Makn Memories

We are back safe and sound

Soo, I forgot to blog and tell everyone that Kim, Joel and Brett are home safe and sound.  They arrived late Thursday night.  They left Houston with a game plan.  Joel will have his first appointment with the radiologist to start radiation on Monday.  We will get more information then.  So that will start soon along with Chemotherapy.  Joel will receive the treatments here in Kansas City.  Joel is feeling well. 
While at Houston they had another MRI done.  They did tell us the tumor has grown.  We do not know how much.  We will hear more on Monday. 
Thank you for your continued prayers and support

Kyndra J. Blackman

Quick update

Well i forgot to post that Joel, Kim and Brett went to Houston on Monday for an appointment today.  The appointment moved since my last post.  The appointment today was with the oncologist.  They went through the treatment options.  They recommend radiation and chemo therapy.  Tomorrow Joel will have another MRI in the evening.  And they return home late Thursday night.  We have a bit of information to process and pray about the way the Lord would want us to pursue for treatment options.  We thank you for all your prayers and support.  We will continue to update as we begin to make decisions. 

Kyndra J. Blackman

We will go back to Houston

Kim was able to call in to MD Anderson today.  Our appointment was rescheduled for Next Friday September 26, 2008. 

As a family our main focus is to get Joel's (and our own) immune system boosted as much as possible.  We all have switched to a very new, organic and healthy diet to support our efforts.  It has been quite an adventure so far.  Who knew there was so much health food!!! I certainly didn't. LOL  Joel is doing well.  Still no headaches but he does seem to be experiencing the first signs of some neurological change with some short term memory loss and confusion.  Joel has been hitting the gym to help get in shape.  We have been doing a lot of research about healthy changes we can make that will make a difference in our fight with cancer. 

We were blessed to have Kim, Joel, John and Shirley join us for dinner this evening before we went to church.  We successfully grilled fresh tilapia and salmon burgers!!  Very different.  Organic salad a special salad dressing and lots of veggies to add to the salad.  That I normally wouldn't even have purchased. 

I started a new Bible study today.  It is amazing how even the Old Testament is 100 percent applicable to our situation today!  His word is living and amazing.  The study is going to go through the life of Moses.  I am in Exodus.  And what is amazing is that Gods people were prospering in the best land in Egypt.  They probably thought nothing would happen to them.  Then one day after new leadership their world was turned upside down, they were put into bondage and slavery.  The key point of the lesson today spoke to my heart.  God chose bondage for His people.  Not so they would learn a lesson but so that the world could see His divine plan.  God remembers all of His promises delay is not denial.  Just because God doesn't do what we want in His timing doesn't mean He has forgotten us.  I needed that reminder.  I like many just want God to heal Joel and deliver us from this trial, yesterday.  But God will do His will when the timing is right.  And He hasn't stopped thinking about me or anyone in my family.  That grace I am thankful for. 

We are praying that God will lead us to the right choice and avenuee for treatment.  That He will prepare us for the knowledge the Oncologist will have for us next Friday.  Pray that we all will continue to rely on God and get in His word more than ever before. 

Thank you for all your continued prayers, we need them and appreciate them,

Kyndra J. Blackman

A little Hurrincane

We haven't posted in a while because we got a little distracted with the evacuation process of Houston for hurricane Ike.  Joel checked out of the hospital Thursday morning.  Brett and I took John, Shirley Terry and Cindy to the airport.  We rushed around to pack.  Originally we were going to stay in Dallas.  Though we were all so home sick we decided to head for KC Friday morning. 

Kim and Joel arrived home to find yellow ribbons along their fence and driveway.  We surprised the girls!!  They were so shocked to see us!!  Brett and I slept in Saturday and we went to see Brett's grandparents and then after an afternoon of fun with the girls we went to spend the evening with Kim and Joel.  A few great family friends came to visit. 

We all were encouraged to spend the morning with our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Right now we are waiting for Monday to determine our next plan.  Our Oncologist appointment is scheduled for Tuesday Morning in Houston.  We will call on Monday to see if we need to reschedule the appointment.  That meeting will help us know the game plan for treatment.  We have been told a few possibilities but we will learn  the specifics from the oncologist appointment.  We will let everyone know when we hear more details. 

Our devotion has brought us through some very helpful versus and prayers.  It is always amazing how God's word can give you the perfect strength you need when you need it. 

Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Father, I want to be faithful when the night is dark and lonely.  When the supports are sliding away one by one.  When personal doubts and fears seem valid.   Show me how to cultivate faith when, as I look above, the sky seems to be falling.

