There is some activities to report! Yesterday was a busy day for Kole! He is still overcoming fears from being so sick! Janni, like I said, was sensing that God was giving her the green light to start pushing Kole. Yesterday, Janni had him sit up. We gave Kole a timer and set it for 5 minutes. He did some physical therapy on the floor as well. Kole's dad being a coach would start to count to ten and Kole would relunctantly begin to count along. It was quite cute for Kole would speed up his counting as he came to 7,8,9, and 10. Cheater that he is. Anyway, his eyes get as big as saucers in concern for what we are doing to him! I told him that he could trust his mom and dad, for they would not want anything to happen to him. They have battled for him through prayer and seeking God through His Word. They would not forsake him now.He would whimper, "I am afraid". He did a great job and we were thrilled. Later in the evening, Grandpa Keller made a bond fire. Kole was excited. We bundled him up and roasted marshmellows and hot dogs. This is a wonderful house to stay at! Nancy and Steve Sr. have made us feel so welcomed and loved. They have spoiled my children along with their own . I am afraid I will have to drag my kids home. My daughter, Hannah, said that Steve Sr. was nice. I have to agree, along with Nancy. I can see their love for their family. It might be hard to move from this place in a way. There is a beautiful view of the river and wonderful sunsets. Plus, there is much activity from the wild life in the area. Jaelle has been smothered with love. I can tell she thinks she owns the place. She told my daughters and myself, without hesitation, that we could stay here! She just takes it forgranted that her grandparents would do anything for her. She is so secure in their love! I do not know how Janni and Steve would have done it without such loving support. Janni said it would have been almost impossible. God provided for all the details and took care of many of their day to day duties. He removed as much stress as possible. Janni said that to me one day, as she explained how burdening her food routine had become. God lightened her load and said give him to me. She gave Kole to Him and He gave Him back to raise for His glory. Keep praying for Kole's smile to return along with his hope and trust. He has travelled a difficult journey, and it is hard to trust that life will now move on. May we move on with God holding our hand.

Love,
Jodi

Hello our friends and family! Today has been glorious! Today is Janni's due date as well!Tomorrow is Jaelle's birthday. Kole is taking his nap. Janni and I enjoyed tormenting him with our kisses. He is so fun to kiss from head to toe! How God can fill us with such love! It is full to overflowing! We have much gratitude in our heart. I do not know the verse but I sing to myself..."Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us......that we should be called the sons of God"! God has rewarded us with Himself and we have discovered He is our treasure. I looked at Kole and thanked him today for he has taught me about the Father's love. Kole has been downstairs today to have his "Miller's donut" that his grandfather bought him. Janni has been turning into his coach/teacher, much like Helen Keller's teacher. She has made him walk twice today with her aid. Last night Kole was arguing with us and being so stubborn that we felt God was telling us to move on to the "training stage"! Janni has figured he has no trouble anymore eating and drinking. He does not throw up! God has given her the green light to be insistent with him and he does what she says. He moans and complains, but does it! He is also good at giving her "the eye"! My dad said that this morning he was very talkative and clear thinking! We are very pleased with his progress and feel light hearted and full of joy. We have learned to appreciate this since we have also known the heaviness of intense battle. Thank you for you have fought along side of us for this wee boy! If only he knew! Isn't God amazing! His handiwork is all over this beautiful work! He has poured out His Spirit, His Word, and Himself. He is making us and forming us into worthy vessels to pour Himself into. We want to be poured out like a "drink offering". We have received the greatest gift---life and life eternal! We are satisfied! We are smiling! Janni lifted her hands and eyes up to God, with a great big smile, and said I have gotten a great gift! Continue praying for Kole's strength to return. Many times he groans expecting to be in pain. He is suprised when he is not and confesses to us "well I thought I would be in pain"! Why do we as people expect the worse all the time instead of God's best! His best for us is awesome! Even in hardship, His best is awesome! It is a happy day!

Love,
Jodi

Wow! God continues to answer prayers. I truly believe we are coming out of the valley of the shadow of death. It has only happened because of the prayers of so many. Though we are not through for Satan likes to reach in and just give a little pinch to put a little doubt and sadness in our lives. ( as I write I rebuke Satan in Jesus Christ's name) God is truly faithful. Kole has had some tough days but God continues to deliver. Today, Kole slept peacefully and did not experience much discomfort of any kind. He was surrounded by your prayer. I must say I am at much peace knowing that so many people are praying for him. It makes the daily struggles on my family and I so much less. Anyway, Kole felt so good today that he was even telling stories. He ended up eating quite a bit tonight, too. It was not extremely healthy but it was calories. He had Chinese food, some donut, mashed potatoes and corn, and some cookie dough. I was thrilled.
Kole is truly a miracle and he is healed. God promised and he has answered. Kole was in so much discomfort a week ago that he could not even sit on my lap. His neck was so stiff from the tumor that he was unable to move it an inch to either side. He is now able to move his neck freely and he sits on our laps. I have so much love and adoration for the Lord as he puts up with my doubts and lack of trust. He continues to support us and give us hope. I just want to sing praises to his name.
His holy word continues to be our strength. I keep repeating "He will never leave me or forsake me" and he hasn't. I truly believe that God took care of Kole even when I thought he was in pain and I wondered where God was. I realize now that God was always there. I know that without God the pain would not have been tolerable. Instead He would come and take the pain away.

Here is another verse that encouraged me greatly as I began to have doubt. But his word always reaffirmed that God would save him.
Psalm 12:5-6. "Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says the Lord "I will protect them from those who malign them." And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.

I know that I cannot go wrong trusting in his word. Through prayer and the Bible we are comforted and we know that Kole is healed.

God Bless and please continue to pray continually. Kole still has a long way to go. He is still incredibly weak. He shakes when he lifts up his arms. He cannot sit up by himself nor can he turn himself over. The devil has covered one of his eyes that makes it difficult for him to see out of. He obviously cannot stand up and his muscles are getting tight for he has not been out of bed for the last two days. He does not use his muscles much other than when he decided to crawl on Monday. I pray also for his attitude. He gets discouraged and frustrated easily. I know he is depressed. He wants to play like his sister and he is not able to. I keep telling him that he will be playing soon but it is hard for a little five year old to look to the future. Heck it is hard for me.

Like I said, I am truly comforted by knowing that so many people are diligently praying for Kole. Please continue to lift us up as your prayer is crucial to Kole and our family. Please continue to pass on the word that Kole Keller needs prayer.

Thank you for your support and comments. It has brought us some needed smiles and inspiration during this time.

God Bless,
Janni

Hello friends. We are sitting in the room while Kole is resting peacefully! We just had a wonderful time talking to God and talking to Kole. We want to share it with you! God is on the move. A great friend of mine (Kristi Walker) had given me this passage about the lost sheep. It was about how the shepherd left the 99 sheep to go after the one lost. I found the story in Matthew 18. It starts at Matthew 18:5 "Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these "little ones" who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea". Then later in Matthew 18:10-14 "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these "little ones" should be lost". We started talking to Kole about our testimonies! We asked him if he had asked Jesus in his heart. He said one time he thought he did in the middle of the night. I told Kole a gospel story that I had heard when I was a girl and he made comments and asked questions! It was a wonderful time of conversation. Janni kept saying last night that God wanted Kole's heart! I believe she was right. Kole is so loveable and we cannot help but want to pour out our affection to him. We understand God's focused desire to go after the lost sheep! We see His love and passion!

I had never connected the upper portion of this scripture with the lower portion until now. Two little words jumped out at me "little ones"! It may be difficult to believe but there has been a real tug-of-war in the spiritual realm over Kole. This morning we were in prayer and I started thinking about sheep and about Moses and the Israelites. I started thinking about how God had heard the cries of His people and had called on Moses to lead them out of slavery in Egypt into the promised land. I looked back furthur in the story and recalled how Moses was rescued by his mother and by God. Moses being put in a basket and left to float down the Nile until he reached safety. My friend Liz told me the enemy is always after the "seed". He wants to destroy God's testimony to the world by destroying God's children. I started to see that picture but she put the picture into focus. The enemy went after Christ when he was born by sending Harod to kill the baby boys born around Bethlehem.

