Happy Birthday Timothy!

Today we honor and celebrate our nephew, Timothy.  Timothy and his wife, Britney recently moved from Florida to South Carolina where Tim is a teaching assistant in the history department while working on his Master's Degree at Clemson University.

Copied from his Facebook wall:

About Tim

I love history.. talk to me about it

"For my sin He was wounded; for my guilt, crucified.
For my debt paid a ransom; for my straying He died.
For my acts of rebellion, for my deeds full of pride,
My Savior was beaten, my Lord crucified.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Such sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did ever such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown.

By His grace I am rescued, by His love I'm set free.
By the gift of redemption His shed blood is my plea.
Now there's no condemnation. Now there's no penalty!
Now He is my Savior. I sit at His feet!
My sorrow has ended. My joy is complete!"

John 18:38 "Pilate said to him, "What is truth?"...

John 8:32 "and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John 14:6 "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through me."

John 17:17 "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."

Romans 1:18 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against

all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men,

who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth."

Romans 1:25 "because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie

and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator,

who is blessed forever!"

Romans 9:1 "I am speaking the truth in Christ--I am not lying;

my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit"

Julie, Timothy, Britney, Rachael & Tim

We pray his birthday is as special as he is.

We love you Timothy!

Uncle Tom & Aunt Lisa

Blasts from the past:

Luke, Matt & Timothy

Bowling - Christmas in Atlanta 1995

Timothy, Matt & Luke

Summer of Hannah's Wedding - June 2002

Matt & Timothy Boating on the St. John River

March 2003

Cherith, Matt, Luke & Timothy

Gatlinburg, TN - 2001

Girls Day Out!

Ingrid, Karen, Nancy, Jennifer, Carylee, Beth, Anne Marie, Lisa, Jeanette, Kelly & Ginny

So today's post isn't about Tom...but it is about his caretaker(s)...Lisa (& Sarah).  Because I have the most amazing friends who care so deeply about me and Tom...they schemed and planned a day out for me.  I can mostly thank Anne Marie for her idea and Carylee who pulled the idea into this wonderful afternoon.  I would be remiss not to thank Sarah and Zac for making it possible...Zac for staying and caring for Tom...and to Sarah for making me go and relax.  I'm sorry Sarah wasn't in the picture...she was there to enjoy the time too but insisted she take the picture of me with my dear friends. Not only did we have an incredible day of weather, but the fellowship, food, friends and floating were amazing.  You have to understand that on a "normal" day this would be one of my favorite things to do, however, how do you define "normal" in my world?  I am slowly learning the process of enjoying myself without guilt of knowing Tom could never enjoy a "normal" (the way it used to be) day of his favorite things, so why should I?  I know it is crazy thinking, but I am honest!
Carylee has the best spot for entertaining and especially poolside.  What a joy to visit and share, as only ladies can do, spend time in sweet prayer, enjoy an amazing luncheon eating in the shade at the edge of the pool, dipping in the pool to cool off and just relax on a beautiful day.

Carylee made all of the delicious food...

Strawberry Pecan Salad...

Wonderful Chicken Salad Croissants...

Homemade Corn Salsa & Chips...

A Chocolate Heath Bar Triffle...

I'm sorry I didn't get pictures of everything!

Thank You!!!

Beautiful Flowers from Jen Deskins!

Thank You Jennifer...you're too sweet!

Today's Crop:  Our 1st Acorn Squash & more Tomatoes! 

Happy Birthday Cass!

Uncle Tom & Cassidy Joy

Today we honor and celebrate the birth of our niece, Cassidy Joy!  I need you all to hold on for the 'September Birthday Ride'...this month holds many family birthdays...starting with Cass.

1994

Cassidy is a senior dietetics major at The Ohio State University.  I believe she started a desire for this career at an early age...licking the beaters...one of her favorite past-times!

Always a "fashionista"...

With a fetish for duct tape...

Giving Granny much grief when teamed up with Matt!

The "baby" of four girls...UNTIL...

A little brother, Zac, replaced her from that "baby" spot 6 years later!

2008

"For You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done,

I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands."

Psalm 92:4

Always ready for an adventure...

Trusting Matt & Dan with no fear...go Cass!

We love you Cass...

Wishing you the best 21st Birthday!

