Happy Birthday Travis!

Travis is our newest "nephew in love" married to my sister's third daughter, Emily.  Tom and I have amazing memories from their wedding...it was the last time we danced together before Tom's recurrence.

September 24, 2011

"Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband."

Ephesians 5:33

Travis & Emily are the proud "parents" of Roxy, their black lab!

“Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”

Matthew 15:27

Travis & Emily

"Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves."

Philippians 2:1-3

One of my favorite pictures...cousins & their "country boy" husbands!

Tim, Lauren, Zac, Sarah, Emily & Travis

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God."

Ephesians 3:14-19

Travis was an amazing catcher for the MVNU Cougars!

"Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable."

I Corinthians 9:25

Thanks Travis for playing the game of life with the imperishable in mind. We love you and pray your birthday is one to remember!

Love, Uncle Tom & Aunt Lisa

Last Saturday night the whole Kline Clan (26 of us) gathered here for dinner, minus Papa and Granny.  Thank you to my sister who pulled off another challenging meal.  Not only is it a challenge to cook for 25, but with three people having dietary restrictions, makes it even more challenging.  We enjoyed grilled chicken, herbed sweet potato pan fries, baked potatoes, and green beans.  Aubrey made two delicious salads, I threw in some rolls and the plethora of desserts were cupcakes and apple dessert (Kelly), peanut butter brownies (Cheryl) and strawberry shortcake (Lauren)!  What fun it was celebrating Declan's introduction into the "crowd".  We certainly missed mom and dad, however we realize our size is making each gathering a challenge...next time we may need to rent a larger facility!

Sarah introduces herself to Declan!

Tom started another chemotherapy drug Monday night.  He will take this medication daily for two weeks.  So far, Tom is tolerating it well.  We made it to therapy yesterday with no "roadside incident" and we are so thankful.  He is sleeping well at night and for that we give thanks.

So often when I write I think whoever reads this must think all we do is eat!  Sometimes it does seem like that.  I want to honor and say thank you to all who have brought food and I have found that this is the best way to do that...and, maybe it will bring inspiration in your meal planning!  Last night we enjoyed a Mexican Fiesta compliments of Tari Hooley.

White Chicken Chili

Chips & Black Bean Salsa

Individual Coffee Cakes for Breakfast & Pineapple Cake for dessert!

Thank you Tari...you're a blessing!

Last Fall while the leaves were piling up and gathering in our gutters, we noticed our neighbor was having an estimate on gutter guards.  We decided it would be a smart decision for us to do the same.  This past Monday and Tuesday the gutter guards were installed so now this Fall Tom will not have to worry about the gutters getting clogged with leaves.  Another task that Tom always took care of and now is unable to.  With all of his limitations, he continues to be so positive and never complains about what he can't do...he is amazing.  I think the two hardest limitations he has is walking and reading.  We who enjoy those things can't begin to imagine what it would be like to not have them, yet he perseveres with an amazing attitude...just like Tom!

"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

James 1:12

Surprise Friday Visit!

Friday afternoon there was a knock at the door...we weren't expecting anyone...who could it be?  What a flood of emotion when we saw our niece, Brittany and her new son, Declan!  What a joy to finally meet, hold, love, snuggle and welcome him to Ohio!

A bundle of pure joy!

Matt is home for the weekend so he could meet Declan!

We knew Dan, Brittany and Declan were coming to Columbus for the weekend, but had no idea that they were coming earlier than planned.  We have a family dinner planned here Saturday night and I knew there would be many arms to hold this precious baby so it was nice we could have the one-on-one time Friday.  Thanks "B" for making our day...he's a "gift from the Lord"!

"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,

The fruit of the womb is a reward."

Psalm 127:3

After getting through Tuesday's "episode", Tom seems to be handling the first dose of chemo well.  The new medication arrived in the mail this week ready for Monday.  We both are trusting the Lord to see Tom through these next two weeks without any "episodes".  Pray that we would place any anxiety at the foot of the cross.

Another delicious meal provided by Erin Camerlengo!

Beth Beatty made the slaw...

