Request for Prayers for Liam

I have had some requests to put our request for prayer for Liam up on my blog where people can find it. Below is what we sent out last week. One of the questions that we have had is how old is Liam. Liam is 8 years old and will be starting grade 3 in the fall. I will try to put regular updates on this blog as well. If you would like to receive our emails just let me know.

Also please pass on this blog or our email to any people that will pray for Liam. We are making a prayer book for Liam with any reponses and prayers that are sent for him. He will be able to take this book to his future appointments, treatments etc. Thank-you for all of your prayers.


Dear Friends and Family,

I am writing to share a personal prayer request for my son Liam. Liam has been suffering from migraine headaches for a number of months now, and a few weeks ago a bad migraine at school led us to take him to the emergency room at the hospital. The doctors sent us for a precautionary CAT scan. Last Thursday we had a follow up exam in which we were informed that Liam has a calcified mass in the right lateral ventricle of his brain. We have already seen the Lord at work, through a family member, who was able to arrange for Liam to have an appointment with a top specialist the very next week. That appointment was yesterday and we received some positive news regarding the immediate future. The doctor confirmed that the tumor is not cancerous, and that it is not at present putting pressure on his brain or on blood flow and is thus not an immediate threat. We are certainly thankful and giving praise that we have a temporary respite.
Liam will be having an MRI scan done in the next few weeks to help us get a better understanding of the exact nature of the tumor. Based on what the scan reveals, we will be determining the next steps to best deal with the tumor. There are a number of possibilities as to what the mass may be, some of which can be treated non-surgically. It could also be a tumor that has stopped growing, and not a threat to Liam’s health in which case we would just have to have it monitored over the next few years to ensure it does not become a problem. There is still the possibility, however, that a very difficult surgery will be required in order to remove the tumor which is right in the middle of his brain.

We would ask that if you are the praying type, you would consider joining us in praying over these next few weeks or months as we seek to determine the next steps. We would also ask that you pray for whatever opportunities God has in mind as we go through these next weeks. We have really been challenged to not dwell on the “why” questions but rather focus on the “what” and “how” questions. Reflecting on Romans 8:28 which reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him” we are asking that God would open our eyes and hearts to how He is going to use this for good and what He might do in and through this situation and in and through us. I have attached a picture of Liam and welcome you to print it out to use as a prayer reminder. Feel free to also pass this request along to anyone you know who might be willing to pray.

If you are not the praying type, I think that Liam would ask “why not?” (He doesn’t often miss the opportunity to ask spiritual questionsJ).

We feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends, family and supporters to walk with us. We give thanks for all the support that you have and continue to provide our family, our church and all that God is doing here in Milton.

If you have the opportunity to ask Liam about the situation feel free. The doctor did an amazing job of sharing with him and of showing and explaining the cool pictures of his brain! He has since nick named the mass “tubby the tumor”, so feel free to ask him about it.

Blessings,


The McGibbon Family

Breathe

There are moments in your life when it takes everything you have just to continue to breathe. As I sat in the office of my son's pediatrician last week I had one of those moments. Life does that to you. One minute you are fine and then in an instant you are in the midst of full blown gale. A storm that is so huge you have no idea where you are. As the doctor repeated the words "We found a mass in Liam's brain. He needs to see neurosurgeon," it seemed as if all the air was sucked out of the room and walls around me began to spin out of control. I was trying desperately to concentrate on the words that the doctor was saying but I felt like the room had gone so cold that I could no longer get any air into my lungs. I have no idea if my prayer to Jesus was audible and I know that my mind could not have formed anything other than to call His name but I became conscious of His presence. The room was still spinning but a warmth was beginning to return. The thoughts just breathe started to run through my head. Just breathe. God knew this was coming. He was not surprised, or shocked, or out of control. He has got this. I need to just breathe. Scripture began to flood my heart and my lungs were able to expand. "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." John 14: 26-27

I don't think that there has ever been any other time other then when I first realized that Jesus is who He says He is, that I have ever been so thankful that God made a way through His Son back to himself. I also have never been so aware of the power of Jesus in contrast with absence of my own. As His peace began to sink in amongst the chaos in the room I felt it permeate my thoughts. His strength carried me to the door to open the handle and smile at my son in the waiting room. "Come on buddy." I heard my own voice say. "Let's go home."

