc. were such a testament to me and many others. Watching Leanne lean on Christ more and more
has encouraged so many, including myself, to do the same. God has truly blessed all of us who were able
to see this through Leanne. My prayer now
is that God would give us the same loyalty and commitment for His purposes that
he gave Leanne. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">God has taught us all quite a few things this past
year. Specifically for me, I feel like
we have learned and are continuing to learn the following:</span></div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">God’s plan is better than mine and many
blessings come our way in God’s plan.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Even when it is scary and doesn’t make sense to me at the time, like
moving to Minnesota.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Family is a sweet gift from God and it is a
blessing to have nearby.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">This is why he
created family and why he wants us to continue to work and encourage each other
in these relationships.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">God wants all of my life not just part of
it.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">God wants me to depend on him for
the diaper changes, meetings, tough conversations, disciplinary times, dance
parties, good conversations, and commutes.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Proverbs 16:3</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Don’t worry, God’s got this!</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Well said, Leanne!</span></span></li>
</ol>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Going through trials like this past year are not fun and I
wouldn’t wish these on anyone. However,
I think trials have a way of teaching me more than the good times in life and
allowing me to see my need for Christ even more in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I pray that you may all be able to not worry and allow God
to get it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bret</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-8624149203721526492015-05-18T17:23:00.004-05:002015-05-18T22:19:05.961-05:00Stories: Family Edition vol. 4<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">I thought it would be good to give you all a chance to get to know my family a little better through having them share the past year in their own words. Grieving the loss of a wife, mother, sister, d</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">aughter, and friend looks different. Through each story, our goal is to give you a picture of how this year has transformed us. May you be encouraged by their humility and transparency as they share the pain of death, the hope Jesus offers, and everything else in between.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Here is Danielle's story:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<!--StartFragment-->
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Mommy, could I send a picture to Auntie Lanny?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Umm…well…I’m sorry Crosby, we can’t.” (holding back tears)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Why not?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Crosby, the mail doesn’t get delivered in heaven, but I
just know Auntie Lanny would love it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Conversations with our two girls have been the most
difficult over the past year. I have
struggled with what to say, how to say it and whether or not I should say
anything at all. Children are so innocent and curious. As a mom, this is has been one of the hardest
things I’ve wrestled with. My heart
hurts for all of our littles who’ve spent limited time with their Auntie
Lanny/mommy. Our girls, our nieces, our
nephew, the littles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our memories of Leanne, have now become our girls memories
of her. Stories of a week spent at a
cabin in Wisconsin, Thanksgiving in Iowa, holiday and summer time fun, sweet
hand crafted gifts, kitty shirts, dress ups, and family photos are just some of
the memories we share. We look through
scrapbooks and photo albums, talking about amazing time spent with Leanne. Auntie Lanny comes up daily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As a parent, we want to protect our children from the
sadness in this world. This has been
nearly impossible over this past year. I
have looked to my heavenly father over and over asking him for help. Help in knowing how to share my memories of
Leanne. Help in knowing the right things
to say during those difficult conversations with Crosby. Help in processing this overwhelmingly sad
loss. Help in keeping it together as a
mommy and a wife.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the very last things Leanne spoke to us is that,
“God’s got this!” God, our heavenly
father, has everything under control.
Time and time again I have found comfort in that He is in control. God’s
faithfulness throughout this year has been amazing. He seems to know just when we need glimpse of
Leanne. One day it’s finding an old
handwritten note from her. The next,
it’s watching our girls imaginations run wild with their dress ups from Auntie
Lanny. God’s got this!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are days that are really difficult. God never promised us things would be
easy. What makes it easier is to talk
about Leanne. I love sharing her with
our girls. And I am looking forward to
telling our unborn daughter all about her Auntie Lanny. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are so appreciative of all of your prayers as you’ve
followed this difficult journey with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your notes and text of encouragements came at just the right time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your acts of kindness are appreciated more
than you know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are blessed to be
surrounded by such amazing friends and family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-65472599287155173462015-05-17T21:14:00.001-05:002015-05-17T21:14:21.167-05:00Stories: Family Edition vol. 3<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I thought it would be good to give you all a chance to get to know my family a little better through having them share the past year in their own words. Grieving the loss of a wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend looks different. Through each story, our goal is to give you a picture of how this year has transformed us. May you be encouraged by their humility and transparency as they share the pain of death, the hope Jesus offers, and everything else in between.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7IuNGtO6LHNcXyIo27Q4h-Gq0Y2SOL2IUctZ4dYkuBw?feat=embedwebsite"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img height="400" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jcL4B4VkVz8/VVlJqxSRrkI/AAAAAAAAHus/u-96YNo7sXU/s400/Untitled.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is Fran's story:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">May 20, 2014...the day my life changed forever. The day my
precious daughter Leanne Joy left this earth for her forever home in Heaven.
