New blog post here.

New post here.

My grandma has been in the ICU since Wednesday when she became unresponsive. She has not been breathing deep enough so at the time, carbon dioxide was building up in her lungs causing extreme drowsiness. Since being at the hospital everything has been checked out and they can't find what's causing her breathing problem (lungs are fine, etc.). Gran, as she is affectionately called, is alert and responsive when not heavily sedated (she's on a ventilator) so that's been an encouragement. It's clear to see that she wants to fight this and isn't ready to give up on life. Please join me in intercessory prayer that God will touch her and heal her, strengthening and enabling her to start breathing on her own again. She's going to be seen by a neurologist today. Pray that God will reveal to the doctors what is going on. Thank you, friends!

O God, listen to my cry!
Hear my prayer!
from the ends of the earth,
I cry to you for help
when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety,
for you are my safe refuge,
a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
Let me live forever in your sanctuary,
safe beneath the shelter of your wings!
~Psalm 61:1-4

It sure has been awhile since I've blogged. I've made attempts to do so before today but always felt like I didn't have the words to say. Ever feel emotionally drained? That's the best way I can describe myself for these last couple of months.

My Grandma, or Gran, as we affectionately call her, has been dealing with some health issues. The one that concerns us the most is her refusal to eat as much as she should, and the fact that she's lost an unhealthy amount of weight. There's been numerous doctor and specialist visits, even a few ER stays, but so far they haven't found a diagnosis for her symptoms. She is, in fact, pretty healthy for her age.

We sure like having a name that we can pin on an illness, don't we? When it's a mystery, we're left fearful, at loss, not sure how to handle it. My husband and I were talking last night, saying all that we can really do at this point is pray and hope. This song came to mind:

When the weight of the world is on my shoulders
And my bridges are broken
I will remember You
When the flowers are blooming, skies are bluer than ever
And everything's well
I will remember You

Oh Lord my God, You walk beside me
Through the laughter, through the tears
Oh Lord my God, You hold and You hide me
Because of your love, I have nothing to fear

You are my hope, You are my joy
You are my savior and You are my God
You are my love, You are my life
And I will praise you forever my God

The deepest part of me is crying out
Just to know You more
So I remember You
Now I will draw nearer to who You are
And I see you clearer
As I remember You 
~my hope, rebecca st. james

He is my hope! Throughout this trial, I see His love and mercy daily. In spite of the pain, He brings joy - laughter - sunshine. No matter where life takes me, I choose to praise Him.

We covet your prayers for Gran. As promised, here are a few pictures from her 80th birthday in May.


And here are some golden California pics! We really enjoyed our trip out there.





My Hollywood babe!  Today we are celebrating 23 months together. That's right, next month it'll be our two year anniversary. How blessed I am to be married to someone that I consider my best friend, who's always beside me and supporting me, always gentle and caring. I love you, Sweetheart!

Time for me to wrap this up. I hope to update again soon and share some pics from our trip to Asheville. Thank you for keeping my family and I in your thoughts and prayers.

Choosing to praise Him,

Anna