Eve of our Mayo Marathon

Good evening from the warm (hot) destination to Phoenix to continue my care at the Mayo Clinic. If you have followed the blog recently, you know that medically things have been spiraling out of control. At least it feels that way to me at times.

We woke up to numerous texts from friends and family on the East Coast and shortly thereafter began receiving texts from our friends and our Fire Family on the West Coast. Those texts were exactly what my soul needed first thing this morning - so thank you from the fullness that overflows from my heart.

God was quick to let me know "he's got this!" As we arrived at our boarding gate, it was standing room only. However, there was one chair open next to a lady about my age. It seemed that no one could see this empty chair but me so I plopped myself down next to her

and we exchanged greetings as we were both plugging in phone chargers between our seats. I said something to the effect that charging stations always remind me that in my Christian life I I need to stay charged. She heartily agreed. Well, it's a little hard not to notice that I am not doing so hot in the health department. After all, I have a "nose hose" (Steve's name for my nasogastric tube - only a firefighter would think of calling it that) coming out of my nose and taped to the side of my face. My arms are still covered in bandages as I continue to try and heal from all the blisters that occurred during and after my last hospitalization. So that is pretty visible as well. The conversation quickly turned to suffering as she inquired and I replied to her inquiry. We went on to discuss suffering and wound up sharing scripture from memory back and forth as we navigated the tough parts of understanding suffering as a believer in Jesus and having a greater hope. If you have been around me lately, you know my seizure medicine has left me struggling with brain fog and memory. Some of the verses I shared I didn't even know I knew that verse from memory. I surprised myself. Obviously it was all God. I felt my heart quicken and a peace cover me like a garment of praise and joy. There was something special, different about

this woman. She was able to relate to me as she shared she also suffered from a few rare disorders. We shared more verses to encourage one another and then she got up to leave. As she left, I asked her name. "Christine" she replied and then she was gone. Steve returned to the boarding area and sat in the empty seat that just seconds ago was occupied completely unaware of the encounter I just had. I was struck by the fact that the first letters of her name spelled "Christ".

As she left, the verse that came to mind was:

Hebrews 13:2 ... Some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it."

I looked for her on the flight and then again in baggage claim ...i never saw her again.

I'll leave you to think on the encounter ...

We have had a pretty full calendar and the flight to Phoenix for our Mayo appts finally hit me. I feel overwhelmed somewhat with looking ahead to the next 7 days. I have 16 appointments over 5 days. Feeling very thankful to have a break in the middle with Saturday and Sunday reserved for quality time with friends who live in the area. God has blessed us tremendously with our accommodations. Our apartment is a rental in the same complex as our dear friends Kimball and Elizabeth. We were greeted with about 1,000 square foot apartment with an absolutely amazing gift basket and stocked refrigerator. They have also loaned us their car for the week. It's amazing all of the blessings being poured out on us even before we begin the Mayo "Marathon". We are definitely looking forward to time of refreshment

with good friends after long days at Mayo. Steve is also snagging a couple of seminars at a local Fire Conference so that will be really good for him. Thankful the timing worked out the way it did!

For those of you who have asked, I have listed all of my appointments in the calendar feature on this site. I encourage you to sign up with your email to get a notification whenever we post a new blog. There is no spam or advertisements if you do this. Please check out the appointments and pray for us during those times.

I am reminded on this eve of many tests, consultations, and medical news of the words found in James 1:2-4

"Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let

endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing."

Tonight I am dwelling on Philippians 4:8

"Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any virtue, if there is anything praiseworthy; dwell on these things."

Keep us in your prayers this week.

I rarely ask this but I know a huge battle for my strength and emotions comes with tomorrow's sunrise. If you feel like dropping a note of encouragement on the blog, I know that will give us a boost with persevering through this difficult time.

As always, thanks for checking in on us. We can feel the love and support,

May Grace and Peace be multiplied to you,

Lee and Steve

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Comments

Jennifer Keller:

Your strength and faith never cease to amaze me! Thank you for being so encouraging to US as you share with us what is happening for you. You are being prayed for by many! I do believe God sent you an angel at the airport- He does this often, but we rarely pay attention enough to notice. I'm thankful for your encounter, as it's a reminder that He holds EVERYTHING in His hands. You are deeply loved, my friends.

Ginger Smith:

I do truly believe that Christine was sent just for you and you for her. Every time I read one of your posts, I am just amazed how strong you are. Continued prayers Lee and Steve!