We literally spent most of the night in prayer and in the word and then into this morning more prayer and more study. I have begun to feel weary! I have thought about Psalms 23 as well. I pictured our shepherd leading us to green pastures. However, right now we could only see the valley. I thought about how sheep adore their shepherd and how the shepherd looks out after their sheep. I thought to myself we need to trust and adore our Shepherd, while we are in the valley of the shadow of death and trust in His rod and staff to comfort us. He is leading us to a good place full of green grass and rest. He knows we are tired. He knows we are carrying young. I could picture our shepherd carrying Kole around his neck or craddled in His arms. I could see the young lambs frolicking about around the Shepherd's legs. We as sheep have a tendancy to go our own way. We sometimes desire to lead the Shepherd. Our way seems best from the ground, but it is full of unseen dangers such as wolves and cliffs. We sometimes think we know the shorter way and a better way. God reminded me the other day in my heart that "I am just a sheep" and that I cannot help anyone or have the power to go off on my own. Sheep are powerless. As a sheep, I can point to the Sherpherd, be an example to other sheep as I follow the Shepherd, and stay nestled closely to the Shepherd's leg! God has the responsibility to rescue and to save! He does a fine job. We have learned much following our Shepherd in this valley! Lessons we could not have possibly have learned in the green pasture. Anyway, this verse also brought comfort to both my sister and myself last night.

Isaiah 40:11 "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."

We cannot say enough about how thankful we are for you prayers and words of love! May God pour out His blessings on you! You have a part. You are precious! Praise Him and adore Him today!

Love,
Jodi

I am sorry this has taken so long to post. We certainly have felt your prayers. We have been up for most of the night praying over Kole as he had a lot of trouble getting comfortable. But I know that God has heard all of our cries for he did not cry out in pain. He is now sleeping soundly. Last night he did eat some Chinese Food. Thank you for the prayer of him eating nutritious food. Please continue. God did not say he would answer in our time. We are waiting patiently for him. We will perservere. Like James 5:10-11 "Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have perservered. You have heard of Job's perserverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Pray that God will flood our hearts with adoration and love for him. We can adore him and love him in the wait.

Thank you for all of the support. We know that God has something huge planned. Please continue to pray for Kole and send the word around to others to pray for him. God wants you to be apart of his glorious miracle.

I cannot ever predict what God is going to do. I was sure with all of the support and prayers that Kole was going to have a great night. But through this he has never left Kole and he is always faithful. He has been teaching us all this whole time and his mercy endures forever. The passages that helped me get through last night and this morning were:

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Please continue to pray for God has called the body of believers to cry out. Psalms 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

Your comments mean so much to us. Thank you for taking the time to encourage us. God has truly answered our prayer for the body of believers to come together and pray. Praise the Lord.

God Bless and Love,
Janni

Today has been an interesting day! Kole has struggled with discouragement and Janni was reading him the Bible story out of Exodus referring to the Israelites whimpering and complaining in the desert. She was reading the Frank Peretti version and he calls them "moan heads". She said Kole you do not want to be a "moan head"! Anyway, God has reminded me in my spirit today that Kole's restoration would come with the body of Christ calling out to Him! Each day during the rest of the week I would like to dedicate to Kole's strength restored. I thought we could start praying tomorrow (Wednesday) for his strength in his feet and legs. Along with praying that God would keep up his appetite and taking in fluids. Janni is due for a baby any day now! God knows what is needed and I believe He loves hearing from His precious church! I will report back to you at the end of the day Wednesday! Thank you! We still need you! We love you and feel so loved by you!

Isaiah 43:1 "...Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you".

Isaiah 43:4 and parts of 5 "Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you....Do not be afraid, for I am with you...."!

Wednesday request:
1. Kole will continue eating and drinking lots.
2. Kole's feet and legs will be strengthened.

Love,
Jodi

This is Janni,
I thought I would add a little bit to this post to explain what Kole can and cannot do at the moment. To be honest there is very little that he can do. He is so weak that he can barely turn over in bed. He had his left leg hanging off the side of the bed and he could not get it up on to the bed without help. This weakness makes it very hard for him to get himself comfortable. His feet bother him too. Also, it makes his legs especially his left side just feel achy a lot. Please pray that he will not feel achy. Obviously, he is not able to stand, have much coordination, balance, or walk. He can barely take the actions to take a step with his left leg. Nutrition is an issue. He does eat but it is not always the healthiest food. Please pray that he will want to eat some fruits and vegetables. When praying be as specific as possible for each part of his legs and feet. Every joint is weak.
Thank you so much for taking the time to pray for Kole. God is using you to be a part of this amazing miracle. Please ask anyone you know to pray for Kole and/or look on this website.

God told Jodi and I in different ways that it was going to be a large group of believers praying that would bring Kole through this. It is amazing to see God work. Please pray for the whole family as it is difficult for Ellie as our lives revolve around Kole so much.

God Bless,
Janni

Hello church! We are asking you to pray for Kole today! He feels discouraged and ready to play outside in this warm weather! Pray for God to uplift him today as only He can! It is funny how a child can feel discouragement like an adult! We should call the enemy "an expert discourager"! How can he pick on a 5 year old!I asked God to call you guys to pray today and hope you heard! If not-- read this and pray! God is wonderful and He loves you all with an un-dieing love! We expect to write back describing his smile! God smiles at your love for Kole!

Love Kole's Aunt

I just had to write and tell everyone what Jesus just did for Kole. He has not truly moved around since last Thursday. He has been bed ridden. Anyway, Kole told me I could go out in the breezeway and take some quiet time to read my bible. I said ok. He and Ellie were watching TV. I checked on them about 10 or 15 minutes later. Here Kole was on the floor. I rushed in and thought Ellie had pulled him off the couch. Here come to find out Kole got himself off and was crawling on the floor. I was so excited. He then tells me that I just figured out that if I ask in Jesus's name I can do anything. Praise the Lord. God continues to answer prayers and pull me out of my slimy pit that I always seem to put myself in.
God BLess and keep praying.
Love,
Janni

We have much love in our hearts for all of you! This blog has been used as God's mouthpiece. Many times scriptures have been sent to us over this blog that were just the words Janni and Steve needed to keep going. You have no idea how much we have fed and shared your comments with each other and marveled at your love and wisdom as well as God's that was channeled through you. This blog is an instrument of His love.

I do not know what happened to my darling sister for she was to write tonight! I will let her fill you in on how our "precious miracle" is doing! Our family and our faith have also become a "precious miracle". It was a high price to pay, but Jesus paid it all. My heart is full to overflowing!

This morning in church as we were worshiping God in song, I became overwhelmed with gratitude and awe for what God did. Sobs of joy over took me, and confidence flooded my heart. I know Kole is healed! God confirmed it in my heart and soul. He has called me to believe and receive his healing for Kole much like He has called me to believe and receive healing for my sin infested heart from Christ's death and resurrection. There is so much to tell about our Lord! I do not have time tonight to write it all, I would still leave out much to write for it is impossible to capture it all in words! He is a glorious and kind and a true doting father. Love Him so---I say tenderly from the bottom of my heart. You will experience a bit of the kingdom of heaven on this earth along with a true belonging to the most precious One True God of this Universe and beyond. He is our "Abba Father"/Daddy. The veil has been lifted from our eyes, though we only see in part! The best is yet to come!

I have learned that it is true that the Kingdom of Heaven is for the children and for those who are willing to submit to being His child with child like neediness and child like awe and wonder. We have discovered the hidden treasure and the precious peal talked about in Mathew 13:44-46.

"The kingdom of heaven is like a hidden treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field"

(In other words it is to discover that it is way worth it to trade in this world and worldly pursuits for what God has in store for us. Along with pursuing God with passion and with everything you have got. You get places on your knees and in His Word.)

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it."

May I say we will never be the same again and this is only the beginning of what God has in store! We are over joyed! My prayer over a year ago in the Cleveland Clinic Chapel, as Kole was in surgery, was that we would become a family with "beautiful feet". Feet bringing the good news to this dieing and suffering world! There are plenty of priceless pearls to go around, to those who will "sell all that they have"! The pursuit of the kingdom in trade for the world's pursuits is victorious, joyful and "full" living. May all of you join us! We would love to serve with you "shoulder to shoulder". You are just as much "family", through Christ's blood!

