"God Blessed . . . "

DNOW group picture

 The picture above is a small glimpse of how many participated in our Disciple Now Weekend.  We had around 550 total taking part in this exciting event at our church.  How blessed I am to be a part of an amazing church that believes and supports teenagers.  Our DNOW weekend came to an end today after the morning service.  We were blessed all weekend with Chad Poe, our speaker from Tennessee and Brett Younker's Band, from Passion City Church in Atlanta Georgia.  Lives were touched, changed and renewed over this amazing weekend.  My health and strength held up for the whole weekend and I know without a doubt it was God's amazing grace that was carrying me.  It's hard to put into words all that God does through His people for an event like this to take place.  So many give up so much for a weekend like this, in order for it to be successful.  None of it would matter if God's favor was not upon us.  Satan is trying hard to attack churches and destroy God's people and the purpose of the church, but I know God is sovereign and will bring glory to His name if we persevere and keep our eyes on Him daily.  Chad spoke this morning about "shining like stars" for Christ and to stop our grumbling and complaining.  If we as a church keep all we learn inside the church and don't take it out into the world, what good is the church?  We are to take what we hear and learn and pour it out for others to see Christ in us.  May I never be ashamed to share Him with others and I pray others will see Jesus in me no matter where I am.  Philippians 2:14-18 "Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as light in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.  Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.  Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me."

Shout out to Dave Roberts our amazing media guy!!!

Brett Younker's Worship Band

Chad Poe (He would probably hate this picture)

 Now that DNOW is over, we will begin to refocus on wedding plans. Only 34 days left until the big day and we are excited for the days ahead of us in the planning process.

"Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

"DNOW 2012"

Last night our DNOW (Disciple Now Weekend) began. We have 370 students signed up with over 100 adults volunteering and 51 college leaders. We began the night at church assigning students into their homes for the weekend. We have 37 Host Homes with almost the same amount of Support Homes. We left  the church and drove out to Horton Farms where we had entertainment from Acrodunk. They were semi finalists on America's Got Talent.   Amazing the talent these guys have!!  Our high school football coach, Barry Lunney, spoke to the students as well.  How blessed our football team is to have a head football coach that believes in Jesus Christ and is not ashamed to share the truth with students.  This weekend is packed with non-stop events and how blessed I am to be a part of a church that invests in young people. 

Coach Barry Lunney

Group picture at Horton Farms

Acrodunk

I have had a very good week and so thankful for my health. Everyday I have someone that encourages me and reminds me they are still praying. Psalms 66:16 "Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul." I can tell you that He refreshes my soul daily and; "Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

"Youth Ministry"

I went in today for blood work after one week from having chemo. My numbers were good enough that I didn't have to get a shot. To God be the glory, great things He has done!! This is going to be a very busy week for our youth staff. We begin Disciple Now Weekend (DNOW) on Wednesday and as of today we had 305 students signed up. Sign ups end tomorrow at 5:00pm and we will be close to having 350 total is my guess. We have 33 host homes to put all the students in for the weekend from Friday to Sunday. We always pray over the names and truly trust God to help us make good decisions for each student. The keyword to working with the youth is called "flexibility". After years of doing this, I finally realized there is no way to make over 300 students and 33 homes completely happy. So we trust that God will orchestrate all the details out for us. I am so thankful to be part of a church that believes in investing in young people. The youth group was very important to me growing up, and I believe that is why I have such a passion for what I do. If a student does not have a foundation in Christ before leaving for college, the chances of them growing in the Lord decreases each year. I remember taking Bryan to college, and I realized that if a student hasn't been taught morals or values by then, they definitely won't learn it at that point in their lives.

This whole week will be a very busy week, but worth every second. I am so grateful for my health and how God has carried me through this last round of chemo. I am praying and expecting Him to do great things through the lives of our students, college leaders and adults. Psalms 5:3 "In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."

  "Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

"A Week Of Grace"

God has blessed me with a great week of grace. I had chemo on Monday and was able to work all week and stay focused, or at least I felt like I stayed focused. I know prayers were answered on my behalf. I didn't struggle with any side effects and accomplished everything I needed to for our big upcoming week. Thank you to all those that prayed for me, God truly answered. Tuesday evening, Jordan, David and myself went for cake tasting and ordered her cake. We are looking forward to the day we get to see it put together. David has a fun idea for his cake, we just have to wait and see if it can be done.

