Are You Ready?

Sleepless nights

Mind racing

LIFE

DEATH

A few weeks ago I awoke thinking

"Who says Tom will go before me?"

None of us know when our day will come

We do know...it will come

"And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment"

Hebrews 9:27

We all will die

What is death?

I'm realizing death is more about those of us left behind

How a person's death changes us

An integral part of who we are...now gone

Who am I without Tom?

Wife, now widow

But...still the bride of Christ

I am a child of the KING

Prepared to CARRY ON in light of the...

pain

loneliness

quietness

newness

I have hope

I will see him again

And when I do...it will all be clear

The questions answered with one look at my SAVIOR

For those of us who have placed our trust in

JESUS CHRIST

Death is when real life begins

"We have a measure of freedom in this life,

followed by an ETERNITY where your choices in this life will be spent."

-Jim Custer

What are you doing with this life?

It doesn't matter how long or short it is...

it's never enough

without Christ

Neither Tom nor I want this experience wasted

If this gives us a better platform to share what Christ came to do for us,

for YOU,

we accept

Do YOU accept what Christ came to do?

Bring you FREEDOM

Freedom from yourself

Your sin

Your flesh

Your hopelessness

Your lostness

Your DEATH

"It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance,

that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all."

I Timothy 1:15

As we celebrate the ultimate HOLYday

EASTER

Can you look to the cross

With a sense of hope?

"For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,

but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

I Corinthians 1:18

It is our prayer that this Easter you look to the cross

Realize the penalty for OUR sins was paid in FULL

Accept the payment

Accept JESUS

Knowing

"The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness,

but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."

II Peter 3:9

Jesus conquered DEATH

The cross was not the end

HE IS RISEN

"Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified.

He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said."

Matthew 28:5-6

Happy Birthday Makenna & Nellie!

^"The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee."

Psalm 102:28

Today we celebrate two great nieces, who happen to be sisters, that share the same birthday!  Sweet Makenna and Nellie are the daughters of our nephew, Ben and his wife, Ashley.  Makenna and Nellie help serve their parents in Madagascar where they are missionaries.  Currently they are living in Oklahoma City, OK with their grandparents while their family is home on furlough.

Makenna celebrates her 6th Birthday!

Nellie celebrates her 2nd Birthday!

"Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD."

Psalm 144:15

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."

Psalm 20:7

We pray their day is filled with all the special things little girls love.  We love you Makenna and Nellie.

Great Uncle Tom  & Great Aunt Lisa

Heavy Hearts

“Behold, My servants will shout joyfully with a glad heart,
But you will cry out with a heavy heart,
And you will wail with a broken spirit."
Isaiah 65:14

We left the house yesterday at 10:30 for Tom's 11:00 MRI appointment.  We commented on the glory of God's creation as we drove on a clear, crisp, sunshine filled Spring day.  Spring has arrived early here in Central Ohio as the Red Bud, Pear and Tulip tree blooms dazzled us with their bright color and the daffodils and tulips waved their beauty as we drove to the appointment.  We were filled with hope and encouraged one another as we listened to a favorite CD.  No waiting was necessary as they got Tom in right away and told me it would be about 45 minutes.  As I waited, I prayed.  It didn't seem long before the technician was bringing Tom back out when I looked up, heard him coughing and realized "it" was more than a cough.  They quickly turned around and had him out of the waiting area and a trash can came in handy as Tom then vomited.  We still aren't sure where that came from or why...but I wonder if this is the beginning of another hard climb on the roller coaster of life.  Roller coasters can be fun, but after a year of ups, downs, curves and spins...we're ready to get off this ride!

After the MRI we had a short time for lunch before the doctor appointment with the neuro-oncologist.  We decided to go to Wendy's.  Tom wasn't able to eat his sandwich.  I guess the empty stomach didn't want what Wendy's offered!

