His Eye Is On The Sparrow

I hope everyone enjoyed their spring and summer. We certainly did!! Steve and I decided to take a 3,000 mile motorcycle trip through six states. The trip was even more fun than I could have ever imagined. We rode on average 350 - 400 miles per day. Steve was so thoughtful to buy me a very, very nice seat and not one time did my butt hurt!! Over the course of almost two weeks, we visited many historic landmarks and enjoyed time at several National Parks including the Grand Tetons, Mt. Rushmore, and Yellowstone. We joined up with Steve's mom and dad halfway through the trip. They traveled west from Tennessee in their RV and then came back to Washington with us and stayed another week. Steve's brother was able to fly out for a long weekend. It was so nice to have his whole family together. We also were able to see my mom and dad and an aunt and uncle in early summer when their Alaskan cruise terminated in Vancouver, BC. Through our church, Mars Hill Olympia (www.marshillchurch.org), we began hosting and leading a Bible Study group (Community Group) in our home in June. The group has continued to grow and this past Tuesday night I sat in awe as 19 people gathered in our living room to fellowship, to study God's word, to pray, and to minister to others. We have been so blessed by this group of people that have become an integral part of our lives. We definitely had a blessed summer with family and friends.

"His eye is on the sparrow. Are you not that much more important?" (Matthew 6:26 Living Bible)

It is hard to believe it has been almost six months since my last post when Steve and I were celebrating our 15th anniversary at Ormond Beach, FL. In that post I mentioned we were in the process of several follow-up appointments with cardiology and neuromuscular specialties. We have finally received all pending tests and have had extensive conversations with the specialists in relation to my cardiac, blood pressure, and gastrointestinal struggles. Additionally, we finally have an understanding of the issues with my muscles. I have significantly updated the "About Lee and Steve" link on the right side of the homepage with the new information we have received in the last few weeks. In my last post, I had also asked for prayer for, at the time, my two-month E. coli infection in my kidneys/bladder. The infection turned into a seven-month battle. I was on high doses of various oral antibiotics for six months with no improvement. In September it was finally decided that I should have a surgically placed central line so I could receive daily IV antibiotics. After three days my kidney and bladder discomfort were resolved and cultures a week later showed the infection to be gone. I stayed on the IV antibiotics for three weeks for good measure.

I followed up with a specialist a week after finishing the antibiotics because I was concerned that I had a cluster of symptoms that had remained despite all cultures continuing to show that I was infection free. He reviewed my latest blood work and that was when I saw his expression change followed by a deep breath. He proceeded to inquire more about my remaining symptoms and how long they had been present. All the other doctors had attributed them to the E. coli infection. He explained to me that my lab work in combination with my specific symptoms were an almost perfect match for how one would present with lymphoma (cancer of the lymph system) and it looked like it had a six-month head start on us. My central line had just been pulled the day before and my doctor wanted to make sure it wasn't a hidden source of infection. The plan was to wait two weeks and return to him to evaluate new labs and hope the cluster of symptoms had resolved. That brings us to the appointment yesterday.

Nothing resolved in the last two weeks, so yesterday we mapped out the beginning (and least invasive) steps to find and diagnose the suspected lymphoma. The tests will focus on hematological malignancies (blood cancers) in general because they are the types of cancer that affect blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. Because all three are interconnected by the immune system, a malignancy affecting one of the three will often affect the others as well. Tomorrow I will have lab work done that will be sent for a highly specialized screening of the blood components in addition to other blood work pertinent in helping diagnose these cancers. I will undergo a CT scan with an IV infusion of contrast dye to examine the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to locate "hot" spots at 4 pm PDT tomorrow (Friday). There are no scheduled, future appointments as the doctor said he would be calling me as test results come in and map out what steps to take next based on the results.

I feel fairly confident that there are some of you who are struggling with this news. Steve and I know how much some of you hurt for us and this long journey that we have been on. We have been loved so well by many of you along this journey and we will always be forever grateful for that love and care. We want you to know that Jesus has given us his peace and perspective with all of the different health news we have received over the last few weeks. However, I do recall early on in this journey the emotional and spiritually paralyzing fear that overcame me when my health started to deteriorate just one week after our honeymoon. Steve and I had never been taught or studied on our own the theology of suffering in the life of a Christian. Some of you are where we were fifteen years ago in your own suffering or in your sadness for us. The road of affliction often resembles a roller coaster ride but take heart; we have been on this "roller coaster" before. Five years into our marriage, we found ourselves in a NY hospital, hundreds of miles from home, separated by two floors, with each of us fighting for our lives. (story can be found in the July 2009 updates) We committed then to figure out how to ride well. It seems since that time, the ride has never really stopped. The very first thing we learned about the roller coaster of life is that there is nothing we can do to control the ride, however, we do have the opportunity to determine how we experience the ride. Over time through study of God's Word and prayer, the hills create less anxiety and are less scary, your stomach does not get that sinking feeling as you speed downhill, and the surprising loops are not near as disorienting. You learn better roller coaster

riding skills. You will get to where you can ride the roller coaster of life with your hands raised high and full joy in your heart!