Though this last year has been hard I have felt God <br />
present in my pain. God knows my sorrow and pain and sees my broken heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter how painful my situation is Jesus
brings me Hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are days when I
feel like rejecting this Hope and instead choose despair but somehow I always
return to God and allow Him to light my path<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cancer and suffering has given me
and our family the beautiful gift of perspective. It is the gift we never
wanted, the gift wrapped in confusion and brokenness and heartbreak. It is the
gift that stripped other ideas of living from us completely. The beautiful ugly
raising to the surface of the importance of each and every moment and each and
every person in that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are more
intentional with what we do. We pray together. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spend more time together. We cry
often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hug more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love BIG.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Early on in
Leanne's cancer journey a friend who had walked the cancer journey told me this
-" Walk the road each day one foot in front of the other with God by your
side, not looking down the road but walking the road."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to be honest and say that there are
some days that I would rather stay in bed with the covers pulled up high
instead of getting up and facing whatever lays before me that day...but my
family needs me and depends on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
often think that if Leanne could fight cancer with everything she had and never
ever quit, how can I quit??? She inspires me even today to get up, get dressed
and face the day and Thankfully God is with me - keeping me healthy in body and
mind and able to take care things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the past
year I have learned to live with the loss of Leanne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't like it, I live with it. I talk about
Leanne and share about her each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This brings comfort to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please
know that you won't offend me if you mention Leanne's name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is part of our family and always will
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need you to ask about her if you
have questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love talking about
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus' hands and feet have embraced our family over the last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Family, friends, neighbors, pastors, co-workers and many more - Thank
You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WE could never do this without each
of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for taking time out of
your busy lives to care for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please
know that your continued prayers are appreciated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please don't be
afraid to ask me how I am doing,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and if
my answer if OK please understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
days are harder than others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This grief
journey is a hard one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should not
lose a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leanne was a beautiful
daughter who allowed me to care for her each day of her life and especially
through the hard of cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She allowed
me to take care of her boys - Ryan and Leo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is hard not to have her here...my heart is broken. I love Leanne
greatly and therefore I grieve deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So I ask you to give me some grace...and just love me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't tell me you understand unless you too
have lost a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't tell me that
once the fog lifts that I will be OK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is not a weather pattern and will not lift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will continue to cling to Jesus and the
HOPE that He offers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though my
heart is breaking and tears cloud my eyes and run down my cheeks, God gives me
something worth trusting in these tough times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And that's Him and Him alone. When my heart is breaking I can place my
hope and trust in the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing the
Lord and His comfort does not take away the ache.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead it supports me in the middle of the
ache.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until I get home to heaven,
there's going to be an ache that won't quit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The grieving process for me is not so much a matter of getting rid of
the pain, but not being controlled by the pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Be Strong and take heart, all you who hope in
the LORD - Psalm 31:24 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hugs and Love,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fran</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">
<br />
<br />
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Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-32968155461137188362015-05-15T20:30:00.002-05:002015-05-15T20:30:57.084-05:00Stories: Family Edition vol. 2<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I thought it would be good to give you all a chance to get to know my family a little better through having them share the past year in their own words. Grieving the loss of a wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend looks different. Through each story, our goal is to give you a picture of how this year has transformed us. May you be encouraged by their humility and transparency as they share the pain of death, the hope Jesus offers, and everything else in between.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is Tim's story:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is still nothing easy about this. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is no part of Leanne’s journey where I didn’t doubt for a second that our sovereign God was in control. I still today look back and forward and see God’s plan unfolding. People that Leanne’s story/life touched and seeing God work in their lives. Untold stories of the impact of her life on those around her in such tiny ways which were incredibly evident that God had a hand in each one. That doesn't mean it wasn't/isn't incredibly difficult. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I vaguely remember October 2011 and the news Leanne had cancer. Going to Minnesota and surrounding her and knowing God was doing the same for us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From there the updates came and went. Some good some bad but Leanne never wavered. I remember many google hangouts where nothing seemed to rattle her. What strength, what faith. She may have been beat up, tired, barely able to stay awake but at n</span>o point was there wavering, no pity parties, none of it. Just utter resilience and trust in God. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's the one thing that sticks with me through all of this is Leanne's strength and faith in the face of all she went through. I remember seeing her at Christmas, Thanksgiving, and in the summer after treatments had wiped her out. When she could barely keep her eyes open but there was never any questioning about God's purpose or her role as an ambassador for Him through all of this. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can recall all the people who reached out to and served Leanne through all of this. From the meals, the diapers that got dropped off , babsitting Leo, and all along you knew God was in control and sent His earthly angels to watch over her. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So we jump forward to May 17, 2014 when Leanne was admitted to the hospital for some fluids and a checkup because she wasn't feeling well. This was on a Saturday and I remember the texts that Leanne was in the hospital. We prayed and asked God to watch over and heal her. Wrap her up in his arms and let her feel no pain. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Monday morning was just like any other for me then my dad called and said Leanne's cancer had grown bigger than we had ever thought and her body was failing her and we needed to come see her right away. I happened to be picking up a field trip in a bus and my wife was on the same campus so I went to tell her in person. I had just hung up with my dad when got to her classroom and she just crumpled in my arms.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7Fg0x_bCJFjZsxoKMThHCeGq0Y2SOL2IUctZ4dYkuBw?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not to say we took these things for granted, but we always trusted in Gods plan. We just never thought this would be the what his plan was. It makes you step back and ask: Do I really trust gods plan or just my version of what I want him to do?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We were only a week away form school being done and some great people took care of everything for us so we could go. We got on a flight and had some delays at the airport which was infuriating, but we got to the hospital that night and saw Leanne. Words can't really describe what I felt, so I'm not really going go try now. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We spent the next 16 hours looking to the Lord for strength. Even though she wouldn't hurt or suffer anymore this was still hard. I had gone back to the house to help with the kids with Katie and then we got this.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We dropped everything and went to the hospital. She had gone to be with her Heavenly Father. I think we were all a little jealous(her being with her Heavenly Father!) but the pain was there. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She was gone.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not forever, we will see her again, we are promised that. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The condolences started to come in but also the stories. This is where you start see God's plan take shape. The amount of people she touched even as she battled cancer is mind blowing. Let's put it this way: it was a God thing all along. No other explanation is possible. She was an incredibly faithful servant in the midst of her cancer. God never ceased to be the center of her life. I don't need to tell you that because all of you that saw her saw it all the time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The pain isn't gone, but God's plan is taking shape. Leanne had many things that she relied on to keep her mind and heart strong during her battle: her bible, devotionals, cards, texts, and music. One of the groups she turned me onto was Hillsong Young and Free. Their song "Sinking Deep" has been my go to song for the last year. It's alarm in the morning, I listen to it 5x a day, easy. When they played it at church a few weeks ago for the first time ever I absolutely lost it in the middle of the service. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The chorus goes like this: </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm wide awake, drawing close, stirred by grace</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And all my heart is yours</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All fear removed, I breathe you in, I lean into</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your love, oh your love. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Leanne's whole heart was Gods no question. And she breathed him into every second of her life which is maybe why she had no fear about what her life would look like even if this was a possibility. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As the past year has come and gone and we are close to celebrating Leanne's passing I think of this song often and I just want to Sink Deeper into the arms of Christ every day. This is where we will know the true joy, love, and contentment of our relationship with our Heavenly Father that Leanne knew throughout her life. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tim</span></div>
Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-17584364944565718952015-05-13T18:57:00.003-05:002015-05-13T18:57:58.378-05:00Stories: Family Edition vol. 1<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">I thought it would be good to give you all a chance to get to know my family a little better through having them share the past year in their own words. Grieving the loss of a wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend looks different. Through each story, our goal is to give you a picture of how this year has transformed us. May you be encouraged by their humility and transparency as they share the pain of death, the hope Jesus offers, and everything else in between.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Here is Aimee's story:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Numb. Mad. Independent. Content. Exhausted. Hopeful. Depressed.
Introvert. Prayerful. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Words that describe the last year of my life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each day is harder yet easier to get out of bed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was there when she took her last breath on this earth. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grief is messy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May 20<sup>th</sup>, 2014 replays in my mind daily.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I watch each hour go by. Some days its minutes. Other days
its seconds. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My tears are healing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have never felt such a longing for someone. I have never
missed someone SO much. I know it is a feeling that will never be cured until I
see her again in heaven. Leanne was my source of council. The one I could call.
