Potential

I (Becca) have loved the surprise of being in Michigan for the month of June. We are normally traveling in June, and while we would have thoroughly enjoyed the many visits we had scheduled with friends, churches, and family I am trying to savor the joy of being in West Michigan in June.

I have not seen Michigan in June in many years, I cant remember when, maybe 2008?

I was running through a park that I have seen many times in July. I was struck by how beautiful these flowers are, and I knew immediately what they were, and what they are going to be, their potential. You see, my grandparents trained me to know berries…and these are going to blackberries.

Lord, you see our potential when it seems all we feel and see are thorns and weeds. You know our beauty, you created us, and you know our true potential.

Our kids are off an adventure that Chris and I had wanted to go on. They will spend a week with one of Chris’ brothers and his large family, all thanks to Chris’ parents who are stepping in for us. It is important for us that our children know their family and are known by their family. Time with family is a luxury we are not often afforded while living overseas.

Thank you Lord for J&P and their gifts to our family through their time and energy. We ask you, Lord, for your protection for them and our children as they adventure and make special memories.

Today, we had the surprise of going for Chris’ blood draw to find out that his platelets are at 168 today. Yes, there is a 1 in front of the 68. We thought it was a typo, perhaps?…but the nurse did not see it as a typo. As a skilled medical provider she believed the number, she knew Chris’ potential when we didn’t. The Lord is doing wondrous things, Chris has a platelet number in the normal range! His platelets were 137 at his March physical, long before we knew there was a concern, and they were 69 on Friday. The rapid increase means that the bone marrow was compromised and that the treatment has been effective in restoring the bone marrow to a healthier state. Some of his other blood counts are not within normal, but they are “good” numbers for someone in cancer treatment. He had very low energy on Sunday and today and has enjoyed several naps to cope.

Lord, you know our potential to be salt and light in this world. You created your children intricately, masterpieces of your glory to fulfill your plans and purposes. Long ago, you knew of berries on the trail, trips with grandparents, of 168 platelets. Thank you for your omniscience.

Eph 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. NLT

By 29 Comments on Potential

29 Replies to “Potential”

  1. พระเจ้ายิ่งใหญ่เสมอแผนการของพระเจ้าก็ดีที่สุดสำหรับเราคะ เราดีใจมากที่คุณคริสมีอาการดีขึ้น ขอบคุณความรักและความเมตตาของพระเจ้า ขอพระเจ้าทรงเสริมกำลังทั้งทางร่างกายและจิตใจครอบครัวของคุณคริสและคุณเบคก้าทุกๆคนคะ

  2. Love the family picture and are so “taken aback by that platelet re bound🙏. God is GOOD all the time!!

  3. For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
    May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:4-6
    I/we are so grateful to hear of the hope that numbers can bring; God’s Word reminds us not to look far into the future–forgive me, all of my memorization happened in KJV–“today has enough troubles of its’ own”. Matthew 6:33-34. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
    Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
    Let your hearts rejoice in all of the “joy-givers” today: good numbers, great adventures for your children, a grandma who taught you to know what shrubs would bear ‘what’! My Dad did the same for me, and it is a treasure I consider every single day. We love you, we’re praying. We’re rejoicing over your “today”….and the goodness of God.

    1. Praise God, we pray for Chris and you guys daily, thankful for a wonderful report 🙏

  5. Praise God the answer to prayer for Chris’s platelet count! We are pulling for you guys in prayer!

  6. Dude, This is MIRACULOUS!!! I’m sorry that your kids are having the adventure you would love, but I love that it is giving them time to play, you time not to have to attend to them, space to sit in your own “adventure” right now….I am and remain in shock of the journey upon which you were thrust upon. I remain so prayerful. Thank you for inviting us to pray and walk with you.

  8. So glad for the good news. Praise God for His goodness! Praying on for God’s best in Chris’ treatments & in summer adventures with family. Our God will supply all your needs according to His riches. May He give healing to Chris & peace to all on this journey with Chris!!

  9. I am always so encouraged by your posts. Praying for you.
    What a blessing Chris‘s family is to take your kids on the trip.

  10. Glorious news! Lovely to see the Lord’s gifts coming to you all in so many personal ways, loving you and caring for you reminding that he sees you each and is carrying you along. Praise to his name!

  11. Rejoicing with you over this amazing come back. Praise God! (I know you already are). Big hugs.

  12. What a wonderful report about Chris’s platelet count and all that your children are getting to do and experience through your loving families! I love the simple reminders through flowers of His tender care and seeing all the potential within a situation… Your words remind us of His goodness in all the details. Pray our Father continue to give you rest, times of delight in His creation, and God sightings throughout each day. Love you all ❤️

  13. Praising God for this good news! Continued prayers for comfort and healing.

  14. I appreciate these updates, thank you
    Heading to the Chapel this morning, Thanking the Lord that each of you is Fearfully and Wonderfully made, the Lords works are Wonderful we will Praise His Name

  15. Nahum 1:7
    “The Lord is good,
    A stronghold in the day of trouble,
    And He knows those who take refuge in Him.”
    It is wonderful you take refuge in Him and you will be blessed because of it.

  16. Praising God for this wonderful news and that He is showing you His many nature delights while reminding you of his promises. Enjoying the family picture and your smiles cheer me up as well.

  17. You write so beautifully, Becca. Thank you for taking time to keep us informed. I rejoice with you for the number 168(!) and flowers and the reminder of potential! I continue to pray.

  18. Wooohoo for the higher number! Also it will be fun for you to run by and see the flowers turns to blueberries and then to eat them.

  19. Thank you for all the udpates. Janice and I are praising and praying with you along the way. Hope to see you at some point.

  20. Beautiful family, blessed by God Almighty.
    Thank You Jesus for showing Your goodness, love and faithfulness to the Hirt family.
    We continue to pray for Your will to be done, for healing and for You to be glorified. Amen 🙏🏼

  21. So very happy to hear his platlets are up!!!!
    Love you and continue to pray 🥰🙏🏻❤️

  25. So great to see this photo. Rejoicing with you that Chris’s bone marrow is healing. The things you are noticing each day are life giving and hopeful. I hear your heart being held and strengthened in the midst of the storm. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
    love you

  27. It is sure hard to recognize the family without bike helmets and jerseys on. 🥹
    A great photo! You have a beautiful family. Still wishing everyone the best!

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