tonights blog
All the "blow-me-away" one-liners belong to Katy today! I'll try and help you picture it ... do your best, because it is a little unusual!
She is in her intensive care bed with a head wrap of about one layer of gauze. Not intimidating at all, considering today was BRAIN SURGERY. She is fully alert, arms and legs working well, especially the right side, maybe even a little stronger than before her dad said. And talking with so much energy that once we said she might be too loud for the other patients, in intensive care!
"Oh, these past few days have been the best days of my life"! What in the world ... You have to know that what she is talking about are the miracles. The miracles of the outpouring of love from everywhere. "I don't deserve all this", she says with a winsome smile. The miracles of people from her many stages and seasons of life coming, calling, sending messages (these blogs), visiting, traveling to Phoenix from here and there. The miracles of the message of her situation being told to strangers and those strangers sending her a message of their commitment to pray. The miracles of the changes that are happening in people because of her brain tumor. "It takes a brain tumor, sometimes", she will often be quoted from here on out. The miracles of prayer, already seeing the outcomes of today. The miracles unseen, for we know that there are all kinds of things that haven't been exposed yet. The miracles of the message that is going out from her life, to ... well, just about everywhere.
Today, I was at ASU West teaching a service learning class we are partnering with. Almost every student who walked in the class asked "how is Katy"? Billy went to a coffee shop today and the owner asked "how is Katy"? I stopped into our high school group tonight and Miguel had made a Katy video to use as a visual so the students could pray for her.
So, keep praying, and I will keep reporting on what God is doing by turning things upside down, which is His habit.
She is in her intensive care bed with a head wrap of about one layer of gauze. Not intimidating at all, considering today was BRAIN SURGERY. She is fully alert, arms and legs working well, especially the right side, maybe even a little stronger than before her dad said. And talking with so much energy that once we said she might be too loud for the other patients, in intensive care!
"Oh, these past few days have been the best days of my life"! What in the world ... You have to know that what she is talking about are the miracles. The miracles of the outpouring of love from everywhere. "I don't deserve all this", she says with a winsome smile. The miracles of people from her many stages and seasons of life coming, calling, sending messages (these blogs), visiting, traveling to Phoenix from here and there. The miracles of the message of her situation being told to strangers and those strangers sending her a message of their commitment to pray. The miracles of the changes that are happening in people because of her brain tumor. "It takes a brain tumor, sometimes", she will often be quoted from here on out. The miracles of prayer, already seeing the outcomes of today. The miracles unseen, for we know that there are all kinds of things that haven't been exposed yet. The miracles of the message that is going out from her life, to ... well, just about everywhere.
Today, I was at ASU West teaching a service learning class we are partnering with. Almost every student who walked in the class asked "how is Katy"? Billy went to a coffee shop today and the owner asked "how is Katy"? I stopped into our high school group tonight and Miguel had made a Katy video to use as a visual so the students could pray for her.
So, keep praying, and I will keep reporting on what God is doing by turning things upside down, which is His habit.
44 Comments:
Dear Katy,
We love you!
Andrew and Dawn
Hi Katy, I heard from Jenn Walker about your surgery and brain tumor. I am so sorry. I have been praying for you since she sent me that email a few days ago.
I am writing from Ethiopia as I am working here with Samaritan's Purse doing agriculture projects with poor people in rural areas and we area also doing income generating prjects with former commercial sex workers. The work is slow as the Ethiopian government is slow to allow new groups access, etc.
I just wanted you to know how strong I think you are and to keep fighting. God, will provide and protect you as he sees is needed. I miss you and hope your recovery continues to go well.
Love, Andrew Simons
Dear Katy - The Osts all are praying for you and your family! I had no idea what a blog was but I am praising God for them today.:) To see and hear of how God is working through you is both a privilege and a blessing. Say hi to Dan when he gets there and tell him we are saving him some Friday night pizza! :)
All our love and prayers-
Bart, Ann Ben and Bekah
Katy,
Praise God! He is working in you, but that is no surprise. Your strength and faith has always been so great, and I have always admired that. You are in my prayers and in my family's as well. It is amazing what God has done in your life so far, and He isn't done yet! Much love,
~Erica L. Koehring
Dearest Reel family, It is so good to have Kit helping all of us understand what is happening and how you are. Praise God for the healing He is already doing in you and through you. Katy, you are in my prayers constantly. The entire Indiana Divison of The Salvation Army is praying for your recovery and God's hand on you and your family. Blessings on all of you. Much love from Indy,
Mommy Nancy
dearest katie,
I just want to you to know how much I love you and am praying with everyone else for you. You are so incredible and loved! Selina and others have been keeping Paul and I updated and you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. God is so good.
tu amiga para siempre,
amber drinen
Katy Keepin' It Reel...