She always had the right words to say that would put my mind at ease. So
needless to say I have a huge gaping hole in my heart. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I go to bed each night praying I will wake up from this
nightmare. Praying for relief from this indescribable pain. Crying out to God
“when does it get easier?” “When will it get better?” The reality is- it isn’t
going to get better. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Life is just going to
be different. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are so many unanswered questions rolling around in my
head-<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">How could she die so young? She had so much life
ahead of her</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Did he really need her more than us?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">What is he teaching us?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">When will life be good again?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">How is he still good? Is he still good?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Where is he in my pain and in my sorrow?</span></li>
</ul>
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I recently started seeing a therapist. She challenged me
when I was struggling with these questions. She said to me “how do you think
God feels when you ask questions like this?” I sat there and stared blankly. I
have never in my life thought about his feelings. How selfish. I couldn’t
answer. She then followed up with “what is God feeling when you feel mad, sad,
angry etc?” I looked at her and said “I think he feels what I feel”. I picture
him sitting next to me on the couch in that office, he’s crying with me. He’s
mad with me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She then read this Psalm to me:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Psalm 13: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How long will you
hide your face from me?<o:p></o:p></div>
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2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and day after day
have sorrow in my heart?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How long will my
enemy triumph over me?<o:p></o:p></div>
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3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give light to my
eyes, or I will sleep in death,<o:p></o:p></div>
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4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and my foes will
rejoice when I fall.<o:p></o:p></div>
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5 But I trust in your unfailing love;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my heart rejoices
in your salvation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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6 I will sing the Lord’s praise,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for he has been
good to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This scripture of lament captures my exact feelings. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus wept with the weeping. He endured in his pain. He
embraced in his death. And that’s how he showed his strength. Being weak is
letting him be our strength. I may be wrestling with doubt but I am developing
a deeper relationship with him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the last year I have chosen to wake up each morning and
thank God for the breath he has given me. I choose to embrace each day with the
strength that can only be granted by him. Just like she did.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every day is a day
closer to heaven. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know that he will stand firm on his promise that he is
good and like Leanne said “God’s got this”. In the meantime I’m continuing to
be patient. Clinging to his promises. Seeking him daily. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God. Is. Good.</div>
Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-88808972451170950882015-05-10T19:53:00.001-05:002015-05-10T19:53:34.946-05:00Stories vol. 4<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">I pray these stories encourage you to not take a moment or interaction for granted. Our stories have included those of a fellow cancer patient, a former co worker, and a mentor type relationship. Today, we hear from a complete stranger; someone Leanne met one time. Leanne was someone </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">who did not take a single opportunity for granted. When she felt the Holy Spirit prompting her to befriend someone, she did. After you read this story, may you be challenged to do the same. You never know whose path you are crossing and the impact God would have you make for His sake.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is Kessia's story:</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear family of Leanne,</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I wish that I was one of the very lucky ones to say I knew Leanne really well. That we were really close and knew each other for years, went to college together, or something along those lines. But the truth is, we met once. Tuesday, June 11th 2013. And ran into each other two times after that in passing.</span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On Tuesday, June 11th, around 5:00 in the evening, I was there with my kids, my then 4 1/2 year old daughter and 2 1/2 year old son at Miller Park in Eden Prairie. It was a perfect evening for playing in the splash pad and playing on the park. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I remember noticing a woman that looked really close to my age, and looked to be sitting with her mother on a bench watching over the splash pad, they were chatting and smiling at each other. I remember this image in my head, because they both looked really relaxed, so comfortable with each other and really just enjoying the gorgeous evening. My kids had a bucket of toys maybe 5 feet away from them, and this cute little red headed boy ap</span>proached them and picked up a bucket or small toy or something. I smiled at them and said, "oh its fine!" They then asked me how old my kids were and I told them, they asked me if I did anything with the family center and I said "yes, of course!", we've gone though babies, 1's, 2's, and do preschool through the family center. I asked Leanne how old Leo was. She told me 18 months, but he was born at 32 weeks. I asked her if she was at the mother/baby center at Abbott to which she replied she was. I told her that I had just had a very complicated pregnancy, at my 20 week scan, my third child showed severe growth issues, low amniotic fluid, and several other issues. I was prepared to have to to go to the mother/baby center at Abbott and have my daughter in the Children's NICU, however, her heart stopped in utero at 26 weeks in April. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">She told me how sorry she was, and that she would pray for me. I remember thinking how amazing to have the courage to tell someone, "I will pray for you" after a 4 minute park conversation at the park. But I was grateful, I said, "Thank you, I really appreciate it, I miss my daughter very much". </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">She then told me about why Leo was born at 32 weeks. I can't quite articulate how I felt here, I was at a loss for words, maybe it's because I had by now figured out that her and I are a mere 10 months apart and fathoming what she had gone through at nearly the same age just took my breath away. I think I uttered something like, "are you okay now though?". </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">She told me that she was going through Chemo again but that this gorgeous day in June, she had gotten some really encouraging news. She was all smiles. Like, the warmest smiles that someone could have. I was so happy for her. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I also realized I had read about her story in the EP paper, and began putting it all together. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">We talked some more about the family center, and Fran taking a leave of absence, how we both went to EPHS 1 year apart, we talked about Wooddale and Mops, which I had tried once 3 years ago, but felt out of place. We just chatted for a few minutes more about our kiddos. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Soon, it was time for me to get my kids home for dinner. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I drove home that night, and looked at my 2 children here on earth, I looked to the sky, which I often do when I think about my daughter in heaven. And I felt blessed. So. Amazingly. Blessed.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I felt so thankful for what I do have. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was so encouraged by the strength she showed.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I got home and I began to google that story in the EP paper, I found the Team Chin blog that night and read it from start to finish. I began to follow her story. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">After every successful chemo or bit of good news, I was overjoyed. And I felt anxiety every time there was a set back. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I began to figure out her family dynamics, and the closeness of the White/Miller/Euken family is something of such greatness. I could picture in my head the family gatherings filled with love, laughter, tears and joy. Greatness.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The second time Leanne and I ran into each other was very brief, it was at the Goodwill in Chanhassen a Thursday morning in either July or August. She happily pushed Leo in a cart and looked to be enjoying the Toddler Thursday as a momma with her son finding some 1/2 price toys. Just the two of them, out and about on a summer morning, being a stay at home mom. We passed each other, said hey how are you, good. But we unfortunately weren't able to talk. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is when I started to think that there was a reason for our meeting. I told other people about her. About this amazingly strong woman just a few months older than me and the journey she was on that I anonymously followed so closely. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have a strong anxiety disorder, I've struggled with it all of my adult life. I have panic disorder and hypochondria. My thoughts are obsessive. I live full of fear and anxiety.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet again, in the Christmas season, somewhere around a week before Christmas, Leanne and I ran into each other at Kohl's. She was at the cashier checking out and I was 2 people behind her, she finished up, looked at me and smiled, we were about to say Hi, but another cashier opened up her lane and called me over to check out. By the time I was finished, she had left the store. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I drove home that night, and since I closely followed her blog, I knew she was still going through chemo and yet here she was, so strong. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I saw a Therapist weekly, I told him the next week about her. How there had to be a reason for our meeting. I couldn't believe that this was just a random thing. God was putting her in my life for a reason, showing me what it looked like to live for Him. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">While I am so consumed with anxiety and fear, I often feel helpless, but Leanne, Leanne was living what I fear so much. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It made me think, what am I supposed to do now, what am I supposed to do with this? I wanted to be friends with her, I wanted to know her. It is pretty easy to see why, clearly. She was an inspiration, and I wanted to know her. I tried friending her on Facebook, but she never did accept, possibly not realizing who I was. After all, I knew so much about her and her really not knowing anything about who I am.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I thought about joining MOPS, now known as Mom's Connect in the fall. For myself, and with hopes to run into Leanne. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She is someone I wanted to be friends with, to know, and become close with. She didn't really know me at all, but I followed her. I am amazed by her. She made me question how I live my own life. After watching the memorial service posed on Team Chin, I yearn for a deeper relationship with God. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I pray for Leo, as many hundreds, thousands, do, that he may know the strength of his mother and for her love and Gods to clothe him with comfort. For Ryan, Chris and Fran. For Katie, Aimee and Tim and spouses and nieces. Stay strong.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">God Bless you all, </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kessia</span></div>
Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-58815771588384394212015-05-06T21:05:00.002-05:002015-05-06T21:05:24.567-05:00Stories vol. 3<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">I pray these stories encourage you to not take a moment or interaction for granted. Our stories have included those of a fellow cancer patient and of a former co worker. Many of us are in mentor type relationships whether we realize it or not. Whether you are the one giving advice or encouragement or on the receiving end, take a moment to read this story and be encouraged and challenged to not underestimate your influence the relationships God has placed in your life. May your life be forever changed by the faithful examples God has given you.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Here is Mary's story that she shared at a retreat she and Leanne attended together for the past two years:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A dear friend of mine and a Thirsty Heart Sister, Leanne White Miller, lost her
battle with breast cancer on May 20, 2014.
