This is a new favorite spot, watching and naming the birds has become a new family activity.
Psalm 104:1 Lord my God, you are very great;
you are clothed with splendor and majesty.Psalm 104:12 The birds of the sky nest by the waters;
they sing among the branches.
Just as this Psalm declares, we agree and say, the Lord our God is very great.
The month of February has been full, and I can hardly believe the last time we shared was 3 weeks ago.
In these last three weeks Chris completed TEDDI-R chemo round 4. It was modified with a reduced chemo load due to increased side effects, that which I will not elaborate on for the sake of your comfort. We are thankful for medical expertise and steroids and their help to reduce the discomfort of these symptoms.
Also, in these last three weeks we moved to our new home. We are exceedingly thankful for all those who helped and shared so kindly so we could set up a home in the midst of our current challenges. We still have boxes to unpack and a few more things to gather but it is coming along…except one adolescent room, but that is a different sort of challenge. It was a real treat to unpack boxes of things we packed away 15 years ago, many which hold memories of our wedding and of loved ones who have passed.
Finally, in these last weeks our dog, Snoopy, made the big trip from Thailand to rejoin our family. Our dear friend brought him, and we are all smiling much more.
Today, Feb 24th, Chris is having 4 MRIs and CT/PET to evaluate and determine next medical steps. Later this week we will meet with our medical team to determine if Chris will go to Chicago for CAR-T next week or wait a week for radiation here in Grand Rapids before CAR-T. In all the uncertainty we know the Lord has a plan.
As we settled into our new home, our sliding door to the backyard quickly became the place I would sit in the morning to pray, read, and think. Red finch, sparrows, red bellied woodpeckers, tufted titmouse, cardinals, blue birds, and even the bossy bluejays have welcomed me. Of course I have enticed them with food, but even still they return most mornings just as the sun peeks over the horizon.
The birds of the sky nest by the waters;
they sing among the branches.
The birds and all their beauty have been here since the beginning. The Lord created their songs and colors; he has been providing for them since it all began. He is great and we can trust him, his provision, and his plan.
Psalm 104:31,33 May the glory of the Lord endure forever
Just like the birds, I will sing praise to God as long as I live.
So thankful for your medical progress and that your family is complete….with Snoopy. Prayers continue.
Praying for Chris and the whole family in our ladies Wednesday prayer group.
I am so glad you guys are enjoying some semblance of normalcy at this time. Well, normalcy perhaps for you anyway. Lots of big questions and answers coming up, it sounds like. You guys are in our prayers and hearts.
Bill and Judy
I LOVE seeing your dog in the picture!!! We left ours in Thailand and miss him terribly but know it is no small feat to get a dog stateside!
Rebecca and Chris, I’m so thankful that your friend could bring your dog to you. Our pets are so important as families. Joan and I will be praying that the CT Scan and MRI will give clear guidance in light of treatment. We rejoice with you in being in your home that the Lord provided so wonderfully. Love, Cindy Langermann (& Joan)
Continuing to pray with you and thanking God for his faithfulness.
I rejoice with you about the birds, and especially the dog; it’s such a gift for all in the family. May our good God bless you all.
Birds and dogs!! Our Lord blesses us greatly with both, doesn’t he? Your news and your family picture with the Snoopy shirts blessed me just now. You are such wonderful communicators!! Congrats on your new home, happy you are moved in. Each of you -Chris, Becca, Luis, Lucas & Emalene- is in my daily prayers, as I thank the Lord for His provision and guidance, day by day.
Ephesians 1:17-21
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
I am so grateful to hear that you are in your new home. It takes a long time to get a home settled; I’m not sure that ours ever really has been. Other things always seem more important! Having a friend Shepherd your dog from Thailand to the United States is beyond Herculean . I love looking at the smiles and the faces on all of you with your dog back home with you.
At a time when I needed reassurance of the power of God to step in and help us many years ago, a dear friend at church shared this passage. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is ours through the Almighty will of God, the grace and mercy and love that he covers us with.
