PRAY PRAY PRAY

I just read an update from Coleman's Mom...

On Christmas Eve, they had to take Coleman to the ER. He was having slurred speech and other symptoms...the doctors ran some tests and found that two new spots have appeared on his brain.

Hospice has been called in and they are home...trying to make Coleman comfortable. He's pretty much unresponsive most of the time. Peggy and Scott (his parents) have talked to Caden (Coleman's twin) about what could happen. Of course they're not giving up...but they are trying to prepare him. I can't imagine having to have that conversation...the whole thing seems like it's just too much to bear...but thankfully we are assured that God will give us the strength we need to face the situations we encounter..and that is my hope and prayer that this family feels the peace of Christ surround them..that they feel each of us walking alongside of them...and that they are strengthened beyond their own capacity.

Please pray...there's nothing else I can say...just please pray.

Miss Olivia Wells

**12/20/2008...Another update was posted from Amy's sister regarding Olivia...please scroll down to read and please continue to pray**


**Please read update received from Olivia's Mommy-Amy at the bottom of the post**

On December 5th, Olivia Wells entered this world a bit early (at 29 weeks and 5 days)....and she's just a tiny little thing at 2 pounds 8 ounces. Olivia's parents are Amy and David Wells. Amy had preeclampsia (I probably spelled that wrong)...and Miss Olivia had to be taken via c-section.

Please pray for this precious family...for Olivia to continue to gain strength and grow...for Amy as she is healing...and of course for both David and Amy as they place their little girl in God's hands...just for peace and strength to get thru these days ahead.

So, again, I'm asking for all of you to beat down the doors of heaven for this family....I feel honored that we are given the opportunity to walk this road with them...and my hope is that we never take it for granted.

From Danielle (Amy's sister)...
December 20, 2008
I just spoke with Amy and Olivia is back on the ventilator today. She had some swelling in her belly and a bit of apnea yesterday. They are thinking either she has an infection (they won't know for a couple of days) or her little body was just working to hard and needs to rest. Please continue to hold this amazing family in your prayers -for a quick and complete healing for Olivia and for peace, wisdom, and strength for David and Amy!

From Amy...

December 11, 2008
Thank you for your continued prayer for our daughter Olivia. I know a lot of times it is difficult to understand how much our prayers effect situations in our life. But for some reason, prayer is tool that God has given us to move Him to act according to His will in our lives. It doesn't really makes sense to me, but it works. We are realizing more and more every day that God is the only one who is able to strengthen and grow our little girl. As amazing and advanced as medicine is today, Olivia's healer is God. No one and nothing else will be able to sustain her.

Overall, Olivia has continued to do really well considering her size and age. Tuesday was a big day for her. On Tuesday they switched her to what they call a C-PAP breathing system. Before, there was a tube going down her throat that assisted her in breathing. She was taking the initiative to breath, but if she forgot the machine would back her up. It would make sure that she was taking a certain amount of breaths per minute. On Tuesday they took that tube out of her throat and put two little tubes in her nostrils. Every time she takes a breath now, the C-PAP gives her an extra boost of oxygen. The difference now is, it is completely her responsibility to breath. If she forgets, there is nothing there to back her up. We got to be there when they switched her over. It was a scary moment for David and I, knowing that we might have to see her struggle. But thankfully, she handled the switch really well. As they were switching her over she remained really calm and relaxed. All of her levels stayed normal and she continues to do really well with her new C-PAP. This was a really big step for her because if she continues to do well on the C-PAP they will be able to take her off of it for small amounts of a time so that we can hold her. As I'm sure you can imagine, both David and I are extremely excited to be able to hold and snuggle our little girl. In fact, it is looking like tonight at 5:00pm we will be able to hold her for the first time.

Please pray that Olivia continues to have good days. Preemie babies can be doing really well one moment and within hours they can be so sick that they are close to death. Our Dr sat us down yesterday and gave us an overview of some of the battles Olivia might face over the next few months. He was not trying to scare us but he wanted us to be aware of some things she might struggle with. The talk was beneficial and we appreciated him being realistic with us but it as also eye-opening and scary. We know that Olivia is in God's hands and that He is completely trustworthy. However, the talk we had with Dr increased our urgency to be lifting Olivia up to her only Healer. Please continue to join us in praying for her complete healing.

Update on Coleman...

