Miracles of the Heart

Praises!

2012-01-07T10:14:00.001-05:00

I am so thankful for all of your prayers over the last week. Jess was very slowly taken off of the VADS and her heart is doing very well. She also had her first biopsy which came back a great BIG ZERO! Thank you, Jesus! Jess continues to improve very slowly but that is exactly what she needs to do right now. The next couple of days they will begin to wean her off of the ventilator and begin to slowly take her off of the heart medications as much as her heart will allow.

Thanks again for all of your prayers,

love

Jeannie

Jess back to OR

2012-01-05T10:40:00.001-05:00

Jess just went down to the OR for removal of right and left VADS that have been assisting her heart. Please join us in prayer that her heart will beat strongly, for peace her family and wisdom for the team of doctors and nurses who will be working with her.

much love,
jeannie

2012-01-01T12:49:00.000-05:00

They took Jess to the OR and did the test and removed the pump

for a certain time frame and that indicated that they could remove

the pumps and let the heart work. However, after she passed the

first interval of time, the heart (I believe the right side of the

heart) did not cooperate. They had to reinstall the pumps. The plan

now is to let her recover from this last surgery and pray and wait

for the heart to strengthen and try again Tuesday. As her dad

always writes us, PRAY PRAY PRAY!

Prayers Needed for sweet Jessica

2011-12-31T11:49:00.001-05:00

I was able to spend some time talking with Jessica's husband last night and this morning. This morning, the did another test and her heart conitnues to strengthen. The next step is to take her back to surgery and remove the vad pumps (if they determin she can have them removed). This is another five hour surgery. She is going down to surgery right now. Please continue to pray for her heart to beat strongly. You may the leave the family a note of encouragement on her carringbridge site located on my side bar.

Thanks so much for your prayers!

Great News!

2011-12-30T16:06:00.002-05:00

I just got a text from Jessica's husband and he said she is looking much better. Tomorrow they will try to take her off of the machines that are helping her heart. I am so happy to get this wonderful news! We will continue to wait, pray and trust in the Lord.

We are so thankful for all of you!

Psalm 103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His Holy name.

Slow but steady improvement

2011-12-29T13:55:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

We have received word that Jess is improving. The bleeding has slowed way down. Her body is continuing to strengthen and they may begin to wean her off of the VAD sometime this afternoon or tomorrow. Please pray that her new heart will beat strong.

We continue to pray, trust and wait.

much love,

Jeannie

Update on Jess

2011-12-28T15:10:00.000-05:00

Stable but critical were the last words we heard from the family. Jess is bleeding and the heart is very weak. We are praying for bleeding to stop and the heart to beat strong. It is very delicate at this time so we appreciate your prayers so much.

Please continue to pray for sweet Luke as he receives his bonemarrow transplant from his brother Jacob. His caringbridge site is LUKESHAMBLIN.

Psalm 121:1 I will lift up my eyes to the mountains- From where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.

Update on Jess

2011-12-28T07:41:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends

Please keep praying there have been some complications. I can hardly type the words. She is in critical condition. Please, pray for Jess,her husband, her family and for wisdom for the team who is working with her.. I can't explain the bond between us. I love you, Jess! Her mom said theycan truly feel the prayers.

much love,
Jeannie

Praying for Jess

2011-12-28T02:28:00.000-05:00

We just got the news that Jess is not doing well. I don't have

many details but her new heart is very weak. Please pray that her
heart will get stronger and for wisdom for the team of doctors and
others who are working with her.

Update on Jess

2011-12-27T23:07:00.001-05:00

At 9:30 tonight we got an update that said the heart is in and profusing now. She is stable but will be in operating room for a while longer. We love you, Jess!!

Thank you so much for your prayers today. I don't think that I am going to be able to go to sleep tonight until I hear she is out of surgery. The next few days will be really tough with all of the high dose anti-rejection drugs she will be receiving.

Thanks so much for your prayers today! I have been praying all day for both Jess and Luke (who will be getting his bone marrow transplant tomorrow)

I am so thankful that we serve a God who is able to do exceeding, abundantly more than we ask or think. He is truly a God who performs miracles and who carries us in our times of need.

Under His Wings,
Jeannie

Update on Jess

2011-12-27T18:59:00.000-05:00

We just got news that the heart is at Emory and she is on the bypass machine. The surgery will be several more hours. Please keep praying... we will update when we know more.

Heart Hugs,
Jeannie

A HEART for Jess!

2011-12-27T09:45:00.006-05:00

We just received news that JESS is getting her new heart today. She will be going to surgery around twelve today. PLEASE pray! She has been on the VAD and has been waiting in the hospital for several months. I have known Jess for years. Her mom taught my children in preschool and Jess also worked at the school. We have become close over the past two years. We text almost every day and with everything she has gone through she still as not lost her sense of humor. She always makes me smile, laugh and dream big dreams. Did you know that she has been writing a novel while she has been waiting on a heart, she practices her singing everyday and wants to write music? Her caringbridge is on my side bar but I think she is mainly updating by facebook right now.

Every time someone gets the gift of life, I have so many mixed emotions. I know that somewhere there is a family who just lost someone they love. Please remember to lift them up today. I constantly think about my donor, their family and their gift to me. I pray that they would be proud of how I have livid my life. Also, I think about my heart surgeon and the transplant team. We love them so much! We have heard that my surgeon will often look at the team after the transplant and say " You have just seen a another miracle."

I will try to keep you updated as I get news.

PS: I hope that you had a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!

A few more prayer request :

1. The families of the heart transplant surgeon, Dr Luis Bonilla, procurement technician David Hines and the helicopter pilot who were lost in a helicopter crash while going from Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville to Shands to retrieve a heart. NEWS ARTICLE

2. My sweet friend Luke Shamblin will be receiving his bone marrow transplant at MUSC on Wednesday with the donor being his older brother Jacob. The next few days will be tough as they prepare him for the transplant. Please pray! His caring bridge is on my sidebar.

Love to all

Gotta go, I am all teary now!

Moments Matter

2011-11-11T08:39:00.007-05:00

So many of the days of my life have passed without one thought or one word that is remembered. Yet, there are many others that could never be forgotten. I know you have them too.

My transplant checkups are memory makers for me! Each time we travel the three and half hour trip on the same road that we have traveled on so many times before. There are many familiar faces, so many of the ones we have grown to love. A few tiny pieces of my heart are taken and sent to the lab, and then we are sent to the transplant clinic to wait to for my check up. My last checkup, I saw myself in that moment, when something happened that I was not expecting. I had left my (normal) world at home to again become a transplant patient. There I was sitting there, just another heart recipient, with all the others in the room. Beside me there was a man and his wife; he was struggling for each breath. Across from me was another man with multiple iv's and medical personnel surrounding him; he looked so weak. A mom and daughter were sitting on the other side of me while she was getting some treatments. In the background was another man singing " I Am Getting Stronger." They were sitting so close to me that I could not ignore them. I could not look away. It was painful. My soul awakened once again to the pain and suffering of this life, the type of pain and suffering that this Christian girl who loves the Lord has experienced in my life too.

We drove home and the transplant coordinator called to let us know that the biopsy was a 1A (slight rejection but nothing to worry about). Usually, the family celebrates. We do the happy dance and go out to eat but somehow I couldn't do that this time. Not after what I had seen that day. It just didn't seem right. That moment, me sitting in the chair at the clinic, was running over and over in my mind. So many suffering, longing to get back to life, as they dream of celebrating, dancing, eating and just being home with the ones they love.

Yet, so many others take each moment, every breath, each meal for granted. Please Lord, never let me forget! How wonderful, how beautiful, how precious a "normal" ordinary day truly is. Life is a gift!

Reflecting back on that day, I pause and remember to be thankful. Thank you, Jesus, that today I can take a shower, blow dry my own hair, walk up stairs, fry an egg in a pan, kiss my husband good morning, drive my kid's to school, wear high heel shoes (do you know how many muscles it takes to wear high heel shoes!!) and just do all of life's normal daily duties (like laundry, dishes and take out the trash, leave little notes for my kid's, help sort out all sorts of teenage drama, give "mama advice" even when it is unwanted and eyes roll back at me, etc...). When I was so sick and weak I could not do any of those. I remember so many times my oldest (a 6 grader at the time) would run into a Old Navy alone while I pulled the car up as close as possible, straining in my seat to make sure she was okay as she made a quick purchase for something she wanted. She learned at way too young an age how to use a debit card. Ha! We are still paying for that and currently trying to retrain her. Its proving to be an impossible task.

Blessings abound around here. A few things I have learned. Life is a gift and every moment matters. I have also learned that God is awesome no matter what my circumstances. He is always worthy of my praise. His magnificent love for me was settled 2000 years ago when he died in my place so that I can spend eternity with him when I die, if I chose to believe. I remember my husbad reminding me of this right after we received the news that rocked our world. The doctor, sitting on the edge of my bed and looked me right in the eyes and said, "Mrs. Fuller, you have a very sick heart and in order to live you are going to need a heart transplant." The words my husband spoke to me shortly after seemed to seep deep within my soul. I never doubted God's love for me in the deepest, darkest hours of my soul. Maybe today you need those same words. Chip said, "God settled his love for you 2000 years ago when he willingly died in your place. Never, ever doubt his love."

Romans 5:8 God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world should be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

Today I choose to love Him back and make moments matter.

Please continue to pray for two friends of ours. Jess Capps who is still waiting on the perfect heart. She remains on the VAD and will stay at Emory until her transplant, Her site is on my sidebar TEAM JESS. Another prayer request is for Luke Shamblin, the sweetest little eight year old you could ever meet. He was diagnosed with leukemia just a short time ago. He loves Jesus, baseball and his family. He is currently receiving chemo and will have a bone marrow transplant in December. Please stop by and leave them a note of encouragement. We know the power of prayer!! Hope you have a great weekend. Never forget how much God loves you!! It was settled 2000 years ago.

Psalm 103:11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear HIM.

PS Luke's site is also on my sidebar. TEAM LUKE.

Are You Walking Around in the Dark?

2011-11-09T13:08:00.000-05:00

Have you ever seen those three-way light bulbs? You know, the ones that light up to three different levels? (Actually, I am not sure if it the light or the bulb.) What ever the case, I remember having those when I was a kid and how much fun I had turning the switch on the lamp only to find that the light got brighter and brighter with each click.

The other day, my son got a new lamp in his bedroom. And guess what? He had one of those lights. However, it took me several hours to actually figure that out. Here's the story.

One afternoon I went into my son's bedroom to play a video game with him. I noticed light coming from the new lamp, which had the lamp shade color-coordinated with his new curtains and bedspread. It looked really nice. That is all the attention I paid to this new lamp. Later that night, I went into his room with a book in my hand. I laid down on his bed and began to read. It was at this time I noticed that the lamp was not very bright. My thought was "great lamp, but not much light, though." And why didn't I notice this earlier afternoon?"

So I turned on the overhead light and read for a few minutes. After reading, I reached over to turn the lamp off only to discover, click. . . and the light got brighter. That brought back memories of childhood and I clicked it a few more times. As I did that, another thought came into my mind. How many times in life do we settle for something less than what is available to us? How many times are we satisfied with the status quo, rather than strive for something more? I was completely satisfied with the first click of low level light. And although their was much more light available, I never even noticed.

I propose to you that we all settle for less than what is available to us. In our personal lives, often we accept what we get. We play the blame game and blame our parents, our past, or something or someone else rather than taking responsibility and reaching out for something more. In our spiritual lives, we accept the hum drum mediocrity rather than believing God for the extraordinary. There are many examples of this in Scripture, and there are many examples of this if we look around us. Let me encourage you to take life to the next level. God tells us in His Word that He can do exceedingly abundantly more than we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20) Don't just accept the obvious, but reach out and click the lamp one more time and quit walking around in the dark!

In His grip,
Chip

Hello!

2011-10-20T14:44:00.001-04:00

I know it has been wayyyyy to long since I have written anything on the blog. To be perfectly honest each and every time I have sat down to write, words just wouldn't come. I think maybe I just needed a little time away. We were also super busy with the kid's schedule this summer. Our son's tennis team came in second in state this summer sooo I spent much of my time court side.

Usually, I am on the blog everyday, writing and checking in on my friends, and have done this for the past several years Since January, several of my sweet young friends have left this life and our now rejoicing in heaven. Mallory 21 complications from liver transplant, James 17, accidental drowning, Sussana 4yo childhood cancer, Lindsay 3, heart transplant complications. James is the only one I knew personally, but the rest I knew through the blog world and fell in love with them and their families and followed them religiously.  I continue to lift their families up in prayer.

James and my oldest are the same age. I will never forget the first time that I laid eyes on him.  He was about 2 and the cutest little, cotton top boy ever, filled with endless curiosity and boundless energy. Our kids spent many days running the church halls, going to Bible studies, birthdays and summer camps together. From day one he was special.  He enjoyed life, people and he loved the Lord. He had a huge smile and hug for everyone he came in contact with. Also, he had a way to make everyone feel special when he was around them.

I have been blessed to spend a lot of time with James' mom over the months since his passing. Her words continue to run through my mind. "I just don't want to miss anything the Lord wants to teach me during this time." They have not slowed down for one minute. God has opened many doors for them to share James' story and his deep love for Jesus and for others. As we have come to realize, the story of his life (and its impact) is far from over. I think that I mentioned in an earlier post that James had wanted to walk on to the Georgia football team this year. He was accepted for early admission for Georgia and was so excited about going there. Coach Richt made a visit to James'school and even though Coach Richt was not there to recruit James, he told Coach Richt that he wanted to walk on the team that year.  During his funeral a note was read from Coach Richt that James had indeed made the team and a Georgia jersey was given to his parents.  Several weeks, ago when Georgia played South Carolina the team was wearing #23 on their helmets in honor of James.  James' family was invited to be guest of Coach Richt for that game.

We continue to witness the lives that are being touched and transformed by God through the life of one teenage boy who loved God and loved people.

I am trying to back in the groove of blogging again so please know that I will be back soon :)

Praying for Jess today!

2011-07-08T10:55:00.003-04:00

Dear Friends,

If you have a moment this morning would you please join me in prayer for my friend Jess Capps. She is currently in surgery having a Ventricular Assist Device implanted. This VAD will take over the work load of her heart as she waits for her perfect heart. You can read her carring bridge site that is located on my side bar.

Thanks for your prayers!

Sweet Princess Lindsay

2011-06-21T18:41:00.000-04:00

Sweet Princess Lindsay went to be with Jesus unexpectedly on Friday night. I will never again say the word "Princess" without thinking of Princess Lindsay. Please join me in prayer for this wonderful family whom we have grown to love so much over the past several years.

If you feel led, you may make a donation to the Lindsay Dean Heart Fund to help this incredible family. Go to www.lindsaysheart.blogspot.com and click on the right side bar.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Heart Hugs,

Jeannie

Sweet Summer Time

2011-06-17T18:47:00.005-04:00

SUMMER FUN at WILD DUNES

Every year my mom, her girls and all of the kids take a week long vacation to the beach. We always come home with tons of memories, sun burned skin and suitcases that won't close. ;) Truth be known, usually a good fight or two between the kids. The kids can always recount and reenact each one from year to year.

This year our trip was to the Isle of Palms at the Wild Dunes Resort. It was fabulous in every way. Really, you never have to leave the resort. There is some time of different entertainment each night and it's usually very kid friendly. The kids karaoke night was a blast. On Friday and Saturday, there is usually dancing outside by the beach. I taught my kids how to shag when they were itsey bitsey so it was neat for them to see it in action. I never realized growing up that the shag was an original South Carolina dance. I thought everyone in the world knew how to shag.

It was fun watching all the teenagers remove the patio furniture and turn the back deck into their very own dance floor, so they could practice with no one watching.

You are also a short fifteen minute drive to downtown Charleston.

What a great week...

I miss them already!

Photos from past years.....

Life with the ones you love....

Nothing could be better.

Waiting

2011-05-16T10:15:00.011-04:00

I am convinced we all face the same dilemma, not just once or twice in our lives, but multiple times each day of our lives. That dilemma is this: will I trust God, even when that means waiting for an indefinate period of time; or will I, because of my pride and impatience, proceed with my own plans and own ingenuity to get me through situations? We have all been there, and perhaps you are there today?

Truly, it was during those seasons of waiting in my life that my walk with the Lord grew the most and my character was being tested and built. For example, I remember the season of waiting for my husband. The Lord knew that there was much work to be done in my heart before I would be ready for the kind of Godly man He wanted to give me. There was changing of friends and ~~some~~ a lot of alone time with God. The Lord needed me to give myself comletely to Him before I could give myself to another.

You see, during that time, I depended on Him more than ever. God had me exactly where he wanted me. That is one part about being single-we can give Him our undivided attention (if only we will) while we are single. He can use this special time during our lives if we allow him.  I learned to turn from the world and toward Him.  Gradually, when I was ready, He replaced my old friends with new ones. He brought godly men and women into my life. It was during that time that God gave me a love for teenagers and I began to work with the youth group at our church. I became great friends with other youth workers at our church. In fact, one of those friends eventually became my husband.

Just a few months after we were married, I found myself learning to wait again! We traveled 1200 miles to the big city of Fort Worth, Texas, where my husband began attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I willingly went with him, leaving my family and dear friends to embark on an unknown trail. I must admit it was extrememly difficult for me to leave the protected environment of home and face the unknown. So much so that this newlywed bride would often slip into the bathroom and take a bath so I could cry without my husband ever knowing how hard it was for me. I missed my family so much, yet it was during this time of our "waiting to finish school" that we would learn to leave our families and cling to one another. Yes, the Lord knew that we would need this time to give us our new identity and mold us into "our own family."

