Kole's Blog

2007-12-22T10:07:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to everyone. These last two and one half years have been a real learning experience for our family. Many of you out there have learned right along with us. I just want to say we were wrong to say Kole would be healed. We believed and wanted to believe that Kole would be healed! We wanted our firm faith to persuade God heal Kole on this earth. What we have learned is that God has all power and He could do and accomplish all things. He can heal anyone of anything. My little toddler spreads his nubby little arms apart wide and says "God made all things". With that said, He can do all things with what He has made. However, in believing God we have to realize we are under His authority. It says in Psalms 103:19 "The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all". I get that now and so does Janni and Steve. We were wrong, and God knows that and has mercy. We ask God to forgive us and now we have learned. It goes to prove you can never look to man for complete truth. Truth resides in the Father and in His Word. We desire to point to our good Shepherd. We are just sheep. We want to be sheep that hugs up against the Shepherd's leg. We desire to stay in God's presence. We desire to please God. We desire to make His name great. Please forgive us. Don't look to us--we are just sheep. We are just learning. Though we stand by the truth of God's Word, we do not know it all or understand it all. God keeps teaching us and we seem to learn the most through failure. I like to say we have "fallen foreword" as I have heard it said.
Anyway, Janni is as full of love as ever. She always has such kind words to say to me to brighten my day. We stay in contact regularly. She is faithful to call me and I am a bit ashamed to say that she does a better job than I do at dialing a phone. She told me yesterday that she had a special day with her students. She spoiled them by having a "Hot Chocolate Shop" (instead of a Coffee Shop). She dressed as a waiter and served and spoiled her students with kindness, love, and fun. Jesus was like that at the Last Supper. He served and spoiled his disciples by washing their feet. I bet they had a real party just basking in His love and kindness. Anyway, Janni has times when she just aches to touch Kole and hear his voice. She has difficult days and bouts of sadness. But, she continues to love and serve and grow. I am very proud of her. She could curl up in ball, like a sheep curled up in the corner of a sheep pen. But instead she continues to walk next to her Shepherd, in His strength.
Ellie is as cute and as charming as ever. She enjoys dressing up and likes me to curl her hair and put lip gloss on her little lips. She and Elijah were pretending to get married, on Thanksgiving day. They had set up a church with chairs and a miniature aisle. I was a guest at one of the "ceremonies". However, she was the continual runaway bride. Making her father proud. Pour Elijah was left standing at the alter numerous times. He wasn't ready for the responsibility anyway. Ha!
Judah is adorable and on the move. May I mention that he is an accident going some place to happen. He is a determined little guy, if only his body would cooperate. He falls over and gets stuck between couches and in other places that he is investigating. I would say that he is highly intelligent and advanced for his months of life. He cuddles and has the most beautiful bright eyes that I have ever seen. He loves his big sister and is ready to play.
Steve, has been busy coaching his basketball team and being a family man. I am amazed at his love for God's Word and his knowledge of it! Sometimes I wonder if he will one day go into the ministry, though he is in it right now. He starts his day with his Heavenly Father. I believe that is what is keeping this father from being crippled with loss and grief. For all our griefs are for Him to bear if we give them to Him.
I just want to add that we now understand the beatitude. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. God has kept His promise to comfort. We just need to be willing to allow Him in. Onward Christian Soldier. The baby Jesus came to die and save and train us to serve as soldiers of the cross. We have learned much in these last few years, may we use it to serve.

Jodi

2007-09-20T15:55:00.000-04:00

Many are wondering how Steve and Janni are doing! I have to say they are ministering to others even in their grief. Steve has dedicated himself to the young men on his basketball team. Janni has come alongside him, helping to welcome these players in their home! They are staying very active. Their new home needed landscaping and so they are busy with that project as well. I long to be near them even as I write. There is such a comfort level I feel in being with my sister. Janni and I like to talk about Kole. We talk about what he would be thinking or doing if he were still here. Remembering him makes us happy. We laugh at the funny things that he used to say or do. I can still picture his snarl with such fondness and tenderness.It is funny how he has become even more adorable. Even his orneriness is adorable to us.

