Monday, December 14, 2009

Gabriel's Birthday

Today would have been Gabriel's sixteenth Birthday.

Who would have guessed that fourteen and a half years after his precious life was taken from our arms, that I would be starting a blog about his Daddy and the journey we face through the enemy's land of cancer.  But we don't go in fear, we go in an abundance of peace from God our Father, by whose Grace alone we will walk one step at a time. 

So pray for us that~
  • we will daily feel His Holy Spirit as our Faithful Guide
  • we don't borrow trouble from tomorrow
  • we thank Him daily for His will and His perfect love
Whatever the Spirit prompts you to pray, do so in faith that He knows our needs better than we do ourselves.

Lord-willing, we fly out Monday, December 21st.  We should arrive in Mexico by early afternoon.  From the latest report from Marie Ricketts, they will still be at the clinic...and I'm sooo thankful for this, although I know they are anxious to return home!  

35 comments:

  1. I've been down this road so I know what you ae going through. I have been praying for you and will continue. God has been faithful to our family as we went through cancer with Wendell and now have been without him on earth for 10 years. It is so comforting to know that his prayers are still being heard by our Father's heart. I know that He will do the same for you.
    My love and prayers,
    Kathy Dotterer

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  2. Thank you for sharing! We pray that God will continue to grant you His perfect peace.
    Love, Clint and Rebecca

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  3. Greetings, dear Bro. Fred and Sis. Brenda,
    Thank you for setting up this blog so that we can stay informed. As we spoke Sunday, you know our prayers are with you on your journey. God is faithful and we pray that you can always feel His divine presence.
    Love and prayers,
    Marvin and Nancy

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  4. Echoing the thoughts of many, we've been praying for you, too. We appreciate your example of faith.
    Love,
    Bryan & Lisa

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  5. Uncle Fred and Aunt Brenda-
    Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
    Thanks for starting this so we keep up to date. Also Happy Birthday Gabriel...we love and miss you, but know you are you are safe in the arms of Jesus (the best place to spend any Birthday:)
    Love you all lots...
    Kent, Lanae & Reilly

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  6. So glad you have this site set up. We'll be checking it while you and Fred start this journey. Our love, support, and prayers are going with you both. Be safe, be well, and be nourished by faith.
    All our love, Chuck and DiAnn

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  7. Brenda & Fred,
    First of all...thank you for letting us be apart of this blog!!! We will always view it as a priveledge & as a reminder to lift you up in prayer!! As I read the other comments I am struck by the thought that we are all in this together!! The power of prayer is AMAZING!! We love you!!
    Daton & Kathy

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  8. Sis,
    Just a quick note to let you know prayers will continue to rise for all of you. May you walk in courage and grace trusting in our great God.
    All our love!
    Matt & Sara & family
    Is. 55:8-9

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  9. Our thoughts and prayers are also with you. May you feel God's grace and power.
    Love,
    Tory & Wendy

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  10. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  11. Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with you as always, my dear friends! It's such a comfort to know that the Lord will provide! And we have the blessings of past experience to prove it.
    Our love and our hearts are going to MX with you...
    Love,
    Sharemy

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  12. Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you go through this journey.
    Love,
    Dalia and Josh

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  13. Fred and Brenda,
    You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. God will be with you ---One day at a time.......
    Our Love,
    Keith & Connie:)

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  14. Fred and Brenda,
    God is going before you and preparing the way for His perfect will to be done. If you haven't already done so, memorize Psalm 23 and hide it in your heart, meditating on it often. It will give you strength to go through whatever lies ahead. We continue to lift you up in prayer. Keeping our eyes on Jesus.
    Wayne and Roberta

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  15. Fred and Brenda-
    praying for God's strength and love to be more real than it ever has before through this trial.
    prayers
    en el amor de jesuscristo
    jarrin

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  16. Dear Fred and Brenda,
    How ironic that we hear of your blog from Mexico!..the prayers are being lifted up far and near. I think of your little son often and how God has brought you through, and now this. I was shocked, but it hits all of us. God be with you and bless the efforts of all..we will pray.
    love Art and Twyla

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  17. So many thoughts and no way to express them! Your are both such positive encouragement and a examples of true faith. What dear friends to have and hold close. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Remember it's all Because of Him....Deuternomy 33:12"....The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long and he shall dwell between his shoulders."
    In Him,
    Dan & Abby

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  18. The life of faith is a journey through the valleys and over the mountain tops. Even at this point in your journey, God is there with you and knows your hearts desire as well as your trust in His will. May your faith remain steadfast in Him, knowing He sees and He cares as none other can.