Jodi

KOLE IS A MIRACLE. PRAISE THE LORD, FOREVER AND EVER. On Friday, as Kole was at the brink of death, the body of Christ was praying over Kole. During our prayers with God we all prayed that Kole would be healed and he would ask to eat. God spoke to me that we would know that Kole was healed because he would ask to eat. Yesterday, I told you how he wanted to eat a Twinkie. Let me tell you about today. First of all, Kole truly has not eaten much for over a month. He probably only ate one or maybe two meals a day. He would only eat if we sat food in front of him. He would never suggest eating or would he ever eat a snack. Let me also remind you that in the past week he was so nauseous sometimes that he could not keep water down without throwing up. Well today he woke up and asked for a toaster strudel. He ate half of that. Then during the day, he ate three small helpings of mashed potatoes and corn. He ate a bag of fruit snacks and some crabby patties. He had just finished his third helping of the day of mashed potatoes and corn. He said he was really full. Well my cousin Karla had brought supper to us. He heard that she had brought a strawberry dessert. So he said he wanted some. I said you said your tummy was full. I don't want you to get sick. I think you should wait at least an hour before you eat again. He said fine. Wouldn't you know it. About twenty minutes later Kole whined a little bit. The mother that I am was thinking he was in pain. So I asked him what was wrong. He said I just really want that strawberry dessert. So I gave in and he ate quite a bit of it. To top off this whole day of food, Kole then woke up at about 11:00 pm and said he was hungry. I said do you want me to take you down stairs or bring something up to you. He decided to come downstairs. He proceeded to eat a whole toaster strudel and drink some milk. Never once has he complained that his tummy hurts or that he is going to throw up. God has truly healed him. Praise the Lord.
I just want God's name to be glorified so much. He is truly faithful, real, and loving. Kole is a living testimony of this. Kole would not be here today without God's intervention.
Today, at church my pastor spoke right to me. His topic was Jesus: On Success. His last point was: Our part in living productive lives is making sure our spirits are connected and open to His Spirit. If you have read the blogs or heard me talk I have been told through God that he has given us this awesome gift of the holy spirit. And I needed to use it to its fullest. Wow, this was a turning point for my walk with Jesus and knowing that KOle was going to be just fine. Anyways, under this point was three points that I have been living by for the last 8 week.
1. Choose to let Him control your life. ( In other words trust Him) Make the choice to put Him first. Then pastor went on to tell us that we like to be busy. He said he was so busy and needed to get his sermon done but God said "Boy, you are busy Bill." "Yep I have to get my sermon notes done." And God said, "Who is going to speak on Sunday? You or Me?" Then the pastor went on to say that he put all of his stuff away and began to read Psalms 91 and listen to some worship music. I got chills as this was the same verse that God used to help prepare me for KOle on Friday morning. At this point I knew for sure that God was using pastor Bill to speak to me.
2. Submit to his pruning. John 15:2 "He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more."
He used the turmoil that Satan put upon Kole to prune us. I have never trusted God so much in all my life. Steve and I appreciate the faith that God has given us. But he only gave it to us because we asked for it. Of course we also doubt. Satan likes it when we doubt our GOd. But God forgives us and he restores our faith and trust everytime. Then we are once again filled with joy and peace. How great is He that we just have to ask for forgiveness and it is done.
3. Let His words nourish you.
John 15:7 "If my words remain in you"
Everyday, I would read the same passages. Many were about healing, faith, trust, and hope. But through these words I was able to know God more. He spoke louder. And I knew it was him because His words would back up what He told me. I can honestly say that when I would get down and depressed His words healed my soul. They also healed Kole.
Here is the scripture that helped me to know this:
Proverbs 4:20-22
My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.
It works. God's word heals everytime.

The best part of all of this is that we really did not have to do anything. God did it all. We just asked. He gave us the faith, hope, trust, and healing. I remember one time beating myself up over the fact that I did not trust that God would heal Kole. He revealed to me that I did have to make myself trust Him. I just needed to ask and He would give it to me.

Please continue to praise God for Kole's healing and pray for Kole's restoration. He is very weak. He has a hard time sitting up. He cannot walk and he is frustrated that he can't play what he wants. He wants to do so much now that he feels good, but he is just not physically capable.
Thank you for all of your prayers.
God Bless,
Janni

I just wanted to tell everyone to continue praying for Kole. God is truly working miracles with him. We know he will completely recover. God has told me for the past 6 months, "Janni, trust me and wait." This is what he is telling me now. I am sure of God's faithfullnes.
We have been praying that He would ask to eat. This was our prayer to God that would ask to eat as a sign. He has not eaten since last Tuesday. Today he said that God, Jesus, and him had all decided to eat a Twinkie and drink some milk. Praise the Lord. Kole ate a half of a Twinkie and drank a little milk. I guess I learned to like Twinkies from the good Lord. Kole has followed along. I must always remember to thank God for his blessings. So, in your prayers you can thank him that he is eating, not in pain, talking, and moving more, and conscience.
God is perfect in his faithfullness. Kole will be completely restored. We will continue to pray and thank him. God is always trustworthy. I wish everyone could see the miracle God is performing on Kole. It is supernatural and awesome. We felt everyone's prayers. We certainly feel the holy ghost here.

I guess I should also tell you a little about how he was yesturday. On Thursday, he was in some pain and could not move his neck much at all. He had been up quite a few times during the night but this was pretty normal. At about 3:30 AM he got up with pain. We prayed over him and he finally fell back to sleep. I stayed up continueing to pray and study the bible. I was praying Psalms 91 and Psalms 23 over and over again to help me get rid of my fears. At about 5:00 I was just about ready to go back to bed. I saw Kole's legs moving all about. So I began praying again. About 15 minutes later he woke up. He was acting so strange. He could not look at you. He could not talk. It was like he was in a semi coma or something. I thank God for keeping me up that morning preparing me with his word for I was not scared. I woke my parents up at about 6:00 am to begin praying. We prayed and prayed. Finally at about 6:30 Kole threw up and fell asleep. He still was not with it and could not talk. I got a hold of Jodi at about 8:00 am. She came with my Aunt Jane. We all became united and prayed the house down. God is good. He is showing his glory to us all the time. I praise him for his guidance. It is awesome to see Kole without pain and to sleep in complete comfort.
I keep remembering the scripture Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."

Sometimes we want to use our natural instincts to determine something. Not with God. He is supernatural. Kole is living and breathing proof. I must always remember to put God in the drivers seat. This verse is great to put this is perspective.
Isaiah 2:22 Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?

Praise the Lord.
Janni

Hello friends! God is tremedous! Steve is sitting at the table eating Cherios laughing with my parents and talking about the good Lord! Yesterday the Lord laid it heavy on us to put our hands and Kole and pray! We had been praying, and singing, and reading scripture aloud all day. The Holy Spirit truly is a stream of living water. We are weak people but our God is on the throne and is all powerful. His power is made perfect in weakness! We have enjoyed our Lord together and had a blessed day because of you helping us battle through your prayers! It was a difficult morning with several attacks of evil in the form of fear and Kole crying out! We prayed fervently and God gave victory each time! Than, God gave us peace and joy from on high. We moved down to the living room with Kole and continued to pray, worship, share scripture and testimony of God's working. It was in the evening after seven that God led us to place our hands on Kole and pray. Kole was in a deep sleep! God was good and kind. My mother broke out singing "Only a boy named David". We all sang along and it was not long before Kole a woke and sang along! It was glorious. He stayed awake for a time talking! He was able to go to the bathroom before bed and then went two times in the middle of the night. Steve says it has been a good month since Kole was able to sleep throught the night like last night. He has not cried out in pain since yesterday morning. I ran upstairs in the middle of night thinking I heard him and he was sitting on the potty with a smile on his face with his smiling mom. He asked his mom "why is aunt Jodi here without her kids ?". Janni told Kole that he needed lots of prayer yesterday. This morning he told his dad "I was in a deep deep sleep". I went up to look at this nephew, filled with love for him. I looked at his frail body and thought to myself "God's power is made perfect in weakness". We are weak but in Him we are strong. Yes, Jesus loves us. There is much laughter in the kitchen today and we are glad. God just led me to Hebrews 11:32-35. The faith chapter. We have seen the power of faith. We have only just begun to believe God and desire to seek Him and believe more! May we please Him. Kole said this week that he wanted to finish his food because he wanted to make his dad proud. We desire to make our Heavenly Father proud.

And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of the lion, quenched the fury of flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection.

Jodi

I believe that your faith coming alongside of the Kellers became a powerful force against the "powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms". It also bathed us with the love and comfort of the Holy Spirit! We thank God for the church and for unity! We know you are there! God is pleased! He loves the Body of Christ.