Love,

Uncle Tom & Aunt Lisa

Labor Day...Gator Day

Braden, Andrew, Zac, Tim, Tom, Mike & Matt...Addy too!

Because my brother and sister-in-love (Mike & Cheryl) are on our "team" we never know what they have 'up their sleeve' when we all get together...but let me tell you it will be an adventure!  I have to "back up" and give you history on this one.  When we moved to where we live now (because we are in the city) we were thankful to find a home near a metro park that is within walking distance.  Our family has enjoyed walking, biking and playing at Sharon Woods Metro Park since 1996.  We also are within walking distance to Xenos Christian Fellowship which has a 1.8 mile walking trail through their property in the woods.  This trail has become our dogs play ground.  If we take her to Sharon Woods she is not allowed off of her leash and that is not exercise for a bird dog.  So Xenos has become our "country" in the city and one of Addy and our favorite places.  No matter the season, we have taken advantage of this beautiful land for the past 16 years and the past 11 with our dog.  Whether walking as a family or as "empty nesters" with the dog showing us the way...this trail has become part of our lives.  Since last October Tom has missed this part of our life, SO...thanks to Mike and Cheryl's scheming, Elden Deskins was able to deliver to our home the school's John Deere "Gator"!  We were able to load Tom onto the Gator at our home and drive over to the trail.  What joy it was to see Tom's smile, from ear to ear, as he enjoyed the backwoods with his dog leading the way.  You know the saying, "where there's a will, there's a way" is now said:  "where Mike & Cheryl are, there's a way!".  Thanks to ALL who made this Labor Day one to remember.

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth,

visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—

all things have been created through Him and for Him."

Colossians 1:15-16

Tom, Sarah, Addy Grace & Lisa

Not only did we make a memory with the gator ride, BUT we hosted 21 for our Labor Day Picnic!  What fun it was to have the Kline clan gather again for another meal and time of fellowship.  We missed a few "key" people...Papa, Granny, Nathan, Travis and Emily.  Thanks to Kelly for all her planning and preparing for a delicious BBQ Brisket Cookout with all the trimmings!
Regretting we didn't get a group picture...

Meals this past week:

Grilled Chicken Salad

Watermelon & Brownies (not pictured)

Thank You Kristi Shaw for the perfect meal on a hot August day!

Lisa, Tom, Bob & Stephanie

When I found out that Bob and Stephanie were going to deliver our meal on Saturday evening I asked if they could stay and join us for dinner and they said "yes"!  What fun it was to catch up with them on all of their recent activities of life with four daughters...one getting married, two off to college and one starting high school...their life is full too.  It was also fun to hear about their journey on the senior trip to the Dominican Republic and see their pictures.  What awesome friends who love Jesus.

Spinach Salad

Roasted Chicken & Vegetables, Bread

Cinnamon Coffee Cake we enjoyed for dessert and for breakfast the next morning!

Thank you Steph & Bob for a great meal & fellowship!

A special gift with a special reminder from Mary Peterman...

Thank You Mary...I look forward to meeting you one day!

Voluntary Surrender

This year is the year that both Tom and my driver's license expire.  We ventured to the BMV office last week with a hint of apprehension.  Not only is a trip to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles an interesting experience, but we also knew what needed to be done that was sobering.  Tom has not driven since March 10th, 2011.  What a sinking feeling I had when I had to check the box marked "Voluntary Surrender" of Tom's current driver's license.  Another sad moment in our days of releasing freedoms.  You all know, if you know Tom, that he is handling each of these momentous events with ease as I nearly crumble at each turn.  He continues to tell me "it is what it is".  He has taken what God has, written as his story, in such amazing style, but that's Tom's style...amazing!  Take a moment and think of the time when God has asked you to voluntary surrender something...it's not easy.  I remember with great clarity when God asked me to voluntary surrender my life to Him.  It was with much guilt and embarrassment over my sin that I bent my knees, my life and my will to His and I've never regretted that decision!  If you have never "voluntarily surrendered" your life to Jesus Christ...what are you waiting for?  Tom and I beg you to consider what a life-change for eternity this will be for YOU.  Don't wait, you won't regret the incredible love, peace and mercy you will receive...life everlasting!

"Let them take hold of My strength and make complete surrender to My protection,

that they may make peace with Me! Yes, let them make peace with Me!"

