A Few Words From Joy

Hi all. Yes, it's really almost 2:30 am, but just had my vitals taken and IV bag changed. My sister was right. The day started wonderfully, but by 10:00 it took a terrible turn. Too tired to go into detail, but my sweet nurse around 9pm thought she knew the problem and yet another pill was administered (I've had more meds in two days then I've had in a lifetime), anyway, the pill worked. Also, precious Diane responded to my desperate cry for help and she was able to explain some side effects to me that then let me rest. After 24 hours of no sleep, I've now had 3 sweet hours and I'm going back to sleep now. Love you and please continue to pray. Each day brings new challenges and I'm so weak from 4 days of liquids. 

Hee hee, a nurse just checked on me with a flashlight wanting to know if everything was ok. LOL. Yep, just talking to my peeps. :)

Love you all. Hugs,
Sleepy me :)

"Joy" Comes In The Morning

If you were up around 7:00 you know our "Joy" did indeed come to us this morning. In case you missed it here is what she posted.

"Hey all, yes it's me. I can't seem to be able to send emails, but the blog connected. Can't write much as the Surgeon is coming to see me BUT just had to thank you for all your love and prayers. God is answering. I cannot believe the peace He has provided. Please continue in prayers and know I cherish you all so much.
Diane...tons and tons of extra love and prayers for you. Wish I could get email to work. HUGS"


For me it is not unusual to see her on line that early, however I must say I was in shock this morning. I am thankful for WI-FI and IPODS. Can I get an amen?
The diagnoses was not what we expected or prayed for,it is however what it is. This is the journey the Lord has right now. It can change at any time and with that there is much hope. Yes, no doubt this journey might take some time, however Joy will not be alone. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love shown just in the past 24 hours. My dear "Faith" love has no boarders and you have internationally captured the heart of many. 
JESUS, JESUS, JESUS LET US PRAISE HIM AND ALL HE HAS DONE
*provision through surgery
*pain management
*family
*friends
*medical staff w/ compassion, twins,
* technology
*peace
*that you are able to sit and talk now
*hospital liquid diet that you are able to keep down (sorry but I had to)
*hugs
what else can you add to this list for Joy today?
Thankful and praising Him,
Diane "Hope"

Surgery Results

This time last night Joy and I had just finished praying via Skpe. We each spoke about what this night would be like. How if God choose to perform a miracle and remove this mass or what if it was indeed cancer. With each case we talked about the way we would act. Why do we as human try to project what we are going to feel about situations we "might feel?" Because today I can honestly tell you when I received the results, "my planed reaction" was not what I projected.

They did find the mass was cancerous and did a total hysterectomy with a partial removal of her colon, Chemotherapy will be part of her treatment. At this point that is all we know. Joy's recovery is just beginning and she will need her sisters in Christ more than ever. This part of her journey is called "surviving cancer" and it will not be easy, but everything is possible thru Christ.

Continued love for all of you who are praying and love Joy. Thank you for your prayers for me as well.
Standing in the gap for "Faith",
Diane

Joy Is Awake (smile)

Our Joy has been moved upstairs to her room. Her husband said she was still pretty out of it and he wasn't able to spend much time with her. At this point Joy has not been told the results of her surgery and I feel it only right to wait until she does before they are disclosed.

Let's praise God for His prevision during her surgery and comfort for her family. Please continue praying in the coming days as recovery challenges present themselves.I will to update you as things come in. Thank you for all your prayers.

Standing in the gap with Faith,

Diane "Hope"

Second Update (Joy Is Out of Surgery)

Just a quick note to let you know Joy is out of surgery and resting in recovery. I will let you know more when she wakes up.

Love and prayers to all who are standing with our "Joy",

Diane "Hope"

First Update

I spoke to Gord, Joy's husband about 10:30 and he said they took had just taken her back for her surgery. He said everything was fine and her spirits were up. When I returned home I found this message from Japhia, Joy's twin sister who asked me to please share it with all of you. I pray you will be blessed by her message, as much as I was.
_______________________________________

"Just spoke to Joy moments ago, and while rejocing together over God's assurance of His presence we both would have needed make-up by the time we were through - sadly, Joy can't wear any today.  Oops!

 She called back and asked if I would post a quick synopsis of the verses God gave me this morning for her as I spent time in His presence praying for my "big" sister!! (15 minutes can mean so much!!!)  She has asked me to post briefly the verses that I shared with her.  Thank you for this opportunity to connect to you gals who mean so much to my sister.  Know that distance may separate you physically, but you are truly all her sisters by heart.

