August Adventures

Over 3 weeks of temps of 100 and we are ready for fall! August has been a busy month- The Gala at Teen Mania marked the end of the year for the August Interns. This banquet is always such fun! Shortly before we left for the Gala I had a Facebook "contest" to vote for which hair I should wear...The red won but Dave preferred the blond. What do you think?




It is always a bitter sweet time since we are saying goodbye to interns we have grown to love throughout the year.

We made a couple of trips to the Dallas area to see the Smith family. Abby is recovering from her broken leg after an accident while lying underneath the trampoline....and we helped Amy get ready for school. It is always fun to see them.
Tori was home baking Bak La Va. She is quite the cook!

We had many days of swimming and fun with Sam and family and Jon and family and several batches of homemade ice cream!

Henry and Jonah really got the hang of catching fish and had a ball!

Teen Mania welcomed the new August class and a few nights later had a baptismal service when 100's of interns chose to be baptized. What an awesome event to witness so many youth dedicating their lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ!
We brought Jonathan (David's son) home with us for a few days following that service. Cole was scheduled to come too but got sick and had to miss it. We had so much fun spoiling Jay! We had a "Shouldn't weekend"...you shouldn't have to do anything! Shouldn't have to say no to "much". So....Jay had a milkshake for every meal and we did what he wanted...fishing, scrapbooking,
made a space mobile...watched Funniest Home Videos- one show- and just really enjoyed our time with him. It is not often we get a one on one since there are 17 grandchildren!
This week we celebrated Lisa's birthday.

..had dinner at David and Beth's and look forward to Saturday to having Josiah and his friends here for his 13th birthday.
and so goes the lives of Dave and Marybeth...Blessed...blessed...blessed!!!!!

Rocky Mountain High

Bear Lake Colorado...4 days of camping in the gorgeous Rocky Mountains with Dave, Sam, Lisa, Henry, Jonah and Bridget!
God is so awesome- His creation so magnificent and His mercies new every morning.
We had a wonderful time in the mountains. All we wanted was "cold" after leaving Texas and we got that! It was 45 at night...perfect for sleeping and nice during the day. Got our fair share of rain but even that was refreshing. Saw a bear in our camp during the day...quite exciting.
We were in a Colorado campground with no electric or water...so Sam rigged up a shower for their family. Only problem...he didn't heat the water QUITE warm enough. Poor kids!
We love cooking out over the campfire and LOVE big fires! We gathered wood and Sam and Henry chopped and sawed and split wood for us so we were never without a fire.
The Great Sand Dunes Natl. park was a day trip where all of Sam's family made it to the top. Dave and I stopped over half way up (didn't want to over do!)( I did not have batteries for my camera the first couple days so no sand dune pictures here...maybe Lisa will post some on her blog!)
We took a hike out of our camp ground up about 1000 feet more- we camped at 10,000 feet- and had beautiful views of the valley where we camped.

Dave and Sam and the boys fished and provided us with a fish dinner right before we packed out early to avoid the afternoon rains.
No trip of the Hasz's is complete without some issue...a flat tire on the way home near Amarillo gave us about a 1.5 hour delay as we limped in to a Walmart for a repair. We went 412 miles without seeing a gas station so stopped by the roadside and pumped up the tire with a bicycle pump until we blew that out! There was a big bolt in the tire...thanks to all the driving through construction zones in TX and New Mexico. Never a dull moment.

The trip was wonderful and we are thankful to God for good health, family that wants us along on their vacations. We played games each night and enjoyed such sweet fellowship with Sam, Lisa and the children. Our God is so good! Thank you God!

The summer roll on!

July 15, 2010

How the summer is flying by! In just a few days we plan to leave on a camping trip with Sam and Lisa and children to Colorado. We would like to spend a few days around the Great Sand Dunes National Monument and the surrounding area. We are looking forward to COOL night- especially since we have no air conditioning! It will be so great to be back in Colorado camping. We are undecided as to whether we will head north to Denver or not. Sam and Lisa have to be back for Sam to work- he cannot be gone on Sunday since that is arrival day for Sky Ranch!

I have felt more and more energized all summer. Dave and I are walking about 3 miles a day-enjoying the early morning time before it is hot- avoiding the pit bulls down the street-basking in God's creation out there! I am working one day a week at Teen Mania- we are enjoying time with our children and grandchildren. God is so awesome and good!