We arrived at the appointment on time and we were glad to see that the doctor was "on schedule" on the display monitor in the waiting room.  We were escorted to an exam room only to realize that the "on schedule" doctor must have gotten "off schedule" while we waited, waited and then waited some more.  Tom gets very agitated during the waiting process.  I wished I had brought the Skipbo cards to pass the time.  I had a sinking feeling when the doctor finally came into the exam room...MRI showed tumor regrowth...I think he was stalling on coming in to tell us the news.  We are stopping the current chemotherapy regime and contemplating two different options.  One of the options is a clinical trial and we are waiting to hear if Tom even qualifies.  We covet your continued prayer for wisdom as we make vital decisions regarding Tom's treatment.

When we finally arrived home, Tom was exhausted and ready for his nap.  I tucked him in and then proceeded to sob in the other room as I felt my heart crushing, again.  Still I find my emotions raw and guard myself from talking or hugging, which brings a flood of tears.  When Tom woke from his nap we did the "unthinkable"...we allowed our dog Addy up in the bed...which brought a great smile to Tom's face!

As I was typing my phone rang...I just hung up with the Nurse Coordinator at the oncology office and Tom does not qualify for the clinical trial.  No hard decision for me to make...thank you, Lord.  As it stands today, Tom will start Avastin next week.  His platelets are at a low point so we need to let those rebound.  Avastin is an IV drip that will be infused every two weeks.   Two prayer requests while on Avastin:  1)  kidney function and 2)  blood pressure.

This past week we were presented with this beautiful album...a gift of memories from the benefit dinner...truly priceless.  Along with the album is a small "blessings" tin...full of the kind words written to Tom and I...notes of encouragement and blessings.  We are so thankful to have YOU and the body of Christ surrounding us as we walk this adventuresome journey (ride the ride).

Each day we are reading a few cards...remembering and reflecting the love from our dear family and friends.  Thank you to all who participated and have encouraged us along the way.

"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of a friend
springs from their heartfelt advice."

Proverbs 27:9

Mexican Chicken & Rice, Cream Corn, Cake & Fresh Pineapple

Thank You, Dennis & Wendy Landis for a delicious dinner Saturday!

March Madness & Spring Sunshine

We are blessed by a God who personally cares for us in every detail of life.  His timing is perfectly amazing...we stand in awe of His love for us.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness."
Jeremiah 31:3

Each year at this time our family fills out NCAA basketball tournament brackets and the competition begins.  There has been an abundance of upsets this year and therefore many "ohs" and "ahs" heard here at the house as we cheer on our "picks".  It was a big "ah" late last night as OSU defeated Cincinnati 81-66 (sorry Terry, Bearcat alum & loyal fan).  Tom enjoys the games and the family competition.

Last Friday night we enjoyed having Terry & Kelly over for Skipbo, basketball for the guys and beading for us girls.  What fun we have together.  Tom and I would be lost without their care.  Terry was able to help me complete Matt's FAFSA forms which was a huge burden off my back (another one of Tom's faithful jobs I now have responsibility for)...thanks, Terry!

Grilled Chicken, Baked Potatoes, Green Salad & Green Jello "Fluff"

Saturday we were treated to a St. Patrick's Day meal from Holly Varian.  She not only brought a "green" meal, but laced her dishes with green ribbons and cards from each of her precious family members.  Thanks Holly for an amazing dinner!

After enjoying our meal Saturday we received a call from Mike & Cheryl saying they were in town and could they stop by!  Of course...they had come to Columbus for a wedding and were able to come by for a game of Skipbo then get back on the road home.  What a treat to have them for a quick visit.

Last Sunday evening a quick storm and tornado warning came into Columbus and from the news report, where we live was right in the path of this fast moving storm.  We could hear the tornado sirens going off and a worried look came on Tom's face.  As Sarah and I contemplated his quick mood change we realized he had understanding that he wasn't the family "protector" any more.  Before his diagnosis, Tom would take his leadership abilities and have all of us shooed to the basement with many protests from his wife who would usually say "oh it's going to pass by".  He always took the extra measure of security, especially when it involved his family.  I knew he was concerned and he didn't mention the basement knowing he couldn't go down and didn't want to be left alone if we went down!  We are grateful that we have an Ultimate Protector who saw us through the storm.