As we graduated from Seminary, three years later, we brought along another person with us. We were blessed with a beautiful, blue-eyed blonde. We were overjoyed and wanted another one as soon as possible.  However, our desires were not granted. Each month, I would wait expectantly thinking this would be "THE MONTH."  Finally, after two years of waiting, the pregnancy test turned bright pink and it was positive. I was thrilled with the news, but it was short lived. At our routine twelve week appointment, they searched for the heart beat, but none was found. It was during that time of terrific pain, that the Lord, spoke to my heart. ALL things work for the good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) I felt a deep comfort from the Lord that I had never experienced.

Again, each month, I drove myself (and my husband) crazy waiting to see if "THIS" would be the month. Months turned into years. I was so desperate to have a baby, I was almost literally sending my husband to the brink of insanity. It was during this time that our church was hosting a special weekend with guest speakers. The men and women were divided up seperately.  Becky Drace, the speaker, spoke about Hannah and how desperate she was to have a child and how she took her burden to the Lord. The Lord spoke to my heart in a mighty way and I left that morning with tears streaming down my face. I realized I was trying to be in control of when and if we were to have another child.  My mentor, Sharon Holder, was standing at the exit. I looked at her and said "I have totally placed my desires in God's hands. It is up to Him. I am trusting HIM. Yes, I will trust Him, no matter what, even if His answer is no. I will trust HIM." It was at that point that I totally surrendered our families increase to HIM, the giver of life. It was up to Him- the if ever, whenever and however was given to HIM. I was finally at peace. A month, later we were pregnant with our second child, who was born nine months later, on my Birthday!! Every year, as my son blows out his candles, I am reminded of God's precious gift to me. He was so worth the wait.

In 2007, our lives would change forever, I found myself critically ill, waiting once again, this time I was waiting on "the gift of life", a new heart. The Lord gave us the strength to wait on His perfect timing. Through perilous turns and treacherous terrain, God navigated me through this time of waiting for a new heart. As I look back on the waiting, it was definitely the most life threatening and dangerous wait I had, and probably the most difficult.  Even so, the severity of this wait doesn't diminish the pain of waiting for the other things to happen. In retrospect, I would have to say that in the midst of each storm and period of waiting, I considered that to be the most difficult time of my life. But also, it was during this time that I learned to "Praise Him in the Storm." I learned that HE is the sustainer and provider life. Life and breath are in His hands.

The stories shared here are examples of how waiting eventually turned out the way we wanted or even better. However, there are times when we wait and things do not turn out the way we want. But the thing we have to remember is that God is sovereign and things in our lives NEVER catch Him by surprise. Accordingly, if God has you in a holding pattern, waiting, praying, and trusting, then He will not waste your tears, your pain, or your anguish. He wants to use those times to build character and make you more dependent on Him. Even when things don't go the way you have planned or prayed they would, God has threads of redemption running through the fabric of your life!

Isaiah 40:30-33
Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.

Please pray for a my beloved friend Jess Capps, who is currently waiting on a new heart. We have been friends for years. Her mom taught my children in preschool and Jess was her assistant. Her caring brigesite is www.caringbridge.org/visit/JessCapps . She in an amazing,strong witty young lady and my only friend with pink hair. We love you, Jess!! Praying always for you!

Break the Vase

2011-04-23T22:23:00.002-04:00

Several years ago, I was given the task of writing a few Sunday School lessons revolving around a capital stewardship campaign. One of the lessons I wrote was taken from a passage in Mark 14 where Jesus was visiting the home of Simon the leper. This dinner occurred on Wednesday, two days prior to the Passover and Unleavened Bread. This Wednesday was also two days before the trial and crucifixion of Christ which took place on Friday.

As I studied this passage, I saw something in it that I had never seen before and since that day, Easter can never come and go without my mind going back to what God revealed to me on that day. In Mark 14: 3-9, we see that a lady, Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, who breaks a vial of very costly perfume and pours it over Jesus’ head. It was an expensive gesture to say the least, Mark telling us that it was 300 denarii, or the equivalent of about one year’s salary for most people of that day. But what others saw as a waste, Mary did this as an extravagant offering and act of worship of the Lord Jesus. Judas, the traitor, fussed about her waste and came up with other noble uses for such an offering. However, Jesus tells those present that Mary had done something “beautiful” (v 6) and was actually preparing Jesus for His burial (cf., Matthew 26:12; Mark 14:8; John 12:7). However, the rest of the disciples were not spiritually in tune enough to be aware of what was coming. This is what makes this act of extravagant giving even more incredible. Let me explain how.

Life in biblical times was different than life today. People in that time and culture were not familiar with aromatic shampoos or these nice fruity and pleasant smelling cleansers. Today, one can walk through any drug store or grocery/department store and pick out of literally hundreds of aromatic, fragrant shampoos and/or cleansers. But in biblical times, they basically had water. Many times, bathing during these times was basically reduced to a partial bath, which often was limited to the feet. Considering the dusty roads, the typical climate of the region, and the fact that the major mode of transportation was walking, everyone was acquainted with body odor. Just think about going on a two or three day camping trip. You walk around and sweat without having a bath or any deodorant. What does your body smell like? Better yet, what would your hair smell like? I would imagine the first thing most adults do after that type of event is climb into a bath or shower to clean up. Jesus and His friends of that day did not have that luxury. And for Jesus to have faced death without a bath would have been simply a normal occurrence. But this story creates an interesting thought as we take it a little deeper. Now follow me to the day of the trial and the crucifixion, just two short days after this dinner meeting and anointing.

After the Last Supper, Jesus goes into Gethsemane to pray. Luke’s account says that [Jesus} being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down on the ground (Luke 22:44). After the time in the garden, Jesus is arrested, beaten, and then stands trial before Caiaphas. Following this “trial”, He goes before the Sanhedrin, who places Him in a deep, dark, dank dungeon. From there, He goes to trial before Pilate. Pilate has Him scourged (whipped with 39 lashes, virtually to nearly the point of death) and then He is spit upon and beaten a second time. What a day so far for the King of all creation! Can you imagine what His body had been through?

Following His sentencing from Pilate, Jesus is responsible for carrying His own cross through Jerusalem up Calvary’s hill. With the mixture of blood, sweat, tears, and spit all mixed together, can you imagine the odor? I am sure the stench was horrendous.

But here is where the extravagant offering comes to mind. Imagine Jesus as He takes a breath or a small gust of wind blew on Him during this time of incredible suffering. Can you smell the faint aroma of Mary’s offering just two days prior? Perhaps the aroma from that perfume, faint and diminishing as it was, filled the nostrils of the Son of God while He was suffering for the very men who sentenced Him to death. That faint aroma of the perfume from the alabaster vase of Mary. Oh, how she gave to the Lord! Oh, how her extravagant gift brought Him pleasure and motivation to persevere even in the final hours of His life.

When we give to the Lord, friends, there is nothing that is ever wasted! Sometimes God is saying to His people, “BREAK THE VASE!!!” “BREAK THE VASE!!!” Give me everything!!! Sometimes God wants us to offer Him something extravagant just to show Him how much we love Him.

I hope as you read this during this Easter season, that you will reflect on what Jesus did for you. But likewise, I hope you will also consider how you can be a blessing to the Lord. How will you bless Him? God loves a cheerful, (extravagant) giver! How much is Jesus really worth to you?

In certain Victory,

Chip

True Leadership

2011-04-15T09:29:00.000-04:00

True Leadership

I don't claim to be a great leader, but I will say that I aspire to always improve my leadership ability. Consequently, I am a student of leadership. In fact, in the last several years, the majority of the books that I have purchased and read have been in the area of leadership.

Recently, I began reading a book entitled, Practicing Greatness: 7 Disciplines of Extraordinary Spiritual Leaders by Reggie McNeal. In the introduction of the book, I read a few lines that struck me as being very profound and true. Here is the quote,

"Great leaders leave people better off than they were before the leader entered their lives."

How true that is of great leadership. Great leaders inspire others to be better. Great leaders encourage others to acheive more than they ever expected. I think this principle is a mark of great leadership and it can serve as test of one's ability (or lack thereof) as a leader.

I have served with many leaders in my lifetime. And as I think back over my experiences, I ask myself if working with them has made me better than I was before they came into my life. According to that test, many "leaders" would get a big question mark beside their name. On the otherhand, as I ask that question, there are many names and faces that immediately come to mind who have caused me to grow and improve. You see, leadership is not simply a title, but something that is earned.

To be fair, I would also have to ask myself if my leadership accomplishes the same result. Am I, as a leader, improving those around me and encouraging them to become more than they used to be? If not, then perhaps I need to improve myself.

If you are in a leadership role, I would ask you to think about such things. Perhaps this is the truest test of effective leadership and can serve as a clear indicator of our own abilities to lead. As the leadership proverb states: "He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk." Are you taking a stroll through life or are you leading others to accomplish the unthinkable? The answer to that question may prove more than we think.

In certain Victory,

Chip

Life at Super Sonic Speed

2011-04-04T22:17:00.002-04:00

Hello Blog World! Life seems to be going at Sonic Speed lately. Here is a little of what has been going on around here.  I have just been super busy being a mom of three kiddos who happen to be in three totally different stages of life. Sometimes, I am changing gears so fast from having a high schooler, middle schooler and elementary schooler that it makes my head spin!

For starters, we have been busy transitioning from basketball season to tennis season for two of us, and helping one get ready for the prom. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. I enjoy every single second of it. So many times, during my illness, I would pray that the Lord would allow me to be mommy (or mom, whatever the case may be) to my three children. Sometimes, I almost pinch myself, when I am sitting on the sidelines, cheering on one of my kids. I really try not to be the loudest one in the stands. John Mark had a really close tennis match the other day and I found myself getting really nervous. I even had to walk away a couple of times and look the other way. I can be pretty competitive. The Lord quietly spoke to my heart in those anxious moments and a thought came to my mind to pray for the boys. Not that my son would win, but to pray for both boys. Pray that they would grow up to be men of integrity and that they would make Jesus, Lord of their life.  As I began to pray for the boys, the bigger picture came in to focus.  It really didn't matter who won the match; but what really mattered was what kind of men these boys would grow into. Praying for them also made me calm down a bit. Don't get me wrong, I still wanted my son to win. But when he won, I was proud of the way that he won. Several of the coaches from the other schools even commented on his demeanor and sportsmanship on the court. That is as good as a victory in and of itself.

I believe life is to be celebrated and enjoyed. There are so many life moments we take for granted until we are no longer able to do them. Believe me, I no longer take them for granted. I am one thankful girl!!

I was also able to spend a wonderful weekend in March with the ladies a First Baptist Church Lilburn in Atlanta, GA. We had a wonderful time together. The pastor's wife (Robin) and the youth minister's wife ( Amy) are good friends of mine. Our husbands served on staff together at Northside Baptist in Valdosta, Ga. Amy and her husband Jim actually met at a Bible study that we did for the college group in our home many years ago and now they have three beautiful children.   Thanks for all of your hard work ladies. It was a great weekend. You are a special group. Your love & passion for Jesus shines brightly!

One of our verses for the weekend:
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one other. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love which them all together in perfect unity.

One of the highlights of the weekend was when one of the ladies, Susan Brumble (she is upfront in the red jacket) shared with the group.  We met four years ago when we were at Emory.  My husband and I grew to love this lady over the months we were in the hospital. Whenever we were admitted to Emory, she would come visit and each time she would kneel by my bed and pray for me.   Soon, after I received my heart, she shared our journey with a group at her church. She not only shared about the miracle of me getting a new physical heart, but she shared how to get a new spiritual heart. One year later, a lady who was visiting from another state and had attended the event, called Susan and told her that she wanted to know how to get a new heart that Susan spoke during that meeting. Susan told her she would be glad to talk with her the next time she was visiting Atlanta. This lady said "No, I really need to know today. I want that new heart today." I am so thankful that this lady remembered what Susan had shared with her and that Susan was obedient to share. You never know what God is orchestrating behind the scences.

Heart Hugs,

Jeannie

Heart Cath

2011-02-18T14:36:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, was my "Big" annual checkup at Emory. Each and every time as we prepare to go the memories of all that we experienced there seem to flood my every thought. I really fight all the "what if" thoughts. We sent out a text message to friends and asked for prayer on our care page site. And just like every other time, the Lord meets us and brings comfort to our anxious hearts. Several times before we left, God reminded me, that yes indeed my heart transplant was a miracle and that I just needed to keep trusting HIM.

The heart catherizaion went well and in the words of Dr. Book "everything looked perfect." Before transplant my ejection fraction was 5%, yesterday it was 80%, which is fantastic. A normal ejection fraction is between 55-75%. All of my arteries looked great, as well. They also take a tiny piece of my heart (a biopsy) and send it to the lab to check for any signs of rejection. We have ranged from 0 - 1b which obviously "zero" being the best and 1b never giving the doctors anything to worry about. With that being said, we always want to get a zero! This afternoon, the transplant office called and gave the news that we got the big fat zero!! Everytime I get back from a doctors visit, we go out a celebrate. Everytime I get a zero, I cry (actually, I cry everytime ) and then go out a celebrate! We are going to celebrate mine and John's bday like crazy this weekend (and my great report from the doctors)!

We are always so thankful to get a good report. This report doesn't make God any better than He always is, because He is always good! But we praise Him for a great check-up and this gift of life! I pray I never take for granted one day or even any moment I have been given on this earth.

In six months, we go back and do it again. In the words of Micheal W. Smith, "Pray for me and I'll pray for you!"

Blessings!

Dr Vega - My Heart Transplant Surgeon

2011-02-16T15:57:00.004-05:00

Dear John

Happy 13th Birthday!!!

Thirteen years ago today, the nurse layed the Best Birthday present ever in my arms. Really, there would never be any need of another birthday present for me. You were a long, awaited gift from above. We waited four long years for you and finally you were here and on my birthday! What more could a girl ask for??? You entered the world with a very loud cry, as if to say " Hello world! I want everyone to know I am here!" I was immediately enamoured with you and really could not believe you were mine. If I had not been there, I probably would not have believed it. You were completely different from your older sister. She was fair, with silky, blonde hair and blue eyes. You had lots, I mean lots, of the most beautiful dark hair, skin and eyes. I could not take my eyes off of you. Your dad was taken with you at first sight. He could not take his eyes off of you for even a second. We have been that way every since... we just can't take our eyes off of you.

Having been raised in an all girl home, I was not real sure what to do with you. Quickly I realized that the Lord just wires boys to be boys!! I just needed to stand back and watch. I think one of your first words was "ball" and starting at ten months you would hold a small orange basketball in your sweet little hands and wouldn't let go for dear life. I must say " I love having a boy!" There is so much less drama and you really love everything I do for you! You would rather eat my food than the finest restaurant in town and you always say " Mom, that was great!"

You have taught me so much in the past "13" years; how boys love to make all kinds of sounds and laugh at any kind of body jokes/noises/sounds. Both real and fake it doesn't really make any difference. You can create a game anytime, anywhere and with anything, and be happy playing it!! You have lots of friends and deal quite well with girl drama since you are smack dab in between two drama queens. So many times you bring sanity to my life!

There are so many qualities that I see in you that I admire as does your Dad. He tells me that he frequently tells you that he wants to be like you when he grows up. And he means that! That is because he sees so many admirable qualities in you. To name a few, your integrity. I love it when you stand up for the truth and politely, yet firmly stand for your values. Every teenagers have values, but you have values that are quality values. I love your sensitivity and care for other people. With a very few exceptions, you pull for the underdog. Not only do you pull for them, but you take time to teach them and let them know you care.

Probably the most admirable quality you have is you love for God. I love that your motivation to be all of who you are comes from your love for God. I pray you will always follow Him and let Him be your Lord and Boss!

John, you are everything a mom could ever want (and more) and I am glad you are mine!

Happy Birthday!

PS: You did it. Your finally taller than your big sister! I warned her :)

Coach Mark Richt- One Class ACT

2011-02-13T15:27:00.002-05:00

A beautiful act of kindness READ HERE.... Thank you, Coach Richt!

Susana

2011-02-12T15:22:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,
I know that several months ago we requested prayers for a little girl who was battling cancer named Susana. Susana went to be with Jesus yesterday at 12:15 pm as her parents held her in their arms. I have only met this precious family through the blog world but I have been forever changed by their love and passion for the Lord Jesus Christ. I know their hearts are broken and that they are missing her so much. Please remember them in prayer. Her celebration service will be on Monday. Please stop by their blog and let them know that you will be praying for them. www.howcantheyhear.org. Cody, Maria and Isabela we are praying for you!

Psalm 34:18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Whose your Daddy?

2011-02-10T10:05:00.003-05:00

Whose Your Daddy?

My oldest daughter was born a fighter. Because my wife's labor was so lengthy and strenuous, the first few minutes of my daughters life were a little scary. But after some mild resusitation, and a little oxygen, she did just fine. But her first minutes of life helped to make her the passionate person she is today.

As I look back, most of her infancy was pretty easy. But we saw then, and continue to see, a strong will within her that will hopefully help her stand against the waves of peer pressure that so inundate her life right now.

I remember one night when she was around 6 months of age, she was particularly distressed. My wife had fed her, bathed her, changed her diaper and was unsuccessfully trying to put her down for the night. After twenty to thirty minutes of screaming in her crib, we determined that this was not normal (even for her). So I decided to go into her room to get her. As I opened the door, she continued to scream and cry. I talked to her to reassure her that she was okay, but she still screamed and cried. So I reached into her crib, picked her up, cradled her in my arms and softly said, "Daddy has you now. You are alright." Immediately, she stopped crying. And immediately, God spoke these word to my heart.

For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading you to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" Romans 8:15

The word "Abba", in Aramiac, is a term of endearment meaning father. Along with the verse, God reminded me that He was my Abba, my Daddy, my loving Heavenly Father. And when times in my life are tough, and I get all out of sorts with stress, He is the kind of God who will reach down into my life, pick me up with His loving arms, place me in His lap, and whisper in my ear, "Daddy has you now. You are alright!"