Teen Mania will graduate the August interns on August 7th and get the new class the following week. These are always exciting days around Teen Mania.

Haley and Tori, our granddaughters will leave this week for Baja Mexico for their missions trip. God has given them an awesome opportunity to serve Him in this way. Tori won the trip at a concert they had attended in Dallas- the trip is with Global Expeditions with Teen Mania! Haley decided to cash in her "Ebay parasail savings account" and go with Tori. It should be fun for them! Caitlin is enrolled in 2 college classes this summer and having her first taste of college.

God is continuing to bless us in so many ways. We just want HIM to be glorified in our lives!

To God Be the Glory

Our God is an awesome God! This week we are privileged to celebrate 47 years of God's grace in our lives. It was 47 years a go that we stood before the altar at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana and pledge our "troth" to each other! by HIS grace we are still loving each other and have enjoyed His blessings in our lives- above and beyond what we could have ever asked or thought! Dave is my very best friend, the love of my life, and I couldn't have asked for a better husband and father to my children. I love him so much! Over these years we have come to a deeper understanding of who God is and who each other is. We are blessed.
As if that were not enough for one week...today I got an e mail from my nutritionist. I have worked with Mike and with the medical world in my battle against cancer. It was just 6 months ago today...Christmas day...that I discovered the large lump in my neck which was to be diagnosed several weeks later as Lymphoma cancer. A few weeks a go...after 5 of 6 scheduled chemo treatments, I had a PET scan which declared me Cancer Free. I have been awaiting the results of my blood test from Mike...which came today...and here is what he said...
Well, your reports are completed and attached and all your numbers are improving and at this time I cannot measure any cancer activity. The cancer activities that I could measure after your last chemo treatment are no longer measurable. It would appear at this point that your decision to discontinue the chemo at the time you did was a good choice. PRAISE AND GLORY BE TO OUR GOD WHO IS MY HEALER!
We spent the last couple of days in Little Elm with Amy and family. We met Amy and Brian at PF Changs...used to be our favorite....and had dinner...then spent the night with them...did some handy man jobs for them on Thursday then enjoyed their children and other children from their school in the summer orchestra concert. amazing! Their children are quite the accomplished musicians and we are so proud of them. God is just such an AWESOME GOD! All Praise to HIM!

Our God is an Awesome God!

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind! I'll try to catch up on what has been going on in our lives and how God has shown HIMSELF AWESOME over and over!
Dave and I have been making many trips to Tyler for Dr. appointments, tests (Echo gram; PET Scan) follow up visits. I reported on this in the last blog. The GREAT news is that the PET scan showed that I was cancer free! To God be the glory and thank you all for your prayers. I am now in DETOX mode...still in need of prayer! Started a 7 day cleanse today. I will have the port removed on the 28th and don't see the DR again for 3 months.
We were in Dallas/Little Elm for Caitlin's graduation. We are so proud of her. She completed 13 years of home schooling and graduated with honors and a National Merit Scholar- (that translates to a 4 year ride wherever she chooses. Caitlin will be attending U of Texas at Denton where she also qualified for a music scholarship in Viola. She wants to major in Writing and Literature. Caitlin delivered probably the most phenomenal graduation speech we have ever heard (do yo think we might be prejudiced? we are but it really was!) We are so thankful to God for the way HE has gifted her and how she has used these talents for His glory. That same weekend I attended a conference in the Dallas area with Kevin Dedmond from Bethal Church in Redding, CA. I went with high expectations and was not disappointed. God called me out for healing which was confirmed the next week in the PET Scan..but it is always exciting to have GOD pin point and call you out! David, Beth and I teamed up for the Ultimate Treasure Hunt where we went out and with our 3 lists given to us by the Holy Spirit, looked up people who the Lord ear marked for treasures and talked to them, prayed with them and had such an exciting time. See Kevin Dedmonds' book- The Ultimate Treasure Hunt on Amazon for a really fun time! People were blessed and so were we!
We spent 3 days the week before camp with Caitlin, Haley, Tori and AShley planning camp. Then Memorial Weekend the Smiths came on Monday along with the rest of the family to celebrate the day...and on Tuesday...let the fun begin...The 11 Grandkids all arrived for four days of fun and frolic at camp!
We had so much fun and so many activities the week the kids were all here. The counselors, Caitlin, Haley, Tori and Ashley did such a great job of running the camp this year...we could have not done it without them. See the side link for Cowboy camp for many pictures from camp and Caitlin's fun dialogue.
We are just so thankful to God for all HE has allowed us to do. For our family, for our health, and mainly for JESUS and our adoption into His forever family. We are thankful that our grandchildren all are being trained up to know Him and walking with Him. What a blessing! God, you are so awesome!