Jodi

Hello friends! God is tremedous! Steve is sitting at the table eating Cherios laughing with my parents and talking about the good Lord! Yesterday the Lord laid it heavy on us to put our hands and Kole and pray! We had been praying, and singing, and reading scripture aloud all day. The Holy Spirit truly is a stream of living water. We are weak people but our God is on the throne and is all powerful. His power is made perfect in weakness! We have enjoyed our Lord together and had a blessed day because of you helping us battle through your prayers! It was a difficult morning with several attacks of evil in the form of fear and Kole crying out! We prayed fervently and God gave victory each time! Than, God gave us peace and joy from on high. We moved down to the living room with Kole and continued to pray, worship, share scripture and testimony of God's working. It was in the evening after seven that God led us to place our hands on Kole and pray. Kole was in a deep sleep! God was good and kind. My mother broke out singing "Only a boy named David". We all sang along and it was not long before Kole a woke and sang along! It was glorious. He stayed awake for a time talking! He was able to go to the bathroom before bed and then went two times in the middle of the night. Steve says it has been a good month since Kole was able to sleep throught the night like last night. He has not cried out in pain since yesterday morning. I ran upstairs in the middle of night thinking I heard him and he was sitting on the potty with a smile on his face with his smiling mom. He asked his mom "why is aunt Jodi here without her kids ?". Janni told Kole that he needed lots of prayer yesterday. This morning he told his dad "I was in a deep deep sleep". I went up to look at this nephew, filled with love for him. I looked at his frail body and thought to myself "God's power is made perfect in weakness". We are weak but in Him we are strong. Yes, Jesus loves us. There is much laughter in the kitchen today and we are glad. God just led me to Hebrews 11:32-35. The faith chapter. We have seen the power of faith. We have only just begun to believe God and desire to seek Him and believe more! May we please Him. Kole said this week that he wanted to finish his food because he wanted to make his dad proud. We desire to make our Heavenly Father proud.

And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of the lion, quenched the fury of flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection.

Jodi

I believe that your faith coming alongside of the Kellers became a powerful force against the "powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms". It also bathed us with the love and comfort of the Holy Spirit! We thank God for the church and for unity! We know you are there! God is pleased! He loves the Body of Christ.

Jodi

My dear family in the Lord and the Kellers family in the Lord. We can tell you are lifting us up and have an amazing joy and peace! We thank you for your intercessory prayer! We are waiting for God's glory! He is an amazing God! Kole is sleeping and is beautiful! He is breathing deeply and we praise God! He even drinks! Pray continually we need you and love you! We have felt a lift in the warefare due to your prayers----we know it! Also, prayer is powerful and we have seen much amazing works of God and will pass it onto you! You have an important part to play and God includes you in His working! It will be from the body of Christ calling out that Kole will be healed! Send scripture we love it!! It blesses Janni and Steve more than anything and thank you for Psalm 40! Perfect!!!!!!! We love your love!

Jodi

Pray Now and Tell anyone you know to Pray.

Here is an email that my sister had sent me from someone that had thought of me. It is very influential and speaks completely of out situation with Kole. Just to let you know God has been so merciful. Kole has been in very little pain. He is basically frustated by his inability to do anything. He sleeps quite often now but he sleeps in peace. Just recently as I was singing to Jesus he showed himself to me and then he kissed Kole. He is here. Today, He told me that I am not losing Kole but I am gaining a miracle. This miracle will glorify my name. Praise the Lord.
Janni, Jamie "Boehr" was doing her devotions this morning and came across this and made a special effort to give it to me to give to you! If God put it on her heart it must be from Him."After forty years had passed, an angel apeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai....Then the Lord said to him,"...I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt." (Acts 7:30, 33-34) commentary in a Devotional for March 22.
Forty years was a long time to wait in preparation for a great mission. Yet when God delays, He is not inactive. This is when He prepares His instruments and matures our strength. Then at the appointed time we will rise up and be equal to our task. Even Jesus of Nazareth had thirty years of privacy, growing in wisdom before He began His work. (John Henry Jowett) God is never in a hurry. He spends years preparing those He plans to greatly use, and never thinks of the days of preparation as being too long or boring. The most difficult ingredient in suffering is often time. A short, sharp pain is easily endured, but when a sorrow drags on its long and weary way year after monotonous year, returning day after day with the same dull routine of hopeless agony, the heart looses its strength. Without the grace of God, the heart is sure to sink into dismal despair. Joseph endured a long trial, and God often has to burn the lessons he learned into the depths of our being, using the fires of prolonged pain. "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver" (Mal. 3:3), yet He knows the specific amount of time that will be needed. Like a goldsmith, God stops the fire the moment He sees His image in the glowing metal. Today we may be unable to see the final outcome of the beautiful plan that God has hidden "in the shadow of his hand" may rest in the assurance that God is still seated on His throne. Because of this assurance, we can calmly await the time when, in heavenly delight, we will say, "All things (have) work(ed) together for good (Rom. 8:28)". As Joseph did, we should be more careful to focus on learning all the lessons in the school of sorrow than to focus anxious eyes toward the time of our deliverance. There is a reason behind every lesson, and when we are ready, our deliverance will definitely come. Then we will know we could never have served in our place of higher service without having been taught the very things we learned during our ordeal. God is in the process of educating us for future service and greater blessing. And if we have gained the qualities that make us ready for a throne, nothing will keep us from it once His timing is right. Don't steal tomorrow from God's hands. Give Him time to speak to you and reveal His will. He is never late--learn to wait, "He never shows up late; He knows just what is best; Fret not your self in vain; until He comes just REST" Never run impulsively ahead of the Lord. Learn to await His timing--the second, minute, and hour hand must all point to the precise moment for action.

This is completely plagerized.
Love,
Jodi

God spoke to me just the other day. He has been asking me to just trust him in everyway. I like to take things in my own hands. He said, "Janni, Aren't my hands the best? Just trust me. Kole will be restored. Trust me with him and the timing."
Thank you Jamie for sending this to me. God speaks in many ways.
Love,
Janni

I do not know how to write all that is on my heart and mind! I do not know how to give God such great credit that is due Him, at least with words! I have had the privilege of being here in Oak Harbor with Janni, Steve, Kole, Jaelle, my parents, and two of my children! Jaelle has enjoyed having her cousins here to play with her. Yet, it has been hard for Kole. His mind wants to play right along with them and yet his body will not cooperate, nor will his energy level! We were praying with Kole yesterday and talked again about the man at the gate Beautiful. How he could not walk, but how Peter and John gave him what they had--- healing in the name of Jesus Christ. We talked about how he was able to go walking and leaping and praising God. That became our prayer yesterday, for Kole to be able to go walking and leaping and praising God. We are asking God for a walking and leaping and praising God party!!!

Anyway, last night as Kole was attempting to sleep I could hear his cries and whimpers. I wanted to wrap him in my arms and take it all away! And yet, it was not my place. My place was on my knees interceding for Kole, Janni, and Steve. It was a pleasure to lift them up and pray for God's working to soothe them and care for them as only He could! As I prayed, while hearing the tears of a my young nephew, I could see the cost of what Christ did on the cross! I could sense the cost to our heavenly Father, for the first time! It was revealed to me the great great love of our heavenly Father! I cannot imagine the agony that God the Father had, when faced with having to allow His One and Only Perfect Son to be beaten and crucified. God is our hero in that He loved us so much that He gave His Son when He did not have to, to die in order that we may live. I could picture last night, the anguish of our Heavenly Father. I could picture our Father being right next to His Son with every insult, every beating, every nail hammered in his hand, every crying out, every pain, and than when all the sins of every person of the world were upon His Son--- He had to tear Himself away and turn His back on His own Son. He did this because He loved us so much! I believe that caused immense pain to our immense God. He could have done something at any time to rescue Jesus, however he restrained Himself so that we might have life and life eternal. I cannot imagine my sister and Steve ever having to turn their back on Kole. That would be practically impossible for them, for their love for their son is so great! And yet, so was God's. God, however knew that this was what was required and He is a courageous God and a good God to allow His Son to be alone for that moment in order to remedy the sin of the whole world. What love is this! I do not understand it! How could God love such sinful people so much, I hardly get it! Yet, He does! I see it better now. I believe our Heavenly Father allows himself to feel pain. I know Christ felt pain. What we see in Christ reflects the Heavenly Father, for they are One! We believe that what Kole is suffering is not in vain! We believe that our Heavenly Father, far more loves Kole than even we can imagine! Victory is in store! For all the way our Savior leads us! He is leading us to trust His power to rescue. He has the power to rescue Kole from the ravages of this cancer! He is the Only Wise God who can do this---there is no human out there who can save Kole. Jesus truly saves! We praise Him and trust Him. There is a sense of rest in knowing who our Savior is and learning to rely on Him. This burden is way too big. Learning to truly trust God lightens our burden and pleases God. I was thinking that it is a worthy goal to live to please our loving God and work hard not to cause Him pain. Our unbelief and sin and disobedience causes Him pain. We will never be able to prevent God being in pain over us! Yet, we can live to please Him! I see God is in anguish over many people with many hurts! I see it now much better! I understand anguish now! Some day this world will loose it's anguish, all because our Heavenly Father gave His Only Begotten Son! Blessed be His Name. His hands are on this anguish. We are learning to take our hands off and look only to His nail scared hand.