We have some close friends who are going through the very devastating loss of their 17 year old son. Our hearts ache with them and for days now, I have sat, prayed, and pondered what I could do to help ease their pain. I am not sure there is anything that I can do to really ease that pain, just be there and listen and talk, minister and pray that their Abba, their daddy will lift them up in His loving arms and love them through the pain.

I am glad that God is a loving Heavenly Father and that He sent His Son, Jesus, to be a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Do you have that same assurance in your life? I hope you do! May the God of the universe assuage your pain and stress and meet your every need for His glory and your good!

Celebration Service

2011-02-05T09:42:00.002-05:00

James David Eunice
Celebration Service at 1PM today At Crosspointe Church
Please pray for the family and friends who will gathered today.

A note from his mom this morning:

Awakened this morning like every morning for the last three weeks with a hugh knot in my stomach wondering if I was dreaming/having a nightmare or if it was really true. In one second my life changed and will never be the same. There are many life lessons I have learned on this journey God has placed me on and I want to really pay attention because to miss one lesson would be failure for me!

James allowed himself to be used by God completely and loved Jesus Christ with his whole heart. At 17 he got it! He filled his entire being up with loving God and loving others. Oh the lessons James has taught me about how to reach people for Christ. It's not about knowing alot of scripture (although that is important) or saying all the right churchy words. No it's about meeting people where they are and SHOWING them the love of God that can only be found in a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. I've told several people that becoming a Believer is the easiest thing you will ever do. Living the life of an authentic believer is the most difficult but it is the only way to be truly content! James wanted to show everyone he met just who Jesus was and how to have a peace in times of trial.

This is without a doubt the most difficult thing I have ever done and I dare say nothing will ever compare with the loss of a child but praise God, I'll se my boy James one day. The last few morning I have had the song Homesick by Mercy Me in the front of my mind. Please read the words and decide if you want to see James again because I know beyond and shadow of any doubt where you can find him. I love everyone who has been so gracious and loving towards us on behalf of James. My cup is full.....

Homesick

Mercy me

You're in a better place I've heard a thousand times

And at least a thousand times I've rejocied for you

But the reason why I'm broken the reason why I cry

Is how long must I wait to be with you.

I close my eyes and I see your face

If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place

Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through some how

I've never been more homesick than now.

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways

The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know

But even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same

Cause, I'm still here so far away from hom.

IN Christ, there are no good-bys

And in Christ there is no end

So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have to see you again

To see you again.

And I close my eyes and I see your face

If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place

Lord want you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick....than now.

I love you James David Eunice. Your light and love will always be a part of me.

Mom

Happy Heart Day!

2011-02-03T06:19:00.024-05:00

Day of Transplant!

Sleep eludes me tonight, as my husband sleeps so peacefully beside me, too many thoughts are racing through my mind. This time, this date, this night four years ago will always be etched upon my heart. There was no sleep for either of us on that night. We talked and giggled (as much as I could with an ejection fraction of 5% ) during the night and held hands through the hospital rail. Really, we did..Somewhat, oblivious to the nurses working so fervently to prepare my body to receive its new heart. We were being carried by the prayers of the saints and God’s beautiful peace rested upon us.

Pretransplant Kiss!

Family Waiting......

Just last night, Caroline layed her head on my chest and said “Mommy, I hear your heart, it is beating so loud and strong.” How can you say “thank you” for a gift such as this? The gift of life. There are no adequate words. My prayers were answered. I do not take one moment, one breath for granted. Each day I soak in all that I have been given. Yet, somewhere in the world tonight painful memories are running through a families mind. As I lift up prayers of praise and thankfulness to my Savior, I am also lifting up prayers of comfort to my donor’s family.

Getting the Report after Surgery from Dr Vega ( my Hero! )

Getting the News! All is well, Praise God!

One Happy Boy! Celebrating after Transplant

We are so grateful to the staff at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, our donor family, faithful prayer warriors and to our Great and Loving heavenly Father.

A note from Em ( our oldest daughter)

‎4 years ago today, my mom got the best gift anyone could ever ask for, a new heart. If you're an organ donor, thank you. If not, you should really consider it. Organ donation saved my mom's life and one day it may save yours!

To my mother!(:

2011-02-02T21:06:00.000-05:00

Dear momma,
       Wow! I can't believe it has been four years since i was sitting in that waiting room! What an experience our family went through!! But, through all the ups and downs i know it all was for the good. God had His hands on us when we went through the difficult time. I love you so much!
                                                                           Love,
                                                                                 Caroline

James Has Been Found

2011-02-01T09:37:00.005-05:00

We received news on Monday, January 31, that James' body was recovered at about 8:15 a.m. Simply writing those words brings flashes of pain as our hearts ache for the loss that we experience. The picture on the previous post is truly a glimpse of how precious this young man was and how precious the memories we will cherish in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. Our hearts grieve with his family and friends, as well as our community. However, the solace that we find is found in the knowledge that James is with his heavenly Father. He lived a life of faith that was genuine and real to him as well as those who knew him. James allowed the love of Jesus Christ to flow through him to those with whom he had contact. It is our prayer that the seeds that James spent sowing for his short 17 years on the earth will fall in hearts of furtile soil and take root a grow. Accordingly, may GOD get glory for all He did in James and through James David Eunic

PS- Sorry for posting late, we were having a problem with the internet last night.

Search Update by my friend T. Jones

2011-01-28T09:51:00.001-05:00

Search continues for James Eunice. Please keep the prayers coming!! His family... has shown incredible strength through all of this and it is definitely a God thing!!! Please remember the search and rescue teams in your prayers!!

2011-01-25T11:57:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,
Thanks so much for your prayers for the Eunice Family! Each day everyone continues to gather at Ocean Pond and the search continues in hopes of bringing James home. Last night, at 7pm, the family asked if everyone would stop and pray that the Lord would reveal the location of his body. We were at Ocean Pond last night at seven. All who were there gathered in a circle, holding hands. We prayed to our Father asking Him to please help the teams find James. It was a difficult, yet beautiful moment, as we bowed before the Father with hurting hearts, to get help from above. The search teams have been diligent in their search, but under the conditions, they are getting weary. Please continue to pray for them.

His mom told me yesterday that there is a large poster of James (like the one posted on my blog) at the comand post, where the dive team enters the water. Each diver points to the poster as they enter the water. Oh, how we pray they find him soon!

Search Update.

2011-01-21T22:05:00.003-05:00

Thanks so much for your prayers! Today was another day of searching. No news to report today. They will continue the search in the morning. Please continue to pray for the family, the safety of the dive teams and for many hearts to turn to the Lord during this time. Its hard to go to the site. However, each time I am encouraged by his family. Your just feel the presence of the LORD around them :)

Words of wisdom from his mom ..... Three things a mom should tell her children daily are 1. I love you; 2. I am proud of you; 3. You are irreplaceable!

2011-01-21T10:51:00.003-05:00

http://www.walb.com/global/Category.asp?C=195954&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=5480106&flvUri&partnerclipid

Above is the link to WALB News regarding search

The Clock is Ticking....

2011-01-20T09:48:00.005-05:00

The Clock is Ticking

Written by: James Euince, VHS student

April 2010

“Take time to love someone. Today, Tomorrow, For the rest of your life. Because when that unexpected day comes that they pass on, you'll be left wondering what you could've done better. How you could have made them feel more welcome, and show that you do care for them. Don't wait until it's too late like I did. Show the love that Jesus has for you to everyone you see. Let your heart break for what breaks His. Christ is enough. Let Him show you life. You never know who He may touch through you. It is so sad that it takes a tragedy like this to comprehend how our days are numbered. Only He knows. Keep your faith in Him. He will bless you beyond belief. Our job is right now. This very second. So often, God gives me a little nudge towards someone.. and I put it off until the next day.. and then the next and then the next. Stop stalling. God put us on this earth for HIS glory. Not ours.. and so many times, the things I do always point back to me and my stupid self righteousness. So do something with me. Everyone. If this just touches one person, I will have done my job. Don't stall. Judgement is a heart beat away.”

Written by James Eunice in 2010, after an accidental death of a student at his school

I think you can see from reading this what a special young man James Eunice is. I pray that it touches your heart as much as it has touched ours. Yesterday, I made flyers to had out to the dive teams. My 5th grader was watching and then asked me if I would give her a copy so that she could put it in her school binder. He has impacted more lives in his 17 years than many do in 70 plus years. Prayer needs: Pray that we find him soon, safety for all that are searching for him, comfort for family and friends and for hearts to turn to God during this time.

Above all else, I pray that you all will heed his message and put it into practice. There are hurting people all around us and they desperately need love. You can make a difference in someone's life. Will you answer the call?

The Search Continues...

2011-01-19T21:18:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,
I just wanted to give a quick update on our friend, James, who went missing on Saturday afternoon while duck hunting. The search continues by air and water. Here is the update:.....One of the largest rescue and recovery efforts in the south GA area is taking place right now. State and local officials as well as our friends at Moody AFB and units from neighboring counties are searching by land, water and air. We do know that his hat was found in the water.

Our hearts are broken. As a mom, I want so much to take my friend's pain away, but I know that it impossible. We all feel so helpless right now. I am confident that God is carrying them. It is evident when you are around his parents. Please pray for our city. God is moving in so many hearts right now. Teens are hurting so much right now, many are seeking God for the first time in their life. A prayer vigil is being held each night at Cross Pointe Church.

The scene where James disappeared is surreal. Each time as I drive onto the property, and see the boats, the divers, the helicopters, and all the rescue personnel, my heart aches. Praying so that we find him soon! We continue to hold out for a miracle.

Thanks so much for your prayers!

The LORD is my Shepherd

2011-01-17T07:40:00.011-05:00

Dear friends,

We just wanted to let you know that on Saturday our beloved and beautiful Mallory Smith (http://www.teammal.org/) went to be Jesus at 1700. Her faith has become sight. She was so strong and such an inspiration to so many. Mallory fought the good fight, she kept the faith, she endured to the end. Now she receives her crown of righteousness!

It has been a very difficult weekend. We received a phone call on Saturday, that no one ever wants to gets. These words are even difficult to type. The seventeen year old son, of life long friends was duck hunting Saturday and went missing. He was with another teen and the two had split up. His friend was in the water looking for ducks, while James drove the boat around the lake to stir up the ducks. His friend became concerned when some time had passed and he did see James circle back around and he began looking for him. His friend then saw the boat going in circles in the lake, he unable to make it back to the bank due to the waders he was wearing. He than began yelling for help. There were some hunters in the area who heard him yelling for help. They were able to reach him with their boat and then went to look for James. The boat was empty when he reached it. I can't express how difficult this has been for everyone. We have spent the past two days searching for James. He is the same age as my daughter and they have grown up together. Everyone and I mean everyone loves James!! He loved the Lord and was not afraid to share his love with his peers. A very, very special young man. Our city is heart broken. The search will continue today. We continue to hold out for a miracle. We love you, James! I cannot help but wonder if James and Mallory now know each other......http://valdostadailytimes.com/local/x316468618/Friends-await-word-on-missing-teen

Holding on to Jesus,

Jeannie

The Lord is my shepherd

I shall not want

He makes me to lie down in green pastures

He restores my soul

He leads me in the Paths of righteousness

For His name's sake

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil

FOR YOU ARE WITH ME

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me

You prepare a table before me in the Presence of my enemies,

You anoint my head oil

My cup runs over

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD FOREVER

YOU TAKE CARE OF THE DEPTH OF YOUR LIFE

2011-01-14T22:17:00.000-05:00

I have friend who had great aspirations of one day being the President of the United States of America. He is one of the smartest people I have ever met and he has the temperament to have been or to become a great president, too. His life course was set with that goal in mind. He took the courses in college, made the grades, and did all the things that he needed to do to place him in the position to sit for becoming the President of the United States.

I met him in seminary. After all his dreams, aspirations, desires and preparations to be become President, ironically (or not so ironically) God placed him in full-time vocational ministry. He is now the pastor of a very well known, high profile church in the Southern Baptist Convention. I might add, he is very well prepared for that as well.

Most of us have aspirations to be something great. Some of us pursue our youthful dreams to find those dreams become reality. Others of us find that reality dashes our dreams and we find ourselves walking down a totally different avenue.

The world teaches us to aspire for success. They say that education, hard work and determination help us become successful. But what is success anyway? Is success the equivalent of the amount of money made? Is success equated with popularity or fame? I think not. Success is finding your calling, your purpose in life and being who God made you to be. Success is taking care of the depth of your life and letting God take care of the breadth of your life.

In John 21, after the resurrection of Christ, we find Jesus meeting with the disciples and Peter by the Sea of Galilee. He eats breakfast with them (a way to show His bodily resurrection i.e., ghosts/spirits don't eat food) and has the famous exchange with Peter where He asks Peter do you love me three times. After the third inquiry, Jesus has Peter's full attention. John the beloved disciple was present during this exchange. Jesus tells Peter, "Peter, you are gonna die for me. You are going to stretch out your hands and another will gird you and carry you to where you do not wish. But Peter, You need to remember: Follow Me!" (verses 18-19)[Incidentally, the early church historians teach us that Peter was matyred by Nero around 67-68 A.D. Tradition records that Peter chose to be crucified upside down because he was not worthy to die in the same manner as his Lord, Jesus.]

In John 21:21, after the initial exchange between Jesus and Peter, John records Peter asking Jesus this question in response to Jesus. Peter said, "Okay Jesus, I get it. I know I am gonna die like this, but what about John? Is he gonna die like this as well?" Jesus replies in verse 22, "What is that to you? You follow me!"

In other words, "Peter, you take care of the depth of your life, I will take care of the breadth of your life. You follow me and I will put you where I want you!" Then and only then, will you be successful. My friends, God will do the same for you. So when it comes to success, understand that we are all successful when we follow, follow with reckless abandon. . . and leave the results up to Him!

Chip

Update on my Friend / Mallory Smith

2011-01-10T20:33:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,
I am coming to you tonight to ask for extra prayers for my sweet friend Mallory Smith. She remains in critical condition and tonight or tomorrow they will be giving a medication to her through her breathing machine (oscillator) without a filter which has never been done before.

She is an amazing young lady, who loves the Lord Jesus! I have watched countless times as she has ministered to other children while she herself was very sick. I cannot imagine the pain and fatigue her parents are experiencing right now. Please pray and take a moment to leave them a note and let them know that you are praying. We know the power of prayer! Her site is www.teammal.org. Thanks so much!

Much love,

Jeannie

Happy New Year

2011-01-07T21:43:00.005-05:00

Hey friends, sorry it has been so long since I have updated the blog. Is it too late to say HAPPY NEW YEAR!! We were just crazy busy over Christmas and spent alot of time out of town with family. Usually, we always love to wake up Christmas morning at our own house but we decided to pack everything up and have Christmas with the grands (on both sides)! Always, my favorite part has always been when our family gather together for Christmas lunch and the children take turns reading the Christmas Story from the Bible. It never ceases to bring joy to my heart and tears to my eyes. I love celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

One of my favorite parts this year was getting to experience the beautiful snow the day after Christmas. I really didn't think there would be any church that morning due to the weather condition. As my mom and I lingered at the breakfast table drinking coffee by the fire, the eldest member (83 years young) of the family headed out to early Sunday School. Within a few minutes, he was calling, telling us the roads were clear but the scenery was breathtaking. We loaded up all the kids and headed to Shandon Baptist Church. He was right, it was absolutely breathtaking! There was not the usual huge crowd at church but everyone was super excited to be there. I think it made it more special because everyone who was there were the ones who really wanted to be there.

Shandon Baptist holds so many happy memories for us. It was where Chip and I first met each other and were married. I love having all my family together on one long pew. (It's always been a dream of mine) Sometimes, I admit, I get a little jealous when I see big familes sitting together. It's a rare occassion for us due to fact that my husband and my brother-in-law are both Pastors. I am so thankful that we didn't let a little bit of snow keep us away that morning!

I am looking forward to a blessed new year!

Chip and ME

The Cousins!

My Mom and her girls!

Love to ALL!

Please keep praying for Mallory, she really needs our prayers! She is one of the most beautiful young ladies I have ever known. http://www.teammal.org/

Update on Mallory- Please Pray!

2010-12-14T14:22:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

Please pray for Mallory! She is in critical condition right now and her family is asking for prayer. You can find her site on my side bar.

We are praying sooo for you Miss Mallory!!

Out of the Valley

2010-12-09T08:45:00.000-05:00

Recently, I heard someone in a radio interview who described a time in their lives when they were going through a valley. The quote was this: “God pulled us out of the valley.” As they described this time, the picture that came to mind was one of God up on the mountain top above, pulling them out of the valley and back on top of the mountain. While I am sure they never intended their testimony to be scrutinized, my mind raced to another picture of our times through the valleys of life. It is not my point to criticize or over analyze her description of this difficult time in her life, but instead, I want to offer different semantics which can describe a slightly different picture of the situation.

A valley can be defined as an elongated depression between high points. In some instances, we use the term valley to describe the physical landscape or geography of a low lying section between mountains or high points. There are other times when we use the term to describe a period of difficulty and emotional low points in the landscape of our lives. There is no doubt that all of us, at some point in time, have walked through some sort of valley. Difficult times are a part of life and it is a given that even the most devout followers of Christ will find themselves walking the treacherous terrain of the mountainside as we try to manage our way through the valleys of life.

With valleys as a part of life, there is one simple thought that I would offer to you today. As we go through the valleys of life, God does not sit idly on His throne and watch us struggle, He does not simply lift us out of the valley from the high mountain top, instead He walks through the valleys with us and safely brings us out. Many times He even picks us up into His loving arms and carries us through the most difficult terrain.