In the week since this time, we have seen God's hand in many moments. Through my sister-in-law we were able to get into see a top pediatric neurosurgeon. We were able to get Liam in for an MRI a few days after that even though they told us it might be a month. Finally, the initial news from the neurosurgeon has been mostly positive. They think we found the mass accidentally and that they are not related to Liam 's migraines, there is no evidence of cancer or pressure on the brain from the mass and it is slow growing because it is calcified. All of these things have God's fingerprints all over them.

There has been so much to thank God for in the past week that I would have to use up several posts but he has been with us for every breath, every step and every moment. Liam knows about the mass and has nick named it "Tubby the tumor", he has been so excited to read about all of the people that are praying for him. We are printing out all of the prayers that come over email and putting them in a book to take to future appointments. We are praying for healing for Liam. There are several things that the mass could be. Some do not require surgery but some would require surgery which we have been told because of the location of the mass would be difficult.

If you would like to be on our email list for Liam updates just send me your email. If you are praying for Liam please let me know so we can put your name and message in his book.

Please join us in praying for Liam. Pray that all of our family would continue to trust in Jesus for all of our needs. Pray to Yahweh Rolfe (Yahweh our Healer) in the name of Jesus that Liam would be healed.

Another Year Older - Things I have Learned

The rain was coming down softly and steadily on the roof of the cabin. I lay awake for a while wondering what time it was and if anyone else was up yet. I think I have said before that I love rain. It helps me think and this particular morning I had lots to think about. As I lay in bed, listening to rain I wondered if I felt older. More importantly did I feel wiser? What exactly have I learned after 38 years on this earth, 10 years of marriage, 5 kids and 2 dogs?


#5. I have learned that my kids do not actually want more things, they want more time with me. To pray for them more and worry about what I can't give them less.

#4. I have learned to marry your best friend, who also loves Jesus and he will know you like no one else on this earth.

#3. I have learned more about myself, life, and being successful from the treasures of wisdom the bible teaches me everyday. I could never read it or pray through it's contents enough.

#2. There are only two things that last eternally, God and people. Life flies by and can change in an instant. I want to invest the time I have been given in things that last.

#1. There is nothing in this life more exciting, more life changing or more important than walking with someone as they give their life to Christ and watching Him redeem their life.

As I look back, I am able to see God's redemption, His faithfulness, His mercy, His patience, His wisdom and His grace all over the last 38 years. I have witnessed His amazing miracles in beautiful unassuming moments that remind me that only the true God of the universe would reveal Himself in such a way. Unlike us, He has nothing to prove. He has already proved it all with ultimate gift of His Son Jesus. I pray that as I look forward to another year or more on this earth, that I never forget His ways are different from ours and that there is nothing more urgent than my relationship with His son Jesus.

Happy Birthday to me.

Encouraging

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25

As I was getting ready for this past April retreat I was really think a lot about worship and our scripture theme verse for the conference. It was a busy time around our house and one of the things that we had to do was attend a school musical that the girls were in. It was called " Once upon a Dream." As you can imagine, the school auditorium was packed full of proud parents, teachers and friends. I had TJ on my lap and she was definitely excited about all the music.

As Caroline came to centre stage to do her song with her friends, TJ was straining to see every moment of her sister's musical debut. When the song was over and the applause was starting to die down and Caroline was making her way back to the side of the stage a young voice could be heard throughout the auditorium. "Caroline, You are sooo beautiful!" Trinity shouted as she clapped with all her might. For a moment I flinched as I knew everyone in the entire room had heard the outburst from the little audience member. Then I saw the glowing smile on Caroline's face. She was absolutely beaming. Trinity had made her night.