I cannot say very much how all this has affected Steve and Janni down deep. I know a little more about my mother's feelings because she has a need to express herself. I use to think that she has taken it the hardest, but instead I feel she has been willing to lay it all on the line. I did not realize and understand my own emotions very well, until my mom started talking to me about her own. Her honesty has helped me more than I can say. Not that we are mad at our Lord. We are not. We just have sorrow, grief, and hurt. I can remember a friend telling me about a video made for people who have lost loved ones. I think it is called Grief Soup or something. She watched it and it did not make sense to her, but it did to the person she was with who going through the loss. I can't make a whole lot of sense out of my emotions or even out of my feelings of physical heaviness and even mental confusion. I feel like my feelings and the hurt are all mixed up inside of me kind of like "grief soup". There is fear there as well. Fear, that life is not so innocent anymore. All these emotions and feelings, my mom and I are coming to terms with as being part of the process of making our way through grief. In the middle of the night, last night, my thoughts were filled with anxiety and hurt. It is incredible how comforting is our good Lord. I felt Him say that "you "will have hurt. I felt him ask me to lay my hurt at the foot of the Cross. To give the hurt to Him. As hurt floods my heart and my emotions, I am to continually turn that hurt over to Him.....for all my sins and grief are for Him to bear. It was after laying down those hurts at Jesus' feet in the wee hours of the night, it was only than, that I was able to rest and relax .I could feel the physical release from my chest and stomach which felt as if they were both "tied in a knot". I felt His great love for me. He is truly willing to bear our burdens given the chance. It has been therapeutic to realize that many have gone through these emotions. They have come over to the other side of grief and hurt. When nothing has been so painful before it is hard to judge what is normal to expect when grieving. It is interesting that in many ways I feel numb.In fact, most of the time I have felt numb. I don't know why I feel as I do! My mom said to me today that we will deal with grief all differently. I do believe that we need to deal with our hurt and our emotions. It is the people who have "gone before" that are best able to direct those who are about to pass through. If we do not work through our pain, than we stay at a standstill. God is good in the providing the encouragement we need to continue living. It is only in this world that we will have to experience great loss and great sorrow. We cannot get a way from it. We all have to die to this earth. There will be no loss or sorrow in heaven. Kole is free from loss and sorrow. I must add that the more we are willing to lay the hurt down----the hurt we feel from other's who have hurt our feelings---the more we will be able to love freely. Why do we want to stay wounded? It is a human condition that baffles me. I has been my own. It works to lay our pain all down. Our God is huge and able to carry it all. I can recall Steve carrying Kole's body down the stairs of his home. He said--this is the last time daddy will carry you. There will never be a last time for God to carry us. He carries us forever.

Jodi

2007-09-03T14:03:00.000-04:00

Life has a way of getting ahead of you! I have wanted to write to everyone for some time. I guess the time is now. You may be wondering about my parents flooded basement. I have to say they really did get hit hard, but there are many other families in the area that experienced even greater material loss. I heard today that 500 families are without homes in the Ottawa area.

Janni and Steve were with my father through almost all of the clean up. It amazes me how quickly we were provided for! It was a whirlwind week. My parents had probably over four feet of water in their finished basement, which was full of belongings. God brought much needed help. We had a group of men from church along with other friends and family come to carry out loads of water logged stuff. We had friends and family come and help photograph and itemize belongings. There were volunteers from church who provided evening meals along with a family friend who provided lunch. It was truly a team effort! I believe that the work went smoothly because God was in it! He organized us and sent help. It was kind of like how God helped Nehemiah organize groups of people to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem in record time. Overwhelming jobs leave us dependent upon our God. He truly delivered us. He keeps challenging us to come together as a family. We are learning to support one another side by side. Each of us having a part to play. We are not meant to be so independent!