So many of us love you and considerate it a privilege to pray for each of you. Please let Peggy and John and Chris’s sister and brothers know that we include them; we include your family as well Becca, although I don’t know each of their names from Memory.
And Lord, haste the day when our faith shall be sight.✝️💟💋
Thank you so much for the update! I’ll continue to pray!
I’m very happy for you and your home!
Love the t-shirts.
How sweet to see you all in your t-shirts with Snoop Dog! I walk every morning– freezing or just simply cold or rainy– and listen for the birds so relate to what you see in your backyard. They are beautiful to watch and listen to and know that God watches over them just like He does for all of us. The time walking helps me to focus on prayer and giving Him all the burdens on my mind & heart. I am praying now for you all that the results of the tests today will help you understand His plan for the future. May your new home bring comfort and peace for each of you.
Love the Snoop Dog shirts! Fantastic way to honor your furry family member and i’m SO GLAD someone could bring him to you! That must make creating a new “home” that much easier. Praying for God’s direction and loving presence for you all. You as parents are a powerful witness to those 3 disciples you’re raising! Shalom to you!
So thankful for all the small mercies! Will be praying for continued improvements and positive outcomes. Glad you can enjoy the beauty and sounds of the birds!
So glad you have your own home, and your DOG!!!! What a journey for that poor fellow, he had no idea what was happening. I can only imagine his joy when he got off the last plane to find you folks waiting for him! Those shirts you have with him on it are adorable. I’m sure the medical journey is becoming tiring, and pray for good reports, patience, and good spirits as you continue this journey. Are you able to share your new address?
So glad to hear Snoopy has rejoined the family at your new home. Wonder what he thinks of all
this snow…. God’s Timing is always just right….
Welcome Snoopy! Hope you like the Michigan snow.
So great you could get Snoopy back!! An adjustment for him. Snow!
I’m so sorry about the hard hard time Chris is having. It makes me cry.
Amazing you are in your own house!!!
Also amazing that all the birds are around even in the snowy winter. I guess they can’t hibernate or fly south. Lots of love from warm summery Tauranga. Wish you guys could visit
We are so thankful to read your update, see Snoop Dog and your family, and of course, we are continuing to pray for you all!
Encouraged by the evidence of God’s care for you! Praying that His kingdom come and His will be done in each of your lives. May He fill you with peace, encouragement and renewed strength. Love to you all.
So good to see you all together again. Thankful that you are finding joy in the birds and settling into the new home.
What a wonderful nature center with the
River behind your property! And we are thrilled to know Snoopy made the long trip to join the family he loves.
We remain in daily prayer for Chris’s treatment and for your family getting settled..
Blessings and love.
Judie Rudolph
So happy all 6 of you are back together again!
The boys are growing up quickly since the last pics we saw.
Loving, caring prayers for you every day ❤️
Loving thoughts and prayers as you meet each new day. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy.
We love those Snoop Dog t-shirts! We continue to pray for you all as you continue this journey. I can’t believe how big the boys look in this picture.
Yay! So happy your family and Snoopy have been reunited – love the shirts!
Thank you for this good reminder that God provides for the birds….and us! Also, so impressed that you can name all those birds!
My prayers for Chris’ healing and your family’s adjustment continue.
Psalm 104 has long been one of my favorites and I love feeding and watching birds. I echo your thoughts that the Lord has been taking care of them for millennia already but I love it when he gives me opportunity to join Him in that joy.
I have not chosen to put a part of your story in my book:not Coincidentally, at least not yet. I think that I am waiting for some glorious, conclusive outcome, just as you are. When you went back to Thailand, I thought we had that… until all the pain started.
May the Lord give you His supply of grace for each day. May you hear His assurance in the flutter of bird wings. May His presence give your souls something firm, though invisible, to hold onto when the enemy tries to make you throw in the towel. Rest assured, you are seen and loved.
