IT'S BEEN A WHILE BUT A LOT HAS HAPPENED

Yes, it has been a while since my last post, but a lot has been happeing in these past few months.

Of course, the holidays are always a busy time, and then in February something else happened.

Was not sure I was going to share this, but decided to do so, because I want to give God the glory for what He has done. Had a fluid buildup in my legs and ankles (do not know whether it was from the cancer or just one of those things that happen), but my legs were as big as those of a football tackle and so could barely lift them. Finally ended up in the hospital to have them drained. Was there for six days, but they would not let me come home by myself, so put me in rehab for another two weeks, for which I am very grateful. Because when I came home I was probably in better condition than I had been in a long time, so what the enemy meant for harm, God turned around for my good, and I do give Him all the glory. Had physical and occupational therapy both and they worked on getting me walking and functioning again so I could be on my own. I feel stronger and, praise God, had more therapy here at home for four weeks – twice a week. By the end of this time, I was able to do more than I have been able to do for years, and needless to say, I am thrilled about that, for most of you know I have had trouble with my back and knees for quite a while. Although they still give me some problems, because of the arthritis, not nearly as much as before and I am grateful.

As far as the other is concerned, they also drained six liters out of my abdomen while I was in the hospital, but once again it was light colored, even lighter than last time, so I am believing that there will not be many more. Of course, God’s timing is always right, and when He is ready to manifest my complete healing, that is the time I will rejoice. And I know you will all rejoice with me. Anyway, between the two drainings, they removed over 30 pounds of fluid out of my body. I wanted to lose weight, but guess that was not the best way to do it. Ha! Have to admit that this has been a trying, and a humbling situation, but I have learned so much from it and never again will I fail to take notice of changes in my body. Maybe I could have avoided the hospital visit if I had, and yet, so much good has come out of it.

It was exactly two years ago On May 16th when they first mentioned that dreadful word, and on May 30th told me it was incurable (adinocarcenoma) and gave me three to twelve months to live. Well, here I am two years later, and although His healing has not manifested completely, I believe it will be soon. And I thank so many people for standing in agreement with me on this. because, except for the buildup of fluid in my abdomen, everything else is doing okay. My blood work shows all in the normal range, my vitals are all good, and my system is functioning normally. What a mighty God we have!!!!!

When I tend to get tired, or frustrated, or discouraged, the Lord always reminds me that His grace is sufficient and that He has not given me anything that I cannot bear, especially when I have Him to lift me up and give me His peace. And I know that each and every one of you has to go through trials and tribulations, because His Word says we will, but I also know that He will bring you through just as He is bringing me through.

Last month He gave me a poem called “Precious Promises” (which will be at the end of this message) and I hope it blesses you as it has blessed me.

Of course, the GREATEST thing that has happened recently is that I am now a great-grandmother of a little boy born to my granddaughter and grandson, Angela and Zach. His name is Cooper Alan. He weighed 8 lbs, 5 oz, and was 21 ¾ ‘ long. And he is beautiful. (Yes, I know I’m prejudiced, but he is.) Cathie and Tim took me to Knoxville the 29th of April so we could see him, and hold him. What a thrill that was. Then Barbie came up on the 1st of May and we had a four-generation picture taken. That was exciting, too.

Barbie, me, Angela &Cooper

4 Generations

Another nice thing about that weekend was that my nephew, Larry and his wife, Mary Ellen, drove down from Cincinnati to see us and we had a nice time together, even though it was only for two days. It was so good to see them.

On Sunday morning Barbie and I left to go back to her home in Clarksville. If you remember, that was the weekend the flooding was so bad in west and middle Tennessee. Although we did run into some heavy rain for about 15 minutes, we made it through Nashville and got on the road to Clarksville without any problem, but we found out later that less than two hours after we were on that road, it had been covered with water and closed. Again, how good our God is to protect us and take us through.

Came home last Wednesday evening and went to the doctor’s on Thursday. After she found that everything was virtually the same, she stated that she has never seen anything like this in all her years. She intimated that I should at least be showing signs of deterioration, but I don’t and that is strictly the blessings of our Lord.

Guess this is a bit long, but I hope it has caught you up on the situation and that you can praise the Father for all He is doing in my life – and I know in yours, too.

Love and God’s blessings to every one of you who reads this.