Thank you for all your prayers,

Kyndra J. Blackman   

Another Memory

Whew!!! What a day it has been.  Joel was released from the hospital this morning and since we hadn’t been watching the news, didn’t realize the hurricane was REALLY heading our way until our doctor’s PRN told us she was heading to Dallas as soon as she was done with her rounds.  So we thought we should check into the Hurricane Ike situation.  Well, the Blackman’s now know what it feels like to be evacuees.  Joel’s family was able to get their plane tickets changed to today and the rest of us hit the road heading for Dallas.  Traffic was just like it shows on the news, 4-5 lanes of bumper to bumper moving at 5-10 mph.  While heading north, we decided we would just get ourselves back to Paola.  We are all so homesick.  Joel & I will fly back to Houston next week for his next appointment; the boys are very ready to get back to school and their activities. (I can’t blame them)

I also wanted to share with everyone that the Blackman’s are doing very well.  I’m not sure how to explain it but we all seem to be at peace and we are also joyful.  It’s very weird.  After hearing from the doctor Tuesday evening the results of Joel’s biopsy, I wasn’t sure how life was going to go on.  We had decided not to tell Joel the results until morning because of the anesthetic so each of us went in to spend time with him with our happy faces on.  (I’m not sure how the boys pulled it off, but they did).  I stayed at the hospital with Joel Tuesday night.  It was so painful sending the boys back to the apartment; I just wanted to go back and hold them.   I sat in the chair in Joel’s room and my mind just kept going through what my life would be like without him.  I prayed for God to help me understand why this was happening.  I suddenly had an image in my mind of Joel & I after growing old together.  I believe God put this image in my mind.  And it is because of this image that I think I’ve found some peace.  Life without Joel hasn’t crossed my mind, just that each day is so precious.  For 2 days now, it all just seems to be ok.

We will proceed with treatment and we will take one day at a time and we will be so thankful for each day.  We have had many inspirational stories shared with us and we love hearing each and every one of them.

This prayer was texted to me today & it is what we are feeling right now.

 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him.  Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13)

Love,

Kim

 

Hello everyone.  I can’t tell you how much it means for all of the prayers that continue for us.  It truly has helped us find peace.  After speaking with the doctor Tuesday night I knew I had to be strong to support my brothers and Kim.  But that I found out was impossible.  Thoughts started running through my head and just drain me emotionally.  After leaving the hospital I felt that my brothers and I must talk rather than bottle up or emotions.  We decided to go and get some pizza and hang out while Grandma and Grandpa and our aunts headed for bed. 

It has been one of the best nights I have had since this all began.  We all talked about our fears and our futures.  The one thing that we all continue to realize is how blessed our family truly is.  All of our fears were only selfish wants and really did not matter in the great scheme of things.  We knew dad would be at peace once he heard the news, and that the Lord has truly placed him here for a reason.  We talked about all of the incredible testimonies we are already hearing about how God is working in the lives of others around us who because of Dad’s situation have drawn closer to God. 

 Kyle asked one question that many may ask including me but I have continued to remind myself of the answer.  The question was why does God allow this happen to such good people?  There are truly two perfect answers to this question.  Brandon told Kyle, if you never experience the dark you will not appreciate the light. The second answer is  God commanded us to go and evangelize the truth.  Just imagine if someone who had no family, had no friends, and was not a believer in Jesus Christ was diagnosed with the same disease, even if they found the Lord during their trials their impact on the Kingdom would be very little.   But put someone like Dad, who in my honest opinion has no enemies, who loves everyone and in return everyone loves him.   Has an incredible family who loves him so much that they would rather take his place than see him go through these challenges; God has put him on a pedestal for people to watch him.  Not to see if he will fall but to be a testament not to our own strength but to Gods strength through us. 

Many people continue to tell our family how strong we are, no we are not strong we are so weak it is Gods strength that you see.  We are here to Shout out to all those who are willing to hear it is not us but God who walks with us and keeps us upright.  He helps us sleep at night and gives us peace.  He helps us realize the true importance of life not what we do, not what we have done, but that our only job is to tell people about Him. 

That is why God lets bad things happen to great people.  He is Glorified, because he is the Alpha, the Omega and our GOD.  

I pray that everyone finds peace and truly finds their way. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of the families and our Country for 9/11. 

Love Brett and the Blackman Family

 

 

A message from Joel

I awoke today not knowing what most of you may have already known.  Kim gave me the news first thing as soon as I was able to comprehend what was taking place.  Again, I remain very positive.  God led me in, He will lead me out.

Now almost 8:30 pm, as it turned out today was indeed a very good day.  After waking from the night, Kim went back to the apartment to get showered.  I ended up sleeping for a few more hours and felt very well rested by the time she returned.  I was given a chance to get cleaned up and to begin preparing for my release tomorrow.  By night’s fall I am starting to feel like a normal human being again and getting rid of all of the attachments they have had hooked to me.

I can truly say I feel the prayers that are being delivered on my behalf.  I have not had any pain medication since before the surgery.  I continue to feel only a very slightly noticeable headache that comes and goes (mostly gone) without need to manage.  God has truly blessed me and my family with calmness and gratitude as He continues to provide ways to comfort us.  I remain very positive at each and every turn thanking Him for what He has provided.  The family and friends that He has surrounded me with have truly been uplifting to my family and I.  I cannot say enough thanks for the prayers and thoughts you continue to lift up on our behalf.  He is at work and He is all powerful.