Monday brought blue skies, unseasonably warm weather and two handymen...Travis (Gossing Construction) and Elden Deskins our personal go-to guy!  Travis was able to put in a ramp on the back patio so I can wheel Tom in and out during this amazing weather.  This week Matt has been home on his Spring Break and he was able to stain the ramp.  We are so thankful for Travis, Elden and Matt for the gifts, abilities and servant hearts they share with us.

Finished Work

Tuesdays Italian Feast

Thank You Lisa Raikes (& Steve for delivery!)

Matt Fertilizing

Matt came home for his Spring Break to find a looong "to do" list.  We are so thankful for his abilities (learned from an awesome dad) and the cooperative weather that allows all the outdoor work to get done.  His list included:  mowing, edging, weed-eating, tree/bush trimming, fertilizing, staining, and getting the patio furniture out.  His hard work ethic has kept him "on task" and able to finish these tasks with time to golf too!

Forsythia in Full Bloom

Praying the "old wives tale" of another snow after the forsythia blooms does not happen!

Our neighbors had two huge trees taken down from their back yard and once again we saw Tom's mood change from sunny to gray.  Many of you may know that one of Tom's favorite past-times was to cut wood with his prized possession...a Stihl chainsaw...a gift from my parents to Tom after my last chemo treatment in the fall of 1994.  As Tom sat on the patio watching the three men work it was another realization of something he loved to do and now couldn't.  My heart ached as I watched him.

Signs of Spring...daffodils

"For behold, the winter is past,

The rain is over and gone.

‘The flowers have already appeared in the land;

The time has arrived for pruning the vines,

And the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land."

Song of Solomon 2:11-12

With this incredible weather we have been able to get out and "walk-n-roll"...I walk, Tom rolls!  What an encouragement for both of us to move from the confines of our "cabin" to the beautiful outdoors.

Chicken Pasta & Great Harvest Bread

Thank you, Becky Dissinger

Please pray for us on Monday as Tom has an MRI at 11:00 and then meets with the oncologist at 1:00.  We ask you to join us in praying that there will be no complications and that the results are clear, clean and concise.

Top O' the Day to Dan & Alan

From St. Patrick's Breastplate
Christ be with me
Christ before me
Christ behind me
Christ in me
Christ beneath me
Christ above me
Christ on my right
Christ on my left
Christ where I lie
Christ where I sit
Christ where I arise
Christ in the heart of every man
who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of every man
who speaks of me
Christ in every eye that sees me
Christ in every ear that hears me
Salvation is of the Lord.

Today we not only celebrate St. Patrick's Day, but also the birthdays of two nephews-in-love! First is Dan...Dan is married to my sister's firstborn daughter, Brittany. Dan is truly "Irish" and loves that his birthday is on March 17th...very appropriate. Dan became an "official" member of our family on July 12, 2008.

Dan & Brittany

July 12, 2008

After four years of marriage, law school (Valedictorian for the MSU Law School class of 2011), remodel of their first home, now a second home, Dan is now a daddy to his Irish son, Declan! Dan, Brittany and Declan make their home in Novi, Michigan where they are actively involved in Dan's dad's church, Lakes Baptist Church. Dan is a clerk at the Michigan Supreme Court. We are so blessed to have Dan in our family. We love you, Dan and pray your birthday is filled with many "Irish" blessings! Love, Uncle Tom & Aunt Lisa

Dan & Declan

“Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Alan Miller

Alan is our other nephew-in-love who is married to Tom's brother's daughter, Abbie. Alan and Abbie serve the Lord in Burlington, Iowa. Alan is an assistant pastor at Heritage Baptist Church. Alan enjoys golfing, reading, snow skiing and being married to Abbie! We are so thankful for a godly man who loves God, His Word and Abbie. Happy Birthday blessings, Alan...we love you, Uncle Tom & Aunt Lisa

Alan & Abbie Miller

June 27, 2009

"If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour."

John 12:26

Last nights dinner...

Another German meal from my dear friend, Ulrike Brennan...

"Eintopf" One Dish Dinner, Bread & Blueberry Cobbler

Thank You, Ulrike!

