Waiting Ready
- stevekbrooks
- Dec 8, 2010
- 7 min read
Steve posting this time...I want to start by offering my sincerest thanks to ALL of you who faithfully take the time to keep up with the latest developments in Lee's journey and continually offer your precious words of encouragement and ceaseless prayers on her behalf. I truly see her spirits lifted with each one of your notes that is shared.
I am thankful to report that Lee got all of the scheduled MRIs completed today and is still on track to have the PET Scan performed on Thursday. There is a chance that we could have some results by Friday but it may take until the beginning of next week.
Many of you have thoughtfully inquired of me: "how are you doing?" I have honestly struggled at times to find the words to answer that, so I thought attempting to share my thoughts and perspectives here might be a good outlet. I must first
say that I am truly blessed with the precious gift of a loving wife who is much more concerned with making certain that I'm well cared for and that her life's journey, no matter what turns it takes, brings glory to Jesus and not to her. I, at times, feel helpless (occassionally useless) as a husband unable to relieve or lessen his wife's suffering; but watching Lee's unwavering faith in the midst of trials truly reminds and inspires me to trust that none of what we now or will face is outside of our loving Father's control and that He loves and cares for her even more than I do.
We recently got to hear a teaching from Dr. Ed Stetzer that I believe offered an awesome perspective on what our lives should look like as we find ourselves waiting. Regardless of our circumstances, we are all always "waiting" and the temptation can often be to postpone what we should be about until the next season of our lives. The title of Dr. Stetzer's teaching was the inspiration for my heading in this post. He offers a poignant reminder that we never know what tomorrow may hold. Therefore, every day of our lives should be lived with a readiness that is marked by anticipation, assurance, alertness, and faithfulness. He shared these principles much more elogquently and thoroughly than I could here, so I am inserting a link to his talk below. I would really encourage you to carve out an hour to curl up by the fire and take a listen. My hope is that you will find his words as challenging and encouraging as we did.
We will update you as soon as we have any new news. My heartfelt thanks again for your love and prayers!
Messages
Jason Benjamin
December 8, 2010, 5:49 AM
Although we can't be there with you physically, you two are not alone. You are in our thoughts, brother. Sasha and I love you two!
Tim Hatmaker
December 8, 2010, 6:08 AM
Steve and Lee, You are in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything please let me know. Love, Tim Hatmaker and the Hatmaker Family.
Molly Swanson
December 8, 2010, 6:08 AM
I love you both! I am praying!!
A.J. Paulsen
December 8, 2010, 6:19 AM
Steve and Lee: You both are and remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Steven Mulkey
December 8, 2010, 6:32 AM
We are praying, thanks for the update Steve.
Michelle Grande
December 8, 2010, 12:35 PM
Steve, may God continually bless you and keep you during these difficult times. You and Lee are in my prayers! May our God be glorified in the two of you!! You are not useless, there is so much more in a simple touch or a quiet calming word and just being there for Lee.
You are both special!
Greg and Lindsey Jennings
December 8, 2010, 2:05 PM
Prayers from Knoxville coming your way!! Whenever you guys make it back to this area..give us a shout.
Judi Johnson
December 8, 2010, 2:29 PM
I am so inspired by both of you and continue praying for God to hold you in his arms during this difficult season of your lives. You are special and truly let God's light shine through your lives. Love you, Judi Johnson
Bill Kelly
December 8, 2010, 3:47 PM
Thank you Steve. Love to you and Lee with Christmas Blessings, Bill & Jane Bill & Bev Matney December 8, 2010, 5:51 PM Thank you Steve. Merry Christmas to both of you. This was a very moving message with important reminders for all of us.