She did, however, win the most important race of her life. She is now fully healed and celebrating in
the arms of her Heavenly father. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
have a special gift to give in memory of her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some of you may have remembered that she gave a scripture board as her
gift in the gift exchange last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think we all wanted one!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I did
anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, we made one for each of
you this year….when I say we, I am referring to the hands of Leanne’s mom,
Fran, Leanne’s sisters Aimee and Katie, myself, Barb and Kristin Jackson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scriptures are from Leanne’s
computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fran had prints made for each
of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This retreat was a highlight for
Leanne and Fran was happy to do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
you were ever in Leanne’s kitchen you’d see these scriptures taped to her
kitchen cabinets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They helped get her
through each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She made “taking her
thoughts captive” a goal, and if you knew Leanne, she fought hard after her
goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Aimee
wrote on the bottom of the boards “God’s got this”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a mantra her family recites again and
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leanne went into the hospital on
a Saturday and died the following Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On Sunday night she could tell by her families faces that they knew
something she didn’t, so she asked them……when she learned that her body was
giving up she said to her family “God’s Got This, It will be okay.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her faith was unwavering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to say she wasn’t scared, mad, anxious
and worried a lot, but God met her at those times and filled her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She called the special things God did for
her, “God Hugs”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
first met Leanne when we moved next door to her family in 2001.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was busy with high school so I never knew
her well then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made jewelry for her
wedding, saw her married and was kept abreast of her life through her mom, my
friend and mentor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In October 2011
Leanne was diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and her husband moved to the cities for
better medical care and that’s when I got to know her well and was privileged
to watch God work in her life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
took care of her little boy, Leo (who was born in January of 2012), on
Wednesday mornings so she could go to bible study and often for doctor’s
appointments and treatments. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s when
our friendship started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent time
together nearly every week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought
of her as a sweet sister but she would refer to me as a special aunt (I forget
how old I am<span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Through
it all, her desire was for God to be glorified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was….She was always eager to share God’s tangible presence in her
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m struggling now as I keep
writing all the things she did that were so inspiring to me but I know she
would want me to share how inspiring God is ……so here’s my try:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I saw God meet her needs daily</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I saw God calm her through prayer, and music and scripture and people
and worship and His creation</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I experienced God waking me a night to pray and the next day finding
that it was a really hard night for her.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I saw God answer her little prayers, sweet hugs,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I saw a women bathed in God’s love – God kept her secure in His love
for her</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I saw a woman who experienced God’s presence so you could SEE it on her
face and in her.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">He showed her that He
is completely trustworthy and when Satan tried to tell her otherwise, she
fought him off</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">In the midst of her battle God gave her peace and joy, so much joy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I saw people come to faith through her life and her blog which openly
shared her journey – the good and the hard</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I saw a family torn by grief and bonded through faith</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I saw God give her the ability to see beyond her circumstances and equip
her to give abundantly</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I saw God teach me so much about how intimate he can be, truly
intimate, I saw it in her but I know I haven’t experienced it fully – not like
she did – I was a little jealous for it</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I saw God equip her to live each day fully – she trusted God’s
provision</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">God continues to give her family comfort in knowing that their loss was
not for nothing.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">He brought many people
to faith through her.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">They still receive
notes of thanks and hear stories of how her faith ministered to someone,
someone they’ve never met.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">And they have</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">the gift of
Leo.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">He’s three now and a spitfire and a
joy</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After
Leanne died, her family found prayer journals she had kept since college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have been a sweet balm for them to read.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She began each with “Dear God” and
ended each with her signature “Leanne Joy”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
will share a little of her heart with you from one I was privileged hold onto
for awhile – this was hers in the midst of her battle:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">The day of her first diagnosis, Oct. 11, 2011, she wrote – “Father
thank you that you are going to walk us through this.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Thank you that this is your plan and that you
know exactly how it will all work out.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Father I am not strong enough to do this on my own and I thank you for
the promise that you will never leave me and also for the people you have
provided to walk this journey with us.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Lord you know what we need and you will give us just that.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Take away my fears father and fill those
places with your grace and your mercy.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Do not let the devil have any part of my mind.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Hold us as we process this and let us look to
you because only you can provide what we need.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Give the doctors wisdom and guidance.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Let his be part of my story and may I use it to glorify you.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Father I give it all to you.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">You have the plan and I trust you with
everything I am and everything I know.”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">When waiting for test results she wrote – “I trust you and I know how
big you are and I pray that you would let be remember that you are in
control.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Calm my fears.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Take away my anxiety.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Hold me and let me shine your light through
whatever the results may bring.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">God I am
so thankful for you and the fact that I know you.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Thank you for choosing me and loving me and
carrying me through this.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">You have the
best plan.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">You are bigger than all of
this and I give it to you.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">You are the
only one who can handle it.”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Another sweet note to our Lord – “God you are so great.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I am overwhelmed by your love for me.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I am in awe of your ability to provide at just
the right minute.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I am so thankful!</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I praise you.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I worship you.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I rest in your
never failing, never ending, loving embrace.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Her journal was peppered with prayers for others.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">If you gave her something to pray for, she