I received an update alert regarding Coleman last night...they are back home and have found an oncologist that will take him on as a patient and administer the new treatment they are going forward with.

The steriods he is on gives him what they call "Roid Rage" which means he will be laughing one minute and then screaming angry the next...I can only imagine how difficult this is on his parents and Caden, his brother. But it's also hard on him...he'll get mad but then he's crying and saying he's sorry...The whole situation is heartbreaking...and on that note...Coleman can no longer walk which in and of itself is scary especially for him.

Please, please...PLEASE...pray for this family...pray for a miracle for Coleman...there's really nothing more I can say...just pray.

To say I'm heartbroken is an understatement...there really are no words.

Coleman's test results came back and it appears that the cancer has continued to spread. Chemo is no longer an option...the 3F8 treatments are no longer an option...they are starting him on a study treatment that was just opened last week...from what Peggy (Coleman's mom) said there is only one other patient on it right now.

We know...we believe God can do anything and He still has infinite control to step in to intervene. I think the hardest part is knowing that God's will may be to not intervene...that's just hard.

Please continue to pray for them...and also lift up an extra special prayer for Caden, Coleman's twin brother. It seems that he's starting to be aware of the changes occurring and is scared to be away from his brother. These kids...this family is so precious and my heart literally feels like it's breaking right now. And here we go again...my famous statement...I can't even begin to imagine how his parents cope with this. They are some of the most amazing people. Please, please, please keep praying.

Megan

This is a little bit different post for me...basically because The Common Bond mission is to walk alongside the family, but primarly to relate with the Mom's of these children...but this situation has just left me literally heartbroken.


One of our members had sent out a prayer request at work regarding his niece...

Megan Brittain is a 12 year old girl who is fighting cancer...diagnosed as Rhabdomyosarcoma (??)...long word, huh? It started back in July/August of 2007. In a nutshell...Megan was playing in a softball game and her ankle started hurting...then her back, so they took her to the doctor and after many tests she was diagnosed with this disease. Cancer is horrible enough...it's a despicable disease that is heartbreaking to know that children are battling it everyday. This situation leaves me just speechless, though. In February 2007, Megan's Mom-Sharon-passed away from her 7 year battle with cancer. I seem to always say, I can't imagine...but this...this I can't grasp an inkling of it.


From what I understand on October 20th Megan had finished up chemotherapy and then had scans done, etc...and they found out she's had a recurrence of the cancer. A biopsy was completed yesterday and they will find out the results from it within then next couple of days.


Please pray for Megan and her family, I sure wish I could send a bracelet to her dad but I don't think it'd have the right effect. :) This would be another one of those beat down the doors of heaven situations that I'm constantly talking about. I'm so thankful that we serve a God who loves us beyond measure, who has a specific plan even when we cannot understand it and that He continues to be in complete control over all situations that seem so out of control to us.

Praying

**Update...The baby was a boy and his name is Colton River Moore**


I received an email today at work regarding a women, Brittany Tidwell who is expecting her first child. I don't have many details as of yet, but I do know she is due any day--had a doctor's appt this morning and they could not find a heart beat.

Please lift this family up as they face the road ahead.

Coleman

Please pray for Coleman...his counts were way down...and there's been some weird stuff going on like numbness in his hands, headaches, confusion, etc. Please pray pray pray....

Maddie

**Update 11/05/08...the doctors performed some tests on Maddie and this past week they recieved the results showing she is 100% in remisson!!**

I am so excited to be updating the blog with this post...you may remember little Maddie who is 9 months old and fighting leukemia....well, I am so pleased to report that her treatment for the bone marrow transplant has been very successful and the improvement in her health is even better than they had imagined it could be. The doctors are very pleased!! The are still in Portland, they've actually gotten a condo there and are out of the hospital right now...so that's great! They are hoping to be home with Maddie by Christmas.

At one point Maddie's parents were facing the decision of whether to end treatments and now look at the turn of events! It's just great...

Please continue to keep Maddie in your prayers., though...because the fight is not over yet.

The Craig Family

A while back I had posted regarding Lillian Craig, who was 2 years old and had lost her battle to cancer.



Tomorrow would be Lillian's 3rd birthday...and what would have been an exciting day for the Craig family is instead going to be extremely difficult. When you think of this family, please send up a prayer for them.



