(These next few posts may seem familiar. We wanted to repost some of our Caring Bridge journal entries in order to allow new followers to hear our story from the beginning. We also have added in some pictures and reflections. Added reflections will be bolded and italicized. This is the last of a three part series. If you missed the first two you can read them by clicking here, Part 1 and Part 2)
Journal Entry 8 – Praise God!
Lindsey and I wanted to update everyone on a few things that have happened over the past week or two. First we wanted to give praise to God for restoring my vision. I did lose some vision due to the surgery and the doctors were not sure if it would come back or not. I went to see an eye doctor on the 22nd and was told everything looked good and I’m back to 20/20 vision… Praise God! Overall I’m feeling great! (My vision is still great! The doctors were really concerned I would have some sort of vision disturbance, so we truly believe this was one of God’s miracles and answer to many prayers.)
We also wanted to send out a huge thank you to all who participated in the Prayer Service that was held on Wednesday of last week. All those who came out to Faith Church, everyone who was praying at home and all those from across the nation who took part, thank you! We feel the love and support and just can’t thank you all enough.
Since my diagnosis, we have been searching for a treatment option that would be the best route for me to take. We have been doing a lot of praying and researching and while we have seen some clarity in how we will go about treatment, we are still seeking clarity on a specific place and/or doctor, as a few places have been presented to us.
Specific ways that you can pray over us:
–Wisdom and clarity on my specific treatment plan
–Protection over my family during this time
–Praise for the healing I’ve already received
–For continued strength physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally
We’ve had a few people inquire if we are doing a fundraiser. We do have a few ideas in mind that we are beginning to work on. Our church has also graciously decided to hold a Pancake Breakfast and the proceeds will help support our family.
Thank you again for the continued blessings that have come in so many forms. From garden fresh produce to gift cards, meaningful gifts, and everything in between. We continue to be blown away by God’s loving and caring community that surrounds us.
Thank you for marching with us,
Brad, Lindsey and the girls
Journal Entry 9 — Fundraiser Invitation
Hello everyone–
A few quick updates….
Brad saw the neurosurgeon again Wednesday for a post surgery check up. Things seem to be healing as they should, so that is great! He will follow up in about 3 months for an MRI to check on things.
We also did decide on a holistic doctor, and hoping he will start treatment next week. The holistic approach covers the person as a whole, so physically, mentally, and spiritually. It will include pretty strict diet changes. Also, lots of help with detoxing the body, putting lots of good stuff in the body through food and supplementation, all while strengthening the immune system. The goal is to get rid of all the bad (toxicity) in the body, and put lots of good in so his body will strengthen and heal. He will be going 3 times a week, for a few hours at a time. We are excited to start this part of the journey, and are optimistic.
The downside to holistic treatment, is insurance doesn’t cover it. For Brad to go through treatment, it is going to be just over $30,000. Yes, you read that right. We know this is a lot of money, and that’s why it has taken us a little longer to decide. We really wanted to make sure this was God’s plan for us, and we really feel it is. We also know that God will provide for our needs, we’ve seen it with our own eyes already. We have continued to be blown away from the love and support we have been shown over the last 2 months. God has used YOU to show US that HE is faithful. So far every need has been met. Every. single. one. God is good, even in the storm. This is still true months later. Every need being met, before we’ve even had to ask…God continues to be faithful.
I think we can all agree, that sometimes it’s hard to ask for help. We’ve been learning through this experience, that people genuinely WANT to help. We’re also learning it’s okay to accept it. Everyone will have times in their life where they will need help, and we’re currently in that time. If you feel led to help us through this journey, please come on out to our first fundraiser, a pancake breakfast at our church. If you can’t make it to the breakfast, but would still like to support us, donations can be sent to Faith Church. (Faith will send you a thank you letter that can be used for tax purposes)
Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts. We would not be in as good of shape as we are without this support system lifting us up. We thank the Lord everyday for you all. We have truly been humbled through this experience.
In Him,
Brad and Lindsey
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” –Hebrews 10:23-25
Journal Entry 10 — The Pancake Breakfast
Well everyone, we have big news!
The pancake breakfast was amazing. We had a constant flow of people, and at the busiest time a line wrapping around the hallway. It was so nice to see so many of our family and friends, and nice to see people we haven’t seen in awhile too. It was also nice to see so many other people enjoying each others company as well. It was a really great day.