PRECIOUS PROMISES

How precious are the promises
That come from God above
As He showers us with blessings
And pours out His great love

So many precious promises
And we can claim them all
Because He’s called us as His own
And we have heard His call

The promise of salvation
That frees us from our sin
The promise of His Spirit
That comes to dwell within

The promise of protection
That takes away our fear
The promise of His Presence
For He is always near

His promise not to leave us
No matter what we do
His promise of forgiveness
That we might start anew

So many precious promises
That we can claim each day
As we draw closer to Him
And let Him guide our way

Kay Smith Crouch
April 10, 2010

IT'S BEEN A WHILE

It has been quite a while since I have posted anything, but just have not had the chance – especially since I have been having a lot of problems getting on the Internet lately. But it is time for another report – and for those of you who have written me and did not receive an answer, I apologize.

As to the report itself – went to the Doctor’s yesterday and basically everything is the same. All the vitals and lab work are normal, etc. Still the only symptom is the fluid buildup in my abdomen but I am believing that this next draining will be the last one. Please stand in agreement with me on this.

Did have a couple of other problems, not related, but God is taking care of these, too. PTL!!!

Spent almost three weeks at Barbie and Steve’s and as always had a great time. I will never get tired of the wonderful view from their window. And the trees were changing every day. Also got to meet their new cat, Goldie. She is an outside cat but she is as pretty and gentle as can be. She will look in the window and you can almost hear her saying “come out and play with me”. Ha.

Angela and Zach drove from Knoxville to be with Steve for his birthday, and Ben came up from Murfreesboro for the day. And of course Barbie had made him a cocoanut cake (his favorite).

It was great seeing them all, and for those of you who might not yet know, our dear Angela is going to make Barbie and Steve (and of course Zech’s mom and dad, too) a Grandma and Grandpa. Of course that will make me, and Steve’s parents GREAT- grandparents. Isn’t that exciting? She is due in April and they will be finding out next month whether it is going to be a girl or a boy. Needless to say, the entire family is excited.

Now I am back home and busy filling orders for calendars, spiritual name cards, and other things as well. So although it is challenging, it is still fun and I love to try different things.

Cathie, Tim and I will be joining the family again at Thanksgiving so looking forward to that.

I know so many people are experiencing trials and testings and I pray they are standing on the Word and trusting God as I am – and I hope you are. You know, He did not promise us an easy life, but it certainly is a rewarding life when you live close to Him.

Know everyone is getting ready for Thanksgiving, which is now less than two weeks away, and only four weeks after that we will be celebrating the birth of Jesus. Since I do not go back to the Doctor until January 7th, and don’t know when I will post another blog, I want to be sure and tell you all that I am so grateful for your love and your prayers, and that I pray for a blessed holiday season for you all. To that end I am adding two poems, one for Thanksgiving and one for Christmas. I pray you will be blessed by them – and feel free to share them if you so desire.



KEEP THANKING GOD

Keep thanking God throughout the day
And give to Him your praise
For His eternal presence
And all His loving ways

Remembering the promises
Conveyed throughout His Word
Promises of hope and peace
And that you’ve been secured

Not to deny reality
For challenges there’ll be
But you have His assurance
He’s there to oversee

Yet in the midst of challenges
That come to everyone
You even then should thank Him
For all that He has done

Giving thanks for everything
No matter what takes place
For in every situation
He gives to you His grace

So everyday keep thanking God
That He has chosen you
And that you’ll walk together
Down pathways ever new

Kay Smith Crouch

A PRECIOUS GIFT

God gave to us a precious Gift
Two thousand years ago
When He redeemed us from our sin
And paid our debt in full

He gave to us His only Son
Who came to earth as man
Born of the Virgin Mary
According to God’s plan

Giving up His Deity
And living life man’s way
With trials and temptations
And testings every day

Willing to go through suffering
Through sorrow and through pain
That He would truly comprehend
And counting it all gain

That we might freely come to Him
With confidence and peace
Knowing that He understands
And wisdom He’ll release

Now as you celebrate His birth
Remember all He’s done
And thank our Heavenly Father
For giving us His Son

Kay Smith Crouch

76TH BIRTHDAY – AND COUNTING

A couple of weeks ago I celebrated my 76th birthday, with praise and thanksgiving for the wonderful Lord I serve. And if you have been a reader of this blog you will know that on my 75th birthday, they did not expect me to be around for this one. But, my God is good and I am still here.

It was May 30th of last year when they gave me three to twelve months to live, but if anything, except for the fluid buildup, I am in better physical condition than I have been in a long time. Have lost some weight and exercise every day, or at least almost every day, and feel so much better. And I’m working on the Devotional Book – and also a new poem tape/CD and hope to complete them soon, at least the latter. (I am only into February for the book.)