If Steve and I can encourage you even in the smallest of ways to search and embrace the truths found in God's Word to us, then not a single moment of this current affliction will be wasted. I excitedly echo the words of John Piper in his book "Don't Waste Your Life" as he describes what is found on the road of suffering. "All the riches of the glory of God in Christ are on that road. All the sweetest fellowship with Jesus is found there. All the clearest sightings of eternity are found there. All the deepest discoveries of God's Word are found there." Knowing this, how can we not embrace suffering and have confidence that it is for God's glory and our ultimate joy! Suffering can overwhelm us when we focus on the immediate, but our perspective improves when we focus on the eternal. Suffering produces in us qualities that would otherwise never develop.

Romans 5:3-5

We also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. (This is not hope in being healed but refers to v.2 - hope in the glory of God) And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (parenthesis mine)

Please pray that Steve and I will have the needed strength, humility, and courage to represent our faith in Jesus well on this journey and that on this journey we will encounter many who need Jesus. We ask you to pray for us the words that Paul prayed when facing his many afflictions. Philippians 1:20: "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have SUFFICIENT COURAGE so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death."

Thank you for hanging in there on this long post but we just did not want to share where we find ourselves this day without sharing with you why we have the peace and joy that we do. Our prayer is that you are encouraged that God is on his

throne and suffering is a grace from God. It is a grace given us now to prepare us for living here with peace and also for living forever with him.

We will update as we get news from the tests. Please feel free to forward this CarePage to others who would pray for us and especially to those who you know are suffering right now and might be encouraged by God's truths. It is okay to post

a link on Facebook to the site as well. Thank you for your prayers and for checking in on us!!

Love and Blessings, Lee and Steve

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Messages

Thame Fuller

October 7, 2010, 7:27 PM

Thank you for sharing and for your example of patient perseverance and confident courage! You are both God-

blessed, God-honoring blessings!

Debby Swecker

October 7, 2010, 7:40 PM

We love you both and will continue praying.

Bruce Ensign

October 7, 2010, 7:55 PM

Hi Lee, I just read your post from my Android phone which doesn't lend itself to a vood response. My heart and prayers go out to you and our Lord Jesus. Don't hesitate to share yiur needs with Susan or I if you find yourself in need. We love yooou two and want to support in any say we can. Thank you for sharing thag eben in suffering your life is not wasted. God has purposes behind everything which will one day be apparent. Hold to the faith and trust in God.

Emily Vahey

October 7, 2010, 8:11 PM

Thanks for sharing! We love you and are praying for you... looking forward to seeing you in person this weekend to give you a hug! -Emily Vahey

Nola von Neudegg

October 7, 2010, 8:31 PM

Lee, you really should write a book. REALLY! Thank you for sharing your heart and God's word with those who care for you. You are a great blessing. Nola Jennifer Evans October 7, 2010, 8:46 PM I am in BSF with your sweet Mom.Thank you for sharing your heart and your journey it is an encouragement. I will pray for you right now. Isaiah 40:31 "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

D Ward

October 7, 2010, 8:58 PM

Dearest Lee, Thank you for the help and comfort you are giving us in the midst of your news. Isn't it so like you dear to be thinking of others even today? I have other friends who will be strengthened by your words and faith, so thank you for the permission to share your testimony of God's love and peace. Our prayers will as always be with you and Steve, especially tomorrow. Because of your faith people will believe in the real power of God's love and the presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in believers lives.

You and Steve glorify God with your lives every day and we are so grateful for you both. Sending all our love and a fresh outpouring of prayers from our hearts, Debby and family

Steven Mulkey

October 7, 2010, 9:52 PM

Jessica and I will be praying for you and Steve. Thanks for sharing your heart for Christ, its an amazing testimony to God's grace. I am humbled by your faith,

and encouraged to trust God more.

Susan Jenkinson

October 7, 2010, 10:02 PM

As always my prayers are with you. You have been on my mind for several weeks now and I have been praying for you. Love you guys.

Betsy Ramsey

October 7, 2010, 10:28 PM

wow....I am trying to process all of this so all I can say now is that I am praying and that God hears our prayers. "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jer.

33:3 You and Steve continue to inspire and bless us all with your faith.

sue ensign

October 7, 2010, 10:50 PM

Lee, You've already been such an encouragement to me personally. Thanks for letting Jesus work so brillantly in your life. Shine on! Love and prayers, Susan<><

Norma Eaton

October 8, 2010, 12:48 AM

Lee as I was reading the last of your post this scripture came to mind: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves; 8 we are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair; 9 pursued, yet not forsaken; smitten down, yet not destroyed; 10 always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you. 13 But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, I believed, and therefore did I speak; we also believe, and therefore also we speak; 14 knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also with Jesus, and shall present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound unto the glory of God.