Now that may seem like a mere matter of semantics, but I suggest that the perspective makes all the difference in the world. this life. May we trust God to guide us and carry us through the deepest, darkest valleys of this life.

Chip

UPDATE on Mallory- Urgent Prayer Needed...

2010-12-06T23:22:00.002-05:00

Please continue to pray for my friend Mallory. She continues to be very sick and will have a liver biopsy in the morning. Her site is http://www.teammal.org/. She is an amazing young lady! My heart is breaking for her right now.

Thanks so much!

Not Always What We Expect

2010-12-03T10:21:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had great expectations for something or someone only to be disappointed? I think all of us have experienced this at some point in our lives. I have those thoughts frequently as I watch my favorite sports teams compete. I have great expectations for them to win it all, only to be disappointed when my team did not perform the way I expected. Or what about the infamous infomercial that heralds the incredible capabilities of a product and reels you in for the purchase only to discover after you receive it that it just was not what we expected it to be? This happens with people, things, and other situations where things turn out in a way that was not what we expected. It can be very disappointing at times. We have all been there.

I am certain that there has been at least once when God did not do what we expect, but has there ever been a time when God was not what you expected? That may require some deep thought and some honesty that we may not want to admit. Many times we link the two thoughts together because we expect God to do for us what we want Him to do. Consequently, we are not able to separate what God does for us from who He is? In a way, we cannot separate the two. God does what He does because He is who He is. But if we really get to know Who He is, then what He does will be easier to understand. This is true because the more we come to know God, the more we are able to trust what He does.

I have been there many times before. I have prayed for something that I thought was the best for me, only to discover that God answered “no” by not giving me what I asked for. Those times have been painful and, in many ways, difficult to understand at the time. But God eventually shows me that His way was better, even if I don’t see that right away.

I can think of several examples of this but the most pertinent example that comes to mind was several years ago as my wife laid in a hospital bed clinging to life. She needed a heart transplant to live and the outlook for things was grave. Her blood pressure had dropped to almost nothing and the nurses were at her bedside saying things like, “Don’t you do this to us, Jeannie!” The doctors had been speaking to us about a surgery to place a ventricular assist device that would take over the workload of her heart. This would take her off the waiting list as she recuperated from the surgery so we were holding off on that as long as we could. But at this point, it seemed to be the only life saving measure we had left. As I asked the doctor about this, she told me that Jeannie has acquired a fever, and therefore, surgery was not an option. I was praying and begging God to take away the fever, but He did not. I could not believe that this way happening. A fever was keeping her away from a life saving surgery? This fever stopped the VAD surgery, and miraculously, Jeannie rebounded a bit. One week later, she got the new heart that she would have missed had I gotten what I wanted and what I had begged God for.

You see, God knows the future. He knows everything! Quite the opposite is true for us. We are limited in what we know, often very limited. But we approach things as if we know more than we do. That is why is comes down to a simple matter of trust. When I say simple matter of trust , I mean simple because of the object of our trust, not because it is simple to do so. It is hard to wait on God and trust Him when we can’t see past the moment. But the more we walk with God, the more we get to know His heart and His ways, the more we are able to trust Him. The bottom line we need to learn is this: God is not always exactly what we expect, but He is always everything we need

Chip

Are you Helping?

2010-11-30T08:34:00.000-05:00

Are You Helping?

Some time ago, I was sitting in a restaurant and saw something that served as an illustration of how we ought to live.

Picture this: I and sitting in a restaurant. Located near the entrance of this restaurant, there are bubble gum machines. Some had gum in them, the others had colorful bouncy balls and other prizes in them. Now, enter into the scene two small children. One is a boy, who is slightly taller than the little girl. They are happy little kids and their faces got a little brighter when they saw the machines with gum and toys. As they discovered the machines, they quickly ran over to them to get a closer look. What I observed was as precious as it was priceless!

The children are approximately 4 and 5 years old. The little boy (as I mentioned previously) is the taller of the two. He is about four inches taller, but neither one of the children is very tall. As they observe the machines, they giggle. They are pointing and gazing and entranced with the toys. Suddenly, the little boy exclaims, "Oh, that is so cool! Look at the one!!" The little girl immediately begins to look, but soon she utters, "I can't see! I am not tall enough to see it!" Immediately the little boy begins desparately to help his sister see the shining toy in the top of this huge bubble gun machine. Finally, after standing on tippy toes, and a few bounces and jumps to get a view, the little boy turns to his sister and says, "Come here! I got an idea. I will lift you up so you can see."

This was going to be good, I thought to myself. The little girl was just about as big as the boy was and he could barely see the toy himself, yet he was going to lift her up so she could see it.

Immediately the little boy grabs his sister and picks her up as high as he could. With a straining voice I heard him say, "Can you see it now!? Can you see it now?! The little girl giggles and replies, "Yes, I can see it!! I saw it!!!"

That little picture sticks in my mind even though it took place several years ago. I still chuckle as the scene plays through my mind. And everytime I see the scene, I cannot help but think of how that is an illustration of how we all should live. It also leads me to ask the question, Am I quick to help those folks around me who need help? What about you? Are you quick to help those around you?

The church is supposed to be a group of people like the little boy in this story. We should all be quick to reach out and help those in need. We should be especially quick to help those who may be on the outside, trying to take a look into the church. We should be quick to pick them up, and give them a view of Christ and His great love. Instead, we often gloat that we have already seen and look down at those who have not.

It is my prayer that you and I will will be the helpers, the encouragers, the ambassadors that we all should be. And that we will help other around us to see Jesus Christ and His great love. Don't keep the faith, give it away!!

Chip

Prayers Needed....

2010-11-29T12:20:00.000-05:00

Please pray for Mallory, she has been admitted to the hospital and is being checked out.
She has not been feeling well for awhile now. Her site is www.teammal.org. She is beautiful both on the inside and out.

Count your Blessings....

2010-11-28T20:04:00.003-05:00

Each year we set aside the last Thursday of November and call it Thanksgiving Day, where we are supposed to take the time to thank God for all His blessings in our lives. I happen to do that frequently. It is more to me than just one day, it has really become a lifestyle for me.

Count your blessings, name them one by one.

Count your many blessings, See what God has done......

I am so grateful to have a second chance at life and oh so thankful....

Thankful to be able to..........

walk up stairs... run ....and even ride a bike...

take a deep breath, work out at the gym, shop for clothes for my kids, wash and dry my hair,

have enough strength to study and read God's Word,

have the clarity to memorize the verses,

share with others that Jesus has provided a way for us to live forever with him,

help teach my oldest to drive a car and cry as she backs out of the drive way alone for the first time (even though she is 17 now, I still remember it like it was yesterday)

see my son play his first "real" middle school basketball game, get his braces, see him grow 9 inches in one year (can you say expensive)

give passionate kisses to the one I love,

snuggle with my baby girl who is rapidly changing before our eyes.... from a little Tom Boy to a girlie, girl! pausing in every mirror that catches her eye.....

celebrate birthdays and Thanksgiving Day with the ones that I love!!

Psalm 5: 8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness

I saw a church sign coming back home from spending time with our families,

it said "Can't sleep. Count your Blessings." I think I will give it a try....

Thank you Jesus, you have given me so much more than I deserve.

Great is the LORD

2010-11-18T13:56:00.009-05:00

Psalm 145 4:7

One generation shall praise Thy work to another,

And shall declare Thy mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of Thy majesty,

And on Thy wonderful works, I will meditate.

And men shall speak of the power of Thine awesome acts.

And I will tell of Thy greatness.

They shall eagerly utter the memory of Thine abundant goodness.

And shall shout joyfully of Thy righteousness.

You Are God Alone

2010-11-16T09:04:00.002-05:00

When I woke up this morning it was cloudy and wet from the rain last night, but as I was leaving the school after dropping Caroline off, this song came on the radio. Just as the song was playing, the morning sun came bursting through the clouds. It was radiant and seemed as if God was giving me a visual of His greatness.

I am thankful that our hope is not in human ability but in God Alone!

Please scroll down to the end of my page and pause the music before you listen. Enjoy!

My Legacy

2010-11-08T13:55:00.002-05:00

September 17, 2004, I found myself lying in the ER, hooked up to clanging and chiming heart monitor, short of breath and my heart practically beating out of my chest. The medical staff informed me that my heart was severely enlarged and my bloodwork had shown that my cardiac specific enzymes were higher than they were supposed to be. The scaenario that I will never forget was something like this:

"Do you have any cardiac history, Mrs Fuller?" the physician's assisitant asked. "NO! Absolutely not.  I have always been very healthy." As the nurses and doctors entered my room and tending to me, they were using terms that I was too familiar with, having been a trauma nurse for years. In between the monitor alarms, I heard them say, "That was a run of V-tach!" as my heart rate soared to 250 beats per minute. They were working quickly trying to apply oxygen, draw blood work and starting IV's. I knew something was terribly wrong!

A few minutes later, they finally allowed the love of my life to come in. He came in and took a seat in a chair right by my bed. I immediately knew that I was very sick and that my life on earth could be over. It was a scary time for sure.

As I reflect back on that time. I will never forget the thoughts that went through my mind in the next few moments. Quickly, I prayed making sure everything was okay between the Lord and me, asking for forgiveness for any sins in between us. I then glanced over at my husband and told the Lord that I really did not want to leave him yet. Then my thoughts went to my three kids who were 10, 6 and barely 5 years old at the time. I thought, "Oh Jesus, have I taught them enough about you that they would be able to make it without me?" Really, that was it. Those would have been my last thoughts if the Lord had decided to take me home that night.  Those few moments have changed my life forever.

You see, up until that point, I really felt like I was doing all the right things. My kids were always in church and they were good kids.   My husband was a pastor and we were very happy. But to be perfectly honest with you, sometimes I allowed the cares of this world to distract me. Truly in the end, I was not concerned with how my house looked. I assure you that "Better Homes and Gardens" was not on my mind. I never once thought about dirty laundry and whether it was cleaned and neatly put away. I never thought about the sippy cup stains that were on my carpet, if I had my kids in the right schools, or if my girls had bows in their hair.

Now I know some of these things are important, and some more important than others, but in those moments, those were not the thoughts that raced through my head. But I did think about my relationship with my Lord and whether I had been influential enough in their lives that if they never spoke to me again, would they have known my love for the Lord. Had I been effective enough in translating it so they would know the importance of knowing and living for Him themselves. This experience changed my life.

"How has my life changed?" you may ask. Living through this journey through heart failure and transplantation has been and continues to be a very humbling experience. I am more passionate than ever to live a life that pleases the Lord. I want my relationship with my husband to be the very best in can be. Really, I just want to be real. And the bottom line is that I am really focused on the legacy I leave behind me. Yes,we still do many of the things we did before, and sometimes we lose focus, but there are some things that have changed. I no longer spend as much time worrying about the house or trying to make everyone appear "perfect". But I am more concerned about they way things look on the inside. I am more diligent in making sure our family has our family devotion each night and we can discuss and learn the principles and precepts of God together. It is so rewarding to read the Scripture together and having family prayer together and hear their questions each night as they begin to put things together and understand the Scripture more.  My life's mission is to walk everyday with the Lord and to make sure that I do everything I can to help cultivate my children's walk with Him. Oh, how I want them to really know the LORD. As hard as it is for me to admit, I will not always be here with them, but HE will be! The truth is they need Him more than they need me. My job is to help them lessen their dependence on me, and put it more on Him. My job is to walk in an authentic and real relationship with my Lord and model that for them, teaching them to do the same. This is my legacy. What yours?

Fall Precept Women's Conference

2010-10-29T16:27:00.005-04:00

Fabulous Friends!

This past weekend, I traveled to Chattanooga, Tennessee with seven friends to the Fall Woman's Conference at Precept Ministries. The conference theme was "Living with Hope in a World without Hope." We were refreshed, rejuvenated and recharged by the powerful teaching of God's Word. Kay Arthur and her team were amazing! They were celebrating 4O years of ministry together. I was so encouraged that these ladies have served the Lord together for the past forty years. They have lived life together. Kay took us through the book of Ruth and we also did a word study on HOPE.

Here is a look at a small part of the beautiful, peaceful campus......

What a blessing to meet Kay Arthur! It just so happened that we ran right into each other when she was taking a break behind the building where she was speaking. (My friend and I were there getting a drink and my friend shared my journey with her). She was so gracious and made everyone feel so special. What an honor to meet her.

We all left the conference with our hearts full, knowing that our HOPE is not in this world or things of this world, but upon our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 6: This HOPE we have as an anchor of the soul, a HOPE sure and steadfast and one which enters the veil where JESUS has entered as a forerunner for us having become a high priest forever according the the order of Melchizedek.

PS: She has just written a new book called When the Hurt Runs Deep. I can't wait to read it. I think anyone who has experienced deep physical or emotional pain would benefit from this book. I can honestly say that I am continuing to heal from all that I have been through during the past several years. There is a special chapter for anyone dealing with a loved one who has committed suicide.

PS Thanks for praying for Tommy (heart transplant) and Mallory ( liver transplant). They are both doing much better. Please keep little Susanna, who had her bone marrow transplant this week in your prayers. It is a long and difficult journey. Her parents have requested prayer for her entire family. As you know, long hospital stays begin to take there toll on the entire family. Her site is on my side bar (How can they hear).

Blessings,
Jeannie

PS: The best part of the trip was coming home to this.......

Friend to Friend

2010-10-04T21:11:00.003-04:00

I just love when a friend tells me about something good. Here are a few good things......

1. If you are looking for good resources on marriage, one of my favorites is "Marriage on the Rock" by Jimmy Evans.

Marriage Experts: Jimmy and Karen Evans

This summer Chip and I led a group through a great marriage course called "Marriage on the Rock" by Jimmy and Karen Evans. The Lord has blessed Pastor Evans with wisdom and insight regarding marriage. Whether you are newly married or have been married a while, you would benefit from this course. Chip loves this series so much that he bought his own personal set. You can purchase the course at http://www.marriagetoday.com/. Not only will you be blessed, but you will laugh a lot along the way. They also have a 30 minute television show and you may watch the archives on their site.

2. A great book, The Church Awakening by Charles Swindoll. I love the church and this book really is a great read for anyone who wants expert and reliable opinions on what is taking place in the American church today. Chip bought it for himself, but I picked it up to browse and never gave it back.

3. The Yogurt Parfaits at our much loved Chick-fila ( Yummy, Yummy!!)

4. I just received a candle from Tyler Candle Company from a friend. I really loved it and was so surprised when my hubby loved it too! BONUS!! (He doesn't like the smell of anything) The name of the one I love is Tyler

5. Best Lasagna EVER ( it's true ) You can find the recipe here: Pioneer Woman. (sorry no photo of the one I made). I made this for company and it was a big hit.

PS: Please pray for my friends Tommy and Mallory. Tommy (heart transplant) was admitted to the hospital and it not feeling well right now. Mallory ( liver transplant) is having some difficulties and really needs our prayers. You can find their sites on my side bar. Thanks so much!

Just walk

2010-10-01T16:05:00.001-04:00

The Lord seems to be reminding me again and again lately to rest and relax and just walk with Him on a daily basis. Often, I find myself frantically trying to run ahead of Him and show Him the way, make my on plans and ask for His blessing. Yes, there are times that we run but we can only sustain such a pace for a short amount of time. But, again and again, the Lord reminds us that He wants to walk with us. Really, He just wants us to enjoy being with Him and getting to know Him. I am trying to slow down and just WALK out this Christain life. One day at a time, one step at at time, after all that is all He asks from His children.

Scripture Memory Verse 14

Micah 6:8 (New American Standard)

He has told you, O man, what is good: And what does the LORD require of you. But to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.

5 REALLY cool things

2010-09-29T22:11:00.004-04:00

Here are ~~five~~ six things that I ~~love~~ like this week................... (off the top of my head)

1. When someone bends down to talk to a child.

2. When a 12 year girl stands up to her peers and says " I just don't want to talk about her."(and the fact that my 12 year old son noticed)

3. Chili and baked potato (from Wendy's on a (sort of) cool rainy day)!!

4. When a teenage boy shakes my hand when introducing himself. (yes, this happened just this week)

5. When someone actually gives up their Saturday (even during football season) to help you move

6. When someone ( you don't know) gives you free tickets the BIG high school homecoming GAME!!

How about you???

Unexpected Change

2010-09-23T13:11:00.027-04:00

I must say that I am sorry that it has been so long since I have updated the blog. Life has taken some unexpected turns lately and we are still adjusting. As you know we moved to take a ministry position in the low country of South Carolina a little of 18 months ago leaving behind a ministry we had served for fifteen years. We felt the Lord's leading and obeyed. After arriving there, our entire family struggled. We assumed that these struggles were normal and would soon dissipate. However, they did not and when they did not, we were uncertain about the the lack of peace that was in our hearts. We prayed... A very surprising, unexpected door opened, for our family to what we have come to call " a sabbatical". We have taken a step of faith and my husband who has been employed by a Southern Baptist Church for the past 20 years is "sort of" unemployed. He is currently writing his first book "Under His Wings." I have known deep in my heart that writing was in his future and that time has finally come. Shortly before I became sick, he was busy trying to enroll in a doctorate program but things quickly changed when we learned of my illness. Although, he is not finishing his dream of a doctorate another dream is being fulfilled. ~~Strangely~~, we are fully at peace with our current situation. The book will be about our journey thru heart transplantation. Really, he will just be telling God's story. We do not know our future plans but we fully trust the one who holds the future.

Please pray for my friend Mallory (you can find her on my side bar). She has been having a tough time lately. Our family has grown close to her over the past several years. Truly beautiful on the inside and out. We are praying that she will start feeling better real soon.