Later, as I reflected with Jason, he reminded me that we had witnessed the scripture being lived out by the youngest member of our family. Trinity encouraged Caroline in moment that we will not forget. Thank-you TJ for inspiring us.

I also like the Message translation of these verses.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (The Message)

"So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching."

Fun Things Kids Say

Sometimes kids say the funniest things when they are hanging out with each other. I thought I would pass on this little story. It will give you a bit of a giggle!

This past weekend I was at my Mom's for a bridal shower. While we were there TJ got into a disagreement with her five year old cousin Fiona. As I helped them to work it out I encouraged TJ to say she was sorry and to give her big cousin a hug. They were both hugging and saying they were sorry. It was so sweet. The next thing you know TJ was trying to hold Fiona's hand because she wants to thank Jesus that they are friends again. Her cousin has no idea what TJ s trying to do and she is trying to go back to playing and TJ is saying, "No Fiona, let's pray, right now." Fiona said, "We don't need to pray we already ate!"

Where Have I Been?

If you have been checking my regularly you will have noticed that I have been quiet for a while. It is not that there have not been things to write about but I have been having trouble finding the time to actually sit down and type. Oh the joys of a large family!

The At His Feet Ministries Spring Retreat weekend has come and gone and there are many things for which to be thankful. The Lord blessed us with fabulous weather, an amazing new venue and wonderful company! Thank-you so much to all of the women that came to the retreat to worship with us. Thank-you for sharing your hearts and what the Lord is doing in your lives. I pray that you will continue to endeavor to live out Hebrews 10:19-25. Remember the lesson of the giant redwood trees that interlock their shallow roots with other trees roots so that they do not get blown over in a storm. If you were not at the retreat try to spend some time this week with the passage asking God what it means for your life.

I promise to write more soon about the retreat and everything that is going on at the McGibbon Zoo! Have a blessed day!

Dance to the Music

I had a chance last week to spend some time with Liam. Liam is almost 8 years old and he is a passionate kid. He loves basketball, biking, music and hanging out with his family. The other thing about Liam is that he is always making noise. He really can not be quiet. Even at the dinner table he is constantly humming or singing or reciting a rhyme or poem. As you can imagine in a house of seven people, constant noise can be overwhelming. I have to admit it is usually me that gets overwhelmed first. I can't think when the noise level is over a 100 decibels! So over the past few months poor Liam is constantly hearing the words, "Liam please turn your volume down." or "Liam you have to be quieter." or sometimes "Liam, enough! I can't hear myself think."


I have always said that Liam is the kind of kid who is very secure in our love but as I look back I think I have concentrated more in the last little while on the noise that drives me crazy instead of encouraging the boy who wants some attention. He was having a particularly loud day last weekend when I said, "Please Liam, tone it down. You are going to drive me crazy." The next thing I knew Liam was in tears. "You don't like anything I do." was all he could say. I quickly realized that my constant criticism of his volume was being seen as a removal of my love for him. We needed some one on one time together.

Jason took the rest of the kids out for a walk, and I asked Liam if he wanted to stay home with me. "So what do you want to do?" I asked him. "He responded immediately, "Let's dance." Well, the next thing you know there is my son teaching me how to hip hop to the blasting music of "Can I get a Witness?" by Nicolle C. Mullen. (http://www.nicolecmullen.com/ )

Let's just say it was a good thing that the blinds were closed or the neighbours would have gotten quite a show. After he had played the song a few times I finally had to say that I needed to rest. If the truth be told I thought I might pass out! We laughed some more as we lay on the floor looking up at the ceiling and listening the Newsboys. Once I caught my breath and the oxygen started returning to my brain I realized this was one of those moments with Liam that I would remember forever. How blessed I am that God would allow me to raise such an amazing kid. Now I just need to remember to always be showering him with copious amounts of love as well as encouraging him to adjust his volume. Who knows one day Liam might even be able to teach me how to dance!