Happy Birthday Leah!

Today we celebrate another niece's birthday...Leah bug!  Leah is another niece who we think is so sweet (All of our nieces are sweet!).  She has a great personality and is always fun to be around.  She is in her junior year at Providence Bible College in Elgin, Illinois.  She is studying secondary education with English as her emphasis.

Christmas in Atlanta 1991

Terry & Leah

Little Leah Bugs

"The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning."

Proverbs 16:21

"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."

Proverbs 31:30

Aunt Leah & Nephew Max

"The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."

Psalm 33:11

Thank you Leah for skyping with us during Timothy and Britney's wedding!

We are so excited for Leah...when she graduates early from college she has plans to go to Madagascar to visit her brother, sister-in-love and three little nieces for an extended time with them!  What a fun adventure and time of growth in the Lord...we'll be praying for you as you finish your studies and anticipate this trip of a lifetime.

We love you Leah and pray your birthday is as special as you are to us!

Love you,

Uncle Tom & Aunt Lisa 

This past Tuesday we enjoyed visiting with another one of Tom's secretaries from WCHS, Cathy Smith.  Not only did we enjoy a visit but the meal she prepared for us!

Pasta E Fagioli Soup, Waldorf Salad & Great Harvest Bread

Molasses Cookies & Cinnamon Bread for Breakfast

Thank You SO much, Cathy...delicious!

We are enjoying an early Spring...

Our first daffodils...

Wednesday, March 14th, 2012...

This thermometer reads a little high since it's directly in the sun...

But we are not complaining...

Tom & I have been able to get outside and I can wheel him around the neighborhood...

Good for both of us...

Yesterday we also enjoyed lunch on the patio with my dear friend, Carylee Meyers!

Year in Review...By the Numbers

In one years time, Tom has had:

 1 EEG

 3 Seizures

 3 ER visits

 5 MRI's

 6 Surgeries

12 In-Home Rehab Therapies

15 Days in Acute Rehab

25 Doctor Appointments

28 Out-Patient Rehab Therapies

30 Radiation Treatments

30 Days in the Hospital

33 Days of Chemotherapy

56 Days on PICC Line

247 Reasons to Call out to God

Last Thursday Cara Aschliman provided our delicious dinner...

Roasted Chicken, Red Skin Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli, Baked Apples & Homemade Bread with Cinnamon Butter

We met Cara when she came to teach science at Worthington Christian.  She and her husband, Kevin are on staff with Campus Crusade.  Cara is due TODAY with their fourth child!  Not only is she a busy wife and mother but she and Kevin are full time ministry partners at OSU.  They love Jesus and He shines through their lives in ministry.  We are thankful for their ministry to others and us...we are blessed because we know the Aschlimans!

WC District Champion Medal

Thursday evening while Sarah and I were at Tapestry (bible study), Zac was able to take Tom (his first outing without me) to the Ohio High School District Championship game.  Worthington Christian defeated the number one seeded team:  Bloom-Carroll!  What a fun night for Tom, Kevin (coach), team and WC community.  We feel like we have an extra steak in the warriors as Matt has been coming home from MVNU to practice with the warriors.  We found out today that Tom's physical therapist, Jodi, is a Bloom-Carroll alum...she is working Tom extra hard today!!

Lemon Roasted Chicken, Roasted Vegetables, Apple Crisp and Great Harvest Bread

Thank you to Winnie Hafner for another delicious meal.

My mother-in-love recently asked me of I've read the book

"Heaven is for Real"

I had not, but Jill Coon had given me the book so it was easily accessible!

I now can say I've read it...great truths from a small boy...

I whole heartily agree...heaven IS for real!

Book two completed...

Another thing to be thankful for:  time to read!

Liz Bookheimer & her "tall" boss...

Yesterday after school we had the privilege of visiting with Tom's secretary, Liz...

She brought with her a large container of her husband, Ron's famous chili...

Not only is Tom celebrating life this past year, but Ron is too...

he also is having his one year anniversary from heart surgery...

Two men who God has blessed!

Thank You, Ron & Liz

One Year Ago Today...