Love,
Jodi

Kole has been doing ok. God has been merciful in the fact that he has not had very much horrible pain. Lately we have been dealing with the fact that he is lathergic. He has also had trouble walking, moving, and keeping his balance. Satan is truly playing right into God's hands. God's healing miracle is going to be all the greater. We know God has something awesome planned. Kole is under His wings as we speak. He keeps telling me just to trust Him. Boy is this hard. But I read in the Bible that God does not expect us to get this trust by ourselves. Just ask and He will give it and He has.
God encourages us everyday. On Saturday I turned to the miracle about he boy was blind from birth. The disciples asked Jesus who sinned for him to be blind. Jesus said he was blind to show glory to God for Jesus healed him. Wouldn't you know it but someone commented on this same miracle on Sunday. Then today, Steve was reading the Bible at work and he came to this same miracle. Right after reading this he went to see another teacher about scanning a picture. Guess what! She says that she was reading this same miracle and thought of Kole. After leaving her room, Steve was heading back to his room when he ran into a basketball player's father who happens to be a pastor. Wouldn't you know it that he brought up this same miracle to Steve. Do you think God is trying to tell us something. In 3 days it has been pointed out to Steve and I five times and within 10 minutes it was pointed out 3 times. Kole's illness will glorify our good Lord.
God Bless and keep up the expectant prayer for God has heard our cries.
Love,
Janni

I just wanted to give you a little update on Kole. He has been having trouble sleeping due to his cold and just being uncomfortable. This has been very frustrating to him.
Today he was so cute. He was having terrible leg pains. Probably the worst he has had in weeks. We prayed and God just took them away. Let me tell you though it was quite hard for Steve and I to see him in so much pain. God was faithful but we surely had to learn to be patient. We talked with Kole about why we have to be patient. If God gives us everything we want right away we will not appreciate what he does for us. We will just expect it. Just like life, we appreciate things that we have had to wait for much more.
Tonight he prayed the most precious prayer. He said, "Lord, please give me a good nights rest so I can get up early, eat breakfast, and go outside and enjoy the birds singing." This was music to my ears. I know God heard that prayer. We have been praying for this also, just not so cute words.
God is faithful and always keeps his promises. We know that he will not let us down.
God Bless,
Janni

Hello all! I just want to say we all can proud of our God! I have been watching Him sustain Janni and Kole up close! I am sure He is doing the same with Steve, though I have not been around my brother-in-law/coach as much to witness it personally. All I know is that Janni is very proud of her husband. In fact, she and Steve share their love and passion for God and for His work in their lives. I want to say a big thank you to Sarah Bricker who wrote the most kind and loving letter to Janni! Janni read it to me. My eyes filled with tears. Joy and hope came over me like a flood! We almost should publish it on the blog. Sarah's letter was written from the heart with such beauty! It proved to me that God was at work in people's lives and is real to so many.

Everyday Janni has a story to tell of God's deliverance. There has not been one time that Kole's pain has not subsided. God has been faithful to answer all our prayers. I was thinking to myself, after she told me the story of Kole claiming at least 60 miracles being performed on him--- especially in the last year and one half----that there are probably many miraculous works of God that have been performed on Kole and on us that we do not even know about! We have no idea how much God has protected us from all forms of dangers.

Leah, my six year old came down stairs last night and started telling me that she felt God was mean for allowing tornado's and Kole's cancer to come back. She had several other complaints! I asked her to tell me the story of Adam and Eve. And she did--- adding---an God allowed satan to come to Eve in the form of a snake and that was not nice either! At first, it was hard for me to hear her talk of God that way. Then, I realized that it was the enemy himself putting these thoughts in her head. I was able to tell Leah this and she began to understand. The enemy tells us that God is mean. God is never mean!!!!!!! I went on to say-- that you know God made your beautifully functioning and formed body. He made your eyes to see, ears to hear, and your lungs to breath, heart to pump, blood to flow and on and on. He made soft grass for you to play in. He made air for you to breath. He made water for you to drink! He made a beautiful world for us to live in while we are here. He also allowed for the enemy to live here. God's desire is for us to see the contrast between Him---who loves us so much that He would die for us ----and the Enemy---who hates us so much that he wants us to suffer and die with him! We would never appreciate God's goodness, unless we saw the contrast. We would never appreciate pain free heaven, without this painful earth! We would never be true individuals without a choice on who we are going to serve. At the end of my conversation with my daughter she came to this closure. She knows that since she has started praying every night for God to protect her from nightmares, she has not had them especially when she says "in the name of the Lord". However, she is not sure whether she loves God or if she just wants to avoid hell! I told her to start praying every night that God would show her how to love Him! It is amazing how this world keeps us distracted from a loving real God. His voice is drowned out by our t.v., stereo, ipods, computers, cell phones, fellow people, pets, and the like! To know the love of our shepherd we have to be sheep who listen for His voice and who seek to get to know Him through His Word! I believe that Kole has opened our ears and hearts! We have discovered a real treasure through this pain! God is such a treasure. He never runs out and is never limited to one person! We do not have to worry about splitting up the lottery money! There is 100 percent of God for everyone! To discover God's treasure takes turning down the media and turning up God's word and one's prayer life! I can remember going to bed many nights feeling so empty after spending hours watching t.v. . There is something about gorging the flesh on entertainment and starving the spirit of God and His Word! Once you discover how entertaining God can be, the lust of the flesh will loose it's hold! We will begin to discover that the enemy has been telling us a lie, saying that God is no fun and takes all our freedom away! The enemy has gone to a lot of trouble keeping us too preoccupied to seek God! It sometimes takes a struggle, like we are faced with, to discover our treasure! Nothing else seems to satisfy but God, when faced with life and death! God brings out life! The world brings out death! God brings out truth. The enemy brings out lies. God brings out meaningful full living that goes beyond all the material things we could possess! I have watched my sister find great pleasure in God, even though faced with great pain! How could pleasure and pain go side by side! It is only God! God alone satisfies. There is nothing like His dear presence in your life! Emanuel means God with us! We know God is with us!

Thank you God for taking care of my sister and her family 24/7. No one could do a better job than you!

Lord, we ask for your supernatural work in Kole's body! We ask you for your supernatural work in the lives Kole's story has touched! We ask for your glory to be revealed through this hardship!

Jodi

Kole did not have the best night last night. He has caught a cold that makes him cough. This causes his back to hurt. Please pray that the cough would go away. The devil continues to attack him but Kole ended up sleeping in this morning til 11:30. Praise God. He has since had a great day and I have not heard him cough much. But you know how colds are. They seem to show up when you are trying to sleep. Anyway, we have been praying that Kole would show improvement. I believe he has. His eyes seem to be tracking better an d he really has not complained much about any pains. Although, Kole has been quite spoiled he now moans just to moan sometimes. We will ask him what is wrong and he says nothing. This will be fun to retrain him once he is feeling much better. Also, tonight was the first time he came to me and said I am starving but nothing sounds good. This was music to my ears. God is working miracles. You know yesturday, Kole wrote his name in my scripture book because he said "I am the most miracles." I said yes you are but you better write Ellie's name too because she is a miracle too. SO he did and then to one up her he wrote 60 beside his name. I asked him what this meant and he said I am at least 60 miracles. I thought that was special.
I must tell everyone how blessed we are. Last night some teachers, their husbands, and my in-laws all came to our house to paint. They got a lot done. Then today another 20 or so people from my school along with my in laws again came and completely painted the whole house. This is such a relief for us. We are so pleased and we appreciate all the help. Not to mention all the people that were unable to come paint but sent either money, food, or drinks to feed all of the painters. Thank you to all of our helpers. I hear it looks really good. I cannot wait to go see it after church tomorrow.
God Bless you all,
Janni

I just wanted to tell you how things are going. Kole definitely has symptoms from the devil trying to make us doubt the Lord and his promises. Kole has been having trouble with moving his neck and bending over. He is also not very hungary and does not want to drink. To most people, it does not look good. I was just talking to someone the other day and I realized that to have faith in the Lord I cannot look at the natural. God is supernatural. I have complete faith that he will be healed and His name will be glorified. Thank the good Lord that he has sent the holy spirit to help us get through this. There are a couple of scriptures that have really helped me lately. Here they are:
Romans 8:26-27
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

1 John 4:19
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: That is we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of him.

2 Corinthians 3:4-
Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before GOd. NOt that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.