Heard about life these days. I love you very much. I am praying for you and have all my kids in school praying for you as well. We will pray you through this. I called Jolie and told her too. She is thinking about you. Your message rings true- God IS so good.
Take care,
.ellen stenson.
Katy,
So glad the surgery is over and so thankful for this blog thing that is keeping everyone informed of your progress. You must be some amazing young lady. We are moving to the Phoenix area later this year and we look forward to meeting you. God is in the business of doing miracles and He can heal you. Still praying.
Jim and Mary Carol Shaw
Dear Katy,
Greetings from Georgia. Your cousin Shelley sent me a prayer request for you. It has now gone out to
all of my friends too. I feel blessed to be able to pray for you. Your blog lifted me up today.
I am praying Psalm 103: 1-5 and Isaiah 53:4-5. I
praise God that He does deliver us out of all our troubles.
Belinda Bryan
I ditto the Osts' comment about being so grateful for blogs. Who'd a thunk?! Our Bible study all bowed with me yesterday and prayed as you were in surgery, Katy, and we prayed for that tumor mountain to be moved with God's hand and our combined mustard seeds of faith. Go, God!!
I leave tomorrow for our church women's retreat, but Jim and the kids will be here as will our house :) if you could use any of it or them. We'd all like to see you when you feel up to visitors, and would love to hug your family again.
Patti and Rick, you are living every parent's nightmare. Instead of waking up like we do and thinking, "How could I have dreamt something so awful?" and wondering if it was just a fluke or a warning, you are faced with reality. Praise God for His presence and His people. I am so thankful that you are surrounded and that Katy is at such peace. Please know that we are here for you. Much love, Vicki King
Katy,
Praying for you and a quick recovery.
Christa Wood
Welcome to this world today
You're seeing things a different way
Inside
His blood is here to save your soul
It takes you down a better road
That's the way
His eyes, they see into our minds
Throw away the demon's lies
In time
His angels' tears, they cry for you
Angels' tears, they always make things new
Away to your heart, now
Away to deep inside
Away to your heart, now
There's something better there
Hi, Katy. I wanted to share with you a song from my favorite band, Noiseratchet. I was listening to it this morning, and the verse about the angels' tears made me smile. What a cool picture, huh? His angels are crying for you right now. And thier tears are making things new.
Be Glorious,
Sam
Katy,
I don't know how well you might remember me, but I was an education major with you at Biola, Becky Roach was my maiden name. I married Ryan Nicholas (who was in Torrey) and am now Becky Nicholas. Anyway, Krista Rojas called me and gave me the website to pray and believe me...I have been praying! Ryan is in medical school and so I consistently pray for the wisdom of doctors. I will continue to pray for both you and your family during this journey ahead. Take care and be blessed!
Becky
Chicago, IL
"Resting in the Lord is not dependent on your external circumstances at all, but on your relationship with God Himself." Oswald Chambers
"Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him." Psa.37:7
Katy,
I am so thankful that Kit shared with us at Trinity so that we can be praying for you and your family.
I am thankful that your relationship with God is such that you can rest in Him. We continue to pray for peace and healing.
Nancy Cressy
Katy, you are an inspiration!
Praising God for you and your family,
Love, Nancy
Katy,
You don't know me but I heard about your surgery from Katie Brewer. My name is Mike Stuck and I just wanted you to know that you have been in my prayers ever since I heard about your surgery. I am glad everything went well. God works in mysterious ways sometimes. He used the death of my friend to plant a seed in many peoples lives about His love. He is working in lives of people who have heard about you. I will continue to pray for you and your safe recovery.
God bless, Mike
Dear Katy:
Your light surely shines for all of us! I LOVE the birthday photos. It was good to see you surrounded by friends and embraced by your precious family.
Blessings and love to you from all the Wilkersons.
Dear Katy
We love you and were happy to hear
you are recovering well. Your friends are wonderful Christian and
very special and loving. We thank
them for their updates. Our prayers
are with you your Mom and Dad,Amy
and Lenny. Love and Prayers,
Sweetie and John
Katy,
Please know that I have commited you prayer. I know the Lord is faithful and will carry you through this. Your are such a testimony to me. Your strength and conviction is a blessing.
Robyn McCulloch
Dear Katy,
We met you with you Mom in Phoenix last year at Durants. Our Alex went to Heritage with Amy and we have not stopped praying for you, your family and the doctors since we heard from Betsy about you.
Remember to claim those miracles of Jesus, because we all know they are so real.
Rest and become strong.