I'm praying that we are able to intercede on their behalf when they cannot find the words to say. I'm praying for what I always do...peace beyond understanding. Thank you for joining with me and lifting this family up to the One who still holds our lives in His hands...to the One who is not thrown off guard by the ugliness of this horrible disease...and also the One who sheds tears alongside of us as we try to grasp the incomprehensible.

Isaac

One of the families I have been following and will be sending a bracelet out to this week is Stacy, Spencer and Isaac Delisle.

Isaac Timothy Delisle was born this morning and his parents got to spend 16 precious minutes with him. This story was so close to my heart because Isaac started off with a cystic hygroma...the same condition Hayden had been diagnosed with when we were pregnant with him. Isaac had many other problems as well, but I was hoping for a miracle...and I know every child, every moment is a miracle...but I was hoping that they would have the same results we had with Hayden. My heart is broken for this sweet family. I know God is in control...and we see just a glimpse of the whole picture...that is the Hope we cling to. And that this is not the end of Isaac's story but just the beginning.

You can visit their blog at www.sgirl79.blogspot.com

Please pray for them. The coming days, weeks and months as our lives continue on...their's will remain in slow motion.

Team Larson

I had blogged awhile back about a pretty cool little dude--Coleman Scott...who is a 4 year old twin brother to Caden...the Larsons are a family that I admire so much because of their faith and strength. Its easy to say we have faith in God when things are going good...it's easy to praise God when most everything is pretty smooth in our lives...but when your child is battling a deadly disease and the future is unknown...that's when the rubber meets the road--I think true faith is played out in those moments...and that is why I admire so much the witness this family lives. Coleman has cancer...I can't tell you all of the details because I can't remember all the specifics and it would take me an hour to type, but I encourage you to check out their webpage on care pages...you may have already...if not go to this link:

http://www.carepages.com/carepages/ColemanScott/updates/1750559

You may have to set up an account, but you won't be sorry...the things these boys say and do are hilarious...but the reason I am adding this post to The Common Bond is because they found out today the cancer has spread in Coleman's brain and spine over the last month since he'd been checked. They are in New York City for a treatment, and from what I understand it's a one shot kind of thing...they are unable to do the treatment as planned because of this new development...and on top of that they are having to put him on some sort of medication but they are unsure if insurance is going to pay for it.

Please pray for Coleman and also his precious family...his parents names are Scott and Peggy...and of course, Caden. These children will melt your heart. I had sent a Faith, Hope and Love bracelet to Peggy and she sent me a card this past week saying that the boys thought the package was something for them...they were so excited...and then when she opened it and they saw it was a bracelet Caden said, "Mommy, I'm glad you got a gift this time..." I thought how sweet is that?

Just keep praying...I guess this would be another 'beat down the doors of heaven plea. I'm hoping we get to witness a God-sized miracle.

Precious Molly...

Precious little Molly passed away this morning. Although her time on earth was brief...it was God's plan and He used her life to fulfill His purpose--in doing so touched many others.

If you're anything like me, you grew to love this family that you don't even know...and my heart breaks thinking of the pain they are enduring now. The coming days, weeks, months...even years will not be easy...please don't stop praying for Briana and Garrick now. More than ever they need us to be walking with them.

To view their story from the beginning...check out their personal blog at http://www.brianaandgarrick.blogspot.com/. The last post has a link that takes you to a page where you can make a donation in Molly's memory to Trisomy 18.

Two sweet little girls...Molly and Maddie

**Update 09/24/08...Molly did not have a good day yesterday--it was her roughest day yet. Her oxygen is at 100%...and Briana sounds so defeated. Please just lift her up right now, I think prayer at times is so powerful because we're able to intercede on their behalf when those just struggling to make it thru have no words to say. I'm asking for strength and peace for this family that I--along with so many others--have grown to love.**


I'm asking for ya'll, once again, to beat down the doors of heaven. Molly did not have a good day yesterday, which is very disappointing after a strand of excellent days. This was her worst yet. Her oxygen levels were at 90%...the past bad days had been at 60-70%...if I'm understanding correctly this means that the machines were doing 90% of the work for her and she was only able to handle 10% of breathing on her own. Obviously, this is very close to the machines doing all of the work...and that's not a good thing. Again, I'm not a doctor...I may be off base...but in my little brain that's how I'm interpreting it. Briana and Garrick are realizing that her time is much more limited...of course we're not ruling out a miracle...little Molly could have another strand of good days...and I'm still praying for that BIG MIRACLE...I'm still hoping that God will intervene in the way we would chose...but the days he's given this sweet family have already been a stamp of His love and miraculous power. And I keep reminding myself He sees the whole picture...we see just a glimpse. Please pray for this family...