One day while doing a study on in the book of Genesis, my memory was jogged about a conversation I had with Kole around two weeks before he died. Kole asked me one day "Aunt Jodi, why does God take our strength away?". I could not answer him then. Yet, I know the answer now----so that we will be made willing to trade in our "poor strength" for His "great strength". My pride would love to hold onto my independence and human ability to care for myself and for others. But, God keeps stripping me of independence. He calls me and you to Himself and to community. That is where true strength is found. The strength to lower ones pride and allow others to help. The strength of character that causes us to call out to Jesus for help. The strength to be willing to be dependent on Christ. He asks to carry our burdens along with our sin. He asks us to be willing to allow the servants His sends our way to minister to us.

I don't know what it is, but the story of the paralytic man in Luke 5:17-26 keeps running through my mind. He was a man completely helpless, probably for years. Then there were his friends. These friends tried to help this crippled friend anyway they could, only they were unable to cure his disease. They had to go the extra mile and carry the paralyzed man up on a roof. They did this in order to lower this ill man down into the center of the crowded house where Jesus was teaching. As the crippled man looked up to Jesus standing over him he could have said that his legs were just fine shriveled up and useless. He could have told Jesus he did not need His help. But, instead he came to Jesus weak and paralyzed by both disease and sin. He asked to be delivered and delivered he was. In many ways we can't help our friends and we are forced to bring them to Jesus. However, they too have to admit their need. Jesus can only help those who realize they need His help. We truly needed His help in these last two years and His help came. Many of you brought us to Jesus, through your prayers. Many of you brought Kole to Jesus, through your prayers. We thank you for being such devoted friends.

Love,
Jodi

2007-08-22T19:24:00.000-04:00

I have wanted to write for some time. This will be a short post. Bluffton, which is Janni's home town and our parents home as well as my own, has been hit by flooding. My parents have experienced pretty severe property damage. Their finished basement received around 4ft. of water. It is a total loss. Janni and Steve came as soon as they could, bringing a large rented pump with them. They are "camping out" at our house. God has provided in so many ways, though I must say we are quite overwhelmed. God is good! He has sent many friends from church to help carry out our water logged possessions, provide food, encouragement, and prayers. Pray for our parents. It is hard not to get discouraged. We need wisdom and strength to organize and get the tasks accomplished that need to be done. We are again challenged to come together and support each other shoulder to shoulder. Today, I could picture Kole getting excited about working to rescue his grandpa and grandma. He would have been game for the challenge. I bet he would have worked hard to help. Leah, bless her heart has kept pestering me for an envelope because she wants to send her grandparents her four dollars. It is a blessing to pull together once again. By the way Jaelle and my two small boys got to watch a rainbow yesterday. We were and are blessed! Janni sends her love.

Love,
Jodi

2007-07-30T23:22:00.000-04:00

A warm summer evening greeting to all! This evening as I was reading to my children before bed, I had not only noticed Leah wearing Kole's winter long sleeved Ohio State shirt---Leah herself pointed to her shirt claiming it as her favorite, because it had belonged to Kole. She looked sweet and cuddly in it and very feminine (unlike Kole of course). I smiled and yet my mind glimpsed a time when Kole was very sick and Steve had took a clean dry pair of Kole's navy warm up pants and gently put them on Kole. Kole was so thin at this time. His pants were very loose. The memory was a tender memory, with a touch of sorrow. Steve could not have been a more loving father gently dressing his son and speaking tenderly to Kole in reassurance. Both he and Janni hovered over Kole, caring for his every need. They did not think twice about what they were willing to do for their son. They did it with joy! My grandfather always had a saying that went something like ---if you want to, you don't have to. Love has a way of fueling our care and our touch and our "want to". Steve and Janni were fueled by love. The love was fueled by God alone. His love never runs dry, but reproduces itself and is extended to all. I know I have said this countless times, but, for it is truth that requires repeating. God does not have an exclusive club. We can only choose to exclude ourselves. I believe Janni and Steve are a reflection of their heavenly Father in this way---if anyone approaches them, they will welcome you with open arms and you will sense that they value all people.