did.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">On May 5, 2014, she wrote, “ People are so quick to give us credit and
I pray that we would always be very quick to point it back to you.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">God we have such a sweet walk and a sweet
relationship.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I pray that as we continue
this journey that I would always remain right her on your lap in the biggest
squeeze with my arms around your neck.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">I
pray that I would not be tempted to wander.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">That my eyes, would be ever focused on you and that I would remember
what it says in Deuteronomy 8:3.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">That I
would remember that we don’t live on bread alone but rather we live on every
word that comes from your mouth.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On
the day Leanne went to be with the Lord I received a text from a friend who was
in a support group for women with, and survivors of, breast cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, “the comfort club will be praying
for Leanne from 4:30 -5:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Join us
wherever you are.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned, shortly
after 5:00 that Leanne was in the Lords embrace at about 4:45.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was in Ryan’s, her hubby’s, arms as he
encouraged her to run to Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fran
said that after she took her last breath, she saw a smile on Leanne’s face and
a tear down her cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ryan
and Leo moved in with Fran and Chris next door to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are starting to think of setting out on
their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been a joy and a comfort
to be together and I get to see Leo lots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The other morning he said, “Miss Mary, are you pregnant”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ryan was mortified :)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pray
for Leo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He really misses his mom and
still has trouble sleeping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been a
hard journey for all but God has been more than faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pray
for the whole White family as they continue to grieve and miss their daughter,
wife, sister, aunt and sweet momma. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
obviously could go on and on and I am prayerful that I haven’t forgotten
anything God would want you to know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love
you all,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mary</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-62273339656525398262015-05-04T20:50:00.002-05:002015-05-04T20:50:19.469-05:00Stories vol.2<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">I pray these stories encourage you to not take a moment or interaction for granted. Our last story was of a fellow cancer patient. Today, a story from a former co worker. Take a moment to read this story and be encouraged and challenged to not underestimate your influence in your work place. Your actions point people to Christ more than you may ever realize!</span><br />
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Here is Ashley's story:<br />
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I met Leanne at Washington Elementary School fall 2008. I was a graduate student, student teaching with her 5th grade teaching partner, Gerry. Immediately, Leanne and her fellow teaching partner, Amy, welcomed me into their teaching world. Together, they were quite the teaching duo! I was amazed at all they knew about literacy. Leanne saw that I was new to teaching, and was so encouraging and real. She gave me hope and encouragement to try new things, and explained how to do them. The teaching partnership Amy & Leanne had was one I can only aspire to have someday.</div>
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Leanne was very kind to me. We talked about all the things we had in common - same age, both went to Moorhead to college - though she was at Concordia, and I at MSUM. She talked about playing basketball with our mutual friend Debbie Slack. She just welcomed me so much, in an environment that can sometimes be closed off to new people, especially student teachers. She was the most welcoming staff member at Washington, and made me feel confident about what I was doing each day. She wouldn't have had to of done that, but she did. I was so grateful. </div>
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Leanne was also so kind that when I finished my student teaching, she sent me EVERY file she had on her computer to help get me started as a new teacher. From lesson plans to templates, these files became invaluable to me as I began my first year teaching the following year and I thought of her often.</div>
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Leanne gave me the opportunity to sub for her later that year. I was so impressed by her organized classroom. I remember she had a digital picture frame on her desk and how happy she was as she explained who was in the photos as they went by.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">My time with dist. 206 was limited to that experience, but the impact of working with Leanne continues on. I model my 4th grade classroom after what I learned from Leanne about reader's and writer's workshop and balanced literacy. She was an amazing, strong, organized, gifted teacher. She was top notch. </span></div>
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I've followed the Team Chin blog from day one. I should have reached out to Leanne and told her about her impact on my teaching career long ago. I wanted you to know what an impact she had professionally, and how highly I thought of her. </div>
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In addition to being a teacher, I have a 21 month old son, Dylan. I connect with Leanne so much, and wish for your continued strength and faith to continue. Her faith is inspiring to me. My son and I have said many prayers for Leanne, Leo, Ryan and your families. We will continue to do so.</div>
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Sincerely,</div>
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Ashley </div>
Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-10046606452192860602015-05-01T21:03:00.001-05:002015-05-01T21:03:22.127-05:00Stories vol.1Before I get into a new series of posts, I want to write an update on Deb. Her PET scan came back negative!!!! We are praising God that there is no new cancer! She also had her port put in today and that procedure went well. She will start chemo next week. We are thankful for your prayers!!<br />
<br />
Well, it is May. Only 19 days until we celebrate Leanne's heaven day. After Leanne went to heaven, we received countless stories of how Leanne impacted lives. As we remember Leanne's life and the impact it had on the faith of thousands of people, we want to share some of these stories with you over the next 20 days.<br />
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I pray these stories encourage you to not take a moment or interaction for granted. You never know who God has sovereignly placed in your path. May you be challenged to share your faith boldly. Let God use the hurts in your life to grow the faith of those around you.<br />
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Here is Amber's story sent to us on May 27, 2014:<br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I was not able to attend Leanne’s service this weekend, but your families have never been far from my prayers. I had the honor of fighting breast cancer (later stage 3C for me) alongside Leanne over the last few years. We met at chemo (thanks to Leanne’s mom) and cheered each other along. A few months ago I emailed her with tears rolling down my face. I was two years out from my last treatments and I confessed to her that I felt so guilty that my life was “back to normal” and she was still fighting. She was so brave in her response to me – like she was cheering ME on! She always put aside herself to comfort and support others. I visited her one afternoon and brought her lunch and I remember leaving her home feeling so inspired and comforted – and here I was there to do that for her! I just can’t put into words how much she has inspired not only my cancer battle – but also my life and my faith.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Your post from May 19<sup>th</sup> brought back a flood of emotions for me as just a few years earlier, in October of 2009, I wrote a similar message before my beautiful 6-month old son took his final breath after an unexpected and short (38-day) illness. I know the story is not the same as Leanne’s and the circumstances are much different, but I’ve experienced having lost a child, trying to explain Heaven to a 2-year old and having to rely on faith, as if it was the only air available to breath, to keep going when things seemed so dark. Even though we knew the end was near for my little boy, I asked my pastor about hope. I said, everyone tells me not to lose hope, but what do I do when I know the end is near? He didn’t skip a beat and explained to me what I wrote as my opening statement on Tyler’s CaringBridge that day… <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">“We will never lose hope for our baby boy, but today we have a new hope for Tyler… Our hope for Tyler is that of eternal life in Heaven. An existence more wonderful than anything we could offer Tyler here on Earth. </span></i><i><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Today we pray for Tyler to have comfort from pain. We pray that Tyler can feel the great love we have for him as we hold him close. We pray for peace and healing of the hearts that are breaking as we prepare to say good bye to our dear little baby boy. We pray for strength and wisdom as we try to explain Heaven to big sister Olivia. </span></i><i><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">While we don’t understand, we trust and pray that God has a bigger plan for Tyler. He is surrounding Tyler with His angels and will hold him close until he leaves this world in the next few days.<br /> </span></i><i><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">In sorrow and affliction, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing and we feel helpless and alone, these are the times when, in answer to the prayer of faith, the Holy Spirit brings comfort to the heart. It is trusting God in trial, in darkness as well as in light, it is walking by faith and not by sight; it is relying on God with unquestioning confidence, and resting in His love.</span></i></b><b><i><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></i></b></div>