Love in Christ,

Joel     

We want to thank everyone for pouring out their love and prayers for us.  It has been quite an adventure.  And tonight we are giggling about the fact that us Kansans have no idea what to do or expect from a hurricane!!!  But we are being well advised from staff at MD Anderson.

I woke up this morning praying that I could let go and let God handle my anxiety today.  And that I could keep Satan's whisper away.  We are so blessed that even in a dark hour we could all still reach out to God and feel comfort.  

Our devotional led us in this prayer yesterday morning.  

"Father, The mind plays tricks-doubts attack the core of my belief-that You personally love me.  Don't let these doubts linger.  I believe you, Father.  Even in this darkest hour I believe you." I found myself praying this this morning. 

We love you all and can't wait to return to Kansas City to be able to personally thank you all.  

Kyndra J. and the entire Blackman family 

 

 

Keep Praying

Hi Everyone,

It's Kim and it's my first time to "blog" so hang in there with me.   We have some preliminary news and I don't know how to say it except to just lay it out here.

Joel's  biopsy this evening shows he has a Grade 4 Astrocytoma ( more commonly known as Glioblastoma).  This is a very aggressive tumor.  The formal pathology report will be available by Friday but this is what is seen as of right now.    Joel will stay in the hospital until Thursday.  We will meet with the neuro oncologist next week.  They will be able to go over the treatment so we understand it.   He will start with radiation & chemotherapy within the next 2 weeks after his incision has healed and the sutures have been removed.  We will be able to seek treatment in Kansas City with doctors who are under the direction of our doctors here at MD Anderson.  The treatment will not cure Joel of this cancer but will only prolong his life.  Everyone reacts differently with the treatments.  Doctor has seen people live 12 years, but that is very rare.  The median is 12-14 months.  Though on the other side, this is not typically found at Joel's young age, and typically patients are already experiencing neurological side effects. 

I will tell you all that the Blackman's are not going to get hung up on the "time left"...we will start livingg each day to our fullest.  We are continuing to rely on God and will continue to pray for a miracle.

Joel & I love you all and continue to ask for your prayers.

Kim

Please pray for our strength.  Pray that we will avoid Satan's temptations of doubt and bitterness.  Pray that Joel's tumor will be very responsive to his Chemotherapy and Radiation. 

As Joel's sister was on the phone discussing with her husband the news a women walked by and handed her a note that read.  "With God all things are possible-The doctor's don't know everything!"  What a sweet thing to do!!!

Keep praying we know you all will.  We love you we will discuss when and how we will return in the next few days and keep you posted. 

Joel's actual procedure went normal with no complications thus far.  Because the surgery did not start until 4:30 this afternoon he will likely stay in the hospital until Thursday. 

Love,

Kyndra J. Blackman

Longest Day

Just wanted to update everyone.  We arrived at the hospital a little after 9am today and they finally took him to surgery a little around 1:30 pm.  We will receive updates every two hours and will let you all know when everything is over.  We thank you all for the continued prayers.  Please pray for the doctors and Joels protection.

Thanks everyone

Brett and the Family

Getting Ready

We had a simple day today.  Joel's sisters flew in this afternoon.  Joel, John, Brett, Brandon and Kyle started a bible study of Joshua today chapters 1-5 and truly enjoyed the time the spent in the word.   They had a great conversation about how Joshua trusted the lord while his army crossed the Jordan river and prepared for battle in Jericho.   Knowing that God is in control truly our focus and God continues to show that to us.   Cindy and Terry cooked dinner, taco salad a Blackman family tradition for us to enjoy!

Tomorrow is the big day.  We will head to the hospital at 10a.m. we will wait for about two hours and the surgery will last anywhere from two to four hours.   Then we will wait for the answers from the biopsy.   We may get to know a little bit but will get most of the results at the end of the week. Then we will meet with an oncologist to get more details on the game plan for treatment.

Please pray for us ALL to have a deep and peaceful sleep.  Pray that we will leave the worries of tomorrow for tomorrow.  Pray for our nerves while waiting during the biopsy.   Pray for God's will in our lives.  Please pray for Joel's health during the procedure that God will guide the hands of the doctors and nurses who are caring for him tomorrow.

Thank you for all your prayers, we feel them

Love,
Kyndra J. and the entire Blackman family

Not Much

Saturday and Sunday have been pretty uneventful.  Yesterday we woke up late, took naps, then went out to dinner.  Today we woke up and enjoyed visiting Second Baptist Church of Houston. The message focused on getting into God's word every day.  The focus was on spending 28 minutes a day reading or listening to the Bible.  If you spend 28 minutes a day for 40 days in the Bible you can read the entire New Testament.  It was an amazing church,  the auditorium seated 5,000 people!!  We video archived from First Family their guest speaker Joe White, it was incredible he runs  a childrens camp in Branson and spoke about his cancer that he has been battling fo the last 8 years.  If you get a chance watch it touched us. http://www.ffc.org/media/Players/archive/SermonArchive_2008.php?ID=763&SermID=62 

 Just resting and waiting.  We will be able to call tomorrow and get the details of the biopsy. 