GOd is good. I was struggling yesturday and I said: GOd I know you are going to heal him but I just want to see impovement of some kind. I asked that he would eat and just want to. I also said I was not going to go to bed until he talked to me. Well I did not do so well with that but I layed out in the hall praying and of course I fell asleep but I would wake from a deep sleep with such a wonderful feeling of knowing that my prayers were answered. This happened twice before I said I think GOd wants me to go to bed. This morning Kole got up late and played and felt pretty good. He also ate lunch. It was about a half of a sandwich and a few other little bites of applesauce, and some other stuff. He also drank a whole bottle of Gatorade between last night and today. That is huge. God has answered and I see impovement in his eating. Thank you LOrd.
Keep up the prayers. God is listening.
Janni

I loved my sister's entry. The thought of Noah building an ark for 120 with no rain and no one ever seeing a boat before makes me realize that my struggle is very short in comparison. God was faithful to Noah and he will be to Kole too.
I just want to tell you how special God is to us. Some may look at Kole and think that God has not been faithful. I know I have been there a couple of times myself, but then I realize that he never has left us high and dry. Kole will have some symptoms like his eyes wondering, his legs hurting, or he won't eat but through it all God always takes the pains away and answers. I sometimes get frustrated that He is still having symptoms. Through God's grace He forgives me for my doubt but I see God working through Kole everyday. Today, Kole was lethargic and just did not want to eat. We prayed and we believe in God's faithfulness. Kole is now playing outside and playing with Legos. It thrills me to see him be a 5 year old again.
You know it is so cool that God understands our struggles and His grace forgives me when I get upset with Him. I started out the day so upset and depressed but God sent his love and peace over me. I love Him so much. I thank him everyday for all the miracles He performs on Kole.
By the way, I have to tell you how blessed my family is. We are in the midst of painting our house. With Kole's episodes and me being pregnant it would have been hard for us to get the painting done. We are so blessed by so many people willing to help us. My school has planned to come and paint on Saturday. Others who are unable to come on Saturday are helping on Friday night, making desserts, providing drinks, or money for the pizza. We are so blessed. God has blessed us with incredible people who are willing to sacrifice for us in our time of need. Another family of sisters from my church are also wanting to help us. And of course I cannot forget about my fabulous in-laws who do so much for us. They need to pack for a vacation on Monday but instead they are helping us paint. I just want to thank you all for all of your help. And of course I know this is all from the glorious God above.
God bless you all.
Janni

Here it is 4:40 A.M. and the Lord woke me to write this blog. He is such a cute God! I have been pondering the last year and several months (yes starting around 3:00 A.M) and wondering to God and myself how we have gotten here. Our faith is a miracle in itself and I would not trade the prosperous growth of our faith for nothing. I think of my sister and brother-in-law who spend literally hours on their knees--- daily. They have been worthy warriors. Janni and Steve have also fallen head over heals in love with God and His Word. God has revealed Himself countless times to these heart broken parents only to soothe those wounds and give hope, peace, and love. They, my friends, have a developed a love for God that will make their life more exciting than if they would have hit the lottery.

I can imagine many may wonder if they or we have been presumptuous in claiming Kole's healing. We as people especially from our culture hate to be wrong! We as Christians always know that God has a will in our lives and that we do not always know it! But, we can know Him! I weep with emotion, thinking about what a beautiful and kind God we serve. He is in no way threatened or offended that we claim His victory over Kole's cancer. Faith takes stepping out! It is a path that can be lonely, because not everyone will understand where you are going and why! A calling is very personal and who are we to say what that is in someone else's life. A calling by God in our day is most likely heard in our heart and soul. Abraham, however, did not have the indwelling Holy Spirit and so He got to hear God's voice with his ears. I think of Abraham who was called by God to move to an "unknown land". He showed great faith in that he moved even when he did not have a map or proof that God was telling him to do this. God did not announce it to everyone. If He did, they probably would have disbelieved it anyway.I am sure people around him thought he was a little radical and crazy. His reputation of being a "sane man" might have went down the toilet. Abraham heard God's voice, believed, and acted upon it! The voice of men paled in comparison--his ears and heart were tuned into God. I look at Noah. No one else heard God tell Noah to build an Ark in the middle of the desert. He did not have anyone to back him up. It was a lonely road for Noah. However, God gave this man an amazing ability to construct an Ark. He probably had never even seen a boat in his life. The Ark took form and loomed in the background of the land scape. Proof was coming and the boat forming was proof. Noah invested 120 years in building this Ark believing that it would come in handy one day as God had said. You can imagine the taunts he got day after day, month after month, and year after year when the people thought that God had failed to show up with the rain. Sometimes, we as Christians fail at following God where he wants us to go and what he wants us to say because we are afraid we heard wrong or because we doubt. I believe if we seek Him and His word on bended knee He will not lead us astray! I just do not want to be a Christian who does not go anywhere, because I am afraid to look a fool and step out in faith. We could have one foot on God's path (attempting to please God) and one foot on the "world's path" (attempting to please the world). However, it is hard to walk with God, doing the "splits" so to speak! I believe God desires us to be willing to commit both feet to His path, so He can take us somewhere! His destination is only glorious and good. It might contain some pain and unknown. But trust is letting God take you somewhere, resting in the fact that it will be good where we are going. I guess we are willing to look like fools like Noah and Abraham. However, it is possible for a Christian to misunderstand God's calling and make a mistake! God takes us in our mistakes and is merciful and gracious. It makes it much more difficult, however, to miss His calling when committed to stay on your knees and in His Word. The very presence of God follows the Kellers wherever they go, like a pillar of fire. It is a testimony of where their hearts are aligned with! They are God's sheep and the they have found that they are desperate to stay nestled next to the leg of the Shepherd. They will not go wrong in that place! In fact, I believe they now have a trained ear listening for the Shepherd's voice. We may not understand it all. But they are on a very narrow path and are going places with God where we cannot go or know! We have our own path to follow with the Savior. I want to be on it, like them. It is blessed life knowing Him in this way. We as normal people tend to look back and wonder if anyone is going with us. God asks us if we are willing to follow all by our little lonesome selves? Are we willing to not be understood by everyone? Are we willing to go even when man opposes us? These are the questions that flood our minds and hearts in this monumental time in our life when faced with the gravity of life. I say this with smile, knowing our God is good. Whatever the cost, we will worship Him. We have gotten to know Him, and He deserves nothing but our worship and awe! Yes, we want to go with God. Our prayer is that many out there will be inspired by Kole's story, to go with God too! Everyone is welcome! We believe that part of God's plan in this, is to invite many to know Him, and many will take up the invitation. God loves you just as much and may you sense His love for you through this.

Love,
Jodi

Right now my four year old boy and my two year old boy are showing their daddy their muscles and asking him if they are strong enough to serve Jesus. One thing God laid on my heart last spring as my four year old struggled with illness all winter and Kole was gravely ill with cancer, was that he could use them in their death or he could use them in their life! Of course, I picked plan B. Anyway, Janni and I talked about raising our kids to love and serve the Lord. We like Isaiah 61:3 where it says "They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor". The ten commandments talks about the blessing that comes to those who only bow down to the One True God. It promises in Exodus 20:6 of God's "showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments". That is our goal as mothers! We both are expecting new life and are excited about our job ahead of teaching them about our Lord and His Word. The exciting thing is that they will have fathers and siblings excited to teach them the wonderful love of God right with us! We are becoming in many ways "praying families". God has used Kole to spur us on! I many times catch my four year old pacing the floor with his hands folded calling out to God for any bump or bruise or ache he might be suffering. Right now his pain is physical, but one day when his pain becomes emotional he will have had practice. He tells me all the time with complete confidence, "Jesus always makes me better". At first, praying all the time was kind of awkward, especially when Elijah wanted to pray for his Sonic Action figure. Sonic just can not function with his leg broke clean off! But, it has become so natural to pray for every sniffle and struggle. Janni and I are rarely together anymore in person or on the phone without praying together. Jesus has become the very "air that we breath"! I told my mom today that as time goes on the enemy will become more fierce and threatening and desperate. Our children need to be armed with the Word of God, with prayer, with faith, righteousness, and salvation. We need to look at these years as "boot camp"---training our children to "fight the good fight". They may never march in the infantry but they are in the Lord's army! We cannot loose living for Him and making Him our single life's goal. What He has for us and our children has living eternal value. I have told my children that I have promised God that what ever child He would give me I would raise them to love Him. I know Janni feels the same! We have left it up to God in how He chooses to gift them and equip them for His glory. He is one teacher and trainer we do not have to pay by the hour! During this distracting time it has been difficult to be always there "in mind" for our children. That is where we can depend on God to be our children's teacher and great will be their peace (Isaiah). My daughter enjoyed watching a cartoon about Hannah from the Bible. Her name is Hannah and so the story inspires her. Biblical Hannah, also made a commitment to God to raise Samuel to love and serve our Maker of heaven and earth. Samuel was both a godly prophet and priest for Israel. Samuel was raised with one single focus--- being to serve His Lord. God blessed him and used him here on earth to bring God much glory. That is our desire for our children up past a thousand generations, if the Lord tarries. May it be for you too! We want a big army of Christian Soldiers. Keep praying for our little soldier. He has the courage, willingness and training to serve. He needs strength from "On High"!

