| June 3, 2010 |
| This picture was taken at Lake Macdonald in West Glacier Montana. It was January of 2010. We took the train from Harrisburg all the way to White Fish MT. There were many things about this trip that would have been consider huge obstacles in getting to our destination. Namely, being stranded in St. Paul MN for 4 days because the weather was too cold for the trains to run. Not to mention the train had hit two cars. Catastrophe's that don't normally happen became typical for our journey. I suppose we could have really become upset and headed home, giving up on getting to Montana. But with the encouragement of two friends, Mark Sprauer and Buddy Carl, we persevered and pressed on. Oh, we have so many stories about this trip. Now we just really laugh. But our determination to get to Montana paid off. As you can see in the above picture it was beautiful. Makes me think of heaven. How wonderful it will be. Yes once you've asked Jesus into your heart, having given Him your life with no turning back you're destined to heaven. But we are on a journey to get there right now. How are we walking our journey. On our way to Montana there were many opportunities to share the gospel, and so we did. We met many folks who just needed a smile, so we smiled. Some needed to just talk, so we talked. Some needed help with their luggage or help down the steps, so we carried luggage and held their hands. Some traveling mothers needed someone to help with one of the children, so we held a child. Some homeless needed food, so we shared. When we made up our minds to go, we went whole heartedly. We decided to bless others, and we did. But we were blessed many times more so, in our hearts. What joy to love and serve others. Life is a journey to heaven how are you traveling it. Regarding Brad.... in this picture he looks terrific. It makes my heart skip a beat when I see how handsome he is. But more than his handsome face is his broad shoulders and strong posture. They show his personality well. He is a man of great courage and integrity. Always a man you can depend on, who never wavers. Never. This trip was the beginning of his quick decline in health. He began to struggle with breathing while on this trip. With chemo treatments only giving a chance of two more months we opted not to endure the sickness of them. So according to the doctors his time is soon coming to an end.The cancer is in his lungs and seems to have a strong hold now. The tumor in his side is very uncomfortable. He says it feels like he has a basket ball in his belly. He is tired all the time. We began hospice about six weeks ago. We have gotten his symptoms under control for the most part. I had mentioned in an earlier post about a little angel God has sent us. Her name is Sam Young. She was born again, in October of last year. She is growing steadily in God's Word. God has given her a servant heart. She blessed Brad with a Kingsmen Concert April 29, 2010. This concert was so amazing. Many of our friends were there. It has to be a glimpse of what heaven will be like. Sam continues to bless us with helping me with household chores. She is as a big sister to Wayde and Skylar. When they get together they laugh and fuss and carry on and it lightens the boys hearts. It lightens my heart as well. God has not given me a daughter, but He has given me a young lady who is very close. It is always good to have extra hands to do dishes, ha-ha. She generally only comes on Wednesdays, so we look forward to that day. Brad's dad and sisters and brother are heart broken for Brad. So please pray hard for them. I only know the pain of seeing my husband suffer. I see the pain in the eyes of my sons for their daddy. But I don't claim to comprehend the pain of losing a child. Please pray for Forrest, Brad's dad. I don't know the pain of losing a brother, please pray for Wendy, Kerry and Forrest Jr. We are so grateful for the closeness and kindness of Brad's family. Yes, things look like they are nearing an end. BUT... God has Brad's days numbered. It's not over yet. Actually when it ends here for Brad it will be a wonderful beginning up there for Brad. But it has not ended here. So I continue to fight; praying, nursing, loving, enduring, and enabling my husband to continue to sing as often as he is determined to. We continue to sing and will continue as God enables us to do so. There is much work to do. Jesus, how lovely is my Savour. Love you all, Neta back to updates page |