When I woke up this morning a friend had text-ed me a scripture that gave her and us peace. 

Isaiah 33:2

"O Lord, be gracious to us; We have waited for You.  Be their arm every morning, Our salvation also in the time of trouble." 

Kim and Shirley have been reading two books that have been very helpful.  The Red Sea Rules, 10 God Given Strategies for difficult times  by Robert J. Morgan.  We have been given a couple of copies from friends and families.  

Thank you for your continued prayers, emails and test messages.  They pour into our spirit.  We love you all and miss you.  Our girls are doing great and love spending time with Amber.  

Isaiah 41:10

"So do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." 

Love,

Kyndra J. and the entire Blackman family

Inoperable...

Inoperable…that word can grab you in my condition.  I think we all were taken back a little when the doctor said this.  Obviously, it wasn’t what I was expecting to hear, but it wasn’t the worst thing I could hear either.  I am still holding strong in my belief that God is not done with me yet.  I am in His hands and He is in control.  Now comes, the long wait.  I will have a biopsy done sometime Tuesday.  With the biopsy they will be able to determine the grade of the tumor and the next course of action.

I still hold firm in my belief that God is not done with me yet.  I may still have more discouraging sounding news in my near future, but for me today the news was not as discouraging as you might think.  God has been with me and keeping my outlook very positive.  I am sure this is because of the strength I continue to draw from all of your prayers and thoughts on my behalf.  Thank you all for continuing to bless me through out each hour of each day with your prayers. 

Joel Blackman

A really, really long day

I know you all are going crazy waiting for this update.  But after getting up at 4:30 a.m. to pack our bags, check out and to beat the traffic in Houston to the hospital.  Our day at the hospital was a ten and a half hour day.  With only one break for food around 4:00.  Our nerves were frazzled.  We just needed to rest and decompress all the information we took in. 

We started the morning in the waiting room with our devotional.  Then Mike and Linda Gibson had given us a prayer bag and we all drew one.  They poured comfort into us. 

Psalm 27:14

"Don't be impatient wait for the Lord, and He will come and save you!  Be brave, stouthearted and courageous.  Yes, wait and He will help you." 

Our favorite isPsalm 50:14-15

"What I want from you is your true thanks: I want your promises fulfilled.  I want you to trust Me in your times of trouble, so I can rescue you, and you can give Me glory. 

We started in the morning waiting for the business office to open for registration.  Since we left early to miss the traffic.  We also arrived early.  After that Joel headed to his MRI.  The machine broke so that appointment took longer than planned. He has these round lifesaver, cheerio looking things stuck to his head which he has to leave on until surgery.  They are a computer mapping system for his procedure.   We had to get squeezed back in to see our new doctor.  He will be the one performing the procedure.  Then to an anesthesia analysis.  We snuck in a quick bite to eat then Joel had blood drawn.  We then headed to our new place to unpack. 

Ok , in a nutshell without all the big words this is what we found. The MRI showed no change in size in one week.  Which the doctors did not expect to see any change.  They will only do a biopsy on Tuesday.  The mass at this point will not be removed.  Due to the location inside the brain the risks out weigh the benefits of removal.  The mass is close to the Thalamus which controls, Motor Control, Receives Auditory, Somatosensory and Visual Sensory Signals ,Relays Sensory Signals to the Cerebral Cortex.  We all didn't expect this, however it doesn't feel as discouraging as it did before.  After the biopsy they will  be able to identify it by grade (or growth rate)  and we will have an appointment scheduled with an oncologist.   The Final diagnosis from the biopsy which will have a name for the mass will come around Friday.  We really won't know what we are in for until those two things.  The biopsy will take one to two hours.  We will know the exact time after we call on Monday.  Joel will stay the night at the hospital, and can be released the next day as long as there are no complications. 

Joel is feeling well, his pain is undercontrol. 

Please pray that we will not carry the weight or the burden of our news ourselves; that we will all lay it at the cross.  Pray for our strength and patience.  Pray for our strength while we wait during the biopsy. 

Psalm 42:11

"But O my soul, don't be discouraged.  Don't be upset.  Expect God to act!  For I know that I shall again have plenty of reasons to praise Him for all that He will do.  He is my help!  He is my God!

Love,

Kyndra J. and the entire Blackman family

We made it!!

We made it safe and sound to Houston.  However after leaving our hotel and headed towards the hospital during rush hour we realized.  We may need to relocate to a closer location.  We have a prospect for new accommodations.  Tomorrow is  a big day.  We will hopefully leave with a few answers and a plan of action.  Please pray we will make choices for Joel's treatment that are in God's will. 

