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.