Tom and Linda Hamilton:

Love love love the story about Christine. I'm voting for 'Angel'. You both will be in our thoughts and prayers in the coming week. May God richly bless you in unexpected ways during this part of your journey, and may He surround you with His perfect peace, grace and rest.

Janice rogers:

Keeping you in prayer. Your faith is so inspiring and encouraging to me. You definitely take the lemons given you and make lemonade! God Bless You!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Amy Moore:

You are loved, You are brave, You are strong, You are beautiful, You are brilliant, You are caring, You are faithful, You are light in the darkness. You are all these things & much more even on the days you don't feel it because God is shining these things through you. Praying for you as you struggle through these next few days. Know that you are surrounded with love from above & from earth.

sandra henry:

Wow, God works in amazing ways! You have such a beautiful heart, and I know you blessed Christine as well. There were two angels sitting there. We are praying for your time at Mayo. May the doctors have wisdom and understanding and treat you as their own. I've had an old song on my mind that isn't religious but I think applies to you.

"Blue skies smiling on me. Nothing but blue skies do I see." Sending lots of love your way.

Karren Logan:

You and Steve inspire me. I see and feel so much faith in your words. God is using you all as an example to all of us. Thank you so much, for allowing me to share your sweet love for our Lord. My heart and prayers are with you. Love you both.

Steve Braden:

We looked at the calendar today and was in awe with the appointments. As you said before, God's got this. We love you guys. Praying daily.

Jane Levin:

Wow, an angel (maybe) named Christine!! How precious is the Lord. We send you love and prayers for strength, hope and encouragement! Love, Jane and Andy

Gene and Melissa Marks :

Dear friend, praying that you will trust that the grace you need tomorrow will be supplied and that you rest peacefully tonight. Love yoy

Teresa J Brooks:

Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers as you go through each appointment--praying for strength, hope, peace of mind and spirit to see you through these tiring days. So glad you have good friends and pleasant accommodations where you are staying. May God continue to bless and keep you. Love always, Teresa

Ellen Bunch :

Love you Lee Bob. You are always in my prayers and you always lift me up in your post. 🙏🙏🙏

Tamara Longworth:

Lee (and Steve), Your strength, perseverance, and faith never ceases to amaze us. You are such an incredible example to us all of learning what it truly means to come to the feet of God, laying down all our troubles and trusting in Him. Your pain and suffering has been beyond measure, but yet you remain faithful and continue your walk. Your description of your encounter brought us to tears. We just never know when God will show up and in the various ways. No need to ponder here. We don't comment often, but we wanted you to know that you remain in our continued thoughts and prayers, and we are cheering you on through this journey. Much love and prayers, Tamara and Bill Longworth

Bruce Ensign:

Steve and Lee - we continue to pray for you often. Your LifeGroup loves you and prays for you, as do the men I meet with weekly. Our heart longs for you to be encouraged as you go through the Mayo marathon. It sounds like you are getting to spend some time with the Parkers - how wonderful! As you share scripture and God's plan (as you regularly do), we are sure you are touching those who need to hear good news. Thank you for sharing the events of your life and the words of encouragement you give to us as you share what is going on. Pastor Mark shared you comments about suffering in last Sunday's sermon - it was quite amazing and powerful in the context of the sermon. This is tangible evidence that God is using you in and through the marathon. You are loved by many God, as well as many many people. May God's peace overwhelm you, comfort you, and give you confidence as you walk through these trials.

Tony Grande:

Praying for you both through this journey and especially this week that you will be overwhelmed with the peace of our Lord and abundant strength.

Alissa McPherson:

You guys are such a wonderful example to everyone with your faith! You are a warrior Lee, and God is using you to touch many lives! I will pray for answers and comfort during the coming days. You are loved by many!

Amanda Webb:

Psalm 30 tells us that JOY comes in the morning. Praying that you are filled with unimaginable joy in the midst of suffering and uncertainty. Love y'all 💜

Eddie Faulkner:

Great story of the Angel you encountered - I certainly believe these happen. God bless you this week.

Judy Wilson:

You have both been on my mind. I lost track of your schedule so glad to hear you are in AZ and starting your marathon.Your posts are so uplifting, though your circumstances are difficult. You are an inspiration to all who know you. Prayers and good vibes coming your way. Loved your Christine story.

Debby Swecker:

Sleep well tonight! Lord, please carry Lee and Steve throughout the day tomorrow and each day this week. Give them energy, strength, peace and joy in the middle of all the busyness. May they look for the ways you are providing and protecting them both💜