The last report I had sent out to all my prayer partners was June 5th, and at that time I had not gone in to have the fluid drained off my abdomen. Each time I have had that done in the past, the fluid was always a dark bloody red with black lines in it (at least that is the way it looked) and they told me it was the cancer cells. Well, on June 10th they took out 5 liters and it was NOT dark red, but a sort of cream color with a yellow tinge. Then I had another 4 liters taken out on July 22nd and it looked brown with a tint of red, but was still not the dark red as in the past. I am not sure what this means, and my doctor did not really address this, except to say that this last time the doctor could have punctured a blood vessel to make it brown. I wanted to ask her to test the fluid, but God told me not to, that His timing was always perfect. So I am just going to be patient and wait for Him.

It does not matter what the doctor says, or even thinks, for I know I am healed and it is just a matter of time before it is manifested and I have proof for the skeptics. I had told the doctor that there were a lot of people praying for me and standing with me for a miracle, and as I have not developed any more symptoms, and everything is in the normal range, and my vital signs good, she is aware that God has to be working in me. She cannot understand, but she is glad for me and I do not have to go back until the 17th of September. I would like to believe that there will not be any more fluid buildup, but even if there is, I know now it is just a matter of time before my healing manifests and the doctor will release me – with the proof that there are no more cancer cells in me.

We are so blessed to know what an awesome God we have, and how Jesus is always with us to guide us and encourage us no matter what we face as we learn to:

HOLD GOD’S HAND

Hold God’s hand and trust in Him
Throughout both day and night
Being conscious of His presence
And walking in His Light

Casting all your cares on Him
Because He cares for you
Turning not away from Him
But facing each day new

Just let His love surround you
And wash away your tears
For His continued presence
Will overcome your fears

Depending on Him daily
To meet your every need
As you seek Him constantly
And His commandments heed

Spending time alone with Him
That you might know His will
Then to be obedient
That His plans you fulfill

For as you keep your hand in His
Responding to His love
You will always be assured
It’s you He’s thinking of

Kay Smith Crouch
June 23, 2009

THE FOURTH OF JULY

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, the 233rd birthday of our beloved United States of America. Will it be a special day for you? I hope so, because it is the day when we can truly remember, and appreciate, our many freedoms.
Over the years, although most citizens claim to be patriotic, patriotism is not as prevalent as it used to be. Yes, you still see those who salute our flag when the Star Spangles Banner is played and our flag displayed, but not like it was when I was growing up. Even as children we learned to salute our flag and even display it proudly, and correctly.
For the most part, the people of this Country are loyal patriotic Americans. They are proud of our Nation and everything it stands for. But with the pace of today’s living being so fast,
people just don’t take the time to say or do anything to express these feelings. This is a shame, because the rest of the world hears mainly the loudmouths and the reports of corruption, etc. They do not remember that we have our choice of religions, or vocations, or leisure activities, and that we can vote the way we believe. Yet, when they hear all this other negative stuff, what do they have to really compare with their way of life and ours? To some, it may seem like a choice between the “frying pan” and the “fire”. Still, there are many who yearn to come here to live. They know there is great opportunity for those willing to work and take a chance. They know that they can do what they want to do, live where they want to live, go where they want to go, speak when they want to speak, and enjoy all the freedoms that we Americans many times take for granted because they are as familiar to us as breathing.
Each war gave vent to patriotic songs. From “Yankee Doodle Dandy” in the Revolutionary War; to “Over There” and “My Buddy” in World War I; to “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition” and “America, I Love You” in World War II. And of course, one we still do sing today and that is “God Bless America”. During these first wars, Americans sang their way to freedom and peace. Since that time, there have been wars in Korea, in Vietnam, and in the Middle East, all unpopular, and with no songs really associated with any of them. Although there have been some new songs written over the years, such as “I’m Proud to be an American”, there has been no real emphasis that they applied to any of the later wars.
Most Americans like to sing, and now, when the entire world is in such turmoil, it might be a good time to start reviving some of the patriotic songs, Not only revive them, but sing them loud enough for all the world to hear. Remind them that we live in a free land and that, even with all its faults, America is neither the “frying pan”, nor the “fire”, but a well-seasoned pot roast.
I guess you can tell that I love patriotism and one of my fondest memories is the first time I ever stood retreat as a member of the US Women’s Air Force. In full dress uniform, the bugle sounding, and our beautiful flag slowly descending, I was never more proud that I was an American and was serving this great Nation. And, as my family can all verify, there is still nothing that compares with seeing Old Glory waving, especially all the large ones. And like most of you, hopefully all of you, I pray for God to continuing to bless America and all it stands for.

ANOTHER GOOD REPORT – FATHER’S DAY

Know it has been a while since I have written, but because of circumstances,just have not had the time to write as I would have liked to.