A note from Joel:

You know how sometimes you can read something time and time again and not get the same meaning of it or even make sense of it at all?  Today was the day the light came on for me.  Since hearing the news of my tumor I have been drawn to the book of Joshua.  It simply started with the memory verse we used for our Mountain Men hike, Joshua 1:9.  It was fresh in my mind and I was continuing to draw strength from Joshua’s words.  But I kept feeling like I was being led to get more.  So, knowing Joshua was a short book, this morning I awoke around 3 and began to read.  Finishing the book of Joshua brought me renewed strength for the battle for which has been brought before me.  As the rest of the members of my family began to arise, I felt ready to charge out and confront whatever lay ahead of me.  I felt as though I was ready to defeat any challenge placed in front of me.  It was going to be a GREAT DAY!   

Joel

Love,

Kyndra J. and the entire Blackman family

No news is good news

Ok, so I am guilty of not posting for two days now. Sorry.  But Tuesday for Kim and I trying to get absolutely everything ready for our trip.  We were slightly overwhelmed.  Tuesday, Kim Joel and the boys had a string of friends visit before they left.  And so many people contributed to a travel kit for us all.  It was an overwhelming gift!!!  Everyone who contributed were soo, soo, soo generous we appreciate it.  Most of us stayed up past our bedtime and woke early to finish packing and be on our way Wednesday.  We started the morning sharing some incredible homemade Cinnamon rolls!!  Then we went through our morning devotion before our trip.  It led us in a beautiful prayer.  Father, Fear haunts me as an enemy.  Your perfect love drives my fear out.  Warm me with your secure presence.  My security comes in full trust in your trustworthiness. 

A friend of mine pointed me to this scripture: Jeremiah 32:17

"Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and out stretched arm  There is nothing too hard for You". 

Our trip went well.  Though we left around 8:00 a little later than planned.  And by 10:00 we had already stopped twice!! LOL But the rest of the trip we stopped once for lunch and once for gas.  We checked in and some of us went to bed and some went to dinner.  Kim had a friend from Dallas meet her.  We decided we would sleep in and start the last leg of our trip around check out time.  Houston here we come.

Love,

Kyndra J. and the entire Blackman family. 

Family Matters

We had an amazing devotion this morning and discussion about what the Lords will and what the Lord getting us through this means.  Our daily devotional brought us

Psalm 121  I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, The Maker of heaven and earth, He will not let your foot slip-he who watches over you will not slumber;indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.  The Lord watches over you-the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. 

A friend texted me Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

Today we continued to check things off of our to do list.  Then we enjoyed a delicious lunch with Kim's family.  After enjoying most of the afternoon with them.  We came back home for most of us to take a small nap until Joel's sisters came to enjoy dinner with us.  It was good to enjoy a little laughter and fellowship with them. 

Our devotional we have been using includes a small prayer to say, I think it will be all of our prayers tonight. 

Father, I know you love me.  Help me Feel it.  Give me peaceful sleep tonight because you give me your Spirit to confirm to my spirit that I'm yours.  Help my pillow to be trust my cover to be the warmth of your love. 

Please pray for us to carry the Lords strength with us tomorrow as we try to conquer a large to do list before we leave to Texas.  Pray for our safe travels.  Pray for Joel's stength on our trip.  Pray for us to have clear minds in the Friday appointments and for our understanding of what they will tell us about Joel.  Pray our choices will be in Gods will for the situation.  Pray for the protection of Jillian and Elizabeth and our nanny!   

A New Day

After putting the girls in bed I packed up and headed back to overland park so I could be at church to run the bookstore.  Brett and the girls stayed in Paola to attend church with the rest of the family.  I woke up with the promise that today is a new day.  The struggles I faced yesterday are gone.  Kim Joel Brandon Kyle Brett Jillian and Elizabeth attended The Lighthouse Church.  We all were a little worried about how strong we all could be back in the crowd.  They felt the message was created just for their needs.  I know my girls loved being with their BFF Maggie and Alyssa.  I can only speak for myself but it was good to see my brothers and sisters in Christ today.  I know Kim and Joel left church very blessed by the fellowship and prayers and encouragement they received.  These last couple of days seem in limbo.  A free fall of sorts waiting for what Friday will bring. 

The message brought us a song that touched our hearts:

If You say go, we will go
If You say wait, we will wait
If You say step out on the water
And they say it can't be done
We'll fix our eyes on You and we will come
Your ways are higher than our ways
And plans that You have laid
Are good and true
If You call us to the fire
You will not withdraw Your hand
We'll gaze into the flames and look for You

The sermon brought a comforting verse

Philippians 4:8-9  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble whatever things are just, whatever things are sure, whatever things are loved, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.  The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."