Love,
Jodi

Well the devil loves to attack. The devil does not want me to profess that Kole is healed. He has put a fear in me that as soon as I say it another symptom will come up. Well I was scared and of course the devil did just as I thought. Fear is not good. This is how the devil gets his foot in the door. Anyway, Kole woke up this morning and ate breakfast. Ya! PTL! Soon after his eyes went a little crazy. He was having some double vision. This was a little frustrating to Kole which is very understandable when you want to look at something and it doesn't go into focus. But GOd always reigns over evil. We prayed over him and rejoiced in the good LOrd. Now Kole is outside and his eyes are fine. We are most definitely in a war with the devil but God is winning.
Have a great day,
Love,
Janni

Hello,
Here it is late at night again and I feel the good Lord telling me to profess his glory. Kole has had another great day. He still is not eating like we would like him to but if he really likes it he will eat quite a bit. Finding something he really likes is the problem. God always seems to answer this problem though. I cannot tell you how awesome our GOd is. Kole rarely speaks of any kind of pain now. What a relief this is. In fact, yesturday, he went and played some baseball outside. When he came back in I heard him say something about his feet hurting. So I took off his shoes and began rubbing them and praying over them as if they were causing him pain. He said to me, "Mom not that kind of pain, they are just tired." This was music to my ears and confirmation that God has truly healed my Kole. As we speak Kole is being restored.
Tonight, he was having some trouble sleeping and I said just trust in Jesus and he will help you sleep. Just like with your leg and foot pains. You don't have them anymore, right. He confirmed it.
The bible is so powerful. I love this verse and I read it daily if not two or three times a day. It is from Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. I know this verse is true." Kole is living proof of it.
Praise Jesus for Kole being free of headaches and leg pains. Praise Him for the food he does eat and the playing that he does.
Tonight, when I got home from prayer meeting, I knew just by looking at him that he is healed. Jesus is resignating from him. I just know.
God Bless you all and continue to pray!
Love,
Janni

Hello,
I was upstairs talking to God and getting ready for bed when he told me that I needed to write on the blog. I am not sure what he wants me to say yet, but I know he will tell me.

Last week, Kole had a really tough time. We had about three days that were very troubling. Even when I questioned and got angry with the good Lord he still answered. I guess he knows and understands our turmoils. In fact it says in Hebrews 4:15 and 16 that we have a great high priest who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet without sin. It goes on to say that we need to approach His throne of grace with confidence so that we may recieve mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. I love these verses. Boy does this speak to me in so many ways.
As of tomorrow it will have been a whole week since we have had a day where Kole was just crying in discomfort. Last week we had three days like this. God is showing us his power, grace, and mercy. He has barely said anything hurts. PRAISE THE LORD! This past week we have been battling the devil about food, sleep, slight neck pain, and lower back pain. Food has been the biggest issue. He just doesn't want to eat. God has taught me not to worry or fret for he will take care of it. Everytime we pray about it Kole eventually eats. PTL!! In these last two weeks God has helped me to grow with little baby steps that have turned into great strides. As a mom you just want to take all the pain away and make your child better again. I wanted to be in control. This attitude is exactly what the devil wanted. Not only did I feel worthless because he would still be in pain but it also showed that I did not truly trust my God. Thus I was burdened and depressed. God enlightened me to the fact that I just need to trust him. He said "I am not the ultimate physician and the best daddy Kole could ever ask for?" He truly is.

Today, Kole had a great day. We went paint shopping, out to eat, and ran a couple of errands. His stamina was great. He ended up eating quite a bit of food too! I know this is all part of GOd's miracle.

I have learned so much this week but I just want to encourage you with your faith just as the Lord has with mine. On one of the really tough days I was just pouring through the bible looking for scripture to help me cope with the struggles Kole was going through. I was wondering if GOd was truly going to answer. Anyway, at about 6 o'clock that evening I got on my email and my sister had emailed me this sermon with Daniel 10. I think I have shared this part with you, but anyway Daniel fasted and prayed for 21 days before God came to Daniel. But what God said was "Daniel your prayer was answered the first time you prayed it." Anyways this answered my prayer also and helped me cope with what KOle was going through. The rest of the sermon helped me to grow. He was talking on answered prayer. From what I gathered there were three main parts that stuck to me. 1. Ask God for anything but ask with confidence and expect it to happen. This actually came from the scripture in Hebrews that I gave you earlier (Hebrews 4:15-16) 2. What you are asking must be biblical. 3. It has to be God's will (He knows best).
I really seeked these three things out about Kole. For the first part I know I have asked and beleived that it will happen. As for the second part, healing is all over the bible. I cannot count the times that God has healed someone or speaks of it in the bible. James 5:15 actually calls for the sick to come to the elders of the church to pray for him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. It says that the prayer of faith shall save the sick and the Lord shall raise up. And the last part is about God's will. God has told Steve and I numerous times that Kole will be healed here on earth. We beleive it and profess it. He has told us in miraculous ways. And the good GOd that He is continues to reassure us. One of the most recent times was just a couple of Sundays ago. God led me on this path ( which I would be more specific about but I know this post would be even longer) to the church library. Now if you know me I never read. It is kind of sad being that I love to teach reading and that is my job, but I never read. Anyways, I was looking for this bible study called Beleiving In God by Beth Moore. The lady working the library said that they did not have the study in the library but she did have some books by Beth Moore. Surprisingly I said I was interested in looking at them. She showed me the books and wouldn't you know it, practicly right beside the Beth Moore books there was a little book that was showcased called Ordinary Miracles. Well I had to pick that one up. I checked it out and began reading it as soon as I got to the car. (That is a miracle in itself) Anyway the very first miracle in the book of 31 miracles started out with this "On more than one occasion, God used the announcement of a pregnancy to certify that His word was true. He was going to do something supernatural in someone's life, and the news that a baby was coming was offered as proof. Sarah was told she would bear a son as evidence that God would make a great nation from her and Abraham's descendants (Gen. 17:15, 18:10-15). Through an angel, God told Mary that her aged, formerly barren cousin Elizabeth was expecting a child. This was offered as proof that with the power of GOd, even Mary herself, a virgin, could conceive (Luke 1:34-36)." The first page went on to say that "For the Miller Family, God's message that Jenny was expecting a child bore proof that He was going to provide healing to their gravely ill little girl." This story went on to tell of a little girl who had neuroblastoma (another form of cancer). For us, this was proof that it is God's will for Kole to be healed. At the point of getting this book I had about a month before the due date of our newest child. This pregnancy was purely GOd planned and in my mind I was always asking "Is this going to be give a life, take a life, God?" God answered my prayers through this story. This new baby is proof of His promise that Kole is healed. This is even more miraculous. The very next story in the book had the town that it took place in directly under the title of the story. It took place in non-other than my dad's hometown of Berne, Indiana. This confirmed to me that this was a message from God not just a coincidence.

I wish I could say that my faith was over flowing. But I can say that my faith continues to get stronger. Steve and I are upheld by God and He continues to help us grow with strength, faith, trust, and love.

I was going to apologize for how long this post is but I am telling you it is straight from the Lord's lips. I started writing and he just kept me going.

God Bless you all and please continue to pray.
Love Janni

Hello,
Just wanted everyone to know that Kole is doing great. He had a lot of fun with his cousins the last couple of days. We are now back in Oak Harbor but God continues to guide us through this time.
Yesturday, I was a little upset with God. I cried out to him because I felt like he was not being faithful to his words. Boy was I wrong. He pointed out to me that he is always faithful. Just remember to be patient. It was also revealed to me that I was doubting the power of GOd. I was the one who always wanted to make Kole feel better. I cannot do it. God does a much better job than I do. Anyway, any time KOle would come around I would almost be expecting him to have some kind of symptom. THis fear allowed the devil to give him these symptoms and me to doubt. I now throw all of my fears, concerns, and worries at the cross. God is in complete control if I let him be. My prayer is that God will show me when I have fear, doubt, or want to control the situation. I want to give it all to my healing GOd.
I cannot praise our GOd enough. Kole has slept through the night and he had a great trip back to Oak Harbor. He was energetic and ready to play. THe devil is losing this spiritual war. PRaise God.
Janni