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Mother's Day...This family photo was taken on Mother's day. It says it all..God's faithfulness....Thank you Lord for the gift of family! We are so blessed. All the family gathered in Tyler for the photo then went to David's house for a cook out.
Yesterday we saw the Oncologist and let him know that I am DONE with chemo. After the tests from my nutritionist that showed 3 NEW cancer processes this time- after NO cancer last time- we conclude- time to STOP. (His recommendation was to do one more but he said he expected me to bail after 3 so I hung in for 5) The new cancer processes are at 200- moderate is 300 -500 but are in my blood which is new and probably DUE to chemo. ( This does not mean that I HAVE cancer- just processes that could lead to it) I will get on with DETOX and allowing the Lord to rebuild my immune system to deal with these and other invaders. I will continue on the nutritional diet of no meat or dairy or sugar or wheat. I mainly eat whole grains and vegetables. It is a great diet for loosing weight! I now tip the scales at 110! Next week I will have a Echo gram to check my heart and a PET scan to check for tumors. We continue to ask for your prayers for my total healing and for us to glorify God in all we do.
Today we go to Dallas. I am doing a training for Restoring the Foundations- it is a method of dealing with people and their problems to help them discover the answers to their own freedom and healing and deliverance. Dave will drive another young lady and I from Teen Mania to Dallas for the 3 hours session which I will be conducting by myself with this young lady.
I am working one day a week at Teen Mania which is PLENTY for right now. We are looking at taking July off for vacation in Colorado and Canada.
God's faithfulness to us continues to be displayed on a daily basis for which we are thankful. I feel good and look forward to renewed strength and energy levels and getting all the chemo drugs out of my body!

Here we are- Dave and I with all 17 grandchildren. Children ARE a heritage of the Lord...the fruit of the womb IS his reward. God is so faithful and each child is so precious and so loved. I'll give you an update on each family in the next post...

When storms come your way!

Worked a day today at Teen Mania- now Dave has an angel food cake in the oven and then he is taking me out to eat at Taco Bell- We have VERY few choices!!!!
Tomorrow I am scheduled for chemo # 5. Thank you for all your prayers.
I just read this great story on my friend, Ginger's blog. Just had to share it. such truth!

The Trip Home

A great little story; may all of us be able to stay calm in the midst of the storms that come our way.

A pastor had been on a long flight between church conferences. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on: Fasten Your Seat Belts.

Then, after a while, a calm voice said, "We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."

As the pastor looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive.

Later, the voice on the intercom said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us."

And then the storm broke...

The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightening! lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash.

The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfit and fear of those around him. He said, "As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.

Then, I suddenly saw a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing to her. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she was reading a book and everything within her small world was calm and orderly.

"Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world.

When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid." The minister could hardly believe his eyes.

It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, our pastor lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time.

Having commented about the storm and the behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid.

The child replied, "Cause my Daddy's the pilot, and he's taking me home."

There are many kinds of storms that buffet us. Physical, mental, financial, domestic, and many other storms can easily and quickly darken our skies and throw our plane into apparently uncontrollable movement. We have all known such times, and let us be honest and confess, it is much easier to be at rest when our feet are on the ground than when we are being tossed about a darkened sky.

Let us remember: Our Father is the Pilot. He is in control and taking us home. Don't worry

The FAITHFULNESS of GOD

April 24
Friends have told me they are checking in and I have not updated...wow...you are right. It has been 24 days!
During this month I have had chemo again and was joined this time by Amy, Haley and Tori and Dave. It was wonderful. Haley and Tori and I worked on plans for our 4th Grandkids Camp to be held the first week of June. Haley, Tori, Caitlin and Ashley will have the majority of the responsibility and leadership this year. We will have a Cowboys and Indians theme and all the grandkids 6 years old and up can attend. That is 11 of them and we are really looking forward to it. Dave and I are making plans and so excited. Amy spent the time working on things for their school. They are looking ahead to the 2nd year of their Home School School- I'll have to get the web site for you...it is pretty incredible.
I had a DR visit yesterday and found that both white and red blood counts are low- which accounts for the tiredness this month. I'll get checked again next week before chemo. My reports from Mike this month are that on one of his test- ALL cancer is gone- on another- there is still cancer activity and my immune system continues to show the effects of the toxic treatments. WE are praying about whether this is the time to stop or to do the two more. WE appreciate your prayers ...and wish I knew HIS perfect will and plan for my life this coming week! LORD..speak...you servant heareth!
My husband continues to be nothing less than amazing. Remember the bathroom project he was doing...well here is the finished product.

