Tuesday, December 23, 2008

I'm Still Standing

Regardless of popular belief, I am still here. In spite of all I am facing right now.

I wanted to update you all so I won't risk loosing you altogether. I hope I'm not too late. Here goes...

We sold our home and have moved into a very small condo that my mother-in-law owns. We are living out of boxes and piled on top of each other, but thankful to have been blessed with a place to go.

Our new place of permanent residence is hanging in the balance as we await home inspections, appraisals, loan officers and underwriters to see things in a positive light and find favor with us.

Thanksgiving weekend, we took my dad to the emergency room because he was acting a little disoriented, sluggish and complaining of headaches The doctors dropped a bombshell and told us they suspected brain cancer. He was transported to Baptist Hospital (a wonderful healing place from which I now sit at a computer in the family resource room in order to catch you up) where he stayed for one week, was released and has now began radiation treatments. The cancer has spread to his lungs as well. They are currently treating only the brain because it is the most severe of the two and they are attempting to reduce the extreme swelling there. Next step will be to treat the lungs with radiation and chemo. We are expecting a miracle and hope you will join us in that prayer.

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know we have witnessed some totally miraculous healing miracles this year, so I'm sure God can give us one more and heal my daddy. I am not ready to lose him just yet. He is only 65 years old and has lots of love and life and a positive attitude to share with the world. His name is Gary Clodfelter. Mention him as you pray every day if you find it in your heart to do so.

In addition to this, I got a severe case of bronchitis, my little one got a bad cold and a stomach bug, my oldest is struggling with anxiety, my sister has been sick with a severe cold and an infected tooth, my husband is stressing over our family struggles, my mom is just trying to stand on God's promises (as we all are), I had to find a new home for our family dogs whom we loved deeply and have had for many years because we have no place for them with us right now, and to top it all off, my 6 year old's hermit crab died.

Well, now that I have thoroughly depressed you, I want to tell you to smile! I am still smiling. I am still hoping and waiting for God to do His work in this storm of life because I am holding on to Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11. I know he will work it all out for our good and we will come through as stronger and more effective witnesses for His glory.

The Bible tells us to stand firm and see God's deliverance. Not to be afraid and not to be discouraged. He is with us wherever we go. (2 Chronicles 20:17)

I AM standing! I am strong in Him! But, in all honesty, I am leaning slightly. Though, I WILL NOT Fall because my Savior is behind me all the way and will support me with His strength when I am at my weakest. I wait expectantly to see what He has for me in the future and am excited at the possibilities that are ahead of me and my family. Good things are on the horizon!! I can see the flicker of the sun in the distance! Do you see it?

Stand strong with me and lift up your prayers on our behalf. We are traveling daily to the hospital for daddy's treatments and are running on fumes from our exhaustion. Even though I am so very tired, I am enjoying the time with my parents every day. I woudln't trade that for the world. I am praying for all of you as well and will try to keep you posted as I am able. I currently have no internet access except for at this hospital. Praise God they offer it here. Just another small blessing in the midst of the storm.

And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ,after you have suffered for a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power forever and ever! (1 Peter 5:10-11)

Have a wonderfully blessed Christmas.

I love you all dearly!
Starr

12 comments:

Joanne@ Blessed... said...

Oh girl, I was just thinking of you this week. I am so happy that you are still standing, praise God!

I will pray for your dad Starr. I know the hurt of watching your parent sick. It is so hard. But he is with you in the storm, and I know you already know that.

Please send me your email address and home address so I can send you a Christmas...well maybe new years day card.

Love you girl..Joanne

E. Tyler Rowan said...

Absolutely praying.

Pinkshoelady said...

Wow!
No wonder God has led me to be praying for you and visiting your blog hopping to hear news!

You have my prayers dear friend!
Read Palm 19 it is written for you!

I love you and will continue to lift you and your family up!
Pamela

Kathy Schwanke said...

I am so glad to know you are standing, I will be keeping your family in my prayers. So many trials on top of one another says blessings ahead. Keep standing on those promises. God has used the one from Peter to encourage me and give me endurance. He is so good!

Keep us posted, okay?
Love ya, Kathy

koinonia community said...

I love you and am definitely praying for you. Weird coincidence...my bil's name is Gary Clodfelter. Please call if there is anything we can do to help y'all.

Sonya Lee Thompson said...

Oh Starr,
I am so sorry to hear of the extreme struggles your family is experiencing!! I will keep you and your Dad in my prayers.

Keep holding onto scriptures and Keep your eyes on Jesus, He is our only hope.

God bless and I know that God is in the miracle/healing business!

Love,
Sonya

Sharon said...

Happy New Year my friend looking forward to sharing more of God's word with you next year
God Bless
Sharon

Bringer of Peace said...

Would you mind if I listed your blog on mine at
http://maidenbringerofpeace.blogspot.com/

Blessed by your attitude of gratitude.

Anonymous said...

Hi Starr,

So sorry to hear all the struggles. But our Lord is a God of purpose and I will be looking forward to see how He uses this for His glory.

Keep your eyes up!
Lynda

Sharon said...

Heyyyy, I miss you, I pray all is going ok. You have not lost me, I am always here for when you come back.
Praying for you!
Huggggssss and blessings my friend
Sharon

Anonymous said...

Hey Starr,
I just read through ur letters and watched the video at the bottom. Im having a really bad day and I thank u for cheering me up and helping me see the light thru my darkness. Thank u ,
Tanya

Kay Martin said...

I miss you, but know I have been praying for you and yours. My daughter was supernaturally healed of brain tumors 12 years ago. However, this past year my husband died at 67 with lung and brain cancer.

God whispered "mercy" in my spirit when my husband's diagnosis hit me. Trust God to answer perfectly your prayers. As paradoxical as this sounds I know God was loving and merciful to us in my daughter's situation as well as in my husband's illness.

I am praying for you. When our loved ones have a brain assault we have to lean into our Heavenly Father for everything. Should you ever need an email conversation with one who has walked on this path feel free to contact me.

In His love and mine,
Kay of SC