And Maddie...Miss Maddie is having her bone marrow transplant today--YAY!!! From what I hear the side effects can be pretty hard. I also found out why the news was so good that the bone marrow test came back cancer free (aside from the obvious--cancer free--words!). Now, keep in mind I am not an expert but just passing along info I'd been given--Maddie is considered in "remission" but without the bone marrow transplant the cancer would almost definitely return. Had the test results come back showing cancer cells in the marrow her liklihood of beating this was only 3%...since her results came back cancer free the probability of her survival increased to 60-70%. Drastic change. Please pray that the transplant goes well...that there's not any rejection...and for her precious parents as they have been an example of true faith thru this ordeal. I am in awe of them.

On a side note...if your considering my CHALLENGE...my friend, Julie told me about her friend who'd signed up to be a donor and was recently matched with a 12 year old!!! I mean is that not one of the coolest things you could ever do...give a child a chance at life. I'm praying that I will be a match for someone because I think that is one of the greatest things we are capable of doing for these precious kids!!! If you're unsure of what the challenge is...scroll down to the next post and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Okay, get to it...we've got some praying to do today!! :) Thanks for all of you coming alongside these families.

Check it out...A Challenge!!!

I've posted this on our family blog, but I want to post it here as well.



I have made it a goal to become a bone marrow donor by October 15th. And I thought how cool would it be to get others involved in doing this as well. From what I hear, it's pretty easy. Check out http://www.marrow.org/ and it gives all the facts of why it's important and what to do.



I'm going to do a drawing...a give away for a complete custom designed Jewelry Set including Necklace, Bracelet, and Earrings (Estimated $130 value). How do you win? Well, I'm giving you three options:

• Become a Bone Marrow Donor


• Make a donation to The Common Bond


• Purchase a Faith, Hope and Love Bracelet

If you do one of these three things by October 15th, your name will be entered into the drawing...if you tell a friend about it and they do one of these three things as well, your name will go into the pot twice!

Also...just a heads up...I am considering hosting a couple of 'Parents Night Out' events in order to raise money for the foundation's 501(c)3 status. (I can't go after any grants until I get statused as a non profit)...Anyway, those in the Middle TN area let me know if you'd be interested. I'm not ready to commit yet...but if I get a good response then I'll probably go with it.

Alright so there it is ya'll---let's DO something!!!

Krista

James' cousin emailed us this morning regarding a family friend's daughter that lost her battle to cancer last night. Krista was 11 years old. She had battled cancer since she was 4 months old, from reading her story she had a remission period of over 6 years when the cancer returned again.


Here is a picture of her with her family in July of this past year.


Please pray for this family. For her Mom and Dad and her sister. I always say..."I can't imagine..." and I can't. We know Krista is whole again, and no longer in pain, she's laughing and dancing on the streets of heaven...but those left behind are struggling right now. Pray for peace beyond comprehension to just blanket them during this time...peace that surpasses all understanding and if you haven't signed the petition from the previous posts (like 2 or 3 ago) please do. Our children need the best chance to fight this horrible disease.

One of God's Miracles...Molly

Here's a new picture of little Molly. She's still hanging in there. She's soooo cute. The past week she had some rough patches with her oxygen levels, which from what I understand is very stressful on all of them. The last two days have been really good, though. Every day she has with her parents is definitely a miracle...please keep praying for this precious family.

She's so cute, don't you agree?!

Progress

Just FYI...
We have sent out 4 Faith, Hope and Love bracelets from TCB. We have 2 going out this week and 1 scheduled to go out the first of October that is already completed. We have 3 more names on the list for bracelets to send, we're just awaiting funding for those.

Also, we are going to start sending a small amount of cash, we have enough to give approximately $300 each month. My initial plan is to send $100 to 3 families of children currently in the hospital. It's not much, I really wish it was 10x that amount...but for now that's what we can do and honestlyI'm happy that we're able to do this so soon. I believe God will bless this and I hope He will multiply it by overwhelming numbers as we continue moving forward.