16 Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; 18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but

at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not

seen are eternal. You are a treasure to me. praying for you Norma

<< 2 Corinthians 4 >

Betsy michalik

October 8, 2010, 12:50 AM

We are praying and remembering God's deliverances 10-12 yrs. ago and trusting Him for more. Love to you both, Betsy and Jim

Melissa Marks

October 8, 2010, 2:43 AM

We just finished John Piper's book and it radically changed my perspective on life. I am encouraged by your humbleness to accept this suffering and seek no pity but seek God's glory. I will be praying for you and Steve to find joy in your journey as your eyes are on the cross. Much love.....Melissa for the Marks Kimball & Elizabeth Parker October 8, 2010, 5:10 AM Elizabeth and I will be praying for you! May your joy and worship continue to be in our Most High God. Bless you for your testimony and faith!

Steve Braden

October 8, 2010, 8:00 PM

As I read about you and Steves' journey over six states, the beauty you saw and the "wonderful" seat you got, I can also see the long journey you guys have been on, the beauty you have experienced and the "majestic" seat God has put you in. Thank you so much for sharing with us. Uncle Steve and I love you guys very much. Praying daily, Aunt Helen

Sandi Henry

October 8, 2010, 8:03 PM

Sweet Lee and Steve, I'll have to admit that my strength and character are not nearly as strong as yours. I'm devastated by your latest news. I will be praying that you do not have lymphoma, but that the doctors will find out what you DO have and be able to heal you. You are safe in God's hands. You guys truly live out the gospel with joy amid your trials. Thank you for blessing us with your words and your example. I

love the picture of you on the motorcycle! Sending a huge hug and lots of prayers from across the country. love, sandi

Link Hudson

October 9, 2010, 1:58 AM

I just don't have the words right now except I love you both. I am so deeply moved by your roller coaster analogy. God has given you such a gift for glorifying Him with your words as well as your example. Know that I am praying. I have been so encouraged by your story over the years and I want you to know that this summer I went through a health scare myself. My church did a video testimony on me and I wanted to share the link with you and Steve. You can find it at http://vimeo.com/14328769 Your story gave me strength and greater faith in our loving God. Take care and I love you both.

Don Disney

October 10, 2010, 12:10 PM

Loving you through it all!!!

JANEY ROTH

October 11, 2010, 5:20 AM

Hi Lee, I have thought of you so much over the years, and always wondered how life was treating you. It seems that you've had more than your fair share of struggles, but you are taking them all in the beautiful manner you did even as a child. I'm sending you my prayers. I think of you and your mom all the time and send you both a HUG. May God bless you and yours, janey watson roth

Kathy Hodge

October 11, 2010, 2:31 PM

Love y'all. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Good to see you out and enjoying life through it all. Lee, your seat looks like a recliner, how nice! 350 -400 miles a day??? You are a real trooper. I find that at 300 I am ready to be done for the day. Though I've not known y'all long, you will always remain two of my favorite folks I know in Lacey. If y'all ever get down Portland way, please look me up. My home is always open to you. Love, Kathy

Alissa McPherson

October 11, 2010, 3:27 PM

Steve and Lee, I really don't know were to even start. My prayers are with you and my heart just aches for you both. I have never seen a couple more in love than the two of you. What a wonderful example of a Christian marriage. You live your vows to one another every single day. I love you both and will be praying daily for you both! Love in Christ, Alissa McPherson

Cherie Leyva

October 11, 2010, 4:15 PM

Steve and Lee, This is the first time I have had the honor to view your website. I cried all the way through. I had no idea about the depth of your situation and all that you and Steve have had to endure. There is not a week that goes by where I don't tell my husband Joe how lucky we are to have Chief Brooks at Lacey. Steve is the type of leader that you want to follow and you feel

blessed to have the opportunity to work under. The two of you are such an inspiration to mankind. I can only thank god that I have been given the opportunity to know the both of you. I agree with Nola, you should write a book!

Lee, you are such an inspiration to all of us. Thank you for sharing your life and your love for god with us. Joe and I will pray everyday for you and your family. Love Cherie Faith Taylor-Eldred October 13, 2010, 2:47 AM You and Steve are in my thoughts. -Faith Faith Taylor-Eldred October 13, 2010, 2:47 AM You and Steve are in my thoughts. -Faith

Bob Moye

October 18, 2010, 12:30 PM

Lee and Steve, Thank you for updating us. We lift you up to the Father in prayer during this latest part of your journey. We give thanks to Him for the huge part you have played in our lives! In Him! Bob and Sandy Moye