I loved the picture of your dog among all of you snuggled together on the couch with the cute T-shirts. So happy you’re now settled in your new home . What a blessing God has given you to be able to enjoy all the different variety of birds He’s created. I am praying for continued wisdom and insight for the doctors ; strength, energy ,protection and healing for Chris and peace, trust, comfort and strength for the family.
So glad to see Snoopy reunited with your family! Praying for Chris’s health & all of you during this time in the Lord’s waiting room. Seeing the birds reminds me of how the same Lord who sees the sparrows certainly has his eyes on you who are so much more valuable to Him than sparrows. May our Creator & caring God enfold & guide you in this next phase of treatment. Praying on for Chris’ complete healing & restoration & for peace in the journey! Lord, hear our prayers!
Thanks for the updates. So glad to see Snoopy reunited with your family! Praying for Chris’s health & all of you during this time in the Lord’s waiting room. Seeing the birds reminds me of how the same Lord who sees the sparrows certainly has his eyes on you who are so much more valuable to Him than sparrows. May our Creator & caring God enfold & guide you in this next phase of treatment. Praying on for Chris’ complete healing & restoration & for peace in the journey! Lord, hear our prayers!
❤️Maryann
So glad to know you are getting settled in your new home. What a testimony to God‘s provision and faithfulness. We continue to pray for Chris’s healing and for encouragement for the rest of you.
Love the family photo!! Having you all in your home including Snoopy is so important, And a blessing to see! Something stable in a time of uncertainty.
Love you all and you’re in my prayers.
Aunt Dawn
Our prayers for you all ascend to heaven like birds taking wing. When you return to Thailand, maybe we can take you out birding to our favorite places.
Thank You Lord for birds and for Snoopy. Thank You for meds, steroids and other things to make Chris more comfortable. Thank You for their new place to call home, and for unpacked memories. God, You are faithful.
Thank You Hirts for reminding us all of His blessings.
Good to be reunited with Snoopy, eh? And moved in already. Wow, God is good, and wow your family is really experiencing a tonne of transition. May God be clearly present in all your days!
Thanks again for the update!
Praying for you all ❤️
Looking good!
Congratulations on your move to the new house! A big job but sounds like it’s moving along well. Thanks for the nice family picture and hello to all. Continued prayers for your treatments Chris, and also for the miracle of complete healing. May the Lord be with you and bless you richly as we look forward to spring.
How fun to see your Snoopy in the middle of your lovely family photo!! I know you were all thrilled to have him rejoin your ranks! What a beautiful view out your sliding glass door, Becca. I can see why you would choose to welcome the day there, watching the birds. What an array you have in the dead of winter! Chris, you look good. Praying for you and your loving family. XOXO….Maribeth and for Paul
It looks like your family is now complete, with Snoopy’s arrival! Thank God for making that possible.
We REALLY enjoy these sharings of yours… Not only does it make us smile with joy…It inspires our morning devotions/prayers for you… We do include all of you by name & petition
Lovely family photo.. All of you (yes ALL) look great ! And love the doggie shirts… smile : )
Lyrics for God of Angel Armies (Chris Tomlin)
You hear me when I call
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light
Whom shall I fear?
You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though troubles linger still
Whom shall I fear?
I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
My strength is in your name
For you alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory
I love the joy on your faces as you surround Snoopy with hugs—the reunion must’ve been filled with slobber and flying fur!! I am praying that you know next steps in treatment soon, the MRIs reveal treatment successes, and for the Lord’s strength, comfort and peace to surround you all as you navigate the days ahead.
I love seeing Snoopy with you all!!! So great! Holding you all in prayer.
One of my favorites is Ps 84… also another bird psalm. He is so careful with the most fragile of His creatures. How much more will He be gentle with us. Thankul to you for sharing your house with our friends! What a blessing you have been from afar. They head out today!
We are so glad for your new home and the reunion with Snoopy! God is good!
Blessings, Sue & Coleman
Great to see the picture of you all. Praying for Chris’ next round of treatment. Much love to you all.