Our prayers are with you
Fred, Kathy and Alex Ost
katy-
i'm back home.. its hard 're-entering' the world knowing what you have had to face in the past few days. i wish i could still be with you. seeing your smile makes everything seem and feel better! why is it that you are helping me through this... i thought i'd come to help you. you are one amazing woman! :) and you have amazing friends! thanks to all who help get katie and i here and there while in phoenix. thanks to helen for giving us a bed to sleep in.
katy, i was thinking about our friendship... 17 years! wow! i'm looking forward to many, many more. so many people back here are praying for you. just got a call from christina kafoure. you have touched so many people's lives... i love you. we'll talk soon!
anne
Katy, we all love you and are praying continuously for you! Our God is a God of miracles. He is a sustainer and the Great Physician.
Isaiah 41:13- For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
be brave, Katy! We love you!
-Alex Ost
Hi Katy!
I hope you are feeling better today. Be strong and hang in there!
Much love to you and your family.
-Angela (Michelle's little sis)
Love is all there is.
sometimes it's difficult, if not impossible, for us to comprehend the reasons that certain things happen. but despite the tragedy and shock of the news we've all been dealing with since Sunday, God has used this; your situation and you, Katy, are causing this immeasureable explosion of love and prayer, spreading at a furious rate throughout our community. it's insane. it's beautiful. God's will and His reasons may often be difficult to understand, but the results are always the same: Love.
if the spirit of love and prayer were physically visible, there would be a fantastic, radiant glow over Phoenix right now.
we love you, Katy.
mPlaster
How am i supposed to follow up mike?
Katy,
You are totally AWESOME. Satan has no hold you whatsoever. God bless you for your wonderful spirit. Continue to grow well.Peace out.
Eryk Ingersoll
Katy, we knew you were an awesome person as a teacher at Ocean View and now as I read about this difficult time in your life I am amazed and inspired by your ability to continue to minister to others. You know we ALL continue to hold you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Barb Strayer-OV School
"So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
Hi Katy,
This is Machae from Ocean View. My family and I have been praying for you! I want you to know that I am also praying specifically for your parents. I know that they need special prayer as they support and encourage you!
Machae Tessier
Hi Katy --
I knew from the moment I first met you that you were a very special person. God's love shines through you in all that you do -- from teaching and loving all the kids, from your kindness to everyone, and now with this brain tumor -- you are an inspiration! It has so wonderful to feel the outpouring of love for you and for God. May God bless you Katy, and all who you come in contact with.
Love,
Mary Branca
Katy, I'm currently deployed overseas with the AF and received word from my parents. I hope that your recovery is a speedy one! I look forward to the next time I am able to meet up with you and your family.
Best wishes,
David March
Katy,
I am praying every day that our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ will surround you with His angels and that He will give both you and your family strength during this time and always. I am glad that your surgery is over and that you are in good spirits. My favorite Bible verse and constant source of encouragement & inspiration is Phillippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ who stengthens me."
Thank you for serving as an inspiration for us. I always knew that there was something very special about you. You have been greatly blessed with so many wonderful talents and gifts. Thank you for sharing them with us. I especially appreciated your kindness and great sense of humor. What a blessing you have been to me and the lives of so many others!
I don't know if you knew but Sperry and I are adopting a child from Bulgaria through Nightlight Christian Adoptions in Fullerton. We began the process about a year ago (mounds & mounds of paperwork!)and we were just notified that the Bulgarian government has approved us. We are now waiting for a referral to be matched up. We had asked for a girl as young as possible (1 1/2 years is as young as they are available). Please keep us in your thoughts & prayers.
Both Sperry and I send our love, thoughts, and prayers with you that God will put you on the path of a quick and complete recovery.
Have a wonderful tomorrow.
All Our Love,
Pano & Sperry
Hi Katy,
Last time we spoke on the phone we were getting ready to set up some dates for the kids from (I Can Do It) to come here to San Diego. I guess we still need to talk! I am anxiously awaiting to hear your voice on the telephone line again. I am sure with all of these people praying for you we will soon see you back to the ministry God has called you to. We are lifting you and your family up to our sweet Lord many times a day. We will continue to pray and ask God our mighty healer to show His loving mercy to you and all who love you! Talk to you soon.
Chris Brewster's Mom Laura Brewster
Katy:
Kit has shared with us your situation. I am writing from Washington, DC - know that I am praying for you and for a miracle that only our Savior can provide. I admire your spirit, your courage, and heart. God will honor these strengths in your character. He will use them to lift you out of your hospital bed and before you know it - you will be knocking on doors getting those precious little angels off to their Headstart class.