After the service the Elders gathered around Joel & his family to anoint him with oil and lay hands upon him.  They graciously prayed over Joel calling for God's healing power.  They prayed for Gods will and for His hand to be on our family as we go through the days ahead.  Joel kept thinking Mathew 18:19-20 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in Heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them

We Pray we will not fall to worry and stress about the preparations that need done by Tuesday for the trip.  We pray for safety on our travels and that the hurricane will not stand in the way of our trip.  We pray for rest and clear minds that rely on Jesus and His will for our lives. 

Joel wrote a very special note he wished to share.....but you might grab a tissue before you start!

To my Brothers & Sisters in Christ, I cannot express my gratitude for the support and love you are giving my family and I in this time of need.  You all have truly been there for me and my family and we know you will continue to bless us with your prayers and support.

As everyone knows I am a fairly emotional person, so when you see me crying my eyes out, know that they are tears of joy because of the overwhelming love and support my family and I are receiving from each and every one of you.  I feel as though I have been sheltered during every moment of every day with the many thoughts and prayers each and every one of you have been providing on my behalf. To be a part of such an extended family of Christ loving Christ centered people has been such a blessing to my family and I.  I cannot express the comfort and joy I have in knowing I have such a group of people behind us during each and every step of this new adventure God has put in front of my family.

As you might imagine I am full of uncertainty at this time in regards to a thing or two, but I do know this, whatever happens it will lift up and glorify His name so that others may know Him as their personal Savior.  Our God is such an awesome God and just seeing the way He continues to work in the lives of so many people in so many different walks of life is truly amazing.  Please continue to share your thoughts and stories with me and others of His marvelous works.

I must share with you the recent timing of our Mountain Men hike was a true blessing.  The experience in itself was amazing, but God’s timing was such that I could not have imagined.  As many of you know I lead a fairly busy life.  My family has always been a big priority for me and I cherish every moment I get to spend with them.  The hike allowed my sons and I a chance to get away and experience firsthand, some of the beauty God has placed on this earth.  Our group concentrated on making the experience more than a hike up a mountain, it was a calling out to our sons to become Men.  But what I didn’t realize was what lied ahead of me after returning from the hike.  The changes in the altitude may have helped bring out the realization that I had something going on in my head.  Prior to our trip I had no indication anything out of the ordinary was going on.  Since coming down from the mountains I have experience a constant and increasingly intense headache.  This caused me to seek medical attention and to discover the new challenge God has put in front of me.  In looking back at how the events all have played out, I truly believe God was leading me down a path and watching over me the whole time.  I still hold on to my belief that God is not finished with my journey and He is in control.  Brad gave us all a verse to ponder during our trip.  Joshua 1:9 (NIV) “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Little did I know the intimate meaning this verse would take on over the course of the next few weeks.

Kim and I want to thank everyone for the love and support our family continues to receive.  Your support means so much to us.  Thank you cannot be expressed enough for the way you continue to touch our lives.

I love you all as Brothers and Sister in Christ,

Joel Blackman    

Love,

Kyndra and the entire Blackman family

Weepy and emotional...

I think I can speak for all of us that this morning I woke up emotionally raw and just weepy.  I quickly grabbed for a devotional and my Bible.  Yesterday we all seemed pretty strong.  But we also had a long to do list.  I found comfort in these scriptures:

Psalm 39:7 But now, LORD, what do I look for?  My hope is in you. 

Psalm  28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. 

Isaiah 40:31 Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. 

Kim and Joel had a devotional together early this morning.  The Lord brought them to

3 John 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Joshua 1:8-9 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.  Then you will be prosperous and successful.  Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

After Kyle Jillian and Elizabeth made a feast of Homemade french toast and syrup.  We all gathered to eat together and decided to reread the devotional Kim Joel Brett and I enjoyed yesterday together.  We took turns reading and consequently weeping together.  After regrouping we continue to get ready and made a dent (with help) on the housework.  Every woman knows its easier to leave your house clean to return to!!  Joel Brett Brandon and Kyle headed to the city to help Kyle finish a project interview of a family member.  Kyle chose Nana so the guys took a trip.  While Kim and I took a small nap.  After Kim ran some errands we decided we needed a little laughter to brighten our weepy mood.  So we watched a couple of Anita Renfroe comedy movies to cheer us up. 

Another wonderful meal arrived and we ate and finished our movie.  We found out that Joel's sisters Terry and Cindy will join us in Houston on Sunday September 7th. 

Please pray for our strength.  Pray that we continue to rely on God for our strength.  The devotional we went through reminded  us that as Christians there are no hopeless situations, only those who grow hopeless ABOUT situations.  It is not our strength that God needs.  It is our willingness to use his strength!

Thank you for all your prayers and for the many people who are supporting us through our journey.

Love,

Kyndra and the entire Blackman family

Waiting on a phone call....

I think we can all say we got the rest we were praying for.  As our heads hit the pillows we were out.   Brandon and Kyle went to school this morning and after an hour or so we decided we should find somewhere for the girls to play.  We all had a long to do list.  The girls went to visit Debbie!!! They had missed her soo much it was nice for them to hug her and see her. 