If you haven't read my previous blog...please scroll down and read it. The information is very important. Thank you, again, for your support of these Moms, these families and The Common Bond project.

Childhood Cancer Awareness

First of all I want to update ya'll on Maddie. I am so excited to tell you that her results came back even better than they had hoped!!! There were no signs of leukemia in the bone marrow so the transplant is a go. I have no medical knowledge whatsoever, so I don't know what it all means but I do know it's great news...so thank you for praying for this precious little girl!!!

September is childhood cancer awareness month. There's a blog a I read of a family that has a 4 year old battling cancer which he has been fighting for the last 2 years. His name is Coleman, and he's the newest hero to add to the list to pray for. You can keep up to date with his progress thru: www.carepages.com/carepages/ColemanScott You'll have to set up a login id and password, but it's worth the extra minute it takes. Read the September 11th update part 1. It's remarkable. I learned two new things about cancer today....1st...only one new drug has been released for pediatric cancer in the last 20 years....yep, that's right--20 years!! Also, only 3% of funding goes to research for curing pediatric cancer....3%. Are you outraged?? I am...so what can we do?

We HAVE to take a stand...we can't assume someone else is going to pick up the slack...it is up to us not just to stand against cancer BUT to stand up for our children!! Please go to this link and sign this petition to get more dollars generated for pediatric cancer research. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/CureChildhoodCancer

And keep praying for these kids--all of them that are fighting this disease... but especially for Maddie and Coleman who are fighting. We cannot be complacent....just like we will never forget 9/11...we should never forget the war going on in the lives of these families with children battling cancer.

One last thing to note, I am looking at possibly hosting a silent auction in November to raise money for The Common Bond. I figure we might be able to raise it faster if we do an event versus selling bracelets one by one. People have asked how they can help...so here it is:

• If you have ever held a fundraising event like this--call me...email me..get a hold of me so that I can get some ideas of how to go about executing this If you want to help with planning this event...please jump in...I need all the help I can get (no smart comments!!)

• Buy a bracelet...or 2...or 3...the more we sell the more we have. I'm hoping to start sending $100 to assist with food and gas costs. In order to do that, I have to start generating some funds thru this jewelry. The bracelets are $50 a piece, plus $3 shipping. (If you know me from church, work, etc...then there's no shipping--I'll deliver them.) If you can't purchase the bracelet...I completely understand...but keep praying that we can get some sold. God can do anything and I'm counting on Him to make me overloaded with bracelet orders!

• If you feel led to donate towards getting our 501 (c) 3 I would be more than happy to accept your money. :) Just kidding...kind of...but seriously, pray about it and if this is something you want to be involved in at that level let me know. (No pressure, but I thought I'd throw it out there)

• And of course, the most important thing...pray for the kids and families we list on the blog. Pray whenever they come to your mind even if it's 20 times a day. Pray for miracles, cures, peace, encouragement, comfort, the list goes on...but never stop praying.

Thanks, I know it was a long one...but it's been a while since I've posted. :)

Maddie

One of my friend's from Washington called me awhile back and told me about her friend's daughter, Maddie. Maddie is 9 months old and has cancer. She's been fighting it for 7 months and the treatment they had been doing is no longer fighting the disease. She is having a bone marrow test done today and the results will tell the liklihood of if Maddie can continue fighting this. The next option would be a bone marrow transplant, but again...this test will determine if that will be a possibility.

I'm asking everyone who reads this post to pray for Maddie right this minute...and every time you think of her and her family. Tell your friends and family to pray as well--when I say beat down the doors of heaven, I'm speaking literally...they won't have the results until Tuesday...so also pray for peace in the meantime.

I'm not a patient person...I can't even imagine what they are feeling...I know I say that with every posts...but it's true. Pray pray pray...

Isaac

I read a blog called 'He Will Carry Me'...Stacy and Spencer-- are pregnant with their son who has been diagnosed with some serious medical conditions--the doctors have advised that more than likely Isaac will not live outside the womb, and if he does his time will be limited.