Thank You to two precious ladies!

Carmel Apple Dessert!

We are so grateful how our Lord provides for us.  Today I am meeting with Sarah Fudge who has our taxes ready to sign!  This is a task that Tom has always done...and being the math man I think he always enjoyed it somewhat...really!?  The thought of it makes me nauseous!  What a blessing that she took on this task, I am confident that she did a great job and it can be crossed off my "to do" list....whew!

Thank you again for your continued love, support and prayers on our behalf...we are blessed to have you on our "team".

Remembering Gary Edmund Carter

Last May we became aware that Gary Carter (former MLB Expos/Mets player) was diagnosed with the same brain tumor that Tom has, GBM.  It was bittersweet for us to read that Gary went home to be with his Lord last Thursday.  Bitter that he is gone from this life, sweet that he is with Jesus!  What a delight for me to read the family's Caring Bridge blog and see their great faith and love for God and His Word.

GARY EDMUND CARTER "The Kid" Gary Edmund Carter "The Kid" 57, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL went to be with the Lord on February 16, 2012. Born April 8, 1954 in Culver City, CA, he was the son of James H. and Inge. Gary will forever be remembered by the love of his life, his wife Sandy, with whom he enjoyed 37 years of marriage, three children, Christina (Matt) Kearce of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Kimberly (Kyle) Bloemers of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and Douglas of Los Angeles, CA, his brother, Gordon (Linda) of Santa Ana, CA, three grandchildren, Carter and Brady Kearce and Alyse Bloemers (who has a sibling on the way in August!), along with countless other family, friends and fans who were blessed to know him. Gary was pre-deceased by his parents. Nicknamed "The Kid" for his infectious smile and enthusiasm, Gary spent the last two plus seasons coaching baseball for NCAA Division II Palm Beach Atlantic University following a Hall of Fame playing career in Major League Baseball. Inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 following a brilliant 19-year career, Gary is known as one of the greatest catchers to ever play the game. Spending the majority of his career playing for the Montreal Expos and New York Mets, Gary helped lead the Mets to a World Series Championship in 1986 as he started a two-out rally in Game Six to help propel the Mets to an improbable victory in seven games. Gary leaves behind an incredible legacy in many circles for his athletic abilities, charitable endeavors, and unyielding faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The number of lives Gary touched is countless. The founder of the Gary Carter Foundation, he was instrumental in raising funds and awareness for such causes as leukemia, juvenile diabetes, the Autism Project of Palm Beach County, and providing educational resources to benefit local schools. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful people at Hospice of Palm Beach County and Visiting Angels for helping Gary rest comfortably the past several weeks. Additionally, the family would like to thank Dr. James Harris for his personal attention and care for Gary throughout this journey. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Friday, February 24 at 7:00 PM at Christ Fellowship Church, 5343 Northlake Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to The Gary Carter Foundation, 580 Village Blvd., Suite 315, West Palm Beach, FL, 33409. Your donations will go to support the Autism Project of Palm Beach County, Hospice of Palm Beach County, and Palm Beach Atlantic University Baseball.

Published in The Palm Beach Post from February 19 to February 27, 2012

Chemotherapy...

Last night Tom started his first round, of six, chemotherapy treatments.  About an hour before he took the chemo he took the anti-nausea medication.  Prior to bed, with much trepidation and angst, Tom swallowed the four menacing pills.  We prayed before bed and turned out the lights.  I am all about "believing in faith", however my practical side said to have the "puke pail" ready.  The devil speaks to me on every detail of this journey questioning my faith...such as, "if you really had faith you wouldn't need the puke pail".  I quickly turn my thoughts to God and say, "is my practicality not faith?".  I toss these thoughts constantly before my God who assures me with His sweet word:

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.  We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete."