I started this morning in a devotional "What Cancer Cannot Do". 

It led me to Psalm 31:14-15  "I trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God."  My times are in your hands."

Matthew 6:34 "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I headed into town to run a few errands.  I came back to Kim and Joels and we enjoyed leftovers from all the meals that have been delivered.  The phone call we had been waiting for from the cancer center in Houston came.  They called to tell us that Joel qualified to be treated by them.  We were invited to meet with a neurosurgeon on Friday September 5th at 7:00 a.m.  afterwards Joel will have another MRI.  The neurosurgeon will be able to go over all treatment and surgical options available to Joel.  If a biopsy or surgury is chosen the surgery will be on September 9th.  We possible could stay to September 13th or so depending on treatment options revealed.    We will pack our bags and drive towards Houston on Wednesday the 3rd.  We will likely stop in Dallas and continue the trip on Thursday to Houston.  Please pray for our safe travel.  Jillian and Elizabeth will stay in Overland Park with a Nanny. 

  After the News we all began dialing people to share the latest news.  But then it began to feel overwhelming again.  Brett decided to lead us through a devotional "Everyday Strength A Cancer Patient's Guide To Spiritual Survival by Randy Becton" we found at a christian bookstore.  It is a daily devotional directed to people and their families facing the cancer.  It has a daily scripture and simple prayer to help guide you even if you feel too overwhelmed and you don't even know what to say.

On day two the verse was Matthew 6:34  "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."   I guess we will have this memorized by the end of this journey!!    And i think the scripture that impacted Kim Joel Brett and I the most today was 2 Timothy 1:7  "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."  I think we all lifted up the prayer it ended with. 

Father, I'm overwhelmed.  My burden's too heavy.  Anxieties dominate.  I ask you, God, take my Problems-replace them with Your peace. 

The rest of the day was spent visiting with family and continuing to update family and friends.  John and Shirley brought down delicious barbeque dinner leftovers!  Thank you to the coworkers who immediatly helped us with all lodging arrangements for Kim Joel Brandon Kyle John and Shirley.  Brett and I decided to book a room attached to the hospital so we would have a close room for naps and breaks. 

Please pray that our decisons we will have to make at the treatment center will be in God's will.  That we will not follow our emotions but what His plan is for Joel and his treatment.  Pray we will all be able to keep our anxieties undercontrol and that we will rely on God to provide for our daily needs. 

We love you all, we can feel your prayers,

Kyndra and the Blackman family

August 28, 2008

Did you get any sleep?

I think we all can agree that after our prayers together before bed we all prayed for rest and comfort.  And though God answers our prayers some of us still woke up through the night.   Seeking the Lord and his word.  The most encouraging feeling is to receive a text from each other with a bible verse that the Lord used to speak to each of us. 

Kim texted me Jeremiah 29:11-14  "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.  I will be found by you, says the Lord , and I will bring you back from your captivity, I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive."

My morning devotion brought me to Philippians 4:6-7  " Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let you request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

I started to memorize that passage with my friend Dawn a few months ago, and I called her after taking the girls to school I felt so overwhelmed.  Letting anxiety take a hold.  But Dawns encouraging phone call helped me relax and rely on that verses truth.  I listened to the song on the radio that says "this is what it means to held how it feels when the sacred is torn from your life and you survive, this is what it is to be loved and to know that the promise was when everything fell we'd be held"  I realized this morning even though I know God's promise for that I have never felt helpless enough to just let him hold me.  But when everything around seems to be spinning and there is no longer a floor or ceiling we know we won't hit bottom He will catch us in an embrace of love. 

9:30 a.m Neurological surgeons office.  After a clipboard full of paper work.  Which we couldn't keep straight if the questions were about Joel, Kim or even what day it was we finished and waited.  Brett and I came into the appointment to be note takers and to be second ears so that all the information between all of us would hopefully be absorbed and understood.  We filled another waiting room with family spilling over.  Even Nana (Shirley's mom ) and Butch ( Shirley's Brother) made it to support Joel.    Nerver having faced cancer or illness our family couldn't even guess what to expect.  While we all hoped to leave with answers to all our questions we quickly began to understand one thing.  No one but God really has a clue what is going on right now.  I have a list of really big names of possibilities it could be. All with various treatment and diagnostic tests that could be run.    It was determined that a CT scan would be done from the neck down to look for the possibility of cancer being in another part of his body ( and if so a biopsy would be done from that area as opposed to the one in the brain ).

The doctor gave Joel a few new prescriptions to help manage the pain and nausea. Which became the strongest and worse it has been thus far.  We started a notepad just to keep track of it all!! We returned to John and Shirley's home so Joel could rest and Kim and I drove to the pharmacy to fill the prescriptions.  Though neither of us were paying much attention and almost passed it!! We came back to enjoy lunch at John and Shirley's.  The time passed quickly and we were all loading up again to return for the CT scan.  However the prescriptions had not yet given Joel any relief and his heartburn also began to cause him troubles.  After a few more clipboards the doctors were able to take Joel back to lay him to down to help him feel well enough to have the test.  Unfortunately a CT requires Joel to take something he is allergic to so they had to give him some steroids to help with the allergy. 