I had initially been drawn to their story because Isaac had been diagnosed with a cystic hygroma which is what Hayden had been diagnosed with when we were pregnant with him. Isaac has other conditions too...but that does not change the fact that God is bigger than all of this. I'm just asking for everyone to pray for Isaac, for a miracle. There is one doctor Stacy has seen who has out right questioned there reasoning for continuing the pregnancy instead of choosing termination. He said that out of all the high risk pregnancies with prognosis similar to hers, only 3 people have chosen not to terminate--now 4 with her and Spencer. 4 people...so I'm also asking for everyone who's reading this to beat down the doors of heaven regarding these doctors that doubt...help them to have compassion and to remind them that they are talking about parent's children...not a fetus or a medical statistic...but a baby. I can understand their doubt, they are doctors that go by facts and science...but our God does not work on either of those terms...I cannot understand the lack of decency to show respect and compassion on their part.

James and I had also been advised to terminate. The day we found out about everything with Hayden, our neonatalist said these words..."Nothing good would come of this pregnancy"...nothing good. To this day, when I think about this...I cry. So much good has come from that pregnancy...not only that we were given our son, but by strengthening our faith as well...and now this foundation, God is still making good come from our experience that happened while I was pregnant with our son more than 7 years ago...it's never ending...and I think as long as we are here on earth He will continue to do good thru what we have been given.

Please pray...

Molly Update...

***This is an email I had received from Briana (Molly's Mom)....it looks like she's improving, but it doesn't appear if the doctor's prognosis has changed...again, we know our God is so much bigger than anything a doctor can say...so I'm praying this is His sign he's preparing a miracle for Molly...please keep praying for this precious family****

Molly Kathryn Mueller is still holding her own, and fairly well, I might add. She is now 3 weeks old (yesterday). She's up to 2 lbs., 10.4 oz., and we are thrilled with her weight gain. We plan on throwing a party when she gets to 3 lbs.! She is eating 22 ml of milk every three hours now. Because of how fast she was able to increase her feedings, she has been weaned off of her IV fluids. We were thrilled to see her left hand and forearm without an IV...so cute!! And we're thankful that she is tolerating her feedings well enough to get rid of the extra fluids.
Molly loves her pacifier, so they've started dipping it in her milk while she is getting her feeding (through her feeding tube). It's so cute--she totally loves that milk directly in her mouth!! She goes to town on her paci--fast enough that it squeaks. They gave her 3 ml from a bottle the other night, and she did well. Food is not an issue for her, which means she fits right into this family. :-)
Two days ago, we met with an occupational therapist and learned how to do preemie infant massage, and Molly seemed to enjoy it. She was calm while I worked on her head, back, shoulders, arms, and legs. The OT did a great job of encouraging and teaching. It was a neat experience. The point of this is to teach preemies positive touch. A lot of times, the touches that preemies feel are when the nurses are sticking them for blood, putting in IV lines, etc., so touch isn't always a good thing in their experience. Besides being held, infant massage is a good way to introduce positive touch. I'm pretty sure she loved it because she was relaxed and sleepy all afternoon.
We helped give Molly a head-to-toe bath the other night, including washing her wild, dark hair. She did great, didn't cry or anything. They bring a scale in and cover it with a blanket. They put little Molly on there--she looks super-teeny with nothing on--and weigh her. Then, we get a tub of warm water and washcloths and slowly and gently get her clean. She was wide awake, just looking up at us with her big dark-blue eyes.
Molly's oxygen saturation level has been pretty good...there have been some "episodes" where she gets down too low and the nurses have to turn up her oxygen intake. These are so scary...of course, the monitor goes off and makes a horrible beep, and you can tell that she has to work harder to breathe. She usually recovers quickly, and sometimes even before the nurse can come in to turn up her air...then we sigh in relief and get our own breathing back to normal.
They are still trying to get Molly used to keeping herself warm enough for an open crib. Right now, her Isolette/incubator is set on 28.5 degrees C...to put it in perspective, an open crib would usually be 26 to 27 degrees C, so she's not requiring much help at all. They are hopeful that she will get a crib soon. That would be so nice, but I know it's important to keep her warm, so we'll see how she does.
We are still spending most of the day with her. I'm usually there around 9 in the morning and stay for the "work day" until 5:30 or 6 or so. Garrick is back to work, though they are trying hard to be flexible. He is able to break away for longer lunch hours and/or sometimes leaves a bit early in the afternoons to be with Molly. Grandparents are helping us "babysit" some mornings and also in the evenings, which has been such a huge help. We get to hold her just about all we want now since her body temp. is better...we just have to keep her swaddled in blankets.
I know all of this sounds so good, and it is. We are so proud of our little fighter--she is a joy!! The hard part still remains that there is no way to know how long Molly will be with us. Each day we come away feeling so positive--that's just what Molly does to you--she is a little bundle of hope wrapped up in a less than 3-lb. package. Every day is a gift, just like she is, and we enjoy it to the fullest.
Continue to pray for our strength--we are both admittedly exhausted in about every way possible (but Molly is worth it!). And, of course, continue to pray for Molly and her health. We can't thank you all enough for your support.
Again, give me a few days to get the blog updated, then feel free to check it any time.
We love you all,
Briana, Garrick, and Molly

Little Molly

I had posted regarding Molly Mueller earlier this month...here is a picture her mom sent this weekend.