It is hard to loose someone you value. We valued Kole and longed to be near him for a longer period of time. God however created Kole and values him even more! We were taught that God has claim to what He has made. He is right in all He does. It says in Psalms 103:19 "The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all." God ruled that Kole was to return to Him. God welcomed Kole and values him even more than we could ever know. We get tiny glimpse of how He welcomes with Janni and Steve's example, for they are disciples of Jesus. But, let me tell you, Jesus dresses Kole and wraps Kole in perfect welcome and perfect love. Kole is valued by God. Kole is at home with His Maker. Kole lacks nothing. We may lack our loved one for a time, for that is the plight of this fallen earth. Yet, We who believe will never lack our God. He is the "With of God". God is "with us" past, present, and future. There is no separation. Why does God allow human family members to separate from one another--- because He is always reminding us that He provided our human companion ships to bless us but never to complete us. Also, we are never to complete our human companions. We are to compliment our human relationships and be helpmates to one another. We are to point our beloved family and friends to our Maker. As well as remind each other of His love, speaking His Word and truth for accountability. God alone is all sufficient. That is a tough truth to swallow, but it is truth. We see Kole as precious and we want him. We desire to see God as even more precious and want Him even more. The Bible says that we are to worship the Creator above all created things including people.

For me it is important when memories of Kole flood my mind, that I control my thoughts and think about what is profitable. The enemy would like to get me to despair and think that Kole was abandoned and was suffering unbearably. The enemy is wrong. Kole was surrounded by a heavenly host. He is now in the presence of His Maker and that heavenly host. I believe Kole is truly at home with his Maker wearing the most "comfy" clothes imaginable! He has on his "Heavenly State shirt". It's colors will never fade and the fabric will never wear out! Praise His Name!! In fact, Kole is on God's team which will never loose. One day, I will be wearing the same --- I too will be clothed with Christ in new heavenly clothing. Will you?

Jodi

2007-07-11T17:56:00.000-04:00

Hello to all! We have had quite a summer so far. Grace Elizabeth Conley was added to our family on June 21st. She weighed 7 lbs 15.4 oz. and was 20 inches long. We are pleased that she is a happy healthy baby. We realize that she is truly not ours, but belongs to God. He has entrusted us with her, to raise for His glory.

Judah looks like a true blond, blue eyed boy. I have pictures of the two babies next to each other, which I hope to share with you! They have brought lots of joy! Janni and I have fun laying them next to one another. Judah is in constant motion and has a tendency to bop Grace in the nose. I hope they will still be "kissing cousins". Judah is a complete delight and is irresistible! He twinkles and makes all kinds of baby noises. He has grown quite a bit as well.

We vacationed together in Tennessee this summer and had a wonderful time. Jaelle and her cousins did a lot swimming with their fathers and Grandpa Sprunger. We were quite the entertainment, wherever we went. We had two babies and six children. I was proud of how well the children played and loved one another. They were so happy just to be together and were very well behaved. Of course, it was not the same without Kole. We would have moments together when we talked of him and shed tears. My daughter has a leapster and whenever she plays it she plays under the name of Kole. I believe we want to keep his memory alive, for he truly is alive in heaven. We went to the Tellico Falls in Tennessee. They were so beautiful that I caught myself wondering about the beauty of heaven. I could picture Kole telling me the beauty of these falls, were nothing in comparison to what he was seeing. It made me smile and more anxious than ever to have him show us around God's heavenly Kingdom. We will be without fear of mosquito or tick bites. Steve and my older two children bravely were able to swing out on two rope swings landing into calm water near the falls. However, poor Steve injured his tail bone and my daughter managed to add a few rope burns on her legs. There is no fear of injury in heaven, which is another bonus for Kole. He truly knows no pain or sorrow. Janni was saying to me one morning that this earth has been tainted in a way to her. I guess it is true that we must in some way know sorrow to be able to minister to the many here on this earth who too have known sorrow. It says in Isaiah 53:3 ( which is quoted also in the New Testament) that Jesus was "....a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering". He knows our sorrow. He was not spared of sorrow as well.