    Many prayers are with you.

    With love, Carol

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  19. Our thoughts & prayers go with you on this journey.
    Love, Ron & Diane

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  20. Fred and Brenda,
    We will continue to hold you up in prayer as you look to God for guidance. May He comfort your hearts and minds in the coming days.

    Love in Him,
    Jeff and Sarah

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  21. Keeping you in thoughts and prayers, my brother in Oklahoma has brain, thyroid and lung cancer, so I know what decisions you are facing. May you have safe travels and good news in Mexico. Love, Dave and Lisa Zobrist and family

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  22. Fred & Brenda,
    We are so sorry to hear this. We know that God's ways are far above ours and that He has a perfect plan. We also know your strong faith, Fred and Brenda, and we will be here on the side lines praying for you all along this journey of faith and trust as you lean upon Him.
    Echoing a big thank you for setting up this post even though miles apart "we can go with you"
    Our love and prayers,
    Tim,Dana Schneider & Family

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  23. Dear Fred & Brenda,
    We are so sorry to hear about Freds illness. I am sure this seems like a mountain in front of you, but remember that God can remove mountains. There is power in prayer and we too, will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in knowing that the Lord will provide.
    With our Love and Prayers
    Ron & Bonnie Bahler & Family

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  24. Fred and Brenda,
    Our thoughts, and especially our prayers, will be with you on your journey of faith. I'm sure from your past experiences that you realize the power of the prayers of others. It will lift you up and carry you through even the deepest valleys. May God continue to give you grace and strength to take one day at a time and trust in His goodness

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  25. Fred and Brenda,
    Our thoughts and prayers have often been with you since our visit this past week. May you continue to feel the love, prayers, and support of those who love you. May you continue to look to Him each day knowing that His grace is sufficient each day anew.
    Love, Chuck & Ginny

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  26. Dear Fred and Brenda
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this trying time. May you find comfort in knowing that the Lord provides for all our needs.
    Our Love
    John & Kay

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  27. Sorry I did not get to either one of you before you leave. I do want you both to know you are in our prayers! As you know we have went down this road not too long ago and pray for a full recovery, but we know it is all in God's hands and we will find comfort in that! God be with you as your journey starts, prayers will be sent your way daily from many many people!
    Donald and Barb

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  28. Dear Fred and Brenda,
    We are so sorry to hear about Fred. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this journey. We trust you will find much comfort and peace in knowing there are many lifting you up to Him in prayer.
    Miracles do happen....
    All our Love,
    Dale & Sue Zimmerman

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  29. Ted & Teresa BachtoldDecember 21, 2009 at 1:58 PM

    Fred, Brenda, & family, We are thinking of you today and will continue to do so. We wish you comfort & peace as you go through this difficult time. Ted & Teresa Bachtold

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  30. Fred and Brenda, you have probably touched down in Mexico by now. My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you face this new battle. We all will stand with you and wait with you for God's plan to be revealed. You have been dear friends, and I love you. Wes Broquard

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  31. Dear Fred & Brenda; Just heard about your health problems....and I pray that our loving God will be with you throughout this journey.
    We along with many others will keep you lifted up in prayer. Carl & Evelyn Hackenjos

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  32. Dear Fred & Brenda, Was saddened to hear of this new trial that you are going through. We hope you can feel the prayers and will be encouraged by them and the treatments you will be getting. God will give you as much grace as strength as is needed. We will continue to lift you up in prayer. Howard and Emily Harmon

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  33. Fred and Brenda,
    We are praying for you. May you feel God's strength and nearness.
    Love in Him,
    Stan and Kristen

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  34. Brenda and Fred,
    I remember you in prayer twice daily. Our Father can give us nothing but good. May you be uplifted at every turn.
    Denise Baxter

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  35. Fred and Brenda,
    We are so thankful of your speedy progress and that you will be heading home tomorrow. We will continue to lift you up in prayer that God's will be done and you will be strengthened in body and spirit. Thank you for sharing God's faithfulness on this blog spot.
    Ken and SueEllen

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