The prognosis from the doctors has not changed, they are saying time is limited...I just ask for ya'll to continue to pray for Brianna, Garrick and of course sweet little Molly.

Lillian Craig

My sister-in-law, Kristin, called me today and told me that their previous neighbors had a little girl. Lillian, who passed away on August 12th from leaukemia. Lillian was 2 1/2 years old and had battled the disease for 4 months. Although, we as christians know she is no longer in pain, right now her parents are going thru the unimaginable.

I'm asking that you will all pray along with us for this family...pray for peace and comfort. Her parents names are James and Autumn Craig...they also have a son James, Jr.

What about this mission statement?

Okay, what do you think of this one instead of the previous one for a mission statement. (By the way, these are not rhetorical questions...I value feedback!!) :)

To show the love of Christ thru a common bond shared between mothers …committed to offering friendship, encouragement and assistance as we walk with them through the valleys of fear and uncertainty.

God does not call us to do anything unless it's just beyond our own ability...

I'm starting to think this project is not just beyond my own ability, but way out of my league! :) But that's okay, because I'm not the pilot...

A couple of things I found out...

It will probably be next year before we get statused as a 501(c)3 non profit organization. I don't really view this as a set back because that had been my timeline from the beginning. Once I found that site for Center For Nonprofits I was thinking that we might get it done in a more timely fashion. There is also a grant program each year at LifeWay that I was hoping to apply for, but you are required to have the 501(c)3. So, next year I will also be going after funding. (Actually, my post title came from the person heading up the grant at LifeWay...and just a note this grant is funded from employees that contribute to it...not from the company itself. I don't want anyone to get any ideas of improper use of funds since LifeWay had a large number of layoffs recently).

I'm a goal maker...so this is what I've set my next goal at...

I need to sell 50 Faith, Hope and Love bracelets in order to cover the cost for the fees associated with gaining a non-profit status. 50 Bracelets...check out the iMage Jewelry link on the right hand side for a picture of the bracelet as well as other jewelry that I create.

Here's another step I've taken to subsidize the foundation...50% of all of iMage Jewelry sales profit will go to fund TCB. Please pray about this as well...there are some steps that need to be taken, like launching an actual website (not just a blog site) for my business, creating a catalog, hosting home parties. (If you live in the Nashville area and want to sign up to host a home show email me at imagejewelry@hotmail.com). All of this takes money as well...it's true when they say you have to spend money to make money...and in order to give money you have to make money! It's the endless cycle. :)

Thanks again for your support, I can't tell you how much you all mean to me!

Breakthroughs...

I feel like I made a breakthrough yesterday...a breakthrough of myself. I love the book, "Cure for the Common Life" by Max Lucado. God has used this book to change my life and how I go about "doing" life. I've read it several times, but last night I picked it up and thumbed thru it...I landed at Chapter 6...Take Big Risks for God...

It's amazing how God uses things to hit me square between the eyes. This chapter was talking about the parable of the master giving the talents to the servants...and how two of the three servants was a good steward of those talents...but the last servant did nothing. Well, I've heard this story for years--back when I was a child--but the light went on last night while reading this chapter. The sin of the servant was that He DID NOTHING...nothing with what the master had given him. NOT ONE THING. I hate to admit it but I've been that servant...for years that's been me. I'VE DONE NOTHING. But in the last few months, I've been convicted of this...I've felt a burden that we are all given gifts (I know I've talked about it a lot) and we are to use those not just for ourselves...but for God's glory. With this project I'll admit I feel so overwhelmed and not prepared for what I feel like God is leading me to do...I've been scared to death...I've been scared because I want so much for this to reach people and touch their lives...but do you see the problem here? Even though what I want is good, it's about me and what I WANT...MY EXPECTATIONS...when the master praised the servants, he said "Well done my good and faithful servant" I'm taking this from Max's words (yes, I'm on a first name basis :0) joking)...he didn't say, "Well done my good and flashy servant"...he didn't say "Well done my good and famous servant"...he didn't even say "Well done my good and FRUITFUL servant"...just good and FAITHFUL servant. Right now I'm doing pretty good with being faithful in this...but I can guarantee you that in 30 minutes I'll be on my knees praying for faith. These waves are big, but God is bigger...and I just want to be able to stand before Him and here Him say that I was faithful in the talents He gave. I just want to be available in whatever way He has planned...I guess bottom line for that is that I need to get out of the way of myself.