II Corinthians 10:3-6

My mind is a battlefield and I refuse to allow the devil an opportunity.  This journey has taught me more than I wanted to know about having faith.  Anyway, the night was restless with Tom experiencing sleeplessness (which causes me sleeplessness, especially when he turns on the TV) and his muscle spasms were especially bothersome.  We were so thankful that he didn't experience any nausea during the night.  Other than feeling a little "blah" he said he was fine.  We routinely went through our morning ritual and prepared for therapy.  While driving 65 mph in the center lane, heading south on 315 in the pouring rain, Tom says, "I have to puke"....eghhhhhhhhh!  I quickly got to the side of the road (God even allowed it to be under a bridge), jumped out, popped open the back end where I had a new "puke bag" from the last ER visit, grabbed it and got it to Tom before he hurled!  As prepared as I think I am..."it" always catches me by surprise!  As we sat at the edge of the road, the world zooming by, I called the rehab center and said Tom wouldn't be there today.  We turned around and headed home.

Once home and now totally out of routine, Tom wasn't sure what to do with himself.  He decided he would lay in bed while I read to him (becoming one of our favorite past times).  We finished the book Unbroken, which held us by it's amazing story of survival and God's plan for a life.  Sarah gave Tom the book for his birthday and she actually has met Louis Zamperini who is a WWII veteran and some 90+ years young!  We look forward to meeting him one day too.  We encourage everyone to read it, especially if you are a history buff like our nephew, Timothy!  (hint)

Many of you have faithfully prayed for and asked about my mom.  She sounds great and is looking forward to going home from the hospital today.  She had hoped that yesterday she could go home, however her INR levels were not where the doctor wanted them.  Today they are in a good place to go home.  Please join me in praying that mom will "lay low" while her body continues to heal.  She is not one to "lay low" and busy is her middle name!  Thank you for lifting her up in prayer. 

Great Harvest Cinnamon Bread for Sunday Morning

Compliments of Carylee Meyers

Always a hit at our house...thank you!

Sunday Evening Asian Feast

Compliments of Scott Nishisaki

Delicious treat, thank you!

Tonights Pot Roast, Potatoes, Carrots & Bread

Compliments of Linda Homoelle

Nothing like a good old fashioned pot roast dinner, thank you! 

My Mom

"Even the darkness is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day.
Darkness and light are alike to You.

For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well."

Psalm 139:12-14

Barbara Kline...aka "granny"

Last night while I was at bible study I received a call that my mom was in the hospital in Venice, FL.  My dad took her when her arm, chest and neck pain worsened.  You have to know my mom well enough to know she wouldn't go the hospital until the "discomfort" (not pain) was at an extreme level.  She is no wimp and her pain tolerance would blow the "average" person out of town!  So when she agrees to go to the emergency room...it's serious.  Of course, our initial thoughts are heart related, however when the nitroglycerin tablets had no effect, other diagnosis' were pursued.  After many tests, admission to the hospital for the night and more tests scheduled for today the final diagnosis was three blood clots in the lungs...pulmonary embolism.  She is now on blood thinners and will be hospitalized for three days and on Coumadin for six months.  I'm praying those new knives I got her don't cause trouble!  Will you join me in praying for her recovery and no further complications.  I broke down in the car upon arriving home last night wondering how much can I handle and I heard:

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden,

The God who is our salvation."

Psalm 68:19

Without Him bearing my burdens I'm not sure how I'd do this...life.  One breath at a time.  I normally say "one day at a time", I've moved to "one breath at a time"...He is sustaining me through His Word and those of you who faithfully lift me to the throne of grace...thank you.

Herb Roasted Chicken, Wild Rice, Broccoli, Homemade Wheat Bread with Cinnamon Butter & Homemade Applesauce

Compliments of Mindy Barlow...Thank you, Mindy

Warm Berry Cobbler for Dessert too!

Gifts from today:

From sweet friends...

Thank you Linda for the CD

Thank you Mindy for the Grace plaque!

Thank you to those of you who prayed about the disability application process.  It is complete and I received a phone call yesterday that Tom has been approved for disability!  Wow that was fast...untypical for our government process!  I am so thankful for the help of Terry and Kelly with the paperwork details.  I am now working on the insurance side of things as this will be changing too.