 This year I am reading through the Bible on a personal plan, that I have nicknamed, "Read 'til I hear".  I had found the bible reading plans of the last number of years so rushed, and many times, wanted to linger over the verses that seem to be shouting at me at times, or ministering deeply to the quiet places of my heart, but would have to move on to stay on schedule,  This year, I told God that I would read each day, just until I heard His voice, and whatever that meant for me, I was going to commit to reading thus far and no more.  Having experienced this now since January 1st, some days that means one verse, other days that means several chapters, but He has never failed to meet with me.  This morning, in my place of need, was no different.

 I came down, cuddled in my Bible reading corner in our family room, having slept better than expected with my heart so full for Joy, and opened my Bible.  "God, today I need something for Joy.  I need to know that You are giving Joy the victory.  Please Father, speak to me."  I opened my Bible.  Judges 6.  I read,

 "The angel of the Lord appeared ... and said, 'Mighty hero, the Lord is with you.'

'Sir,' Gideon replied, 'if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?  And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about?  Didn't they say, 'The Lord brought us up out of Egypt?  But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites.'

Then the Lord turned to him and said, 'GO WITH THE STRENGTH YOU HAVE, ... I AM SENDING YOU.'

'But Lord,' Gideon replied, 'how can I rescue Israel?  My clan is th eweakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!'

The Lord said to him, 'I WILL BE WITH YOU.  And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.'

Gideon replied, 'If You are truly going to help me, show me a sign ...'

And the angel of the Lord .... touched the meat and bread ....AND CONSUMED ALL ...

'It is alright,' the Lord replied.  'DO NOT BE AFRAID.  YOU WILL NOT DIE."

 So many times I have asked "why?"  Not Joy, God.  She's the twin that has never caused a moment's trouble to mom and dad; is soft spoken; doesn't live the chaotic busy crazed life of her other half; she is just sweet.  Why Joy?  Why not me?  And where are the miracles our ancestors told us about?? 

 But this morning, here is my Joy - MIGHTY WARRIOR - garbed in weakness, where His strength will be made perfect.  Garbed in humility, where His arms will lift her up.  And treading in the feet of obedience, for God is sending her for His purpose, and HE is with her!!!  He will destroy the enemy attacking her body with one blow, and He will "consume all".  Praise His name!!!!

 "'It IS all right", the Lord replied.  'Do not be afraid.  You will not die.'"

 Words that no one wants to speak, but God did!!!!  It WILL be O.K.!!!

 As I hurry off to get my son to school, I wish I could expand on our conversation, and share with you the oneness that twin-ship allows us.  But, Joy will have great joy in sharing that with you all later, I know!  We cried in the unspoken silences, tears of victory, and I am counting the hours to see her face to face.  We serve a RISEN SAVIOUR ladies, and His eye never leaves us. 

 Thank you in advance for every prayer offered on Joy's behalf today.  I will be with you all in the throne room with each breath I take.  Know that today you are all my sisters too!  And, I'm buying my party hat and getting ready for the celebration!!  Maybe even a new outfit!!  Why not??!!  I'm pretty sure Joy would want me too!!! And, she'd probably want you all to join me too!!! 

 Hugs and love to you all, Japhia  Phil. 3:13,14"

 

Faith

How many times have you heard a saying that begins, “Faith is"?  Many of these statements seem to hold true at one point or another in our lives. However, for me,“Faith is,my best friend.” As such, I have been entrusted with the privilege of updating the special people in her life as to her progress after surgery. Make sure to sign up for the email updates or become a follower to our blog so you will receive the latest news.

Today as we were praying through the surgery process together, we recognized a truth that we are daily called to embrace. At times there are situations and circumstances that we must face with no other human being present. We must rely only on our “faith” and our relationship with God. Have you ever been in one of those situations? Maybe it was as you were being wheeled to the operating room right before a major surgery. Perhaps it was having to ask for forgiveness from a loved one. Without the secure knowledge that you are His, it is a scary place to be. Joy knows as she is wheeled down that hall and into the operating room, that Her Heavenly Father has her covered. There is nothing He has forgotten, and she need not be afraid. Joy’s life is a testimony of Christ living in her and He will honor her trust in Him.

The Details:

Arrival to the hospital: 8:45am

Surgery :                        10:50am

*They have informed Joy it could be up to 6 hours before the family gets word on her status.

I will post information as soon as I receive it. I will also try to answer any questions you might have.

Standing in the gap with “Faith”, Joy.

Diane “Hope”