I know I just preached a sermon...I apologize, but I feel so convicted of this and I hope it has, if anything, stirred up in your own hearts what talents you've been given and how are you using those? I highly recommend the book "Cure for the Common Life"...it's an excellent resource if you're trying to figure out what God wants to do with you!

By the way, I've found a company here in Nashville that assists non-profits with start ups. I have my list and step by step things are getting checked off. Let me just say there are lots of paperwork involved! But I feel good that we're heading in the right direction. Please keep praying and if you want to be involved jet me an email!

Talk to ya'll later.

Molly

I want to ask for everyone to pray for this family--Briana and Garrick Mueller. On July 30th, their daughter Molly was born prematurely. The doctors diagnosed her yesterday with Trisomy 18 and they are saying she is "incompatible with life". They have told Briana and Garrick to enjoy the next couple of days with their daughter because that is probably all of the time they will have with her here. First and foremost, we know that God is bigger than this diaganosis...but we also know at times it is His will not to intervene in the way that we would choose. So, while we pray for a miracle...please also pray for peace and comfort for this family. At what should be one of your most joyous occasions, is now one of the most painful.
I will keep you posted on any news I receive.

Hey, I'm on a roll!!

I have been busy...for the last hour and 1/2 I've been getting all the information together on what I need to do regarding launching The Common Bond as a non-profit organization. What I keep seeing that is reiterated is to come up with a Mission Statement.

This is what I've got so far...please please please...leave comments, email me, call me...if you have any ideas on how I should change this...first I guess I should tell you what I have nailed down as the basis for this foundation...

My vision is to see moms helping other moms walk together thru the toughest trials we may endure. First and foremost, I want a place that a mother can come and connect with another mom...to talk with, to listen to, to pray with...they will know there's someone caring for them.

Second we will send a Faith, Hope and Love bracelet...because I believe something as small as simple bracelet can be a source of tangible comfort and encouragment as she faces the unknown.

Third, this is the big part, we will provide financial assistance to families who have children hospitalized due to a terminal illness...we will also provide financial assistance to mothers who are placed on bed rest due to high risk pregnancies.

Okay...with all of that said, here's what I've got for the mission statement:


To show the love of Christ through a common bond we share as mothers by providing encouragement, hope and assistance while walking with them on the road they face.

Again...please help me with this...I'm stumped on if I should add, change all together, delete...etc. Please rearrange it in any way you see fit and you can post comments or send me an email common-bond@hotmail.com

Next Step Done...Email

We now have an email address for The Common Bond. Trust me, I know these are small steps...but because there is so many steps involved in the process I like seeing the progress of the little things...if anything just to show that we are one step closer to launching.

Our email address is: common-bond@hotmail.com

Once I get home, we will be sending out our first bracelet to precious Maddie's mommy...please visit their caring bridge site and pray for this family. I wish we had money to send, but this is what we can do now...

The link to that site is: www.caringbridge.com/visit/MissMaddie

And pray for this...I want us to be a vessel...that's all I want, and in whatever way that comes to be I just want to be open to God using us.

Thanks for all your support!

The blog has started...

Okay, so I got the blog set up...unfortunately thecommonbond.blogspot.com was already taken, so the address is thecommonbondisthis.blogspot.com...because I finally came up with a name for "this" I figured it worked....for now.

I'll update as I get more information...I'm starting to compile the list of people who have shown an interest in being apart of this...and please, if you haven't already contacted me, post a comment if you're interested.

Next step..email address...then onward!!!

Pray, ya'll...I think it's going to be great seeing God work thru all of us...I still have no idea how far this is going to go...but I guess that's part of the excitement!!