Jordan and David cake tasting. I am thankful for the upcoming weekend. Tony has been taking Fridays off and it makes our weekends last longer and more relaxed. Hudson gets to spend Thursday nights with us and we keep him every Friday while Bryan and Jenna work. "Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

"But God Meant It For Good . . . "

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. I was able to have chemo today after finding out my blood work looked really good. Thank you for all those that prayed for me today. God heard and truly blessed me. My very bestest friend, Tony, went with me. I told him he didn't have to but he said what was his salt worth if he couldn't take off to be with his wife during chemo and what kind of company did he work for if they gave him any grief. We are blessed!!!!

I had a first today. I usually only see adults, but today I met a kid going through chemo. He goes to Little Rock for his treatments but goes to Highlands for his blood work. His name is Lathan and he is 11 years old. He was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 8. He is in remission and on a monthly maintenance program. He is in the 6th grade and seemed to have a great attitude about his life as well as his mom. I told him I would put him on my blog and to remember to pray for him. I would ask that others would pray for this young man. Super cute, and well mannered. They go to church in Rogers.

Lathan and Me

Tony and I were the last ones to leave Highlands today, well the last patient I should say. Everything went really well. I will go back in a week for more blood work, then I am scheduled for a CT scan on October 5th. October 9th is when I meet with my doctor again to discuss future treatments for me. My prayer is that I am all done and can move on, but I also know God's plans may be different from mine. I wouldn't change anything about these last 8 months. God has taught and shown me so much and I am so grateful for His grace. He knows what is best for my life. We had a speaker last night at church that spoke about Joseph and when his brothers met back up with him after they sold him into slavery and then he was put in charge of Pharaoh's house and land. His brothers were afraid of him and everything he could do to them. But he had compassion on all of them and forgave them. Genesis 50:20 "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." I know Satan wanted to defeat me on this journey but God has shown me so much more goodness by using my storm for His glory. When we become Christians we live by faith, knowing our life will never end, our souls will live forever. What good are we to live this life of faith and when trials or struggles come our way, the first thing most people do is blame God and ask why. Hebrews 10:35-36 "Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised." I will continue to trust in my Savior and know He will see me through.

"Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

"Prayers Still Needed"

I've struggled about blogging again before my next round of chemo since I have been postponed twice in a week before having round #8. God continues to put people all around me that I feel are in more need of prayer than myself. Then I wonder if it is pride getting in my way or Satan causing the doubt of asking for prayer again. When this journey began I was told there would be 3 rounds of chemo, surgery, then 3 more rounds of chemo and I should be good to go. This will be 2 additional rounds more than what I was originally told. This is a big week for our youth staff and the timing of chemo isn't what my mind needs to keep focused on all the tasks we have to accomplish. Our church will be hosting Disciple Now Weekend (DNOW)in less than 2 weeks. This is the biggest event we host each year with over 300 students and over 100 adults taking part in seeing what big things God has in store for each of our lives. I will be going in at 11:45am tomorrow for lab work to see if my white blood cell counts are high enough after having 3 shots of Neupogen. If all is well, I will begin my chemo at 12:00 noon. I am asking that this will be my last full round before I go into a maintenance program and that my body and mind can continue to do well and get everything accomplished that is needed for this week. I know God will help me because He shows me everyday that He doesn't need me to accomplish His plan, He just uses me along the way if I allow Him. Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened." I am asking for prayers and trusting God will give me grace to make it through this week. I am thankful to serve a God that knows my needs even before I ask.

"Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

"My Agenda vs God's Agenda"

I went in today for my 8th chemo treatment. At the beginning of the week, I was planning on being a big girl and go by myself, but my friend Julie Asbill caught wind and wanted to go with me. I found out last night, Tony would not have let me go alone and was planning on taking me until I told him Julie would be there for me. I had to have lab work drawn first and then the nurse informed me that my white blood cell counts were still too low and I would need Neupogen shots again for the next 3 days. We will try again on Monday for chemo. Julie and I met a very sweet couple while waiting on my shot. I can't remember the husband's name but the wife's name was Martina. We found out this was her 3rd time to be diagnosed with breast cancer. She was recently diagnosed in May and today was her 14th treatment and will have to have 18 total.