If you are familiar with my blog, you may remember that it a little over a year ago I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a rare form of cancer that is incurable, and given 3 to 12 months to live. Well, PTL, I am now in my 13th month and, except for the fluid, everything else about me is fine. When I went to the Doctor on june 5th she said my lungs were clear, my heart sounded strong, my vitals are all good, the lab report shows that everything is in the normal range, and my body is otherwise functioning the way it is supposed to. Then, on June 10th, I had more fluid drained out of my abdomen and it was NOT the dark bloody red it had always been in the past, but a sort of cream color with a tinge of yellow in it (at least that is what it looked like to me and the girls). I have not talked to the Doctor (not scheduled to go back until July 30th) but I believe that this was definitely a breakthrough in God’s healing process. I have now asked all my friends and family that are prying for me to change their prayers from just being healed to praying for the MANIFESTATION AND PROOF of my healing so that I might testify of God’s great glory.

Next Sunday is Father’s Day and I am so grateful that I had not only a wonderful earthly Father, but that I have and know my Heavenly Father who is even more wonderful. And I am grateful that Angela and Ben have a wonderful earthly Father and that they also know and love their Heavenly Fahter. What a blessing to know that all my family loves the Lord and are serving Him in what He has called them to do.

I think back to when I was growing up and what a great family we had. There were just Mom and Dad, my brother Warren, and me, but we always enjoyed doing things together. We used to go on picnics and for automobile rides, and things like that. And when we went up to visit my aunt and uncle in Milwaukee, we had a lot of fun, too. Of course, I was the youngest (my brother was almost 8 years older than mt – and my cousins 14 to 20 years older) so as the cousins all got married and they became a big family, when we had picnics, etc., there were at least 50 or more that came together. Sometimes I wish we could all go back to those days, and then again, I am glad we can’t. Guess the best thing to do is to take one day at a time and let our Lord lead us the way He would have us go.

However, we do have our plans and next Monday, the 22nd, Barbie is coming after me and I am going back and spend a week with she and Steve. That will be nice. I always enjoy being up there and since school is out, will have more time to be with Barbie than usual, and that will be nice.

Again I thank God that He is my Heavenly Father and that nothing is impossible for Him. I pray you all know Him, too.

MOTHERS DAY

Whether you are a mother or a child, Mother's Day is very special. At least it is in my family. I have been blessed with two beautiful daughters (Cathie and Barbie) two great sons-in-law (Tim and Steve, and two wonderful grandchildren (Angela and Ben)- except now there are three because a grandson-in-law (Zach)was added in 2006. Although Angela and Zach could not make it home, and Ben was there for just a few hours, the rest of us had a great weekend.

Cathie and Tim brought me up on Friday and stayed the weekend. On Saturday the four of them went hiking on the property, climbing hills, fording streams, and having a great time together. They were out for about three hours and were really tired, but exhilarated, when they returned. That night Steve fixed deer steak for supper. He knew it was my favorite and it was a wonderful meal.

On Sunday, Mother's Day, we all went to church and it was nice to have a daughter on each side of me and all be together. After church Steve took us on a scenic tour and then came home to grill steaks. They were delicious and we all enjoyed them. Not too long after that, Cathie and Tim had to head back to Memphis, but I will be staying until the 27th. It's such a joy to be with Barbie and Steve and to enjoy their beautiful home and all the great scenery. It is so restful to be able to just sit and praise God for His artistry and His great love.

Although I did bring some projects to work on (I am going to do another Poem Tape and CD, and a couple of poem booklets, but a lot of the time I plan to read and just enjoy the peace and quiet here.

It seems that the Lord always gives me at least one new poem when i am here, but yesterday, He gave me four, but I am only going to share one with you. It is entitled "Buried Treasure" and it is so true that we all have treasure buried in us, but we do need to dig it out ourselves.

Hope you enjoy the poem - that you had a wonderful Mother's Day - and that you will do some digging into the Word.

BURIED TREASURE

Dig up the buried treasure
That dwells inside of you
Then stepping out in confidence
To do what you can do

Knowing that the God in you
Is greater than the foe
And when you search the Scriptures
He’ll help you learn and grow

That you might know the words to speak
And just what you should do
To overcome the enemy
Each time he comes at you

For God will give you wisdom
No matter what you face
If you will take your cares to Him
And His Words you embrace

You will always find an answer
But you must dig it out
Then act on it in confidence
Not having any doubt

For this treasure that’s within you
It’s all you’ll ever need
Because it is the Word of God
And it has been decreed

Kay Smith Crouch
May 12, 2009

MOTHERS DAY