Today I spoke with the nurse at the neuro-oncology office who said Tom is lined up to start chemotherapy treatments on Monday.  I then spoke with the pharmacist who said the medicine will be delivered on Monday.  I am working with two separate pharmacies on the two different chemo drugs, one here locally and the other is in Tennessee!  The second chemo drug will start on day 8 and continue through day 21.  Please pray that Tom will respond positively to these new drugs in his system and not experience any negative side effects.  We ultimately trust The Great Physician and His healing hand upon Tom.

Yesterday while Tom was at his therapy session I was able to make a quick visit to the Riverside Acute Rehab unit to visit a dear friend who is on that floor.  I was amazed that a nurse, physician and therapist all recognized me and gave their best to Tom.  It was a sickening feeling going back.  I was able to "conquer my fears" and I am so thankful for the sweet visit that allowed me to have reason to go back and cheer on a friend.

Food Tom is to AVOID

"And has rescued us from our adversaries,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
Who gives food to all flesh,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Give thanks to the God of heaven,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting."

Psalm 136:24-26

Cross references:

1. Psalm 136:24 : Judg 6:9; Neh 9:28; Ps 107:2
2. Psalm 136:25 : Ps 104:27; 145:15
3. Psalm 136:26 : Gen 24:3, 7; 2 Chr 36:23; Ezra 1:2; 5:11; Neh 1:4

Milk & Dairy:  Aged Cheeses - Bleu Cheese, Parmesan, Feta, Muenster, Gouda, Provolone, Gargonzola, Romano, Mozzarella, & Swiss
                        Non-pasteurized Dairy Products
                        Yogurt
Meats:            Wild Game Meat
                        Meat Extracts
                        Dried Meats
                        Sausage
                        Bologna
                        Pepperoni
                        Salami
                        Bacon
                        Lunch meats
                        Hot Dogs
                        Corned Beef
                        Meat Tenderizer
Fruits:            Raspberries
                        Figs
                        Bananas
                        Raisins
                        Prunes
                        Avocados/Guacamole
Vegetables:     Italian Green Beans
Misc:               Soy Sauce
                        Sauerkraut
                        Pickles
                        Olives
                        Teriyaki
                        Chocolate
                        Caffeine

Valentine's Day Part II

Okay...so I return to the house on Valentine's Day to find a MetroCuisine vehicle in the driveway!  I was told to go to the front door, get Tom from the bedroom and enter the kitchen together.  Being the obedient one...I did as told.  What an amazing sight...an elegant table set for two with a server there to make our romantic dinner exceptional!  Linen tablecloth, candles, flowers, and a dinner prepared for two equals LOVE!  I am mostly thankful to Tom, but I know he required much help to pull off such an incredible evening.  Thanks to MetroCuisine, John Rettstatt, Kent & Suzanne Homoelle and Zac & Sarah for all their help to make this a Valentine's Day to remember!

I think of myself as "simple"...not too fancy.  Well, it's a rare occasion when I have filet mignon...now I've had it twice in less than a week!  I'm feeling kinda "fancy".  Our special dinner started with an appetizer of shrimp cocktail, the second course was an amazing salad, the main course was the filet mignon, mashed potatoes and green beans.  The meal ended with heart shaped cheesecake topped with fresh raspberries!

After a delicious dinner we decided to head to the WCHS boys last home basketball game.  It was a fun senior night with a great victory over Grove City Christian.  What fun for Tom to wheel into the boys locker room to cheer them on before the game.  After the game Tom gathered with the senior team members to snap this special photo.



Happy Valentine's Day!

To:  Lisa,     Love:  Tom

Today isn't even half over and it couldn't be better!  I woke this morning to a dozen red roses from Tom...Sarah was his help on this one...a huge surprise and a sweet way to the start of a great day.
This morning at Tom's infectious disease doctor's appointment his PICC line was removed!  What freedom both Tom and I feel without his special blue "purse"!  When he went to get in the car I instinctively grabbed for the "purse" and when I realized it's not there anymore I smiled from ear to ear.  It was great having Mike and Cheryl join us for this appointment so they too could witness the joy of being "unattached".  It is a winter wonderland here in Columbus today and it couldn't have been a more beautiful picture with the large snowflakes falling outside of The Ohio State Medical Center on the trees laced with shiny red hearts!  My heart was/is full.  Upon arriving home from the appointment Tom wanted me to open his card that he had for me!  In his own handwriting the envelope said "Lisa":

Outside:

For My Very Special Wife

If I had said a heartfelt prayer

in hopes that God would send

A loving soul into my life

to be a lifelong friend...