Julie, Martina and Me

A friend from church, Karilea Magee, had her first radiation treatment today. The plan was for her to go upstairs and sit with me after her treatment but instead we were waiting for her since I didn't have mine. We all decided to go to lunch together. I'm not sure how people make it in life without support and love from others. So thankful for the people God continues to put in my life.

Julie, Karilea and Me

My dad had his pacemaker/defibrillator replaced today. My aunt's visitation service is tonight and her funeral is tomorrow. I wish I could be there for my family but I have a perfect peace of knowing God is with both families and is with me as well. Jenna sent me a text today after reading my blog post from last night and thought this song fit what I wrote yesterday. I think it is very fitting for today and thankful that my God holds my world in His hands.

Highlight and right click link below to open in a new tab:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJfGCKD9g_4

"Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

"Chemo #8 Coming Up"

Tomorrow, Thursday, I go in for Chemo #8 as long as my white blood counts are back up. The nurse called me on Monday to let me know what my CA 125 (cancer marker) is. I am now at 40. My first reaction wasn't jumping for joy because in my mind I thought it would be much lower since each time it has been dropping about half from the previous time. I was at 45 last time. I think in my mind it was going to be below 30 and I would be told I could go on a maintenance program of less chemo. It is so easy to get caught up in "self" and forget the "big" picture of everything. My family tried to encourage me by saying "at least the numbers are going down" but my selfishness said "that's easy for you to say."

We had a guest speaker at youth tonight and he spoke about Moses and how God used him even when he didn't feel like being used or didn't feel like he was the right one to be called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. God always sends me reminders of how this journey is not about me but about Him using me in ways I can't even see or sometimes comprehend. I have never been alone during this season of my life, and the times I want to wave the white flag and give up, God says to me like he did tonight, "But I will be with you," Exodus 3:12a I pray I will be able to have chemo tomorrow and let my light shine for Jesus to those that are around me and to those who take care of me.

I am so grateful for the encouragement and support that continues to be poured over me. I really don't know if a day has gone by that God hasn't sent me His love through the reminders of others that are praying for me, sending me sweet cards, messages on Facebook, comments on my blog or just a friendly smile. To God be the glory, great things He continues to do!

"Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

"My Faith Shall Be My Sight"

My Aunt Wanda passed away today at 1:35pm. She has had a long journey of bad health for the past several years and she is now with Jesus. We sang a song Sunday at church; "It Is Well With My Soul" and the words at the end say, "And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight." I thought about those words on Sunday and how we live this life in faith and knowing if we have asked Jesus into our hearts, someday our faith in Him will become our sight. She will be greatly missed by all her family. I am thankful for the hope of knowing that when our loved ones die that this is not the end of our lives together if we know the Lord. We have eternity together! I pray my mom, the other siblings and Aunt Wanda's kids and grandchildren will know that they will see her again if they have trusted Jesus as their Savior. She would want nothing more than to see everyone celebrating her death because she isn't in pain anymore and she is with the loved ones that have gone before her, but most importantly she is with Jesus. She will be missed!

Aunt Wanda


When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

"Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

"Love Is In The Air"

Today is Hudson Charles Buettemeyer's 2nd birthday. We have 7 grandchildren and he is the only one that lives in town with us, so we soak up every minute we can with him. Time is going by so quickly and he has brought so much joy into our lives. He loves his GPa and no one else seems to exist when those two are together. GPa doesn't even mow the yard anymore unless Hudson is around to help. GPa is also teaching Hudson how to drum and the little guy already is getting some good rhythm in him. Our TV time has gone way down since Hudson came into our world. I never knew so much joy could come out of watching a little guy play and sleep. If GPa isn't around, he seems to like hanging out with me. He has his moments when he is nice to Jordan, but those moments are very few and far between. She still loves him even when he doesn't want to have anything to do with her.