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<i><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br />God Bless you and keep you, baby Tyler. </span></i><i><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br />We love you always,</span></i><i><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Mommy & Daddy”</span></i><i><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">A few days later, Jesus took my son in his arms and freed him from his pain and suffering. We left the hospital – with an empty car seat – and went home. My 2 ½ year old daughter woke up the next morning and before we even had a chance to tell Olivia the news, she same into our bedroom and exclaimed that “Tyler’s walking! He’s walking with angels!”. She was adamant that she had seen her baby brother that night. In my heart I know that she did – and it brings me so much hope and peace to this day. It also gives me hope that Leanne will never be far from her courageous little Leo. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Thank you for sharing Leanne and her brave, brave story with me though the Team Chin blog. I prayed (begged!) for a different ending, but am inspired by your words and courage to trust in God plan for Leanne and each and everyone one of us. I have a new sense of peace that if my cancer returns I will be okay – either way – <u>because Leanne showed me the way.</u> <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I will continue to pray for your families. Prayers for unexplainable peace and comfort. Courage and wisdom beyond his years for Ryan. Prayers that Leo will continue to know his mother – in beautiful memories and in Heaven – just like my daughter remembers her baby brother. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">God bless you,<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Amber <u></u></span></div>
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Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-50347118065111486162015-04-30T08:35:00.001-05:002015-04-30T08:35:38.101-05:00Scan today!This morning at 8:45 and 10:00 Deb has her echocardiogram and a PET scan. Please be praying for:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Quick procedures </li>
<li>Peace for Deb during the procedures </li>
<li>The PET scan to not show any new cancer</li>
<li>The echocardiogram to show Deb's heart healthy enough for the treatment the Dr's want</li>
</ul>
<div>
Thanks so much for praying!!</div>
Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-6782322568017170082015-04-28T21:09:00.003-05:002015-04-28T21:09:50.737-05:00The PlanIt feels silly even writing that. Knowing full well that the plan will change at least 30 times in the next few months. But, we have a game plan and we are thankful for that.<br />
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Here is what we know:<br />
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<ul>
<li>There was no cancer in the lymph node that was tested yesterday!</li>
<li>Deb will have a PET scan and an echocardiogram (hopefully tomorrow) to make sure the cancer hasn't spread anywhere else in her body and that her heart is ok for chemo</li>
<li>Deb will have chemo first, then surgery, and then radiation if necessary</li>
<li>Deb will likely start chemo next week and will have 4 treatments; 1 every 2 weeks and then 12 weeks of a different kind of chemo</li>
<li>Deb will have a port put in in the next couple weeks</li>
</ul>
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We are asking for prayers for the following:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Peace for Deb and her family & friends</li>
<li>Wisdom for the Dr's and nurses</li>
<li>Clear PET scan and good results from the echocardiogram </li>
<li>Maximum effectiveness of the chemo</li>
<li>Strength for the long journey ahead</li>
</ul>
</div>
Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-25349227098155307182015-04-27T21:14:00.000-05:002015-04-27T21:14:18.651-05:00Appointments today & tomorrowDeb had her first appointments down at the Piper Breast Center today. She met with a surgeon and had biopsies of the two cancer spots and a lymph node and should have the results tomorrow afternoon. She will meet with an Oncologist tomorrow at 3pm to discuss her plan of action.<br />
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We covet your prayers about the following:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Clear, easy to read results of the biopsies</li>
<li>Wisdom and clarity for the surgeon and oncologist</li>
<li>Peace for Deb and her family</li>
<li>A clear plan of action for the treatment of Deb's cancer</li>
</ul>
Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-17027427977696496052015-04-22T22:23:00.002-05:002015-04-22T22:24:33.242-05:00CourageFirst of all, THANK YOU so much to all who have been praying! It is such a relief to know that so many of you are on your knees praying right alongside Deb, the Miller family, and their friends and family.<br />
<br />
Deb's MRI today showed another little spot in her breast. They are not sure if it is more cancer or if it is nothing at all. However, the only way to know that is to do an MRI guided biopsy. If it is nothing, then she will most likely have a lumpectomy sooner rather than later. If it is more cancer, she will have a mastectomy. Right now the plan is that she will likely have surgery first so they have the full pathology report to help her Dr's decide what kind of treatment is best for her.<br />
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We are humbled by the prayers and support. Please keep praying for:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Patience for Deb as she waits for decisions to be made about treatment</li>
<li>Patience for her family as they wait for details</li>
<li>Wisdom for Dr's as they make decisions</li>
<li>If it is God's will, a clear MRI biopsy tomorrow and peace to accept different results if that should be His will</li>
<li>Strength for Deb to fight the physical and mental battle that is cancer</li>
</ul>
<div>
My Bible study this week was about when Joshua was commissioned by the Lord as the new leader of the Israelites as they were about to enter the Promised Land. God knew the challenges that lay ahead of Joshua. He knew Joshua would face many hardships of leading a rebellious and sinful people. God knew he would face seemingly impossible battles to take possession of the Promised Land. To put it simply, God knew this was not going to be an easy journey by any means. But God's commission to Joshua was simple:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I swore to them, and I will be with you." Deuteronomy 31:23</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We tend to think of courage as an act of bravery or strength. Something we muster out of our own might. But the Bible paints courage in a different light. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Courage: A settled confidence in the heart of a believer that God will be true to His promises.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Many of us are not leading a group of more than 3 million people into a land they would have to fight to conquer and claim as their own. However, we each face a battle every day. One that we would be a whole lot better off if we were confident in our hearts that God is true to His promises and that He is with us.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Take heart TEAM CHIN, He has been with us every step of the way thus far and will continue to do so. Be courageous.</div>
Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-15403870488795871692015-04-21T21:37:00.000-05:002015-04-21T21:37:33.031-05:00Here we go again ...We've endured more than our fair share. 3 1/2 years of cancer with Leanne. A brutal, painful, faith building journey that ended with what <strike>still seems like</strike><strike> the worst possible outcome</strike> was God's sovereign plan since before time began. Months after Leanne's death, my grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, she had a successful surgery, needed no chemo or radiation, and was declared cancer free.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It felt safe to think that God would surely give us a break from breast cancer for a while. We deserved that right?! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last Thursday, Deb, Ryan's mom had a routine mammogram which revealed something suspicious. Her Dr. scheduled a biopsy and results would be in on Monday. Her Dr. called and said it is cancer. She met with her Oncologist and surgeon today at 4pm and here is what we know:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Deb has HER2 estrogen negative invasive ductal carcinoma </li>
<li>She will have a MRI tomorrow (4/22) to give the surgeon and oncologist a better picture of what her tumor looks like</li>
<li>Regardless of what the scan shows, Deb will have surgery, chemo, and radiation. We just don't know what order they will be in.</li>