has continued to rework flower beds in the front and back, put in more sprinkler line down at the lake, cleans the house, makes meals and this week added making angel food to his repertoire! What an amazing gift of God to me! I love him so much!
Last Saturday 9 girls from Teen Mania came out and did 3 hours of hard core spring cleaning for me! Floors, blinds, windows, furniture and cabinets..what a blessing. These were my Core Girls from Reckless Abandon. Thanks Ladies. I love you!
So, as you see, God's faithfulness and love to me just continues to be poured out above what I can ask or think. I am so grateful to Him. I love you Lord!

"A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you're at home."

I'm smiling today...are you? It is April 1- The sun is not yet up but will be and it will be glorious day!
Today we got to Tyler to visit the DR and have blood drawn to see if I can have Chemo next week. This will be # 4. My reports from my nutritionist tell me that my cancer markers are now down from 14 to 4! That is great news. We feel that one more round of chemo is what I should be doing for now to see if it will eliminate the other 4. God...let it be! He says it is a balancing act...you want the chemo to kill the cancer before it kills you! God..you are my healer...my rock...in YOU I trust!
Holy week. The week we pause to think about all that JESUS did for us over 2000 years a go. This was known as Maundy Thursday back in the Lutheran church. The day that we celebrated the Last Supper and the journey into the Garden. Tomorrow is Good Friday. I would like to rent the Passion of the Christ and watch that again tomorrow- good visual reminder of what my Lord did for me!
Have a wonderful time celebrating the Resurrection on Sunday! Be blessed and thanks for stopping by!

Happy Birthday Dave

Today much of our family gathered to celebrate Dave's birthday. He is such a blessing to me and I love him so much- this is the 50th year that I have been able to celebrate his birthday...God you are awesome! Kelly was home sick but Jon brought both kids and their lunch. It was a blessing to see him in the role of "dad" and lovingly caring for Matthew and Jordan and all their needs. Sam and Lisa and family and David and Beth and family were all here. All brought things to grill and other sides and did ALL the work! I pretty much sat and watched and was waited on. Lisa and Sam stayed for dinner after the games and Lisa ended up leaving the house spotless! What a gem she is. We were sorry that Amy and family could not be there- not wanting to share their germs- they have most of their family down with various things. Little Brian (6) has pneumonia. They have had quite a week! They want to head south to camp for their spring break but will wait until all are well enough to travel. MAYBE we will see them next Sunday for Easter.
Tomorrow I have the last of my Beth Moore Esther Study. It has been enlightening.
The end of the week I plan to head to Dallas with Kim Yates from Teen Mania and attend a 2 day conference on Restoring the Foundations. I am excited about what the Lord is going to do with that and how He plans to use that in my life and the lives of others He allows me to touch.
Have a good week everyone and thanks for stopping by!

Trust in the Lord and do Good, dwell in the land live securely...Psalm 37

As we commit our ways to the Lord and trust in Him, He acts on our behalf and makes our righteousness shine like the dawn. Psalm 37..3,5

Yesterday was a glorious day. After a quick trip to the Dr for what I thought was an infected ingrown toe nail- (which was NOT!) we took off for Mrs. Lee's Daffodil gardens about an hour east of us. The day was perfect- sunny- warm, slight breeze- absolutely gorgeous. The rolling hills blooming with thousands and thousands of daffodils delighted us both.
God, your beauty is overwhelming. The open landscape, birds singing, brooks babbling, trees budding, flowers blooming- does it get any better? We stopped on the way home, picked up a subway and then had a picnic. Such fun.
And...just in case you are wondering how my hair situation is doing...I love all the wigs I have....a friend loaned me several of hers from when she went through chemo- fun! I can be blonde, brunette, red head- or....bald! God is good...so faithful!!!