Bless you sweetie -
Peace and Love,
Sherry Woods - Director
UNIQUE Learning Center
Washington, DC
Katy,
It was so amazing to see you today and experience the peace that God is giving you. Praise God - He is undoubtedly with you. As much as my heart has been hurting for you, I am now filled with a hopefulness that I can't explain. What a blessing to have you as a friend and sister in Christ. I am confidently praying for your complete recovery and healing. See you soon! I love you,
Rachel
(Rick, Patti, Lenny, and Amy - thank you for sharing your precious daughter and sister with us!)
Katy -
The Michigan Wrights continue to pray for you, as we have since your Grandma Jo sent us the news about you and the address for this blog. Thanks to Kit for keeping the world posted on your progress. Carol has forwarded the info to the Wright cousins.
Your faith and trust are an inspiration for us all. God is good indeed! May He speed your recovery, comfort and strengthen you and your family and guide all who are giving you care.
Hugs from Michigan. :-)
hehe! Good thing that right side is even stronger! katy you will be beating up Lenny better than ever! (and protecting amy!) I'm so proud of you! Lots of kisses for your brain!!! libet
Katy, we met when you came to my class at ASU West. How Christ is being lifted up through you. I am praying as are so many others. Can't wait to have you back in class. Peace and Healing--doug
Dear Katy,
We are praying for a miracle! We are thankful to be able to follow your progress. You and your family are constantly being lifted up in prayer by my entire family. We pray that you feel God's comforting presence and strength right now. Isaiah 40:28-31 always gives me strength and Psalm 27. God Bless You and Your Family ~
Anne Scarpino
Katy,
I am from Indianapolis and Katy McDaniel is in my Mops group. I received a prayer request through her. I know the feelings you are going through as I am a cancer survivor. God is so Good! In the middle of two struggles of my disease I was blessed with a beautiful healthy son. Miracles do happen! I will pray for you and feel great knowing that you are in God's very capable, strong, loving hands.
love to you and your friends and family,
Lori Lima
P.S. The staff at my school is praying for you too Katy!!! Kim W.
Dear Katy,
Cheryl and I want to let you know that we love you and are daily taking your condition before the throne of grace. We trust that God will give you a great story of faith to tell others as He continues to heal you. Thanks for your ministry and faithfulness. You are an inspiration to all of us.
Love
Mark & Cheryl Cooper
Dear Miss Reel,
Hi! It is Ezra Guevara from first grade and Katelyn(little sister)from Ocean View School. We hope you feel better soon. We will pray for you every night and ask God to keep all his angels with you so they can take care of you. We will keep you close to our hearts. Thank you for coming to my baseball games and for being the greatest teacher. We love and miss you.
Love, Ezra and Katelyn Guevara & Family
Dear Katy,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Everyone I talk to I share with and ask them to pray. Hang in there. Our God is BIG. I keep thinking....I can do ALL things thru Christ who strengthens me. I pray He keeps you strong. I love you and we are here for you. Read the good news today! YEA!
Much love,
The Jays,
Greta and Bill
Dearest Katy,
Please know that since hearing of your brain tumor and surgery from Sandy Saunders, I have put the picture of you and the others who came to our home for Julie's funeral next to my computer so I can pray for you each day as I sit at my computer. Remember God is good and His blessings are new every morning. Joy cometh in the morning. He loves you and has His hand on you. Whatever happens, you are in His will. May He have mercy on you and your family.
Love, Ellen and Eldon Nichol
Katy: I have never met you, your mother or your brother & sister; however, I know your father through my position as a buyer with Knauf Insulation in Shelbyville, IN. He & I have previously shared our thoughts on faith and family - those 2 most important aspects of life! I phoned Reel Pipe & Valve in mid-April to place and order and I always talk to Rick. I was informed that he was in Phoenix for at least 2 months due to his daughter's illness. Today (June 3) I had the pleasure of speaking with him. I inquired as to your health - telling him that I have been praying for you, not knowing what your health problem was. He directed me to your "blog" - and I am know "fluent" in Katy's saga!! What a blessing it is to know that you are resting in the palm of His Hand - what peace and hope! Having been through a couple of similar situations in my family, I know full well the emotions, fears, joys, - well, just everything that all of you have been through and will be going through. I do not know how anyone can handle these things without a saving knowledge of the Lord. None of us knows what the future holds for us or those whom we love - but when we live in the Lord we know that HE KNOWS and that is all that matters - we can face each day with our head up, confident that He is on His throne. I like to envision His throne as a great big rocking chair where I can crawl up onto his lap and let Him wrap His warm, secure, loving arms around me and whisper in my ear, "Dear Child, I love you and I will be with you always. Don't be afraid - trust Me." Rest assured that we (my family & I) will continue to pray for you and your family. I will keep referring back to the blog site to keep apprised of your miracles!! Love in Christ!
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