<li>Deb and her family are praying about seeking a second opinion</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wrote something similar when Leanne was diagnosed the second time and it is just as applicable today as it was then: </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><span class="text Isa-41-10" style="position: relative;">God knew that this was going to be the news we heard today. He is not the least bit worried about what will happen in the next few days, weeks, months, and years. He has a plan for Deb and it is better than anything we could ever imagine. We are going to trust God's promise in this verse:</span></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><span class="text Isa-41-10" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><span class="text Isa-41-10" id="en-ESV-18462" style="position: relative;">"Fear not, for I am with you; </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-10" style="position: relative;">be not dismayed, for I am your God; </span></span><span class="text Isa-41-10" style="position: relative;">I will strengthen you, I will help you, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-10" style="position: relative;">I will uphold you with <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18462A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span>my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-10" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-41-10" style="position: relative;">Please be praying for the following:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Wisdom for Deb, her family, doctors, and surgeons in making decisions</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Strength for Deb in this journey as she battles cancer</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Strength for her family and friends as they support her in this journey</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Peace to be abundant in the days, weeks, and months ahe<span style="color: #333333;">ad</span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-71507411857966734772015-04-20T21:31:00.000-05:002015-04-20T21:31:10.893-05:00Why ...I have been plagued by one question for the past 335 days.<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<br />
I cannot find a rational answer that makes any sense. I k<span style="font-family: inherit;">now "...<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">all things work together</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> for the good</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> of those who love God..." (Romans 8:28) But <b><u>good</u></b> would probably not be the word I would use to describe day to day life around here. So, in the midst of the pain, sadness, frustration, and grief the <span style="font-family: inherit;">question of "Why?" still remains. Thankfully, God's definition of good and mine are not exactly the same :) </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.griefshare.org/" target="_blank">Grief Share</a> is an incredible organization which provides support to those who are grieving. One service they provide are daily emails to encourage those throughout the grieving process. The subject of my email one day was: What To Do With The Why's ...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“What do you do with the whys?” asks Kay Arthur after her husband committed suicide. She answers, “You have to lay them at the feet of Omniscience and, by faith, leave them there and say, <u><b>‘If You want to show me why, God, fine. If not, I’m going to cling to who You are and what You promise.’ When you’re asking why, and you’re in the dark, and you don’t have any reasons, you are to cling to Him in hope. He is the God of all hope. The thing that you have to realize is you are here for a much larger purpose than you realize.”</b></u></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">God has never promised ease in this life. In fact, hardship and trouble are actually promised. "<span style="line-height: 24px;">I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33) So, in the face of these hardships, I am chal<span style="font-family: inherit;">lenged to lay the question of "Why?" at the feet of Jesus and leave it there. I will replace it with a prayer asking God to continue to show me who He is and what He promises. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As many of you know, our grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a successful mastectomy. She is now cancer free! At the time I felt like shouting at God and asking Him "Are you kidding me? Haven't we had enough?" But once again God reminded us that He is faithful and sovereign over all areas of our lives. Well, we are about to enter the trenches again. And to be brutally honest, I feel like shouting at the top of my lungs again. But instead, we will challenge each other to lay the Why? at the feet of Jesus and leave it there. We will replace it with a reminder from Leanne that #God'sGotThis. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Please be praying for us. Here are some specifics:</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Good, restful sleep for Leo</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Wisdom for Dr's</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Peace for our family</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 24px;">We'll update with some more info when the time is right.</span></div>
</div>
Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-71364335183276339512014-12-22T16:56:00.000-06:002014-12-22T16:59:01.103-06:00Enduring<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">I sat in church yesterday and was struck by a point made about Jesus' example of enduring suffering and how it relates to our lives. Our culture tells us to suck it up, hide your pain, be strong, and just deal with it. The Bible, however, gives a drastically different picture of how Jesus dealt with suffering and how we should follow His example.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">In the book of John, the author tells a story of Jesus' friend, Lazarus, who died. John 11:35 says that, "Jesus wept" over his death. Jesus, who was fully God, knew that Lazarus would be raised from the dead, still wept over the death of his friend. Through the example of Jesus weeping in suffering, I am comforted in the tears I shed over the death of my precious sister.</span></span><br />
<span class="versetext" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="versetext" id="mt26-39" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Just days before his death, Jesus spent considerable time praying to God. Matthew 26:39 says, <b>"</b>And going a little farther he fell on his face <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="60"></a>and prayed, saying, <span class="WordsOfChrist">"My Father, if it be possible, let <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="61"></a>this cup pass from me; <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="62"></a>nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." Knowing the pain and suffering that He was to endure, Jesus prayed and asked God to take it away. But He also prayed to submit to God's will. Through Jesus example of praying in suffering, I am challenged to pray boldly for what I desire to happen, but to also pray for God's will and that I would submit to His plan.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="versetext" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="WordsOfChrist">As Jesus hung on the cross, Scripture makes it clear that He was suffering. Jesus didn't hide the pain or pretend everything was ok. Matthew 27:45-46 says, "</span></span><span class="versetext" id="mt27-45" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Now from the sixth hour<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="f"></a> there was darkness over all the land<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="g"></a> until the ninth hour.</span><span class="versetext" id="mt27-46" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> And about the ninth hour Jesus <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="65"></a>cried out with a loud voice, saying, <span class="WordsOfChrist"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="66"></a>"Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?"</span> that is, <span class="WordsOfChrist">"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Jesus was brutally honest with God and cried out to Him. I am comforted to know that I have the privilege of crying out to God in the midst of my suffering and knowing that He hears my prayers.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">But the most comforting verse to me in the midst of my suffering and pain is Hebrew 12:2, which says </span></span>"<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="1" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="2" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">the shame, and </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="3" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><u>Endured</u> the cross.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Jesus was in excruciating pain. It was unbearable. The Bible does not say that Jesus hung on the cross with a smile on His face and pretended that everything was ok. Nor does it say that He downplayed the pain and refused to show any emotion to those around Him. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">In each of these situations, Jesus suffering was evident to those around Him. He cried out to God. He begged God to take the suffering from Him. He wept over the pain of losing someone He loved dearly. He endured it. He felt every sting of pain and sadness. He experienced the depth of every painful emotion and did not run from it.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">So, if you like me, are struggling with real, intense pain and suffering this Christmas, I pray you will endure it as Jesus did. I pray you will not run from the painful emotions of grief. I pray you will cry out to God. I pray you will weep. And most of all, I pray you will ask God for the ability to submit to His will in your suffering. I pray your enduring suffering will cause you to run to Christ and rest in the peace and comfort He offers.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Jesus endured the cross "for the joy set before Him" (Hebrews 12:2). I am not sure what joy will come out of my suffering, but I am confident that God will be faithful to do so. And I have a feeling He will far exceed my expectations in doing so!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Even in the midst of suffering, we celebrate God sending His beloved Son to earth to bring us the hope of eternal life with Him. In your suffering may you find hope and comfort from this song:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">He is the song for the suffering</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">He is Messiah</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">The Prince of Peace has come</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">He has come, Emmanuel</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/CGocwdIGb48" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Merry Christmas! May your Christmas be filled with the hope that Jesus brings.</div>Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-27130349122011833922014-11-20T18:47:00.000-06:002014-11-20T18:47:03.991-06:00Thankful<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Six months ago today, I spent the day dreadfully awaiting