This story on Good Morning America this morning touched my heart in a special way. I think you will see why when you watch it. Watch it here... Taylor"s Gift. I broke down after watching it just thinking about my donor. Everyone always ask me if I know anything about my donor. I do not. Georgia is very private about any information released. I feel somewhat protective over them and only want to honor their wishes. I did write a letter to the family a year after my transplant to let them know a little about me and let them know how well I was doing. I think about them often and how difficult it must have been to make such a decision at such a emotional time. I feel so very blessed.

love & blessings,
Jeannie

Remember it its the"little things" in life that are actually the "big things" in life!!

I Know You By Name

2010-08-27T10:24:00.004-04:00

Memory Verse: 13

But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.” Isaiah 43:1-2 NAS

A few years ago, I had numerous pages written on a book I was writing concerning Jeannie’s Journey and her heart transplant, but the hard drive on my laptop crashed and all I had written was lost. Presently, I am working on rewriting the book. As I was reworking on it a few days ago, God allowed me to see something that I had totally missed up until that point.

As Jeannie began to get really sicker in September of 2006, we finally got to a point that we felt she needed to be admitted to Emory University Hospital (EUH) in Atlanta. Although we had been part fo the Emory system and team, we had never been to EUH before and because all of the doctors she had seen previously were at a convention, she was going to see a doctor which she had never met before. To top it all, it was a Sunday. Meeting a new doctor and going to a new hospital on the weekend is always a scary things, but when one is suffering with stage four heart failure, new doctors and surroundings evoke anxiety. Needless to say, Jeannie was extremely nervous and anxious about the trip to Emory.

Before we left, and even as we traveled the 250 mile trip, we prayed that God would prepare our way and give us some sort of reassurance that He was in charge of our journey to the unknown. Not that we felt we were going to the wrong place or that we wouldn’t receive the best possible care, but we had been praying so long for her healing and God’s will to be done, we simply wanted His blessing.

We arrived at the hospital and went through the Emergency Room as we were told by Dr. Wendy Book, our new doctor. As we walked in and told the attendant who we were, the lady behind the window looked down at some paper work and said, “Yes, you are Mrs. Fuller.” Immediately, a transporter was there to roll her in a wheel chair to the fourth floor Cardiac Care, better known as 4G.

While he was transporting us, Jeannie mentioned that she was sorry they had to work on Sunday. Very promptly, the transporter responded with a comment about being involved in a Bible study with a group of people at the hospital and having just returned from a mission trip. Jeannie was comforted to know that there were some of the staff meeting for Bible study at her “new hospital.”

When we got to the room, we were greeted by a nurse named Anita. She had a great big smile and a warm invited countenance and she said, “Mrs. Fuller! We have been expecting you!” Wow! She knew our name too and had been expecting us. As we made some conversation, Anita made a comment and stated something like, “Well, that is just a God thing!” Jeannie looked at me and our eyes met. Then Jeannie teared up and we explained the story of our fears and our prayers to Anita, our dynamic Christian nurse. She reassured us that we were going to see a wonderful doctor and that we were in the right place.

Within only minutes of arriving, God confirmed to us several ways that although we were at a great hospital like EUH with a great staff and great doctors and nurses, He would be the One in charge of Jeannie’s care. Accordingly, He knew our name just like the staff at Emory.

In these verses, God did not tell Israel that they would not go through difficult times. In fact, He let them know there would be those difficult times. But instead, He told them that when they walked through rough waters, and when they walked through the fires, that He knew who they were, He knew them by name, and that He would take care of them every step of the way. Brothers and sisters, if you are going through tough times today, take comfort in the fact that if you belong to Jesus, He knows you by name too and He will take care of all your cares, because He cares for you!

Chip

PS If you are going through a difficult time right now, please leave us a prayer request in the comment section, and we will pray for you.

Believe God

2010-07-30T13:45:00.009-04:00

Eleven years this week, my daddy closed his earthly eyes for the last time. He took his final breath on this earth and his faith became sight! If there was one word I could use to describe my dad it would be faith. He was a man with the gift of faith. He truly believed God. Whenever, there was any need in our family, big or small, he took it to God. I remember coming home from college one time and telling him that my car door was getting stuck all the time. A little while later, I look outside and he is kneeling down praying by my car. Everyone always wanted my daddy to pray for them. If he told you he would pray for you, he would. He kept a prayer journal for years and when prayers were answered he simply put a big check mark which symbolized " PRAYER ANSWERED". No words just a check mark. Anyone could spend the night with us girls on Saturday night as long as they agreed to be in church with us on Sunday.

He was a morning person. He was always loud in the morning, usually singing and if were slow getting out of bed, he would either pull us out by legs or turn up the music really loud. Every morning, he had the same routine. He made breakfast, usually cheese toast or cinnamon toast and drank coffee with his bride. He had the same routine everyday. Breakfast and the Bible sat side by side every morning. One time he confused the sugar with garlic, that made for some strange looking faces that morning. Sometimes, I would run to put something in the dryer and there I would catch him (interrupt him) in the laundry room, on one knee praying for the day. I guess that was the only place he could find to get away from all the girls in the house.

He was often feisty, loud and his temper would sometimes get away from him, but he always stood on the side of truth and he didn't mind telling you. My mother was often embarrassed and always told him to soften up a bit, but he never really did. But it was that part of his personality that made him willing to share his love for Jesus with any one who would listen and sometimes with those who didn't.

My dad, had cancer. We found out in January that year that he had mesothelioma, It was so hard to watch the toughest man we had ever known struggle with this horrible disease. It was so quick. It only took six months to watch his earthly body grow so fragile. He loved us all, but none more than my mom. Never once do I remember her leaving the house that I he didn't grin and tell her how beautiful she looked. His last thoughts were all about her,making each of his three girls promise to take care of her

The night before Daddy went home to be with Jesus. He was surrounded by my mom, his three girls and his three sons-in-law. It was such a beautiful but difficult time. We read his favorite Scriptures and sang hymns together in the hospital room. I whispered in his ear, some of the most difficult words I have ever spoken. I told him that it was okay to go. Everyone was waiting for him. The next morning my Dad went to his eternal home, the very place that he had told so many others about. His faith became sight.

I have been thinking alot about my Dad lately, missing his Godly counsel and sage advice. Uncertainty is lurking around every corner. I know if he were here exactly what he would say: Believe God! Just believe God. Every uncertainty is an opportunity for a great big check mark from God! PRAYER ANSWERED!

Scripture Memory Verse 12

Remember those who led you, who spoke the Word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7 NASB

Does God really love me? Scripture Memory Team- Verse 11

2010-07-01T22:34:00.003-04:00

I have heard this question several times over the past couple of weeks ranging from children to adults. Does God really love me? I know that this has been an age old question since the beginning of time. The question often comes to our hearts and minds during the midst of hardships and difficulties. How could this happen if you really loved me? Rarely, do we hear this question when everything is going our way.

I am sure all of us at one time or another may have asked that question especially during a time of difficulty or when we catch a glimpse of just how sinful we truly are. Several years ago, when I was so very sick and could barely eat, walk across a room, or do anything for myself, I remember my husband standing in our kitchen and saying to me specifically, "in case you ever wonder 'Does God love me?', just remember the cross. REMEMBER the CROSS. Remember the cross and you never need to ask that question again. Jesus settled that question by dying on the cross for our sins. John 3:16 states this: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Romans 5:8 states it this way: For God demonstrated His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. I think he just wanted to remind me in case I was wondering why all of this bad stuff was happening to me.

At that time, I really was not struggling with that question. I knew that He loved me! But those words have never left me and if any negative thoughts or feelings ever try to enter my heart and mind, I remember those very words. Remember the cross! Remember the cross!

We look at the cross and see "I love you" written in red" Ann Graham Lotz

Jesus willingly died for you and for me so that we would spend eternity in heaven with Him. We never need to wonder "Does He really love me?" He proved His love by dying on the cross in our place. His love was settled long, long ago.

Wow! I cannot tell you the emotions that are stirred in my heart when I think about my heart donor, that they (or their family) would chose to give me a second chance at life. It fuels my heart with passion to live this life to the fullest and to make a difference in this world. In the same way, when I think about my Jesus who willingly died in my place, to give me abundant life here on earth and everlasting life in the hereafter, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for such love and want to live my live to bring Him honor and glory. What about you?

Overwhelmed by such love,

Jeannie

Scripture Memory Team- Verse 11

1 Corinthians 13:4 -5
Love is patient , love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self seeking.

Questions for God

2010-06-18T17:33:00.004-04:00

Saddle Ridge Ranch- VBS 2010

This past week may just be my favorite week of the entire summer. Emily Catherine, my oldest daughter , and I worked with thirty three rising 5th graders. We laughed, sang, danced, played and learned about Jesus together. We have had GREAT FUN with a great group of kids. I came to VBS with plans to give of myself but as the week continued I quickly realized that I was receiving 10x more from them. Laughter, hugs, and a hunger for Jesus is what oozed from these kids, and that is exactly what I needed.

Our motto for the week was NEED ANSWERS -- ASK GOD. On the first day we asked our kids to write down a question they would like to ask God. Each day we would chose a question to talk about. I must admit that tears filled my eyes as I began to read their questions for God.

Here a few....

1. Why did you create me?

2. Why did you make mosquito's?

3. How can I use me life to the fullest to help others?

4. Do you really love me?

5. Is the ocean going to be okay?

6. How old are you?

7. What are my talents?

8. Will I go pro in soccer?

9. Why did you die on the cross for me?

10. How long is the world going to last?

11. What is heaven like?

12. Am I going to heaven when I die?

Amazing! You really wouldn't think that 10 year olds would think like that, or at least I didn't.

Mistaking Personal Happiness with God’s Approval - Memory Verse 10

2010-06-16T11:05:00.004-04:00

Honestly, how many of us do this? We feel good about our lives and make the mistake of believing that while we are happy and content with our lives and the things we do, that is the same as God’s approval. I think there are a lot of us who make that mistake.

Consider Jonah: A man who clearly heard and knew the will of God but directly disobeyed Him. God said, “Go to Ninevah!” but instead, Jonah went to Tarshish. Let me make it clear that this was no simple navigational error. It wasn’t like the boat he got on accidentally got a little off course and ended up in Ninevah. Tarshish was in the complete opposite direction. This was an act of blatant disobedience.

When we think of Jonah, there may be a tendency on our behalf to look at him with disgust. We think, “I can’t believe Jonah would do that! I mean, God made it clear to him and he just said, ‘NO!’ Before we go dogging Jonah, we need to take an inventory of our own lives. I wonder how many times we have blatantly disobeyed God commands when we are certain we know what He told us? Just a thought.

So Jonah disobeyed God and as the story goes Jonah pays his fare, gets on the ship, and heads away from the presence of God. As a result, a great storm to hits the ship, the mariners panic, find him to be the culprit and throw him overboard and subsequently, Jonah ends up in the belly of a big fish. After three days inside the fish, he “repents” and ends up being vomited out on the beach. Then and only then do we see Jonah obey the call of the Lord. However, he is miserable while he does it. The Scripture says, "God relented of the disaster concerning Ninevah" and Jonah gets ticked. God had done a marvelous work of salvation in the lives of over 120,000 people, and Jonah is ticked!

In this story, there a few observations that I want to make. One, Jonah disobeyed God and was completely comfortable with his disobedience. He even sleeps through a storm that has professional mariners in a mad panic. Second, Jonah seems completely comfortable being tossed overboard into the sea and even seems comfortable in the belly of a big fish for three days. Third, he is comfortable when God causes a tree to shade him from the heat. In fact, he only time Jonah is comfortable is when he is disobedient. To the contrary, Jonah is miserable when He is doing the will of God and becomes suicidal when he discovers that God saved more 120,000 people of Ninevah. The only time he was miserable was when he was doing the will of God.

Today, people assume that their happiness and comfort translate into being right with God. Folks can cheat, lie, steal, and live immoral lives and be happy and comfortable doing so. They equate this happiness and comfort with being at peace with God. Accordingly, many assume that God wants us to be happy above all things. But God is looking for obedience above all and He is far more interested in our holiness than He is our happiness. We can be comfortable in our sin (for a season) or miserable in our sin. We can be at peace with obedience or miserable in our obedience. I pray you will choose to forsake your sin and be at peace in your obedience today.

Memory Verse: 1 Samuel 15:22 So Samuel said, " Has the Lord as great dleight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice and to listen than the fat of rams." ESV

Miracles

2010-06-05T21:59:00.004-04:00

Two of my sweet little heart friends are celebrating their one year anniversary's of getting their new hearts this week. To say the least I have been a bit emotional the past couple of days. Yes, we live miles apart and I have only meet one of them in person for only a short time. Yet, they have touched my heart forever. As Chip and I were getting ready for bed last night I picked up the computer and began reading about the day Tommy got his heart. Here... Tommy's Heart and then today I read about the day Lindsay got her princess heart. Here.... LINDSAYS HEART . As Chip and prayed together last night I just had to stop and thank the Lord for all he has done for us.

I remember writing MIRACLE on an index card when I was waiting on a heart. I knew for me to make it I would need a MIRACLE . Just in case you are wondering if miracles still happen, would you mind just reading about the days that Lindsay and Tommy received their new hearts. I hope that in time they will be able to write a book about it. But until then you can read about it on their sites. I know they are busy today celebrating a few MIRACLES.

Written on a index card while waiting on my heart......

MIRACLE- A marvelous event manifesting a supernatural act of God

Enjoy my friends and know that miracles are all around you!

You may watch a video of Tommy here Please Watch and ENJOY

another video of Tommy with Brandon Inge HEROES

Thank you Jesus for allowing me to walk this journey with so many heroes of the Faith some of whom walk this earth and others are walking with you. May we live with eyes wide open to your many MIRACLES.

Psalm 77:13
Your ways O God are Holy
What God is so great as our God
You are the God who performs MIRACLES
You display your powers among the people

Happy Heart Anniversary's to Lindsay and Tommy!!!!

BTW Our heart friend Gracyn has a new book coming out in December called Gracyn's Song about her heart journey. I can hardly wait.

Sweet Jesus it is the prayer of my heart that I would bring honor and glory to you. Thank you once again for the gift of life and sweet moments with the ones I love.

Memory Verse 9- Do the Right Thing!!

2010-06-01T12:03:00.001-04:00

There seems to be an epidemic among Christians today. It is not a new epidemic, but it seems to be more severe now than a few years ago. The epidemic: Refusing to do the right thing. Notice I didn't say, Not knowing right from wrong. I believe there are those people who don't know right from wrong, but I don't believe that represents the typical Christian today. Even if the most nominal Christian never reads his/her Bible, they sit in church and hear the Word of God preached at least once a week. With the access to the great preachers on radio, many listen to the best preaching around. There is Christian music, Christian blogs, Christian books and many other means to familiarize ourselves with God'sWord today. But familiarizing ourselves with His Word is not enough. It is not enough to know the difference between right and wrong, we must act on what is right. In other words, let's do the right thing!

In my years of ministry, I have heard stories of how pastors have hurt people. Some people have even told me that something a pastor said or did or didn't do, hurt them so much that they have never been back to a church again. I am sure that there are pastors who hurt people and say things they shouldn't, but that knife cuts both ways. There are times when church members hurt pastors as well. Personally, there have been people in the churches where I have served who have hurt me by things they have said, done, and not done. But one of the behaviors that hurts me the most is when people know the right thing to do, but don't do it. That hurts me!

Consider Mary who spends time in your office for biblical counseling concerning her marriage. After weeks of counseling her and her husband, she makes an impromptu visit to your office one day to let you know that she is leaving her husband. She admits there is no real biblical reason to leave, but because she is tired of the marriage, she wants out. On the way out of the door to the divorce attourney's office, she informs you that she knows she is wrong and out of the will of God, but wants to be happy and God will understand. She left a good man. No, he's not a perfect man, but a good man. Three weeks later she is married to another man and has dropped out of church altogether. Ouch! That hurts!

Consider Steve, who is "in love" with his girlfriend. Steve has great parents who love him and love the Lord. They teach Sunday School and volunteer at the local Crisis Pregnancy Center, along with Steve. You have watched Steve grow up and have prayed for him regularly. He sits in your office explaining to you how his relationship has been physical and how he is tempted that it may go too far. His non-Christian girlfriend doesn't have his same values and they really do not need to be together. You advise him to break-off the relationship because it is unwholesome and unpleasing to the Lord. He weeps, agrees with you and leaves to have the conversation with his girl. As weeks go by, you don't see Steve. He won't return your emails or phone calls. As weeks turn into months, Steve finally shows back up to see you one day. As you ask him where he has been the past few months, Steve breaks down into tears again and catches you up with the story. Steve decided not to breakoff the relationship. As a result, it gets more physical and finally, his girlfriend gets pregnant. Knowing that the situation would disappoint his parents and others, Steve and his girlfriend decided to compound their mistake by terminating the pregancy. Your heart sinks! You want to be redemptive, but you are wounded by someone who knew the right thing, but chose to ignore it.

Those stories are the extreme, but we are faced with decisions each day. We must choose right from wrong based on what we already know. I am not talking about the delimmas in life where we long to hear from God for the correct answer. I am talking and the decisions that are as simple as telling the truth or lying about something, or cheating or being honest. The instances are many. But instead of pursuing our own desires and wants, we need to remember to choose what is right based on what we know the Bible teaches.

I have always contended that if most Christians learned no new principles, but simply mastered and applied what we already know to our lives daily, we would be far more effective and productive people. I hope you will seek to apply what you know and do the right thing!

Memory Verse: Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:17 NASB

In His grip,

Chip

A sparkly New Heart for Gabriella

2010-05-19T22:15:00.003-04:00

Please keep Gabriella in your prayers. She go her new sparkly heart this week. Wow, it's another beautiful MIRACLE!! Go here to let them know you are praying Gabriella's Heart.