Isaiah 27:5

Life continues here at our home even with news that could rock our world.  We take our days just like you...one day at a time!  The weather is amazingly beautiful and that always helps when we can get outside and enjoy life beyond the four walls of our home.  What fun it was to go to our nephew's soccer game on Tuesday evening.  Great job Zac and fun to see a warrior victory!

Tom & Troy cheer on the Warriors!

Meals this week:

Steak, Baked Potatoes, Fresh Garden Tomatoes

AND

Key Lime Pie

Thanks Bright Family for another amazing meal!

Taco Pie, Salad

AND

Cherry Crisp

Thank You Holly Varian again for an awesome meal!

Sarah made chicken shish-ka-bobs for dinner on Wednesday since she invited her Chinese conversation partner and family to dinner.  What a colorful presentation only to find out that the last time we had them over for dinner we prepared the SAME thing!!  Too funny.

Zac has become quite the "grill master" since Tom is unable to!

Zac, Sarah, Kamin, Leeshing (almost 11 months) & Haifeng

What a fun evening we enjoyed together.  They had never had a s'more before so Zac made a fire in the fire pit and they got to experience their first s'mores!



Sadness

"Make me understand the way of Your precepts,
So I will meditate on Your wonders.
My soul weeps because of grief;
Strengthen me according to Your word.
Remove the false way from me,
And graciously grant me Your law."

Psalm 119:27-29

I'm not sure exactly how to share the news we received from Tom's MRI on Wednesday, other than it wasn't good news.  Our hearts are extremely heavy and we feel as though the wind has been knocked out of our lungs.  I guess because Tom has been doing so incredibly well that we were surprised by this news.  I believe the doctors, nurse practitioner and other medical staff were also surprised that Tom was doing so well even though the MRI showed he should be experiencing more "symptoms".

I do want to share some "highlights" of our day on Wednesday.  Tom's MRI was at OSU East where a dear friend of mine, Ingrid Morris, works.  When I left Tom in the hands of the MRI technicians I went to the waiting area and text Ingrid to see if she was working that day.  She text back and said she would be right there.  I certainly enjoyed catching up with her during that time and it made the wait go all too quick!  She walked us out to the car and encouraged us both with her cheer.

We had time between the MRI and the doctor appointment and since it was an amazingly beautiful day we decided to go to the OSU Medical Center and enjoy the courtyard and play a round of SkipBo while we waited!  It was gorgeous and enough time for Tom to beat me in a round of SkipBo.

As we met with the doctor and he delivered the bad news of tumor regrowth, he then proceeded with more "options", more paperwork to read up on the different chemotherapy and a new device called a NovoTTF.  We then met with a specialty pharmacist and a NovoTTF technician to hear about these options.  With heavy hearts, information overload and hungry bellies we headed out of the hospital.  At one turn heading out of the James Cancer Hospital we literally "ran into" Dr. Elder, Tom's neuro-surgeon from December.  As our eyes met I said, "do you remember us?", with which he replied, "certainly", and then he looks at me and said, "you got your haircut"!  I guess neuro-surgeons pay close attention to details!!  I told him about our appointment with Dr. Cavaliere and he said not to be discouraged, many patients have MRI's that don't "look good" and actually the tumor regrowth may be scar tissue, which Tom has plenty of.  We left with a little more air in our lungs after hearing his encouragement.

We arrived home to three beautiful children who greeted us with much love.  They shared a story that made us laugh:  as I prepared to leave that morning I had gone to a lot of trouble making sure the bedroom doors were shut and placed aluminum foil on the couches to keep our dog, Addy, off the beds and furniture while we were away.  Unbeknown to me I shut her in our bedroom instead of out!  She enjoyed the comforts of our king size bed most of the day until she decided she wanted out and then proceeded to scratch the door until the paint and toenail marks were severe.  Matt was able to sand and repaint the door before we arrived home!  Thanks, Matt...you're a gem.  I will pay closer attention next time we leave!  This is why I'm not a neuro-surgeon!

Thursday evening we had the pleasure of enjoying dinner with and by a dear friend, Ginny Englehart.  Not only did she bring dinner, but she stayed to "liven" up our table of two and made it three.  Her husband, Tom, is in the Army Reserves and was just this week deployed to Afghanistan.  He is an anesthesiologist here in Columbus and serves in a medical military unit.  We are so thankful for our friendship over the years.  What fun we have had raising our children and serving the Lord together.  Our time together was therapeutic for all of us.