It was Thursday, March 10th, 2011 that Tom had an MRI that revealed he had a brain tumor.  I can still remember the gut wrenching feeling that slammed into my body that day.  As much as I remember about those specific couple of days...Tom doesn't remember any of it!  I remember Tom sitting at the island counter making the calls...to his parents, school and our children.  He remained calm, collected and extremely positive.  We continued our evening with the plans that had already been made...dinner at my sister's.  We all tried to carry on as "normal", however the mood was somber and my dad was unable to pray for the meal.  Tom drove home that night and I later found out that my family thought I was crazy for allowing him to drive...he seemed "normal" to me!  After receiving the phone call from the doctor that day and him telling Tom the news, the doctor had already scheduled an appointment for Friday with a neurologist.  It was that Friday morning that I fixed Tom eggs and toast which he wasn't able to keep down.  He went back to bed and when I couldn't rouse him to get ready for the neurological appointment, I called the doctor and he said "proceed to the emergency room".  Alarms rang in my head...this wasn't part of the "plan"...I'm much better today getting my husband ready (showered and dressed) than I was a year ago!  I called my parents who graciously came over and helped me get him to the hospital.  The rest is history...
What have we learned in this past year?

God's Word is more real...

God's presence is felt more frequently...

God's grace is sufficient...

God's people are incredible...

God is our Provider...

God is an incredible Creator...

God meets us where we are...

Life is fragile...

Prayer is powerful...

Life is short...

How to enjoy moments...

Thankfulness is the key to true joy...

We can experience joy in the midst of sorrow...

Time is precious...

Family is priceless...

How to really slow down...

Simplicity is sweet...

How complicated the human body (brain) is...

How to live with Heaven in sight...

Forgiveness is vital...

Attitude matters...
Commitments are crucial...
Honoring your marriage vow is essential...
Relationships matter...

God's plan is perfect...

God's timing is perfect...

God is perfect...

God has our best interest in mind...

We are in His hands...
Tom + Lisa = Soul Mates
(Tom told me to add this math equation!)

Happy Birthday Hannah!

Hannah - flower girl in front of Uncle Tom - 1985

When I became Mrs. Thomas Anglea, I became an aunt!  Tom's brother, Terry and Joyce, had two children at that time...Hannah and Ben.  I was so excited to be an aunt to the sweetest kids on earth!  Even though miles separate us...we always have had a "connection".  Hannah is one of the sweetest people in this world.  I had the privilege of having her in my wedding and she returned the favor by asking me to stand with her as a bridesmaid at her wedding.

Hannah & Jason - June 2002

Not only was it a privilege for me to be a bridesmaid in Hannah's wedding, but I also had the honor of helping her make the flowers for her wedding!  She flew from Chicago to Columbus for a few days for us to work on the flowers together...what fun we had.

Our finished work...beautiful!

Birdseed bags too!

Ready to fly back to Chicago with all the "goods"!

"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."

Isaiah 61:10

Not only was I honored to help with flowers and be a bridesmaid BUT also while Hannah was in high school she wrote a paper honoring me!  I still have a copy of her paper that her dad sent me...it is a treasure I keep in my Bible.

"My Hero"

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Joyce & Hannah

Hannah with her brother, Ben & her two boys, Max & Kyle

Jason, Hannah & Kyle (or K-bob!)

Hannah, Uncle Tom and I love you SO much and pray that your days are blessed and your birthday is extra special...just like YOU!

Love, Uncle Tom & Aunt Lisa

When the calendar page turned to March I decided the snowman, sled and winter wreath needed removed.  I placed a spring wreath on the door.  The very next day we woke to winter white!  Our forecast is for warmer temperatures and we look forward to getting outside more and more.  We have to remember it is Ohio and we will be teased with warmer weather only for the cold to return.

Another delicious meal compliments of Abby Rettstatt

Thank You Abby

Salad & Dessert too...

No...don't worry, Tom didn't eat the brownies!

Last night we enjoyed tortilla soup with all the fixings, corn bread & lemon bars!

Thank you, Margo Belkofer...it was delicious!