Hudson and his daddy!

Hudson and his mommy!

It is a blessing to watch a young couple that is so in love and to see the innocence in their relationship. We caught Jordan and David out on the hammock doing their homework assignment for "Financial Peace". I am thankful they spend time at our house and how refreshing it is watching them together.

David & Jordan

There are a lot of distractions in the world that Satan throws at us everyday but I am grateful for this day and time with our family and the opportunity to worship our Savior for all He continues to do in our lives.

"Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

"There Shall Be Showers Of Blessings. . . ."

Words cannot express the joy and fullness my heart fills for the shower that was given to David and Jordan today. What an amazing day this was not only for them but for both families to have so many come and take part in such an incredible shower. David came over to pick Jordan up and started the day with gifts for her. He bought her an old antique canister set that she absolutely loves.

David & Jordan (He's got great taste!)

Couldn't fit all the gifts in the picture!
The future Mr. & Mrs. Street!!!
So thankful to be a part of this day with her!!

Had a great group of ladies hosting their shower. Thank you to all those that helped with this amazing day.
Donna, Lorrel, Cathy, Maureen, Susan B., Susan G., Jordan, Maegan, Rachel, Carole, Linda, Lyn & Cindy (Not pictured; Shonda, Julie & Theresa)

Part of the bridesmaids were able to make it to the shower along with the flower girl.
Jessica, Maegan, David, Jordan, Jenna, Holly, Anna & Eden

Thankful to have David's family at the shower. He had 3 of his 4 sisters, mom, dad 2 nieces and 1 of his nephews.


The blessings continue to fall upon us and I never want to take any of them for granted. I have shed many tears today, not tears of sorrow but tears of joy for all of God's goodness. I see things in a different light than maybe I did in the past and for that I am thankful. I woke up this morning singing the old hymn, "There shall be showers of blessings" I couldn't remember all the words so I googled them:

There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.
Refrain:
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
There shall be showers of blessing,
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.
There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come, and now honor Thy Word.
There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!
There shall be showers of blessing,
If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
If we let God have His way.

"Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

"Keeping My Eyes On Jesus"

I was originally scheduled for chemo today but with Jordan and David's wedding shower tomorrow, I didn't want to feel "weird" so I had it changed to Monday. I had to go in today for blood work and see my oncologist. She informed me that I would not be having chemo on Monday due to the fact that my blood counts are not where they need to be, so she rescheduled me for Thursday. She feels like this should be my last round of full chemo (#8) before I go into a maintenance program. The plan is to keep me on chemo for another year at once a month, taking away one of my chemo drugs. The concern from what I understand, is that the Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer I was diagnosed with can manifest itself into another form of cancer and the maintenance program will help delay the timing of that taking place. It would be so easy to get discouraged and wonder why or how she could say those words to me (about cancer being in my future) but I also realize that through all of this journey, God has shown me so much faithfulness and has a greater plan for me than what my eyes can see. Every step I have taken in the past 7 months, He has placed someone in my path that needed encouragement, or was there to encourage me. As I was leaving Highlands Oncology today a friend from church was standing at the entrance with tears in her eyes and seemed very afraid and shaken. Her husband has a brain tumor and she had brought him to Highlands with severe pain because he didn't want to go to the ER. I was able to move her car and go pray and sit with them until he could get some relief from the pain. I found out later today he was taken to the hospital and is probably in surgery as I am writing on this blog. I feel God allowed our paths to cross today for a reason and I feel as long as I keep my eyes on Jesus, He will continue to use me in what others might call circumstance or coincidence to pray and be there for others. I have to remind myself daily that this journey is not about me, but allowing God to use me to draw others to Him and to glorify His name.

David's family is in town for the shower tomorrow and is coming over tonight to help with wedding invitations along with a few bridesmaids. We are so grateful for this season in our lives and how God brought this couple together. They had engagements pictures done on Monday by my son Bryan and he did an amazing job capturing both of them and their love for each other.





Psalms 9:1-2 "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name O Most High."

"Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

"Life"

Baby "Buettemeyer" at 12 weeks!