Homemade Mac & Cheese, Zucchini Casserole, HoneyBaked Ham & Zucchini Bread

AND

A Variety of Cheesecakes from The Cheesecake Factory!

Wow...what a treat!

Lisa & Ginny

Thanks Ginny for the nourishment & cheer!

Back to School

It's so hard for us to believe that just one year ago Tom was busy preparing for the 2011-12 school year, ready and prepared for what was "norm" for us after so many years of the "back to school routine".  Unimaginable that just 6 short weeks into the Fall school year that he would experience the hardest set-back yet, never to have another "back to school" experience.  We haven't talked much about it...I sense it in his spirit that this has been harder than we thought.  In June, when we cleaned out his office, it was a relief off of his shoulders...just as any other summer season, but now with that behind us, the cooler temperatures, the "back to school" advertisements, the plethora of school supplies that greet us at the grocery store and the schedules of friends being filled with school activities brings us back to the reality of "what was".  We grasp at the hands of Jesus, cling to His Words and breath prayers to sustain us through these seasons of life experiences.  We know from our life experiences that He has always walked with us through whatever lays ahead and we take comfort in His mercies that are new every day. 

Your hands made me and fashioned me;

Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.

May those who fear You see me and be glad,

Because I wait for Your word.

I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are righteous,

And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.

O may Your lovingkindness comfort me,

According to Your word to Your servant.

May Your compassion come to me that I may live,

For Your law is my delight.

Psalm 119:73-77

As I think of the students who will be heading back to school it reminds me of all that Tom has had to relearn over this past year.  He has come so far from last October and we give thanks for the abilities he does have and try not to focus on the ones he hasn't regained.  As the 'classrooms' of life continually change it becomes very clear that we are constantly learners at the feet of the Master Teacher who grades with grace and guides us with  much patience.  It is our prayer that at whatever learning experience God has us in that we will grasp His grace and learn from His amazing wisdom as we graduate from one life experience ready to fully absorb and pursue Him in and through the next phase of life.

It seems a little ironic that Tom's next big check up is this Wednesday.  With the "back to school" clamor, Tom's MRI and doctor appointment, we feel an unmentioned tension in the house.  I see it in my hangnails, "twiddle" at the side of my head and sense it in Tom's demeanor.  Even though we fully trust God and His hand upon us...our flesh is weak and  we are still human!  As I put Tom down for his afternoon nap he broke the 'unmentioned tension' with; "I'm okay with Wednesday".  It's what I needed to hear...if he can be okay, then I will be too.  Thank you in advance for lifting us to the throne of God's grace as we faithfully trust Him through all of our tomorrows.

So thankful to Karen Estabrook for our delicious dinner on Saturday...

Spaghetti Pie, Garlic Bread, Salad

and...

Chocolate Cake!

Thank You Karen...you're a sweet blessing!

"Teeny & Big" Cindy & Dale Dunn

What fun we had on Saturday night having Dale and Cindy (who were free from grand-parenting) to come and play cards with us!  After two rounds of Hand & Foot and the guys defeating the gals, badly...we decided to stop and teach them how to play SkipBo!  It was a hit...however, the guys continued to bring the "heat" and beat us girls again.  Thanks Dale and Cindy for a fun evening!

Zac & Sarah return from Ashland, Ohio with an amazing homemade peach pie!

Thanks Elaine for once again blessing us with your amazing baking!

Sunday Evening BBQ!

Thank You Pete & Karen Huling for a fun treat!

and...

more treats (because we don't have enough around here!)

Pete's "famous" Hot Salsa & Chips too!

Zac & Matt loved it...not too hot for them!

I thought it was pretty amazing in very small amounts!

Berkley, Malayna & Dawn McMahon,

Steph Smith & Tom

What and honor and privilege to have a visit from WCHS teachers Dawn & Steph the day before school started.  They assured Tom they were ready and prepared for today.  Dawn and her husband prepared Chicken Enchiladas for our dinner Monday night!

Chicken Enchiladas, Chips, Salsa...

Muffins & Cookies too!

Thank you, Dawn & Brian...we are blessed!

P.S. - We are so blessed by so many who have brought and continue to bring us amazing meals...PLEASE remember that even though Saturday and Sunday are options for meals, only ONE day is supposed to be filled!  Thanks again for your love, prayers and support during this life experience.