Inside:

I'm sure, with all His power,

all His love and wisdom, too,

That God could not have given me

a better wife than you.

Happy Valentine's Day

(Tom wrote:)

I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

TOM

(with a smiley face in the "O" of LOVE)

I was crying so hard I couldn't read it aloud and Tom kept asking me to "read it out loud"!  I don't usually cry with cards, but this one did it for me.  I can't tell you how tender and sweet my husband is.  He even has "plans up his sleeve" for tonight and I've been kindly asked to leave the house from 4:30-5:00 for some reason!  I've never been this excited on Valentine's Day...in years past it's been "my" holiday to make special!

Special Delivery Today...yummy cookies!

Tom was sleeping while these arrived so I haven't opened the card, but I have a sneaking suspicion they are from Paul & Ellen Schoonover since she e-mailed me to see if we'd be home today to receive a delivery...Thank you, Schoonovers!

A sweet Valentine from sweet friends:

Brian, Dawn, Berkley & Malayna McMahon

Thank You!

On a more serious note...yesterday we met with the neuro-oncologist and we both find a peace in the next phase of our journey.  We both are thankful for the wisdom of Dr. Cavaliere and we are so thankful that we weren't presented with options to have to make a hard decision.  Dr. Cavaliere feels confident in his decision to start a combination of two chemotherapy drugs as soon as possible.  Of course there is a long list of side-effects with both drugs, however we are thankful that with many, medications can ease these side-effects.  They both are oral drugs that will be administered at home.  One is taken one day every 6 weeks while the second is taken the 2nd and 3rd weeks of those 6 weeks.  Our biggest concern and prayer request is for Tom's platelet level to remain normal during this treatment.  We know they will drop so a rebound is needed before he could start round two.  He was always an amazing "rebounder" and we pray that he can "rebound" as well during this not so fun opponent.  One of the other changes for both of us will be his diet.  We were given quite an extensive list of food items to avoid that could cause complications.  So for those of you who have graciously decided to bring us a meal you may want to reconsider or at least read the list prior to your meal planning.  I will post the "what to avoid" list on the TakeThemAMeal.com website.

After much paperwork and many phone calls I believe the Social Security Disability forms have all been filled out, turned in either electronically or physically and now we wait.  Whew...

"Blessed be the LORD,
Because He has heard the voice of my supplication.
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart exults,
And with my song I shall thank Him.
The LORD is our strength,
And He is a saving defense to His anointed."

Psalm 28:6-8

Green & Blue

Color makes life beautiful.
We have enjoyed a colorful weekend.

Dan & Nancy Green, Lisa & Tom

Friday evening it was our pleasure to have Dan and Nancy Green over.  Nancy prepared an amazing dinner:  filet mignon, a delicious rice medley, wonderful salad and we ended with Graeter's mocha chocolate chip ice cream...amazing.  The food was wonderful but the fellowship was even sweeter.  The guys then took on the gals in two rousing games of Skipbo.  We all ended happy with the guys winning one game and the gals winning the other!  Thanks Dan and Nancy for a great evening!

Tom and I schemed a night to honor Mike, Cheryl, Terry and Kelly as a way to say "Thank You" for all they have done for us over this last year.  We started our evening with dinner at "Cap City Diner" and enjoyed the food, fellowship and mile high chocolate cake...a serving for one shared perfectly with six!  From there we surprised them with tickets to see "Blue Man Group" at the Palace Theater!  What a fun night...bitterly cold, but fun.  I mentioned several times that I felt like a NASCAR driver...every time we stopped it was like a pit crew getting Tom in and out of the car!  What a "team" concept we have and work rather well together.  Much laughter, great fellowship and just great family time...what a blessing to have them on our team.  We love you Terry, Kelly, Mike and Cheryl...thank you for serving us this past year and being our "pit crew".