Today I was blessed to go with Jenna to her doctor's appointment since Bryan was home sick. I was excited to hear our grand-baby's heart beat before, but when she called to see the doctor, we found out an ultrasound is also done at the 12 week appointment. What joy not only to hear the hearbeat but also to see little baby "Buettemeyer" swimming around in Jenna's tummy. Life is so fragile and I think often of young girls and women that have the right to choose to end a precious life. I wish everyone that went in for an abortion would have to see an ultrasound and hear the baby's heartbeat before making a final decision. I know there are a lot of ladies out there that would go back and make a different choice if they could and I am thankful for a God that shows mercy, grace, forgiveness and healing to those that have been down that path. Psalms 139:13-16 "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb, I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." What a miracle we all are, and to think, we were made by the Creator of the beginning of everything.

Life is so fragile and I know God has all of our days numbered. Psalms 90:12 "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." I have an aunt that is fighting for her life right now and her days are numbered. If you think about it, all our days are numbered and we never know what will take us out of this world. There are those that die before birth, as a baby, young child, teenager, young adult, middle age and old age. I pray my life will make a difference for others and my Savior while He gives me life here on this earth. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die;"

I am thankful for life and for the blessings of our family. What a beautiful reminder today of God's goodness to see His miracle growing inside of Jenna. Thank you Jenna for allowing me to share this day with you.

"Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

"Happy Birthday Jenna"

God has blessed our family with our wonderful daughter-in-law, Jenna. Today is her birthday and I wanted to honor her by saying thank you Jenna for who you are and for all you have done for Bryan, Hudson and our family. Bryan and Jenna started liking each other when she was in the 8th grade and he was in the 10th. At that time, things didn't work out for them but Jenna always prayed for Bryan and wanted God's blessings over his life, even when they were dating other people. It wasn't until they were older, Bryan 21 and Jenna was 20 that the Lord brought their paths together again. Jenna had always shared with Bryan how she had been praying for him for all the years apart but it wasn't until one night when she opened up her prayer journal to show him that she really had been praying for him. How blessed our family is to have a Jenna in our lives. She is a wonderful daughter-in-law and a great wife for Bryan and an amazing mommy to Hudson. It is kind of ironic they ended up together since Bryan always seemed to have spent a lot of time at the nurses office during school and now he is married to a nurse.

I am thankful that God has been so faithful, blessing our children with amazing spouses. I can tell you, it is worth fighting and praying over your children for their future mates. The most popular thing today seems to let your kids make mistakes and not take a stand for their futures, but God allows us a small window period to raise our kids and teach them morals and values and you don't have to always be there friends while they are growing up. Bryan had someone in his life for 2 years that he thought was the right person for him, but as his mom, I knew she was not what I had prayed for so many years for the wife of my son. I am thankful to say, Jenna is an answer to my prayers for all those years.

Jenna,Hudson and Bryan

Thank you Jenna for the blessing you are to our family. We love you and wish you a very Happy Birthday!!!

"Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

"Labor Day Weekend = Painting"

I will begin this post by saying, God is good and I am so thankful for how great I am feeling. We (Jordan and I) have been up late working on wedding stuff and everything seems to be coming along really well.

A few months ago I received a quote to have someone repaint our living room and kitchen area. Jordan and I have done a lot of painting in our house ourselves and every room has been painted at least twice if not more.I told Tony that I would never paint these two areas again and would have someone do it for me. I'm not sure why I use the word "never" in my vocabulary because it always comes back to get me. I was given the quote to paint our two rooms, and in my mind we could use that money toward the wedding. We were supposed to have a painting party on Friday with me, Tony, Jordan and David. Somehow Jordan and David skipped out on us and Tony and I took on the venture ourselves. Jordan and David had to go out of town to work on a few wedding things, so they really did have a good excuse. I'm sure Tony would have liked to have found a good excuse to leave, but being the trooper that he is, he helped me instead. We were up until midnight last night painting and finished putting everything back together today around 5:00pm. I can't say I enjoy painting but I'm always happy with the results and to accomplish such a big task.

Thankful for all the rain we had yesterday too. Psalms 65:9a "You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it"

"Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."