I happen to listen to a sermon the other day about the places known in the Old Testament as "Cities of Refuge". These cities were specially set apart for those who accidently killed someone. There was a law that said that if a person murders another person they too would have to be killed. Those people who were guilty of manslaughter were able to run to those cities and could be safe from retribution. When the death of the High Priest came about, the man guilty of manslaughter was free to return home. The pastor preaching on this stated that there were many along the way to these cities who would point the way to refuge. It is Christ who is our refuge said this pastor. It is not the church and it is not people. It is Christ alone. He is our High Priest and He has died to set free to return home. It is the church that points the way to our one refuge, Christ alone! This Bible teacher, told this story of how he and his friend would get into mischief as young boys. The Pastor, teaching this message, would always run away from his father fearing his father's anger or punishment. But, his friend would always run to his father when he was in trouble. God is the loving Father who wants us to run to Him, even when it is our own fault that we are in trouble. He is a forgiving God. He loves to forgive those who run to Him for refuge. There is not one human so willing to forgive as our God. We fear running to Him only because we do know Him or because we believe the lie we tell ourselves about a distant God. He is unlike us in every way. He remains close and His love remains. It us who run away and become distant. He is called the Strong Tower, the City of Refuge, the Rock, A Mighty Fortress and on and on. When we get sad over Kole all we have to do is run to Him, our Refuge and comfort. Many times Janni has told me of running to God when missing her dear son. He has never failed to be her refuge. Even when she was angry with not understanding God allowing her sorrow, He still was her refuge and is her refuge. He is a willing refuge. We just need to be willing to humble ourselves and run to Him.

Pictures of Grace-- http://www.flickr.com/photos/joelconley/

Jodi

2007-06-16T09:42:00.000-04:00

I am sorry it has taken me so long to write an update! There is something to say about the distraction of an upcoming birth and the preparation that it requires! Janni will soon be an aunt again! She is a fabulous aunt and my two girls threaten to dump me for her time and time again! My daughter was telling me the other day that aunt Janni always says "heck yah!" to all of her ideas and I happen to always say "no". We had a big laugh over her observation. Anyway, Janni loves my children and they know it and feel it!

I woke up this morning thinking about Kole's hands and feet! I do not know why this was in my thoughts! I guess when he was so sick I spent some time holding his hand and praying at his little thin feet. I can remember cupping those feet in my hand! I marveled at their creation and how God could create such beautiful hands and feet on my nephew! Hands and feet that were connected to a body that was so sick! He was beautiful even in sickness! He was handsome and my heart spills over with love for him! I do not think I could have learned about such love any other way than praying alongside his bedside! God was our teacher and our comforter and He brought beauty from ashes and strength from our tears. I was just thinking yesterday that that period time was like a dream and yet it was real. God was real and He was good! I would not trade His presence for anything! God bound our family together with His love! He used Kole to draw us together and to Himself.