Scripture Memory Verse 8

2010-05-17T10:47:00.000-04:00

Scripture Memory Verse 8 - Seeking His Shelter

Several years ago, I was busy wrapping some Father's Day gifts for my husband when my youngest daughter wanted to help. I was busy trying to get the gifts wrapped beautifully and didn't really wanted to be bothered. Finally, she looked up with these sweet little eyes and asked if she can simply have the empty roll that gift wrap had been on. I had no idea why she wanted the empty roll and that seemed like a very simple request. So of course, I said yes! Anything to keep her busy and out of my way.

She took the empty roll and excitedly ran to her room. After about 20 minutes, she returned and said, "Look mom, I made Daddy a present." I noticed that she had drawn all over the paper roll. Then she proudly proclaimed, "It is a telescope!" I replied to her, "That is so beautiful! I know he will love it!" As I beheld her homemade telescope, I noticed these words she had written on the side of the telescope: He's got his eyes on you!! Suddenly, all of the other gifts paled in comparison of this beautiful homemade gift. What a beautiful reminder to her earthly father. Her heavenly father has his eyes of her earthly father. At that moment peace flooded by soul.

Today, I just needed to be reminded of those words. He's got His eyes on you! He knows what is going on in our lives. He sees our hurts, our struggles, our confusion, our need for him, our limitations. His name is El Roi, the God who sees. Yes, He sees!!

We received news this weekend that two teenagers who were former classmates of Emily in Georgia were tragically killed in a car wreck on Thursday night. This very morning as I type there are families and friends attending the funerals of this two beautiful young boys. I find comfort this morning that the He sees us and promises to be a shelter for us in times of trouble. Lord, we pray that these families and friends will find rest and comfort in the God who sees and that they will find rest in the shelter of the Most High.

Scripture Memory 8

Psalm 91:1 (NIV)
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Seeking His shelter (and never out of His sight),

Jeannie

Please pray that Christ would be exalted and lives would be touched for those who attend this funeral.

Friday's Friend- Beautiful Susana

2010-05-13T23:19:00.010-04:00

Please pray for beautiful Susana!!. She is the three year old daughter of Cody and Maria who are missionaries to the poor and orphans in Hatti. She was recently diagnosed with cancer (neuroblastoma). They are currently moving back to the states to be close to family as Susanna begins her treatment. This family loves the Lord with all their hearts. Their faith and love for the Lord is inspiring. Will you please join us in praying for Susanna. You may read about Susanna's journey at How can they Hear .

Mother's Day Weekend

2010-05-10T08:53:00.124-04:00

What a wonderful weekend!! Loved, loved, loved the ladies in Anderson, South Carolina. It was wonderful to reunite with some old friends. One of my best friends, Carrie Hovey works with the ladies ministry there. Carrrie and her husband David were on staff with us at Northside Baptist in Valdosta, Ga. This couple is just dear to our hearts. When David and Carrie left NBC they had two beautiful children. The Lord has since added two more darling little girls!! Amazing thing is Carrie was told that she would never have children and waited ten long years to get her first born. What joy I felt just looking at those little miracles!

I also met two young, beautiful blogger girls! I offered to take a picture for them and found out they were bloggers. We squealed with delight! Lesson Learned: All good blogger girls have their camera out! Next time I will remember to check my camera battery before I leave home. Check out Lauras Blog for some wonderful beauty tips and to read about our night. I am so thankful that the Lord let me spend some time with these ladies. And one of the biggest blessings of the weekend was that my mom was able to travel with me to attend this ladies event on Mother's Day Weekend.

We ended up traveling back to Columbia on Saturday night and staying at my mom's house. It was a treat to attend church with my mom the next morning. Shandon has so many wonderful memories for our family. It is the place where I attended church when I was going to USC and it is the place that Chip & I met. We both taught Sunday School in the youth department there. We have so many great memories of our time at Shandon. We both grew in the Lord so much there and have never been the same. Dick Lincoln, the pastor at Shandon, preached from Mathew 28:16-20 to encourage all parents to be true worshipers and to be diligent parents in teaching our children to be disciples of Christ.

Sunday afternoon was spent with my mom (Grams) and my mother-in-law (Nana). Two of the woman I admire most in the world. My mother-in-law has always treated me just like a daughter. I love them both so much! It was tough being away from all my kids on Mother's day but they had a sweet surprise for me when I got home.

Along with some beautiful homemade cards with coupons:

. for a foot rub

. for no fighting with brother

. free house cleaning

Thank you Jesus for allowing me to be a mom!!

OH, so thankful!

2010-05-07T10:45:00.006-04:00

Psalm 9: 1-2

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart,

I will tell of all your wonders,

I will sing praise to your name, O MOST HIGH

Getting ready this morning to share our journey of the heart with a group of women in Anderson, South Carolina . Overwhelmed with all the Lord has done for us. Tears have fallen this morning, as I take a look back and see how He carried us through the most difficult days of our lives.. My heart cannot help but to sing of your praises.

Psalm 9: 9-10

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you!

Sometimes, when you're in the middle of difficulties it is hard to see how the Lord is working. But when you look back it takes your breath away.

Like..........

The day we got the heart

Our church was together in prayer.

During the exact time of the surgery

Planned months before by the staff of our church

My husband was the staff member in charge of the event

Challenge for You! Scripture Memory Verse 7

2010-05-02T16:51:00.000-04:00

I want to issue you a challenge. I challenge you to observe what is going on around you in the Christian community e.g., songs on Christian radio, books that you read, verses that you quote, and even on the statuses of your Facebook friends. How many of these are God-centered and how many are man-centered. What I mostly find are (encouraging) verses and lyrics that subtly seem to send the message that God exists for our pleasure (when we actually pursue Him) rather than the message that says we were created to Obey Him and to do His will. Now that concept may seem like splitting hairs to many, but I think we have reversed what is right.

Several years ago there was a book written called Cat and Dog Theology. The basic premise was that a dog looks at life from this perspective: you spend time with me, you pet me, you feed me, you love me, you take care of me, you must be God! Cats look at things from this perspective: : you spend time with me, you pet me, you feed me, you love me, you take care of me, I must be God! You see, perspective is significant!

I propose to you that humans have both perspectives, but what I see surrounding me in today’s culture is more from the cat theology perspective. The songs we sing come from a perspective that says God loves us so much and spend much time on this perspective of God, rarely urging us to obey Him no matter the costs or what we owe Him for His love. Don’t get me wrong, we need to know that God loves us, but we must not forget that we are bought with a price and although salvation is a free gift, it costs us our lives! We need to move away from Cat Theology and be more like dogs!
1 Timothy 6:13-16 (NAS)

I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which He will bring about at the proper time—[He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of Kings and Lord of lords; who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.]

The words in purple and in brackets are the memory verse unless you are zealous to learn it all.

Chip Fuller

Summerville, SC

Chocolate Covered Kisses

2010-04-21T20:15:00.000-04:00

Chip wrote this when our kids were younger and I wanted to share it with you today. If you have preschoolers in the house, please take all of the chocolate covered kisses you can get!!
Chocolate Covered Kisses

One of the traditions I have tried to create with my children is the tradition of saying "I love you" before we walk out of the door or leave one another. It is a tradition that I began with my wife before we were married and now it is simply a natural occurance with my entire family. And believe it or not, it has even continued with my middle school daughter who is generally too embarrassed to be seen with me anywhere in public.

When my children were toddlers, the "I love you" was also accompanied by a kiss. So not only did I get to hear three of the most wonderful words known to humanity, but I also got a bonus-a big sloppy kiss!
I remember a time when my son was only about two years of age. I was leaving the house in a hurry to make it to an important event. I was dressed nicely with some newly pressed, light khaki pants. At the time, my son happened to be eating doughnuts covered with chocolate icing. And of course, most of the icing had not yet found its way into his mouth. And, as tradition would have it, my little boy ran up to me and said, "I love you daddy. Kiss and a hug! Kiss and a hug!" That would have been a great idea, except for the chocolate covered lips that were heading right towards my newly cleaned, light colored pants. And I was already running late for this engagement
It is funny how many thoughts went through my mind in those few seconds as he headed straight for me, with his precious little chocolate covered lips puckered up ready for action. I thought, "If he gets chocolate on me, and I have to change, then there is no way I will make it on time." So naturally, I was tempted to pull away from him and just simply say goodbye and slip out the door. But then the thought hit me, "Man, take the kiss! Take the kiss, regardless of the pants or the stain, because there will come a day when you'll beg for kisses and may not get them." So I let him kiss me. He planted a big one on me, right at the top of my knee. And there it was- chocolate covered proof and evidence of his love right on my pants! I smiled, told him thanks and that I loved him and headed for may car. As I left the house, I tried my best to wipe away the residual chocolate icing, but thought of how proud I was that my little boy loved me, and how I could prove to anyone who asked me about the stain on my pants. What a memory that is.

It has been several years since that happened and I remember it like it was just yesterday. I love my little boy more than ever and I still think about his chocolate covered kiss. Let me take this opportunity to encourage you to show and tell the people around you that you love them. I know you are busy, and perhaps you have already told them a hundred times before. But in the grand scheme of life, what is more important than reminding those around you how much you care for them? Don't let a day go by that you fail to let the words "I love you" come from your mouth. In the same way, don't ever walk away from one you love without offering a demonstration of your love. Who knows, you may even get a chocolate covered kiss.

Scripture Memory Verse 6

2010-04-15T00:36:00.001-04:00

One thing I have learned in my life is that as long as we have breath, there will be difficulties. Someone once said, "You are either getting ready for storm, in the middle of a storm or coming out of a storm. Accordingly, some storms are just small thunderstorms, some are hurricanes and some are tsunamis and we all handle the storms differently.

As my family and I walked through the storm of heart failure and transplantation, we were both comforted and terrified because of stories we heard about others who had walked the treacherous terrain before us. In our conversations with others, we found some to be seemingly insensitive, never sparing us with the details of their friend or relative who walked our path only to have the most incredibly negative and awful things happen to them. Needless to say, we avoided (and still avoid) those type people. You know, a cancer patient wants to hear the success stories, not the horror stories of everything that went wrong and didn't work out.

On the other hand, we longed to find those who were sensitive to our struggles, who had persevered through rugged and perilous circumstances and made it safely through the storm. We gleened strength and courage from those who not only knew struggles we had, but also knew where the oasis was; those who would encourage and undergird us with the comfort of knowing there is hope in the deepest and darkest moments in life.

Paul tells us truth similar to this in 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 (NLT) All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.

Praise God for his mercy and comfort. May the Lord use you today to comfort someone with the comfort that He has given you.

Humble by His mercy,

Chip & Jeannie

PS Please pray for Princess Lindsay, she is back in the hospital. See her link on my sidebar.

A Wonderful Experience!

2010-04-11T23:01:00.064-04:00

As you know the Lord has placed a very special place in our hearts for other families who have gone or who are currently walking through difficult circumstances. We were able to meet face to face two families (The Deans and The Butchers) that we have followed for a while on their blogs. It was a very sweet moment for our families and one that I will always treasure. I am so thankful that the Lord blessed me with being able to meet both of these families whose daughters have touched this world in endless ways.

Princess Lindsay Dean

The Dean’s are parents to Lindsay Dean who received a new heart at the tender age of 5 months. She is a true miracle and is absolutely beautiful. What a joy to hold this sweet one in my arms. I have prayed many times for this baby, never dreaming that one day I would get to meet her. Lindsay is friends with our other heart friend, “Tommy”. They were transplanted at the same hospital. Lindsay is a “Princess” in every sense of the word. So full of life! We became instant friends.

The other family that we were honored to meet was the Butcher family. The Butcher family was blessed with a beautiful daughter, Annabelle Lynn. She was born with HLHS (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome) on January 28, 2008 and went to be with Jesus on March 27,2008. I began reading about this family before we moved from Georgia. Annabelle was born at MUSC, which is very close to where we now live. Her parents started a beautiful ministry called Annabelle’s Baskets. Please read about this ministry and consider making a donation. Annabelle Lynn

I could easily relate to both of these families. The Dean’s via transplant and The Butcher’s through loss of an infant.

Many years ago, my parents were sent to MUSC with my brother, Stephen Leslie Welch, who was born with severe congenital heart defects. The doctors at MUSC told my parents that there was nothing they could do. My parents were sent home to provide comfort measures. My brother went home to be with Jesus at three months of age, but the Lord used him to impact our lives forever. It was a very difficult time for my parents.

During that time my dad began to have many questions about life and death. Ultimately, God used this to bring my dad into a relationship with Jesus Christ. My dad's life and the direction of our family was changed forever. He began a passionate pursuit to know God, studying the Scriptures and sharing his faith with anyone who would listen. I would be born just two years after my brother. Without his death, and my dad's subsequent profession of faith, I wonder where I would be today.

Note to my Mom: I cannot imagine the thoughts that ran through your mind as you walked that
"heart journey" with first Stephen and then me. Your trust in God's healing power was such strength for me. I am forever grateful to you and Dad for teaching me at such a young age to trust the Lord with every aspect of my life. I was watching you from a distance. I love you!

PS: In case your wondering, the doctors ruled out any congenital defects in my native heart

Joy filled EASTER with Family

2010-04-07T01:03:00.003-04:00

Scripture Memory Verse 5

2010-04-02T00:21:00.014-04:00

This Sunday, Christians around the world will celebrate the greatest event in the history of mankind. We call it Easter and it is a day when we Christians remember and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Personally, it is my favorite day of the year!

I love Easter because it is a powerful time of year as we comemorate the literal death, burial and literal resurrection of Christ. Throughout the ages, liberals have tried to dimenish the power of this event. They will proclaim that Jesus went into the tomb and the ideology of the church came out. Or they will say that Jesus went into the tomb and His spirit came out. But the truth of Scripture and the facts of history tell us differently. His body went into the tomb and a SAVIOR came out! You see, the truth is that Jesus's body, His dead, lifeless physical body went into the tomb and His literal physical body came out alive.  Liberalism has been the death nail of everything it has touched. It has been the death of politics, the death of education, and it has certainly been the death of theology. And as long as liberals can take the literal bodily resurrection of Christ out of Christianity, they take the power out of our faith. May it never be!

That is why I love Easter because it demonstrates that God is omnipotent (all powerful) and not even the thing that many people fear the most, death, can thwart the power of Almighty God. Accordingly, if God is powerful enough to raise His Son from the dead, then those who place their faith in Him will be raised from the dead as well. This is the promise that we followers of Christ have. I am so glad that I serve an Omnipotent God!   And I am oh so thankful for the EMPTY TOMB!

Memory Verse
John 6:40: And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.  NKJV

Chip Fuller
Summerville, SC

Laughter is good Medicine

2010-03-23T21:40:00.011-04:00

Its been a weird kinda of day today. May have something to do with what happened at 11:15 today. Reminds me of how I used to feel on those long summer days in my childhood. When minutes seem to feel like hours and hours felt like days. Its been a lonnng day!
Usually, they go by to fast but not today.

Everyone was on the mend until the stomach bug hit Caroline last night. Chip and I were both up with her from about four am on. I have been pretty much quarantined to the house with sick kids for much of the past two weeks except for the break this weekend when everyone was well and the occassional run to Target . Those trips were pretty much out of necessity, mental necessity. I mean who can go an enire week without going to Target. I have probably only done that during one season in my life and that was when I was waiting on the "perfect" heart. They even changed seasons on me. It really was a glorious moment for me and my man when I was released from the hospital. He was pushing me in a wheel chair and I felt like a kid in a candy store. Everything was bright and beautiful and he was loading the buggy with anything the two of us found delight in. We got every funny movie ever made (loved my Big Fat Greek Wedding) and bought us a couple of Rascal Flatt CD's and lots of candy. Between the candy and the high dose steriods I was feeling pretty good. The Bible is true when it says laughter is good medicine. After all that we had been through we just wanted to have some fun!! Several days later he pulled up to a car dealership and bought us a brand new car with a sun roof. We left with it that very day. The salesman thought he was joking when he told him that I was sitting out in the car and just had a heart transplant. I promise if my man was not a minister he would be a used car salesman or cell phone rep (We always have the coolest set of rims and the latest techno gadgets) One of our vehicles was to BIG and I didnt have the strength to climb into it and the other was two small and low to the ground that he got tired of having to set me in it. So he just went and bought a brand new one that was just right. Easy for me to slide into and out of. We were like to honeymooner's riding around and singing to the top of our lungs. Enjoying life was a top priority. It was really a sweet time for us, as I learned to do the everyday things of life all over again. I remember waking up the first morning and seeing the sun shining and just crying like a baby. It had been so long since I had seen the sun rise. It was beautiful!!

I remember going to TCBY to get some ice cream and some girls laughing at me. I am sure that they thought I had anorexia. We had to stay a very short distance from the hospital for the first 5 weeks following the transplant. That meant we continued to be away from our kids. (so hard) We lived in the Mason House, sort of like the Ronald McDonald House. It is a house filled with people who had just had a transplant or of families with a loved one who was in the hospital waiting for a transplant. If only those walls could talk. At one time you might find a girl with new lungs, a fellow with a new kidney, a lady with a new heart and a baby (Princess Avery) with a new liver all having dinner at the same room, each with their on story of how God carried them through the hardest time of their lives. We were a motly looking crew, weak and pale often with a mask, iv or a feeding tube, but filled with joy and thankfulness. Faith, Hope and dreams abound there.

Lesson Learned: Don't take yourself so seriously. The older I get the more I love to laugh. Sometimes, we just need to throw our heads back and laugh, after all the Bible says a merry heart is good medicine. I always feel better after a good laugh.

Longing for the carefree days of summer and a good times with the family. This is me with my girls (the blondes) and my beautiful neice Catherine!