Cheryl, Mike, Tom, Lisa, Kelly & Terry

Palace Theater

This past Thursday we were blessed with another meal from Tiffany Edmonds.  Thank you Tiffany for the yummy dinner that you prepared before leaving town to enjoy time with your parents in Venice, FL!  For those of you who would enjoy bringing us a meal, the March calendar is posted at:

 TakeThemAMeal.com

password:  7970

This is very hard for me to put in the blog, but I am told many people want to "do something" and this is a very helpful way for people to bless us.  So "thank you" to all who have already blessed us with a meal and "thank you" in advance for those of you who will in the future.

Tortellini Veggie Soup, Homemade Yeast Rolls & Lemon Pudding Cake

Thank You, Tiffany!

This week is busy.  Monday we meet with the neuro-oncologist to discuss Tom's future treatment plans.  We are asking you to join us in prayer as we seek the Lord's wisdom and His perfect peace for us as we make these tough decisions.  Tuesday we meet with the infectious disease doctor to prayerfully get the PICC line out!  That will be a celebratory event and we will not miss Tom's "little blue purse" that has accompanied him these past 8 weeks!  Thank you for partnering with us in prayer as we continue this walk of faith.

Special Visit

Lisa, Tom & Ben

Our nephew, Ben. who along with his wife and three precious daughters are missionaries in Madagascar.  While here in the states for home ministries Ben was here in Columbus visiting a church on Wednesday night which afforded us the opportunity to put him up for the night and enjoy a quick visit!  There is always much laughter when Ben is around and we love him so much.  It was great to hear of all God is doing in the capital of Madagascar, but more importantly is how God is working in Ben's heart growing, stretching and making him a man of God.  We told him he wasn't allowed back unless he brought his wife and daughters next time!  We are praying God provides us that opportunity this summer.  Thanks Ben for making us a priority on your busy home ministries schedule.

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son,and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

Matthew 28:19-20

Delicious dinner compliments of Ed & Lori Miller...Thank You!

BBQ Brisket, Corn Bread, Pinto Beans & Veggie Delight

Southern Love

Dessert too!

Last Saturday Sarah prepared for the college group Superbowl Party by making football cutouts.  What fun it was to help her decorate and prepare for a fun Sunday night party.

Football Cutouts...Yeah Giants!

The Letter

Here is the letter Tom had read at the WCS Staff meeting this morning...

Dear Worthington Christian School Staff:

From an early age I knew I wanted to be a math teacher.  When God called me to Bryan College little did I know that the people He placed around me would lead me to WCHS.  In 1984 I was hired on as an Algebra I and Geometry teacher at which time began the building of relationships that are still held today.  It was three short years of relationship building before I realized starting a family required more than what the paycheck brought home.   I stepped out of WCHS into a corporate setting that I quickly realized wasn’t for me.  God opened the door for Lisa and me to start our own business which allowed me to get back into the classroom.  In 1991 Taylor Smith hired me back as a part-time middle school math teacher.  Through this “window” of opportunity it enabled me to be “called up” to the task of assistant principal under Taylor in 1994.  It is only in God’s perfect timing that our first child, Sarah, would be starting kindergarten that same year.  As I started my new position as the WCHS principal, Sarah would be starting her “Lifer” years at WCS.  Our journey began…when Sarah graduated from kindergarten; I welcomed my first graduating class as principal across the platform to turn their tassels.  Both of our children have been raised by this community called WCS.  Not only do we call you teachers, co-workers, and friends, but family…a family of God-loving, God-fearing and God-honoring people whom we love.  As I walk my memory down the hallways of the high school the faces and names are cherished, Kent, Troy, Kevin, Elden, Dawn, Carole, Tim, Mark, Tom, Buzz, Karen, Liz, Cindy, Cathy, Peggie, Dave, and the list goes on.  Many of you go back to my early days, many of you are just getting your feet wet in the WCS experience…count it a privilege to be surrounded by such people.   Not only are you placing your fingerprints on the eternal lives of so many, but realize the fingerprints God is allowing to touch your lives.  I am eternally grateful for the path God has allowed for me these past 28 years…I wouldn’t change the script.  I accept the life He has written especially for me.  A new chapter is being scripted, although it is extremely hard, I understand this new chapter was written by a loving Father with a perfect plan in mind.  His ways are higher than our ways and I have to simply trust Him.  It is at this chapter break that I must inform you that I will be the WCS prayer warrior, cheering fan, consultant and defender from a different location…let the Light shine on.