the worst news of my life. I kept wondering how I could possibly prepare myself
for the news there was no way of avoiding. Shortly after Leanne entered her
Savior’s arms in heaven at 4:45pm, I received a simple message that read,
“She’s gone.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Those words are forever etched in my brain. I often have to
repeat them to myself as I pick up the phone to call or text her. I say them
when I picture celebrating future holidays, thinking of my daughter’s weddings,
the births of any future nieces or nephews, and any family get together that will
be planned. She wont be there. Gone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As we approach Thanksgiving, our culture reminds us at every
turn to be thankful for all we have and for the fullness of our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thankful for shelter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thankful for food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thankful for provisions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thankful for relationships. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thankful for health.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All of those things are wonderful, but what if we don’t
really feel thankful. Instead we feel let down and discouraged. We feel lost
and unsure. We feel empty. We look toward the future wondering will we ever
feel full again?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But thankfully, God sovereignly designed a relationship in
which “<span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); color: #001320;">… you may be filled with
all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:19) That fullness comes only from Jesus.
It is constant, unchanging, and lasting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); color: #001320;">God didn’t intend for us to
find fullness and satisfaction in the things we have or even in the people He
has put in our lives. He intended it to be Him and only Him. He promised us
that “</span><span style="background: white; color: black;">You will have suffering in this world.” Boy do we know that!
But, thankfully, Jesus also told us in the very next sentence, “Be courageous!
I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33) The fact that Jesus has conquered the world is surely something to be thankful for!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the past 6 months, I have challenged myself to live out
the following verse:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">“Give thanks in everything,</span><span style="color: black;"> <span style="background: white;">for this is
God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 5:18<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am going to challenge you to do the same this Thanksgiving
season. It may be easy for you to look around and be thankful for the abundant
food on your table, the family filling your home, the new relationship you are
starting, the new life growing inside you, etc. But what if you gave thanks for the
hard stuff? What if you thanked God for the cancer journey your family is
walking because He is knitting your family closer together than you could have
ever imagined? What if you thanked God for your infertility struggles because
God is teaching you to trust Him with the way He wants to grow your family?
What if you thanked God for the strained relationship with your spouse because
He is teaching you how to love others even when you don't feel like it? What if you thanked God for
your financial struggles because God is showing you how He can meet all your
needs? And this is where it hits home, what if I thanked God for the death of Leanne because He is proving to me that He is close to the brokenhearted and understands my pain because He also watched a loved one die? Every thing in my flesh tells me I shouldn’t be thankful. But God
tells me I should. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whatever trial you are facing today, try choosing a thankful attitude
towards it. It just might take your eyes off the problem long enough to help
you see that God is teaching you something through it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As we pray for all of you to choose thankfulness, no matter
what the circumstance, we ask that you would continue to pray for us. Here are
some specifics:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Good, restful sleep for Leo</li>
<li>Peace and comfort for our family as we face our first Thanksgiving and Christmas without Leanne</li>
<li>Our faith to be strengthened</li>
<li>God to continue to show us how Leanne's faith has touched others</li>
<li>Strength and trust to choose a thankful attitude in the midst of Leanne's death</li>
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Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-55086916861279620022014-11-03T20:27:00.003-06:002014-11-03T20:27:49.821-06:00Reminder!!!All orders for the Leanne's Joy Heart are due by Friday. Here are the details again:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">The necklace is sterling silver with an 18 inch chain. The heart is about the size of a nickel.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Each necklace is </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><u><b>$73.95</b></u></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">, and shipping and handling is included in the price.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">If you wish to order, please send cash or check payable to:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Mary Eliasen</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>17617 George Moran Dr.</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Eden Prairie, MN 55347</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">We are asking that all orders are placed by </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><u><b>November 7th</b></u></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"> to ensure that they will be available in time for Christmas.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">If you have any questions or comments, please send an email to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">leannesjoyheart@gmail.com</span>Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-51736673821318674942014-10-22T19:38:00.003-05:002014-10-22T19:38:16.778-05:00Leanne's Joy HeartOne of the greatest gifts Leanne left us on earth are her journals. 15 years of prayers, encouragement, and insight into her life. At the end of each entry was her signature under a heart with a cross in it. Many of you will recognize this heart as it is in every single letter, note, or card she sent.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/S4lUp13F3VyQNM3DsdilAeGq0Y2SOL2IUctZ4dYkuBw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yVeTEPth8z0/VEguB5tdeGI/AAAAAAAAHm4/yA4ZAnAwNus/s400/photo%2520%252862%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Love and Faith. What a perfect symbol of Leanne's legacy. My dad gave my mom, sisters, and I a necklace of her signature heart. We wanted each of you to have the opportunity to have one too!<br />
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The necklace is sterling silver with an 18 inch chain. The heart is about the size of a nickel.<br />
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Each necklace is <span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>$73.95</b></u></span>, and shipping and handling is included in the price.<br />
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If you wish to order, please send cash or check payable to:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mary Eliasen</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>17617 George Moran Dr.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Eden Prairie, MN 55347</b></span><br />
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We are asking that all orders are placed by <span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>November 7th</b></u></span> to ensure that they will be available in time for Christmas.<br />
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If you have any questions or comments, please send an email to <span style="color: magenta;">leannesjoyheart@gmail.com</span>Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443296148053001695.post-28481339619382770592014-09-30T21:26:00.003-05:002014-09-30T21:26:49.576-05:00Another way to help!Ryan has a friend from high school, Amy Wohlwend, that sells Tupperware. Every October she donates her commissions from her sales to some type of breast cancer fund. This year she is giving her commissions to Leo's college fund. If you are interested in booking a party or placing an order, please go to her website <a href="http://www.my.tupperware.com/amywohlwend" target="_blank">HERE</a> for more info. Thanks so much for helping out!!Team Chinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13281361316491661133noreply@blogger.com0