I wonder if many of you can not imagine how the Kellers get through a day! I cannot tell you much, but I can give you a little glimpse of a day or so spent with Janni, Jaelle, and Kole! It has been a delight being with them! Now where to begin! Janni arrived during the weekend! I did not get the chance to truly touch base with her till Monday! She arrived at my house Monday morning lugging two small children, a round belly, and a pile of books which contains prayer cards, Bible and books! She hugged me and we rejoiced together as she told me about all kinds of wonderful works the Lord has been doing! Her children in the mean time spent very little time with us and were off to seek out their cousins and get busy on their activities. Jaelle and the girls set up a nusery at the top of the stairs for their baby dolls. Kole hung out upstairs with his big cousin Josiah! Josiah and Leah and Hannah have a huge lego village built. It is quite fascinating and fun to add more creations to! Josiah was still busy finishing up his school but took breaks to play! Kole loves Josiah and I am proud of how kind and gentle Josiah is with him! My children are far from perfect along with Janni's, but the cousins truly love each other! Sometimes I find them all nestled together on the couch leaning and sitting on one another! They are comfortable in each others presence. Back to Janni. Janni, then burst out, "OK, where did you get that sermon on Daniel chapter 10. The Lord had prompted me to have it taped on Tivo two or three days earlier. I am glad, for my sister sat cuddled on the couch with a blanket draping her very pregnant belly, immersing herself in feeding her "Spirit". This sermon talking about having confidence in prayer. We felt comforted draped in the Lord's presence that morning and feeding on His Word. It wasn't long however until Kole came down not feeling well! I felt desperate to find him some lunch or something to soothe him! Janni decided to take him home for a nap! I kept Ellie with me! It was funny how she came in a whirlwind and left in a whirlwind. Anyway, I was busy gettting lunch ready for the other children, when Janni called me from my parents home saying Kole was having pain and to pray! My husband had gotten home and so I said I would get the little ones fed and down for a nap and be right over! When, I got there she and Kole were nestled together resting in the upstairs guest room, Bible verses playing in the background. My dad was there and had run to the the drugstore for supplies. He had concern etched on his face. My big sister Angie was napping on the couch. Anyway, I went upstairs and it did not take long for Kole to wake up crying in discomfort. He got up and went to the bathroom and we stood over him and prayed . Janni craddling him over her belly. We prayed like two over protective mother bears taking on the evil one with with the force of the mighty wind of the Holy Spirit. We called out to God and it did not take long for Kole to have relief! Kole than got into bed and we continued to pray, tell Bible stories, talk and even laugh. He had a few more pains and we prayed some more and pulled out swords and prayed scripture. Janni's voice always remained calm. Believe it or not her voice can really pretty quiet! Anyone who knows out family knows we have been "gifted" with loud teacher voices. So, I know that is a miracle in itself . I cannot say much, for I am just as loud! We blame it on our parents, which gets us off the hook! Janni than remains in a prayerful state for sometime and God is so there with her, with Kole, and with us! We find His presence delightful, full of deliverance, and hope! Janni has arrived to spend time and so I will hopefully get back to continue part 2.

Onto part 2---Kole than comes around and feels much much better. Grandpa goes to the store to get some pudding to cook! Janni, Kole and I sit around the counter measuring milk and mixing pudding. We get pudding cooked so that Kole can bring it to my house to share with his cousins. He has requested quesidillas for supper. During this time we play praise music and Janni continues to pray and praise God. We praise Him for relief and answers to prayer. When we get to my house Kole has about two episodes of pain. We all sit around including the kids and pray for Kole. Kole again feels better. Janni spends some time on her knees and praying scripture! We find God amazing and realize He is training us to battle our troubles with prayer, worship, and the Word of God. I think of the hymn that says "Prone to wonder, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love"! During this critical time we do not get very far in our "wondering away from God"! That is good and we count it a blessing to be motivated to stay near Him! Anyway, as Janni said earlier Kole ate well for supper and we had fun together the rest of the evening. We prayed he would have a good night of sleep and Janni said that night he slept wonderfully! The next day he had a very good day! He came over in the morning again and the kids played polly pockets and a board game. Kole ate well for lunch. We all did, especially the pregnant moms! There was quite a lot of laughter and rejoicing on Tuesday. Hannah and Janni had prayed Kole would have a good day free of pain. It was the case. It was a light hearted fun day. We thank God and realize that all good gifts come from Him! We, however, are angry at the enemy of our souls who targets our faith and our life. He is out to destroy and will loose the battle! Our God is an impenetrable, force for satan to win against! The enemy's strikes will back fire against him! With that said, Janni and Steve depend on your intercessory prayer to keep them afloat so to speak! We can tell they are being lifted up! We sense this is a key month and prayer is vital for them! Janni and Steve appreciate the scriptures sent to them! It is a gift and a treasure. Many times they will take them and carry them with them wherever they go! The comments are a blessing as well! You pour out your love and encouragement in such beautiful ways. Janni is amazed how the comments will meet her at a low point in a day and give her spirit the encouragement she needs to get through the rest of the day with joy and hope! If you come across a scripture and God brings them to mind, please send it along to them! It means more to them, than you know! To everyone who has passed on scripture, I promise you have been an instrument in the hands of God. Thank you.

Today, I brought out the flannel graph and talked about David the shepherd boy! Kole was right there being the helper he likes to be! We talked about how David worshiped and talked to God while he kept careful watch over his sheep. We talked about how David loved his sheep and guarded them with his life! How God gave him the ability to fight the lion and the bear. Because David loved God, worshiped God, and did such a good job bravely caring for his sheep God chose him to be king and warrior for his people. We talked about Samuel anointing him with oil. Kole told me he did not want to be anointed because he thought the elders from his church used motor oil. I explained that Samuel probably used olive oil. Kole than told me that he was tough like David and had the scar at the back of his head to prove it! I asked the kids if they would want God to choose them for God's work. We were reminded that God looks at the heart, when Samuel looked past David's bigger stronger brothers. We said we would need to be a friend of God and worship Him. We would also need to be brave when looking out after God's people. Last, we decided we would need to ask God for help when we came across our enemies and in everything. Kole loves the story of David and Goliath and could practically quote the lines word for word from the scripture. He even sang the song that went with it! Kole seems so frail, but his heart is full of courage. He does not feel sorry for himself and gives everything he's got everyday to cook, play, help and learn. He is a willing warrior which is more than I can say for myself. He has more courage than I do, and for that I will take courage as is commanded in Joshua chapter 1. These verses were given to the warrior Joshua.

NIV Joshua 1:6-7 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

The Message Josua 1:9 "Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take."

Jodi

Hello fellow friends,
I have been wanting to write for so long but I have been having trouble with the blog. I believe it is the devil at work preventing me from telling you the glory God continues to show us through all of the struggles.
This past week Kole has had a lot of trouble. Some of the symptoms that the devil has put on him are headaches, leg pains, doesn't want to eat, pains all over his body, and seeing double vision. Through it all the symptoms do not last long because God takes care of him. We pray to our Lord Jesus in his name and rebuke Satan as he tries to make us doubt that the Lord Jesus has saved our Kole.
Do not get me wrong, I struggle daily with doubt and faith but when I stumble the Lord picks me up with his word and many answered prayers. The key for me is that I believe every word that is written in the bible. When God says in Mark 9:23 "If I can?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if you have faith." God has been so good but I want him to answer my prayers right now. Boy I can be demanding. But as I look back at how God has answered every prayer, I may have had to wait but he never left me or forsake me. Not to mention, I have more trust for Him than I would ever have had if he would have given me what I asked for right away.

The last couple of nights Kole has not been able to sleep very well. He just is not comfortable. Then yesterday, he was having all kinds of pains. We all prayed for him and God took all the pain away. Praise Him because He always answers. I prayed that He would sleep well and not have any pain during the night or today. God answered! Praise Him! Kole had a great night and he has not had any pain to speak of. Now I am praying that his eyes will cooperate and he will be able to see better.

I was struggling last Saturday with the fact that God was still allowing the devil to put these awful symptoms on Kole. I swept through the bible looking for affirmation that he was answering my prayers. Anyway, I got on my email and here my sister had written me about the this pastor she had just heard on TV about answering prayer. I thanked God for answering my prayer. I was relieved from my spiritual anguish. He used Daniel 10 and explained that God has already answered my prayer but it all has to be in his time. KOle is healed. God has told me so many times. He continues to tell me and reassure me.

I believe we will see that Kole will not be attacked by the evil devil much longer. Please pray for Kole and our family that we will continue to have faith in the Lord and that we will hear God when he talks to us. Also, we can thank God for so much. God has answered our call for him to eat. Even when he was in pain yesterday he said, " I still want to eat my quesadillas." He ended up eating 2 and a half quesadillas and 3 helpings of pudding. That was so fun to see.
Thank you all for praying and thinking of our family during this trying time. God always keeps his promises and we are so excited to see how Kole will be used to glorify His name.
God bless,
Janni