We were told in church today that over 450 people came through, and the breakfast raised over $34,000! Can you believe it?! We had a goal to raise $30,000 for Brad’s treatment and never in a million years did we expect to do it with one fundraiser. Not only did God provided what we needed, He blessed us with more than we needed. What a huge burden lifted off our shoulders knowing we can go ahead with Brad’s treatment, and it’s fully covered! God is so good and faithful.
We want to thank everyone who came out and supported us. We especially want to thank Faith Church, our STIR group, and everyone who came to volunteer. This wouldn’t have been possible without you all. We are once again amazed at how powerful God’s people can be. We are once again truly humbled. Saying “Thank You” just doesn’t seem to be enough. We will never forget the amount of love we have been shown through this whole process. This day will forever be in our hearts and minds. What an unbelievable thing we experienced, and what a blessing that we didn’t even have to ask ourselves “How will we pay for this?”
In Him,
Lindsey & Brad
Praise him—he is your God, and you have seen with your own eyes the great and astounding things that he has done for you. —Deuteronomy 10:21
Journal Entry 11 — Thankfulness
Hi everyone-
It has been some time since we last updated, and thats partially because of busyness and partially because the last week and a half have come with some frustration and challenges.
Brad has almost 2 weeks of treatment under his belt. Overall things are going well. The most challenging part of treatment is definitely diet. We (and I say “we” because I’m doing it too) are on a strict raw, Keto, plant based diet. (I didn’t even know that existed until now!) We’ve done diets over the last few years for health reasons, but this one by far has been the hardest. Meals are pretty much the same, and nothing is cooked, so we can’t say there’s a whole lot of joy from our food right now.
The first few days in, we were definitely frustrated and crabby because of food. Throw in long days at the clinic, juicing, getting the supplement schedule under control, trying to keep up with homeschooling and the household, doing our own research, and making sure we fit in spiritual time and family time. Oh and throw in hitting a deer too…We were feeling the burden. This is the perfect recipe for Satan to come in and steal your joy, and being completely honest, he did for a few days….
After sharing some of this with a good friend, she reminded me to write down everyday what we are thankful for. (Even gifted us cute little notebooks to write in!) This was a good reminder and uplifting thing to do, because when things get hard, being thankful isn’t the first thing we think to do. What a fitting time to be telling God our thankfuls leading up to Thanksgiving.
As I started writing, I almost felt embarrassed that I was complaining. Once again I’ve been reminded of how BLESSED we have been through this whole process. So I’ve decided to share this all with you. I hope it inspires you to start your own list of thankfuls too. Things don’t seem so bad when you’re focused on the positives.
–I am thankful Brad’s surgery was successful.
–I am thankful Brad recovered well, including his eye sight and the numbness in his thigh.
–I am thankful for a church who has stepped in and helped out without us even asking.
–I am thankful for all our family and friends, and those we don’t even know, who have continued to support us in constant prayer.
–I am thankful for the Holy Spirit so we can connect to God.
–I am thankful for STIR and all who came to the pancake breakfast (which raised more money than we could have ever imagined)
–I am thankful for the constant flow of encouraging cards that continue to flood our mailbox.
–I am thankful for practical gifts like donations, gas and grocery gift cards, produce, juice, and childcare.
–I am thankful for unique gifts like prayer shawls, a massage, essential oils, family photos, fun things for the kids, and more.
–I am thankful we were able to purchase a sauna at a very steep discount. (Thanks to my savvy sister-in-law and Master Spas of West MI.)
–I am thankful for encouraging texts, songs, and devotions that have been sent to me.
–I am thankful for two healthy children.
–I am thankful for food that has amazing healing power.
–I am thankful for a husband who loves me, flaws and all.
–I am thankful for a warm house and two running vehicles.
–I am thankful for Jesus and the Bible.
–I am thankful for a God who is always good, and will never leave us.
And the list could go on and on. So while we may feel like we are wandering around the wilderness eating our manna right now, when I look at this I begin to realize how much we have to be thankful for. (And the weird thing is, the food is starting to taste a bit better too…)
We hope you all have a wonderful (and thankful) Thanksgiving,
Lindsey & Brad
“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:8-9
You’re all caught up on how this story began. I continue to get treatments, and am overall doing well. Life has continued on, and we are starting to get in a good routine. From here on out, as we feel called to share something, we will! Anything from how God is working in our lives, to healthy living tips, recipes we enjoy, and encouraging words. If God puts something on our hearts, we’ll share it here and our Instagram and Facebook Page. Have a topic you’d like to hear more about? Feel free to contact us on any one of our social media platforms.
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