We parted ways to our own homes to wait for the CT scan results.  The CT showed that no other masses were detected in any other parts of Joel's body.  Though it is not a guarantee it did give us an answer. 

We are seeking another opinion on treatment and testing.  The need for a spinal tap has been postponed for now.  The results for that test take weeks to come back and we all decided we did not want to wait that long before deciding on treatment and diagnosis plans.  We will be waiting to hear from them hopefully tomorrow and will also be hearing from them more on Tuesday. 

We are balancing the decision of when to biopsy and whether the decision to biopsy should be done here or there or if there are other treatment options that can be done first.  Please pray for God's will in our decisions and for God's guidance with the doctors and technicians who are working with Joel. ( His humor has not lessened if you were wondering)

In fact after dinner when Kim's parents Jack and Barb came over to be with us.  Joel shared a story of his mom Shirley.  Where on a snowy day while working at her church.  She went outside made a pile of snow balls.  Then went inside call "Fire"  then ran outside to use the snowballs on her fellow church coworkers!!!!!  Now we know why Joel is SO feisty !!! 

Please pray we will all keep our laughter through this journey.  We have SO many people to continually thank for helping us get through each day!  We had several people ask if there was anything they could do to help us and after a discussion we decided that there was indeed something people could do. 

A family we know ( i used to babysit for them )  Their family is having a walk to raise money to find a cure for brain caner.  Kathy Goodheart has also been facing this battle and they are having  a benefit walk.  It is on Sunday September 7th, 2008 from 7:00 am to 10:00 a.m The walk will be at Corporate Woods and details will be given on where to meet to walk as a group for Kathy.  The cost is $22 per person and the team # is 141-Goodheart Brigade.

Please visit www. headforthecure.org and you may call Jenna at 913-294-6920 if you have questions about this event.  All must register by September 3, 2008

Thank you and we Love you ALL.  Thank you for your prayers Joel even commented tonight that he can feel them. 

Kyndra and the Blackman family

Makn Memories

Welcome to our new family blog and our newest "adventure".  Many who log on to this blog may wonder Makn Memories sounds odd in your current situation but let me explain.  Makin Memories is our family motto.  No matter where we go or what we do we are always "makin memories".  Brett and I even named our new boat Makin Memories.  ( We joke our next boat could be named Memories made and then our third boat Memory Lost) LOL... 

So here we go...

August 27,2008

I am sure anyone in our family will be able to look back to this day and remember where they were what they were doing when they received the news.  Let me back track Joel, Brett, Brandon Kyle and several men from Kim and Joel's church went on a Mens retreat to Colorado to conquer a mountain hike up Mt. Ida to elevation 13,000 they hiked 13 miles in one day.  Besides Makin Memories Joel returned home with a headache.  Brushing it off to be related to altitude sickness.  After a week of it gradually increasing, Joel sought out his doctor.  Three weeks to the day of the return they decided to do a ct scan as the ibuprofen and Tylenol every couple of hours could not manage the pain of the headaches.  The results from the ct scan showed that there was a mass in the center of his brain.  They immediately scheduled a MRI which John, Shirley (Joel's parents) Cindy Hester (Joel's sister) Brandon Kyle Kim and two of Kim's friends came to the hospital in support with Brett and I.  Terri (Joel's sister came in at the end after a substitute was found for her class room)and Pastor Ryan and Courtney DeBok came to pray with us before we left the hospital.  Afterwords we went out to lunch at applebees where Terri's hubby Tom joined us.  Then we parted ways Brett and I followed Kim Joel and the boys to their home waiting for the results from the MRI.  Joel sought the comfort of a nap while we hung out waiting for the call.  It came and the nurse explained that the mass appeared to be a 2cm tumor in the center of the brain.  The fluid around it was only around the tumor.   They scheduled us an appointment with a neurosurgeon.  Pastor Kirk came out to the house to pray with us.  Needless to say the day seems to drag on.  All of our emotions seemingly were a broken roller coaster which we cant control.  Though we kept the comfort of a few scriptures close to our hearts. (which we texted back and fourth) 

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) So do not fear:for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and  help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 43:1-3 (NIV) But now, this is what the LORD says-he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:"Fear not, for I have redeemed you: I have summoned you by name: you are mine.  When you pass through the waters.  i will be with you: and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze For I am the Lord, your God the Holy One of Israel, your Savior"

Thank you Pastor Jeremy for your message on how to conquer fear.  The sermonar was very handy to have in the waiting room!

Thank you for your Prayers.  That is what we need #1. Pray for our strength.  Pray that we all will rely on the Lords strength.  Pray that we will try to stay in the Lords will. 

We love you all ,

Kyndra Blackman and the entire Blackman family

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