PS Please pray for my friend Mallory, she is having a liver biopsy tomorrow and for my heart friend Tommy who was readmitted to the hospital with a fever. Please pray! Their links are on my sidebar

Scripture Memory Verse 4

2010-03-15T16:35:00.003-04:00

Dear Friends,

The past couple of weeks have been full at the Fuller House. We have visited several Doctors over the past several weeks with our 12 year old son John.  Serveral weeks ago, I took him in when he was not feeling well and as the pediatrician was checking him said he heard a heart murmur. I cannot tell you the thoughts that went through my mind as his stethescope lingered longer on John's chest than it should have as he listened to my boy's heart.  After what seemed to be minutes rather than seconds, the doctor looked at me and said, "I hear a murmur. Have you ever been told this before?"

I replied, "No, but I do have a cardiac history myself. I had a heart transplant." With that in my cardiac history, they felt it would be best if we went to see a pedicatric cardiololgist at MUSC to make sure there was no hidden cardiac condition.  Several weeks later, we took him to MUSC where he had an echocardiogram, an ekg, and was checked by the specialist.  We recieved the wonderful news that his heart was perfect! That was great to know with all the athletics that he is involved in and all the tragic deaths that occur when atheletes have undiscovered cardiac conditions. Praise the Lord for that news!

The following Sunday, he was playing in the church gym after Awanas and was accidently hit in the head with a basketball.  He continued to complain of a headache the next day and he ended up gettting a CT scan at the local ER. Again, we recieved good news, no concussion and for that we were very thankful. We just had to keep him away from sports and watch him over the next few days.

Today, as I type, my sweet boy is upstairs in bed not feeling well. I have been consumed with my Mommy duties. He woke up with a fever and stomach ache; he had muscle aches on Saturday morning and still just does not feel well. We are hoping that it is not the flu and that he will seen be up again running around and picking on his sister very soon. I know it may sound a bit crazy to you all but I just love taking care of my little ones (actually, they are not so little any more, he is now taller than me- SCARY).

Saturday, night he slept with me. He was not feeling well at all. He reached through the covers and just wanted to hold my hand. He just needed to know that I was close by and just needed me there with him, right there next to him. When this happened, I just teared up a bit and whispered a prayer thanking God for allowing me to be there in that moment for him.

The Bible reminds us over and over that we are not alone. Sometimes, we just need to reach out for HIM.  Isaiah 42:6 says "I will also hold you by the hand and watch over you". Isaiah 41:10 says, "Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with my righeous right hand."   His name is Immanuel, which means "God with us." Whatever we are facing today, a sick child, a difficult boss, a messy house, low finances, a strained relationship, impending lab results, a difficult decision, we are not alone, God is with us! For that, I am forever grateful!

Romans 8:38 (NAS)
For I am convienced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height , nor depth nor any other created thing shall be able to seperate us form the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Jeannie Fuller
Summerville, South Carolina

Enjoy your everyday life and remember you are not alone!

Scripture Memory Verse 3

2010-03-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

I have been reading the Scriptures my entire life, but honestly it hasn't been until the past several years that I have truly followed a Scripture memory plan. Usually, I would start out very motivated and them somehow life would get busy and eventually I would drop the ball. That's why I reallly love having all of you along so that we can cheer each other along in this journey. I hope that all of you are working hard at learning your verses. I really love following a plan and keeping the verses all together for the entire year. As I look back over several years, it seems that the verses begin to follow a theme for the year. I can look back over the past several years and I see some of the themes of my life for that season. Its as if the Lord was speaking loudly and directly into these areas of my life. Here are a few of the themes my Scripture memory verses have taken during the past several years --Trust, Faith, Miracles, Endurance. I can look back at these themes and see how God carried me through each one of them. I am not completely sure what word or theme will come to my mind when 2010 is over but somehow I believe "Gladness" will be part of this season of my life. Last year was ENDURANCE, so I do welcome some GLADNESS into my life from the Lord.

Some years ago, I was reading 2 Timothy 2:20 and these verses practically jumped off the page at me. " In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some for noble purposes and some for ignoble purposes. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." At that time God was doing some heavy duty cleaning in me and I knew that I must fully participate in order to be a vessel fit for His use. Oh, how I want to be a instrument made holy by God, useful and prepared to do ANY good work. I have recently been asking Him to help me look deep inside of my heart, into the nooks and crannies of my life. You know, the places where dust bunnies hide. Or perhaps where I hide them. I know there will be some deep cleaning in this heart of mine and at times it may be a bit painful. But I do believe that in the end if I allow the Father to do some "spring cleaning" in this heart of mine, He may just overflow it with the oil of GLADNESS. I sure look forward to that!

Jeannie Fuller
Summerville, SC
Ephesians 4:29-32 (NIV)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom your were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

PS If you sense that you already see a theme for this years memory verses include it with your post today!

Love to all,
Jeannie

Great NEWS!!!

2010-02-25T08:56:00.000-05:00

Hey Friends,

We all got back from Emory on Saturday morning. We drove up on Thursday for the longest trip from S'ville to Atlanta. We left at 2 p.m. and arrived around 9:30 p.m. it is supposed to be about a 4 1/2 hour trip but the traffic was awful. Our appt started at about 9:30 on Friday and they were busy, busy busy so we finally got out of there about 3:30 p.m.

The heart cath showed several things. First, it showed perfectly clear coronary arteries, which is wonderful. It also showed that the pressures in the heart were great. It showed an ejection fraction of nearly 80%, which is phenomenal. Incidentally, in her dying days, she had an EF of less that 5%. Her labs were great! We walked away from the hospital knowing those details. The only results that we didn't have were from the biopsy. Because this was an annual, and we had the appt on Friday, we had to wait to get the results from the biopsy today. Jeannie called me in tears to let me know that she got the call from the transplant coordinator who told her that her biopsy was a zero! I know I shouldn't have drawn it out like that, but she cries everytime she gets a zero. It brings tears to my eyes now to think about it.

Thank you sooooo much for praying for/with us. We are thankful that God would give us such a good report. We will celebrate in some way the good news. You celebrate with us by telling your spouse, your children, your parents, someone that you love them. Give them a great big hug! Thank God for putting them in your life.

Blessings to you all!

Keep Shining!

Chip

Scripture Memory Verse 2

2010-02-15T00:00:00.003-05:00

Ok, it has been two weeks and the question is: Have you committed your verse to memory yet? If you are like me, it has been a challenge to get my feeble mind to get it all. I was tempted last week to use a verse I already knew so I could say I got it down. In fact, I went through many verses in the Bible that I already memorized and love the verses. That was why I had committed them to memory, because they were powerful verses that really spoke to me. Here is a thought concerning that notion that I believe will help accomplish at least two purposes at once.

First, pick verses that have some real application to your life. It may be helpful to pick verses that have special meaning for what you are going through today. Memorizing God's Word during particular circumstances can give special meaning and help in the memorization process. Another approach it to look up verses that speak to situations that you may go through sometime in the future. That way your heart and mind will be prepared for that particular situation. Here is the caviat to the Scripture memory process, thus the second benefit of Scripture memory. In order to find these verses to memorize that have particular meaning to our lives (whether now or for some time in the future), one must spend time in God's Word. You have to read Scripture to find a Scripture. All the while, you are becoming more familiar with the Bible and see the marvelous tapestry of God's love woven through His wonderful, inpsired, innerant, infallible Word. This accomplishes the two purposes at once, memorizing Scripture and reading through more Scripture to find the verses to memorize.

With all that said, let me give you my verse for the next two weeks.

Hebrews 13:20-21: Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus Christ our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 13 :20-21 (NAS)
Chip Fuller
Summerville, SC

These verses are loaded! Here are some points to break this verse up and help you remember it better.

He is a God of Peace - God who offers peace through the offering of His Son for my sins.
He is a God of Power - who brought up from the dead. It was God's power that raised Jesus from the dead.
He is a God of Protection - the Great Shepherd. He could have been any kind of leader He wanted to be, but He chose to liken His leadership to that of a Shepherd, one who cares for and protects His flock.
He is a God of Promise - through the blood of the eternal covenant. The blood Jesus shed for us is His promise of a covenant that is not temporary, but eternal.
He is a God of Provision - equip you in every good thing to do His will. When God calls us to a task, He equips of to get that task done; He provides!
He is a God of Praise - to Whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Now that is a little preachy, but is an example of how to break verses down to help you remember them. There have been countless times in my life that I needed to know I had a shepherd, the Great Shepherd, watching over me. But He is more than that, He is a God of peace, power, and protection who keeps His promises and provides for my every need. Because of this He is worthy of all my praise.

Keep shining,

Chip

Please pray for Lilliana

2010-02-12T12:25:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,

Please pray for baby girl, Lilliana. She is having a really tough time and needs some prayers! Her sie is http://www.bourdykinfamily.blogspot.com/. Please pray and leave her parents a note of encouragement. Thanks so much!

Blessings,
Jeannie

Our 3rd Heart Anniversary and counting...

2010-02-09T23:35:00.005-05:00

I wanted to share with you a little from our day on the 3rd Anniversary that I recieved "the gift of life", my new heart and a second chance at life. We wanted to do something special for the people who made an impact on our family during those few years and this is how it went.

In honor of the friends I made throughout my Journey, my family and I released heart-shaped balloons.

Sara Graves 19, recieved her new heart but passed shortly after, due to complications
Mr Dewayne Lanier- passed away while on the tandom heart (also waiting on a heart transplant)
Mr Barber- passed away while on the ventricular assist device while waiting to receive a heart
Mr Tyler Carter 16, donor whose family went to great extremes to see if I could possibly be a match for their son's heart
And of course, my precious donor & his/her family!
Oh these names are so hard to even type. Pray that the Lord will continue to comfort each one of these families because I know it is difficlut. Each of them have left an indelible mark upon our hearts. Every time that the Lord allows me to give our testimony, I do so in honor of my dear friends. Tyler's heart was sussessful transplant into a lady from up North. I was able to meet Tyler's mom the very first time I gave my testimony at Morningside Baptist church in Valdosta, Ga. Needless to say, all she had to say was 'Hi, I am Tyler's mom". There were many tears shed that day as we embraced, no words were needed to express what was going on in our hearts. Tyler was the oldest brother of 3 absolutely beautiful sisters. He was a new driver and one night as he was going home they think that his tire went off the side of the road and when he tried to get back on the road, he lost control. I have spoken of this many times giving my testimony but this is the first time I have been able to actually put the words on paper. Its just so hard.

Its great having a teenager in the house. She helped her daddy make the day extra special. I think she may be a party planner when she grows up. She decorated the house and made some cute cup cakes. I found these beautiful flowers from my hubby on the front porch when I opened the door that evening. What a wonderful surprise. I hope you can see the beautiful Lilly. The Lilly instanly brought back a memory from a few years back. I was really struggling one night at church with every thing that we were going through and asked my dear friend Lorna Bius to pray with me. When we finished praying she looked up at me and said "Jeannie, He is the Lily of the Valley." Yes, my friends He is the Lilly of the Valley. When life looks ugly there is a beautiful savior there to carry us through.

Wow! Three years of trying to squeeze every opportunity out of every day! I am so thankful to our gracious God, my donor family and the wonderful transplant team at Emory for giving me these three years. Hug someone you love today, life is precious and fragile. May we all live our "ordinary everyday lives" with purpose and passion, giving God all the glory for each breath we take until He takes us home.

Baby Girl Lilliana needs our PRAYERS!

2010-02-05T20:58:00.000-05:00

PLEASE Pray for this sweet,baby girl. She just underwent heart surgery and is having complications. Please pray for her and her mommy and daddy! Her site is http://www.bourdykinfamily.blogspot.com/ . I know they would appreciate your prayers.

Divine Intervention

2010-02-03T21:27:00.000-05:00

Here is a look back:

I believe divine intervention is a reality. And while I cannot explain how or why it occurs, I can testify to the fact that God intervenes in our lives daily, and probably more times than not, we miss His handiwork. It happened for us and actually manifested itself after that phrase was mentioned by one of Jeannie's transplant coordinators.

On Friday, January 26, 2007, Jeannie was winding down an awful week. She was her sickest and many of her systems were shutting down. Her kidneys were failing, her liver was failing and congested with so much fluid that it was twice as large as it should have been. Her spleen was enlarged and irritated, she had no appetite, and had not eaten in weeks. In fact, she was so undernourished that even the protein in her blood actually began to break down from the lack of nourishment. She was clinging to life by threads. Things got so bad that they began to speak with us about a Ventricular Assist Device VAD (artificial heart to take over the heart function) on that Wednesday and had scheduled the surgery for the following Tuesday. She was very sick.

As I was sitting outside of her room that Friday trying to process my thoughts, the VAD coordinator came by to give me some more information about the device. It was not good news. At this point, I was scared because of the seriousness of the VAD surgery and the fact that it would take her off the transplant waiting list for at least 6 weeks. After talking with her a few minutes, she left and another coordinator came by to see if I was ok with the news. In that conversation, I said, “My prayer is that we can get her stablized, get some fluid off of her, increase the inotropic drips and get more squeeze from her heart. Then we could put off the VAD surgery and I then we get a heart!!” The coordinator, who is a Christian lady looked at me then looked above me, and carefully chose her words and said, “Let me just say that if that were to happen, that would be divine intervention.” I shook my head and thought, “Did you hear what she just said, God?” I walked downstairs and fussed with God. I was angry and confused. I had not truly felt His calming presence or heard His voice in months. I just asked Him to give me something to hold on to and begged (as I had for months) to sustain Jeannie and make her well.

That was at about 2:30 p.m. By 4:00 p.m., just a few hour later, I got a call from my sister to come back to her room. I was down the hall and made it back in a matter of minutes to see the nurses were looking at Jeannie telling her, “Jeannie, don't you do this, don’t you leave us!” Her blood pressure was so low, the machine would not read it, they had to do it manually and several nurses could not get it. They did not tell us the reading, but as they entered the number in the computer, I saw the number. Her systolic blood pressure (the top number) was either 62 or 52. It was bad. In fact, it was grave!

By 6:00 p.m., doctor Book was making rounds again. Jeannie was gagging from the nausea but could vomit because she hadn't eaten in weeks. I was beside myself. I approached the doctor in the hall and asked about the VAD and why we couldn't do the surgery today. The doctor looked at me and said, “She has a fever. We cannot do the surgery with a fever.” However, we have several other options such as an external device called a tandem heart, but we will have to intubate her because you have to lie flat with this device. I’ll have the doctor come by and talk with you about it. A few minutes later, that doctor came by. Jeannie was so sick she could not even look up or barely open her eyes. She gagged with nausea as he tried to share with us the procedure and the device. We listened as best we could.

Earlier, I had called the family to tell them what was going on. They decided to make their way up to Atlanta that night. Shortly afterwards, my mother arrived and we stayed in Jeannie’s room trying to make her more comfortable. They had been taking blood pressures every 30 minutes but around 7:00, I noticed the machine actually gave a read out. Her pressure was up to the low 70's. Another 30 minutes later, it was in the 80's. Then it went to the 90's and finally, around 8:30 p.m., the machine read her systolic pressure and it read 115. WOW! About this time, she got a little hungry. We had not heard that in a while. She asked me to go get her some popsicles from the grocery store. She ate about 3 of those when I returned and we continued to make her comfortable, something she had not done in weeks.

About 10:30 p.m., my mom and I left Jeannie’s room for the lobby and spent the night out there. At about 7:30, we awoke and my mom went in to see her. About 5 minutes later, she came back to the lobby and I asked how she was. Mom said, “She is feeling much better. And she put out 2 liters of fluid last night.” WOW! She hadn’t done that in weeks. Her kidneys were failing and even with the high doses of diuretics, she had not put out much fluid at all. That Saturday, the aim for the staff was to keep her comfortable and not ask much out of her. Family visited off and on, and the kids got to spend some time with their mom for the first time in weeks. It was a pretty good weekend for Jeannie.

As Monday morning rolls around, doctor Laskar came in and said, "You gave us a huge scare this weekend. But, right now, things have turned around a little and we are putting the VAD surgery on hold and will not do that tomorrow. But we are on emergency standby if we need to do it."

Wow! God had answered my prayer and had Divinely intervened in Jeannie’s life in a manner that I had prayed for. He had stabilized her, got some fluid off, and her cardiac input had improved, they put off the VAD surgery, and now all that was needed was a heart. That Friday, February 2, just four days later, we got the call that we had been wanting to hear for months, “We have a donor heart for you!”

Have you ever thanked God for a fever? A fever, for which they never could find a cause, kept Jeannie from VAD surgery which would have kept her from the perfect donor heart four days later. God showed up and showed off. Several times I have mentioned to the transplant coordinator about her Divine Intervention line. She agrees that it took the hand of God because, medically speaking, they had done all they could do. He did the rest

2010-02-02T23:18:00.000-05:00

Here is a glimpse of where we were just three years ago. God has brought us so far through His mercy and grace!

Posted Feb 1, 2007 10:45am

I know there will be days ahead when we look back on these days and wonder how we made it through. There is no doubt, no doubt, that God is carrying us through each moment of each day. Last night as I laid my head down on the pillow of my comfy couch, I thought of the footprints poem or illustration. I could not remember the last time there has been two sets of footprints. I honestly could not remember. God has carried us through this for so long. And the picture I got was one that assured me that He never tires. He reminded me that He could and would carry us every day of our lives if we will completely lean on Him.

Jeannie continues lean on Him each moment of each day as we wait. We are optimistic because today we are one day closer to getting that gift that we so desire. Pray for strength for her and for God to sustain her until the gift arrives.

These words are used frequently and carelessly tossed around by some, but know that we love you with the love of the Lord and are grateful for your prayers and encouragement through this all.

Bless you all!

This time of year is always an emotional time for our family. While we celebrate life deep in the recesses of our minds we know that there is a family grieving the loss of a loved one. Tomorrow we plan on releasing some balloons in honer of my donor and my friends who never made it to the other side of transpant.