Wendy Sternshein
December 8, 2010, 6:08 PM
Steve & Lee, once again, thank you for sharing your very personal journey. You are both such an incredible inspiration. My thoughts continue to be with you. Wendy
sue ensign
December 8, 2010, 6:55 PM
I just don't have the gift of relating my thoughts all that well. I so appreciate those who can put together my feelings and thoughts in excellent ways. Dr.Stetzer's message is a good example; you and Lee are a constant example. Thank you for sharing; this is one of the most precious gifts
you both could share. I'm praying for you both and it always starts with, "thank you God for the gift of Lee and Steve Brooks." Susan<>< R. Archer December 8, 2010, 9:33 PM Lee (and Steve), Your sweet little brother, David, teaches in the room next door to me at Oak Ridge High School. He recently shared some of your story with those of us in the Business Technology Department. We like to think we are more "family" than co-workers. And, by the way, we love David, Jennifer, and Porter! We have named ourselves Porter's honorary aunts. Having given that introduction, I just want to pass on how inspired I have been by your story. Not only are you a beautiful person on the outside (nice pictures), but you simply glow from within! In a few minutes I will be leaving school for the day. I just wanted you to know that you have found a special place in my heart and prayers. And I hope you won't mind, but I will ask my friends at church to include you in their prayers,also. With many blessings, Rosemary Archer
Stephanie Patchin
December 8, 2010, 11:47 PM
Thanks for the update. You guys are truly amazing examples of Christ grace and love. I know I have said this before but knowing you two and living life with you and seeing how the two of you walk with Jesus daily is an inspiration that has changed my life and my walk with Christ in many ways. I love you guys and will continue to be praying for you! Steph
carol sparks
December 9, 2010, 12:43 AM
Praying for you both as you wait and trust. Carol Sparks
Debby Swecker
December 9, 2010, 3:59 AM
Steve and Lee, We love you both and are on your team. Will be praying for you tomorrow. Deb & Dan
Sandi Henry
December 9, 2010, 4:48 AM
Steve, thank you for sharing your heart with us. I know Lee's ordeal is as hard on you as it is on her. I doubt Lee would have made it this far without you. Thank you for reminding me that Advent isn't the only time of anticipation and alertness. I'm praying that you will get some news on Friday, and that it will be good news. We love you two so much, and pray that you will soon have some relief. love, sandi P.S. Bill and I saw your parents at Charlotte's visitation. They look great!
Bruce Ensign
December 9, 2010, 4:00 PM
Wow. Thank you for using your trials to point to how we all are to live, in expectation of our brighter future and because of who we live for.
Marty Griffith
December 9, 2010, 4:15 PM
Steve and Lee I have never posted my thoughts, it's always difficult to find the words. As you both already know, we love you both and we will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Marty G. ORFD
Teresa Smith
December 9, 2010, 7:02 PM
Dearest Steve & Lee: Keeping you ever on my mind and in my heart, and continuing to pray for you both with loving concern.
Cherie Leyva
December 9, 2010, 9:43 PM
Chief, God truly shines his light through you and Lee, you can't help but feel the warmth from it. We are your extended family here at the Fire Department and we are here for both of you. God Bless, Cherie Leyva and Family
Susan Rowley
December 10, 2010, 9:51 PM
Dear Lee, Thank you for the kind message on my care page, My prayers and thoughts are with you and Steve as you take this journey! Sue Rowley
Susan Rowley
December 10, 2010, 10:21 PM
Lee, Thank you for your kind offer of a place to stay if stranded! I am in awe, and tears of your biography. My friend, you can move mountians with your faith and have, thank you for sharing! You two truely have a match made in heaven! Your pictures are wonderful too, your precious Jasper, the handiwork of OUR Father, and I got a chuckle out of the picture of Steve's Grandmother in leather going on a ride with Steve ... that was a
'bucket list' thing for me and one of my nurses arranged for her boyfriend to take me on a short
ride in November, it was SO awesome, hopeing to do it again in the spring! Anxious to hear how things go, I'll check in! God Bless! Sue Rowley Suzpage
Jill Shelton
December 11, 2010, 10:26 PM
You guys are the greatest. I've always looked up to you both and still yet continue to do so. You are both such an inspiration in all you do, always praising God no matter what the situation. What a shinning example you both are. I miss you guys and love you both. Have been thinking about you alot and praying for you and your families.
Comments