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:38-39

I love you all,

Tom (& Lisa) Anglea

Casting Our Burdens Upon the Lord

Yesterday Tom and I compiled a statement to be read at a WCS Staff Meeting on Tuesday.  What a hard burden to lay at our Saviors feet as we completely trust Him on this journey He is taking us.  I will share the letter on Tuesday.

Here is a portion of a prayer that touched my heart and I wanted to share it with you.  It is from the "Gospel Coalition" written by Scotty Smith.

A Prayer for Casting Our Burdens Upon the Lord

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. 
Psalm 68:19

"Lord Jesus, there’s no Savior as compassionate, kind-hearted, engaged and “daily” as you. How will we ever be able to give you the thanks and praise of which you are so worthy? As this day begins I feel like I’m carrying seventeen backpacks of weariness and worries. My shoulders are not broad enough; my heart is not big enough; my wisdom is not deep enough. O merciful and mighty Jesus, as I fall down before you, I upload these needs to you.
Jesus, it’s only because you bore the burden of the law’s demands and judgment for me; it’s only because you say to me, “Cast all your care upon me, for I care for you” (1 Pet. 5:7); it’s only because you call to me, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28) that I will neither deny my needs nor ignore the burdens of others. Only you know why there’s such an avalanche of broken stories converging on my doorstep at this time. Where else can I go but to you?
Help me not be afraid of the emotional messiness that certain burdens bring. Help me know how to rely on your presence more than I rely on my words. I want to be aware of my limits, for sure, but I want to be even more aware of your limitless mercy, grace, power, and peace."

Yesterday we had a sweet surprise from Holly Varian (Tom's co-worker & family friend) Great Harvest Bread and Chipotle gift cards! Thank you Holly. We also received in the mail a special CD from WCS kindergarten teacher, Sharon Dumit...thank you Sharon!

Have you ever fixed or eaten a pomegranate?  This is a picture of the delicious pomegranate salad that Lisa Cunningham brought.  I had never fixed or eaten a pomegranate so I looked at a "how to" video on you tube to see how to prepare it...something I will be doing more often now that I've done that and enjoyed the yummy fruit!  I highly recommend pomegranates.

Delicious Chicken Pot-Pie, Cornbread & Fruit

Compliments of Stephanie LaMonte...Thanks, Steph!

(not pictured:  the amazing apricot bar dessert)

I pray that your day is filled with His limitless mercy, grace, power and peace!

Happy Birthday Ben!

Today we take time to celebrate another nephew's birthday...Ben.  Ben and his bride, Ashley, along with their three precious daughters serve our Lord in the capital city of Madagascar!  What an amazing ministry God has given them there.  In December their family flew back to the states for their home ministries.  We are so thankful for Ben and his obedience to God's call to full time missionary work.

As I was looking for pictures to share of Ben I realized I have many over the years to share...so here we go!

"And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle."

Judges 20:39

Uncle Tom & Ben - 1987

^"For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant."

I Corinthians 7:22

Ben & Grandma Anglea - 1989

^"Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations."

Psalm 90:1

Matt & Ben - Lake Erie 2000

^"Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein."

Psalm 69:34

Ben & Ashley

Makenna, Brinley & Nellie

We love Ben and our prayer is that while they are home on furlough we will have opportunity to see him and his sweet family of girls as they are busy out visiting supporting churches.  We know their time here is limited and between their families in Illinois and Oklahoma they have a very full schedule.  We pray God's wisdom, protection and continued provision for them as they seek the Lord and serve Him faithfully.