Welcome 2010 Scripture Memory Team

2010-02-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the 2010 Scripture Memory Team! I have wanted to type those words for a long time now. I am so excited that the time has finally come. Oh, how wonderful it is going to be to fill our hearts and minds with the truth of God’s Word. The enemy has so many ways to distract God’s people and so often we listen to and believe his lies. I cannot help but believe that it pleases the Father when we discipline ourselves to seek after Him and fill our hearts and minds with His truth. Romans 12:2 admonishes us to “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” There is no better means to transform our minds than with the Word of God.

I can honestly say that I have experienced some of the most difficult times in my life a few years ago battling heart failure and waiting for a transplant. There were days that I literally slept with God’s Word by my side. There were even times during my illness that my mind could not absorb or retain anything new, even the Word of God that I loved so much. But that was when God used what I had already committed to memory to help me cling to the promises of living Word of God. I am so thankful that I had disciplined myself to learn the Word so the Holy Spirit could prompt my mind to recall His precious Word during that treacherous time in my life. This is why I felt led to embark on this journey with you. I want this to be fun, but mostly, I want this to change your life, my life, our lives!!

Once again, here is how it works:

On the 1st and 15th day of each month look for a Scripture Memory Team Post on my blog. I will let you know what verse I will be memorizing and you are welcome to memorize that one or you may choose one of your own. Please write out your verse along with the translation and also include your name and where you are from, in the comment section below the post. This is to encourage one another and often you will see a verse that someone else has chosen and you will also choose to memorize it as well. I am also posting a tutorial that Beth Moore did for our group last year about scripture memory and it wonderful!! I hope you enjoy it!

http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2009/01/scripture-memory-mini-tutorial_08.html

Praying for you in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus our Savior,

Verse 1:

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 (NASB)

Jeannie

Summerville, South Carolina

YOU are INVITED.....2010 Scripture Memory Team

2010-01-23T22:02:00.000-05:00

Isn't is amazing how the Lord speaks to us through His Word, espicially in our times of need? Last year, I had the opportunity to join Beth Moore and the Siestas (sisters) on her blog and participate in Scripture memorization together for the entire year. It was such a wonderful experince and I was looking forward to doing it with her again this year. However, she has decided to wait until 2011 to resume the Scripture memory team on her blog. I was really disappointed at first, but quickly realized that maybe the Lord was using this to encourage me to invite others to join me this year for some Scripture memory.
So, here I am, here we are, at the threshold of a new experience memorizing God's Word.  I am inviting anyone who is interested to join me for the 2010 Scripture Memory Team. I will be using the same format that we used last year with Beth Moore. The Scripture memorizing would take place on the 1st and 15th day of each month, starting in February 2010.

In order to keep up with your verses, you will need something to keep your verses in. I found that sprial bound index cards work best. (You may purchase these at you local pharmacy , Walmart, Kmart etc.. You will want to put the year 2010 in the front along with your name and a way to contact you. (Just in case you happen to misplace yours) Please leave a comment  letting everyone know which scripture you have chosen to memorize . That way we will encourage each other and someone may want to use the verse that you chose to memorize also.  Please include your name and the translation you are using.

You never know when you may not have access to a Bible or even be too sick to read the Word (which happened to me). While I was sick, I realized just how important it was to have God's Word in my heart.  Oh, how God uses His word to speak life and truth into our hearts.!! I know that he is thrilled aboud our learning His word together:............I look forward to seeing where this goes and hearing back from you. I pray that we will not lose heart and that we will all finish to the end.. I am so excited about walking this journey with you and cannot wait to see how the Lord is going to speak to our hearts through his word.

Blessings,

Jeannie
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, fo both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Life can be a little embarrassing sometimes!!

2010-01-18T10:22:00.000-05:00

You will never guess where I spent this morning?? In the Urgent Care with my hubby, He has not been feeling well for the past couple of days with a cold but when he agreed with me that hs should go to the Urgent Care this morning you know there is a serious problem. This morning I knew there was a problem when he tossed and turned all night and acted like it was a little difficult to get his breath and when he wouldn't anwer me when I asked if he was ok and then he asked me if I could find the prednisone that we had given John when he had the croup.... anyway we made it to the Urgent Care and got him a shot of some good old steriods and he seems to be feeling and breathing better now. I was real happy about how everything transpired this morning, that is until I walked into the bathroom and saw my RACOON EYES. YES! I mean, I looked terrible! BIG, Black RACOON EYES!!!!YUCK..... I am sooo embarressed. No wonder the doc looked at me kinda weird and smiled as he said "Have a good day and God bless" Breathing husband or racoon eyes??? Ummmm, I think I made the right choice.

2010-01-02T00:37:00.000-05:00

Caroline and her Daddy!!

The first Sunday at our new church, as the announcements scrolling, our youngest daughter Caroline, noticed that a baptism service was scheduled to occur the next week. As soon as we arrived home she announced to everyone that she was getting baptized and even told us the exact date it was to happen. To her delight, she as able to be baptized on that very date. This 10 year old little girl loves Jesus with all of her heart and she was so excited. She asked Jesus into her heart several years earlier.

The Lord was gracious to allow her mommy to lead her to Christ during her night, night prayers, September 17 , 2005. Its one of the dates forever etched in my heart. Earlier in the evening, anxiety filled my heart and mind as had recounted what I had experienced just one year prior. Honestly, I just did not want to relive another September 17 like that one. Just one year ealier I lay in an ER with my husband by my side and a heart rate of 250 and fighting for my life. One of the darkest nights of my entire life. I can remember looking over at my sweet husband and wondering if that was the last time I would see him. At that moment there was one thought that dominated my mind. It was not how dirty or clean my house was, not when or if I would be able to make it to the next Bible Study, the only thought that came to my mind that really mattered was, "Oh, Lord if you take me home tonight, have I taught my children enough about You for them to make it the rest of their lives." But as God would have it, He was not done with me yet. The next year would be a difficult one for us, learning that I had cardiomyapthy and would need medical treatment and some serous Divine intervention to make it. To say the least it was a stressful year.

As this anniversary night for this date approached, I became apprehensive and many memories, both positive and negative, flooded my mind. Minutes before I went to put Caroline to be that night, God seemed to whisper to my soul, "Jeannie, just get up and go outside. I want you to see something."

As I stepped outside to pray and see what the Lord wanted me to see, I looked into the brilliant September night. It was the most gorgeous, starry night I can ever remember. As I stared at his handiwork, He ever so gently reminded me that He was the Creater of all of this universe and that He was a BIG GOD. Nothing is to difficult for Him. He reminded me that He would take care of me. Peace flooded my soul and I stepped back into the house a very different girl. In the next few minutes, what God would do would change the significance of this date forever for me.

I walked into the house, I went to Caroline's room to get her to bed. She is a deeply spiritual child, very sensitive to the things of God. She was the one who, for years, even from the age of two, would place her little hands on my chest and pray for her mommy's sore spot. As went into her her bedroom for prayer, she began to ask questions about Jesus. God quickly transitioned these questions to answers as I was able to lead Caroline to faith in Christ on the anniversary of a night I dreaded for a year. Oh, how our God can change the worst of circumstance into something beautiful. Now, every September 17, I still have a few fearful thoughts of the medical ordeal in 2004, but they are quickly relaced by the joys of remembering my baby girl trusting Jesus as her Lord and Savior in 2005. Now, every year we remember what God has done for us both by going outside to look at the stars in the brilliant September sky.

Thank you Jesus for taking the most difficult moments of our lives and turning them into the most beautiul display for Your splendor.

Isaiah 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, The One who leads forthe their host by number, He calls them all by name, Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power not one of them is missing.

2009-08-24T09:05:00.000-04:00

Who’s Driving, Anyway?

I will never forget the summer that my parents loaded up our family in the big, brown Ford LTD and headed out west for our family vacation. We hit the interstate with the final destination of CALIFORNIA. The three girls (my sisters and I) shared the back seat with our beloved Aunt Aloma. Our parents thought it would be a good education for us to see the USA. One stop I will never forget is the GRAND CANYON.

When we arrived, and looked around a while, I remember one big debate: should we take the trolley or the horses (or maybe it was mules) up the canyon. We decided to take the trolley because it was cheaper than the mules. I remember settling into the trolley not knowing really what to expect, but I felt safe climbing in with the whole family. At first the ride seemed like a great idea. The view was absolutely breath taking; the sun was shining brightly off of the canyon; the colors were brilliantly shining. We could not help but be in awe of God’s masterpiece.

However, the view was soon interrupted as fear began to grip my heart and mind at the sudden awareness of just how close the trolley wheel was to the edge of the canyon each time we made a turn upward. I remember thinking to myself, "One wrong move by the driver and I was dead." The road was narrow with many sharp turns, but the driver was skilled and had been up that treacherous terrain countless times. In spite of my fears, he safely drove us to our destination.

Life is a like that trolley ride. Sometimes the road is smooth and other times it is very bumpy, and the edge of the canyon is so very close. Sometimes the road is straight and very beautiful, at other times it has sharp, dangerous and scary curves. But, the same is true for the trolley ride up the canyon as it is in life. You see, it is not the terrain nor the twists and turns that matter the most, rather Who it is in the driver’s seat and Who has the steering wheel. If we would just have complete trust in the driver, we are able to relax and enjoy the beauty that is all around us.

This is one of the life lessons I am learning as I walk the transplant journey: to trust my Sovereign Lord and where He is taking me. I am choosing to keep my eyes on Him not at the stats of transplants, complications, side effects of medications, rejection, . . . . . . etc. I have met people who hang on to those numbers and stats, but I constantly try to make the choice to trust the Author and Sustainer of life and keep Him in the driver’s seat at all times. Yes, it is a struggle to do so, but I choose to trust Him.

Hebrews 12:2 "Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Jesus, I’m riding with You! Wanna ride with me?? Destination Heaven

Oh, So Thankful

2009-08-21T22:54:00.000-04:00

Things I am thankful for this week:

1. Waking up beside the man who really loves me...... the same one who fed me when I could not feed myself, who carried me when I could not walk, who told me I was beautiful when I was not. The same man who himself at times became so very weak from fasting, praying and taking care of me while I was so sick. The same man, the one who never left my side, who slept outside my hospital room, the same man who tenderly cared for all three of our children’s needs all while attentively listening to the doctors, nurses and transplant team.

2. Thankful that I was here to wipe the tears from the cheek of our youngest when her ear was hurting this morning and comforted when her tummy was upset and she did not want to go to school.

3. Walking up 15 stairs into the middle school (in high heels I might add). Yipee! That gets me every time I do it! Nothing like walking up stairs after you couldn’t do it without my lips turning blue.

4. Being a MOM who went to school to teach 6th graders how to open their lockers for the first time and watching their expressions when they saw it they got it open for the first time.

5. Shopping at TARGET and buying a crock pot!!! (And yes, I do plan of using it)

6. Being the one to pick up my teenager from her new school and console her as she cries, "Mom, I hate my new school!!! I had to eat lunch all by myself." :(

7. Searching for a new rental house with my hubby, because the one we just rented four weeks ago sold this past weekend. (YIKES!!)

We have been busy trying to get our kids adjusted to their new school while also learning that there is another move in our immediate future. (The house we just rented just SOLD) Yikes!! I began to feel myself going into panic mode when I suddenly realized just how good it really was to be experiencing normal stress. This was not stress from wondering what the doctor was going to say, not a abnormal lab result, not a heart monitor beeping and alarming. This was normal every day stress and I could actually wrap my mind around it. Ok, sort of wrap my mind around.
I stop and pause today, to say thank you Jesus for answering my prayers. I am so blessed to be home and to be wife and a mom!!! It’s been a really crazy week, but there is no other place I would rather be. There is no place like HOME. Lesson learned: Truly, it’s the ordinary everyday life that is extraordinary.

This is the day that the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

2009-08-10T21:41:00.000-04:00

Some Things I Have Discovered. . .
Sometimes it is more fun to ride with the car windows down.
Money spent for a good cause is never missed.
Walking barefooted down the beach is the only way to go.
Good friends make difficulties easier.
Life is too short to hold grudges.
Too much sun can be painful.
Kisses from messy mouths are better than no kisses at all.
A whisper is often the loudest word spoken.
Shortcuts are not always the best route.
Doing something nice for others often helps me more.
Hot baths are better, even in the summertime.
Sticks and stones can break my bones, words can break my heart.
Water is best to drink when it is ice cold.
It's okay for boys to cry.
A kind word can soothe a hurting heart.
Little boys can't always burp better than little girls.
Don't worry about tomorrow, today has enough concerns of its own.
Life is short so we had better make the most of it.

Taken from http://www.chipschat.blogspot.com/ I found this today and wanted to share it. It always made me smile and I needed to smile today.

When I put Caroline, our youngest to bed the other night. She began to tear up and call out the names of all of my girlfriends from the city we just moved from. I was a little taken back. Why was she calling out for my friends?? I soon realized that these friends of mine where not only my friends but these where the girls that she clung to during the hardest time of her life. They were part of her security that she was leaving behind. We love each one of you who made sure my kids had washed clothes, birthday parties and food in the pantry while we were waiting. May the Lord bless you!

I have been so busy trying to help three kids adjust to a new city that I had not allowed my self the opportunity to mourn what we had left behind. Beside, I did not want to be Lot's wife and turn into a pillar of salt. Then, the Lord gently reminded me that it is okay to love & miss your friends. I know that God has called us to a new assignment, as hard as it is to leave my many friends behind. Pray for all of us as we make our adjustments to our new city.

2009-08-07T23:32:00.000-04:00

Our kids have been wanting a pet for years. When I was sick, we got a dog that we gave away because it was a ROYAL pain in the bootay. It broke the heart of our kids. After I got well, they started begging for another dog. Tranplant coordinators gave us instructions to stay away from kittens, bunnies, and turtles, but were a little more open to dogs. . . .ugh . . . so last July, Chip asked the followers on our carepage what kind of dog they recommended. They were all so kind to give their input that we carefully considered in our quest for a pet.

That is a funny looking dog in John's lap, huh?

That is peaches the cat dog. What a sweetie!! Only problem is peaches hates dogs! Looks like we still can't get one.

A very WISE investment

2009-08-06T09:50:00.000-04:00

At the she speaks conference, Renee Swope, mentioned this verse: He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed. I found Proverbs 19:17 again this week and I have been pondering this verse every since. I cannot get over that we can lend to the Lord. How can that be?? Is HE not the giver of all things? Yet when we give from what He has given us, we are lending to him. AMAZING!!

This reminded me of a time in our early years of ministry. We were a young married couple with very young children. Chip was busy trying to grow a youth ministry and I was trying to be a stay at home mom to three young children. I will just say that youth ministers do not make the list of the most wealthy people in the world. We did not look poor...... but our check book said ofterwise. (Well, I take that back when I think of Chip's 1987 faded, dented, Oldsmobile Delta 88. Many thought he should been the senior adult minister with that clunker).

A church member owned the local chick-fil-a and you know that's where every young kid wants to play. Each time our family approached the cash register to order, suddenly it would break and that sweet man would say the Fuller family's total is $0.00. I cannot tell you how that ministered to a young girls heart. Its been a number of years since this all started, but each time I see the line to his store backed up all around the parking lot, I always think of this promise from our LORD. My kids will have many memories of the chick-fil-a, but most of all they will remember "Charles the chicken man" and his giving heart (and the packed parking lot where God's blessings are poured out on one who gave to the poor.) I would say the LORD is repaying him.
You cannot out give the Lord!

God story/sHE SPEAKS

2009-08-03T21:43:00.000-04:00

We have been thinking for some time now about trying to move from the carepage to a different site to keep everyone updated. There was a time in our journey that it was so very difficult to even go back and write on the carepage. God truly used it to be a lifeline to our family and friends at the most difficult time in our lives and we are forever grateful. I will never see many of you in this lifetime, but I will never, ever forget you and just how much you meant to us. If this is your first time to this site you may read about our journey thru heart transplantion at http://www.carepages.com/ (jeanniesjourney). God has been tugging at our hearts for some time to start a new site to use our transplant and life experiences to encourage others in their walk with the Lord. We hope to use it to minister to other families walking the transplant journey as well.

Let me start by sharing this little story about how God works. I went with a friend this past weekend to North Carolina to the SHE SPEAKS conference put on by Lysa TerKeust and Proverbs 31 Ministries. God spoke to our hearts throughout the entire conference, but I found out on Saturday that there was a prayer room on site. Every woman attending had been prayed for by name before the conference by each staff member and the speakers. They had also paired a name of God with each conference attendee. As I discovered this information, I knew deep in my heart which name of God I was paired with. Because of this, and all that I had been through emotionally with the conference, my emotions would not let me go in and see the names. Keep in mind, inknew deep in my heart what I would see. And I knew I couldn't emotionally bear it myself. I thought I would just simply fall on my knees in the prayer room and they would physically have to remove me. So, I did what any of you would do: I sent my girl friend in to look for me. She agreed and told me she would share the info with me when we got back to our room.

When we got back to our room, she explained the setup of the room. There was about 600 woman at the conference and they had divided the names of the women into groups with the fourteen names of God. Anyone care to guess what name I was paired with? No doubt, she found my name by Jehovah Rapha, I am the LORD your healer. No surpirse to me, but my (new) heart and I wept with the wonderful news that God is my Healer! Such a God-thing for Him to remind this girl (AGAIN) that HE is her healer. WOW! Praise God for His AWESOME promise that He is my Healer! I love you, Jesus!

Exodus 15:26 For I, the LORD, am your healer.

PS Thank you Wendy and all the girls in my speaker group for all of your encouragement. I enjoyed meeting each and everyone one of you. I pray God's richest blessings on you, your families and your ministries. Keep shining for Jesus!!