Janni and I were driving together to a graduation party as she was telling me Kole was just separated from her for a time! She does not feel his loss, only the wait is difficult. I told her that I felt we did not have to stop loving him even though he is away and that we can take that love and pour it on the children God has left with us! All children are God's and He so graciously loans them to us to point them back to Him. We realize that He can ask for them back at anytime! We are thankful to get the chance to love them and teach them about the Source of our love. I happened to get to enjoy Judah David when we were together! I put him on the floor as he loves to move those arms and legs. He cuddles, which is rare for Janni's babies, but he moves constantly while he cuddles. He has been blessed with "high activity genes" from both sides of the family. Anyway, as he was laying on the floor he looked up with such love in his little eyes especially when his mom knelt down with me to admire him! He tries to communicate and is as bright as any baby I ever saw! I marvel at God's work in forming him and wonder what the future holds for him! I am sure it shines brightly. He is God's baby and we get to hold Judah and enjoy him knowing that God has a special plan for his life. It will be exciting to watch it unfold before us! I believe he and "Grace" (baby not yet born) will be close cousins much like Leah and Kole were.

I will miss watching Leah and Kole play with each other here on earth. Leah said the other day that she would be upset if she gets to heaven and Kole is still a kid and she an adult! She wants another chance to play with him like old times! I told that to Janni and we were both filled with tears. She said isn't that so sweet. Love is sweet! We would have nothing and no one if we did not have a sweet, kind, and generous God. We would not have these precious moments and memories. He is just and good in all He does, even when it seems so hard. God will guard our hearts and grow them as well! Kole does get to play with many of his friends from St. Jude and that brings a smile to my heart and a comfort as well! I am sure they do not get into any fights, but enjoy pure bliss~

Jodi

Jodi

2007-05-17T12:54:00.000-04:00

To the One who commented today! I just want to say the GOD of this universe loves you with an undying love! My heart jumped out of chest for you and your grandson! I know what it is like-- for my Leah (age 7) is struggling too! I do have to say, that the loving prayers of my sisters-in-Christ have brought her comfort! I am seeing many more smiles on her face! Her smile blesses me so--- with her two front teeth missing! Her eyes even have their twinkle back. I will pray for you and your grandson. You are special, I can tell. I too talk to Kole. Not like I talk to God. I tell him about all those who loved him and about the job he has left us to do. I just want him to be proud of the way we are carrying on his legacy. I can remember one day when he was so sick, and his mom was carrying him to go upstairs---Kole looked at me with love and the most precious grin! He could really love! He could get annoyed as well, for he was very human. I loved watching him wrap his body around my parents in the most enveloping hug you can imagine. He always coupled it with a squeeze and a sparkling smile. All this love being a reflexion of his heavenly Father. Where did our family get this love? It was never sourced in us! We have just known a taste of God's love and it has flown through us. We have not always been perfect in our love. Perfect love can only be experienced in heaven in the presence of God. I know Kole is feasting on amazing, perfect, and mind boggling love. All his annoyance is gone! Kole would tell us to take God up on this love that God so freely offers! We are all invited and we are all the same in value! The difference between the one true God and any other religion represented in this world.......is the fact that "God so loved the world, He GAVE his only Son". God sacrifices for us! Other religions asks for us to sacrifice ourselves or earn our way through good works. Other religions lead its followers to never be sure that they have done enough to earn heaven. God sacrificed His life, while we were yet sinners. Jesus earned it and we just accept it and receive forgiveness and heaven. He never asks for us to earn His love and forgiveness. He never asks for us to die on any type of our "own" cross for Him. He, in fact, tells us to get down from "our cross" (or attempts to pay for or earn His love) for He took our place. What He did for us was enough and complete. We are free and we do not have to add a drop of our own blood/sacrifice more. His blood is all we need! Kole did not sacrifice in dying young. He gained! It takes faith to believe that God loved Kole completely and fully in taking him to heaven at six years and two days. The enemy tells us Kole sacrificed his life in his death from terminal brain cancer. God was with Kole every step of the way. He was surrounded by love and I am positive that there were a host of heavenly angels ministering to his every need! God never turned His back on Kole, like He did to His one and only Son. He was forced to turn His back on Jesus when He became contaminated by the sins of the entire world! We all die, but not for our sins! Unless we choose to pay for them ourselves, instead of allowing God to do it for us! God died for Kole, now Kole truly lives. We cannot pay for ourselves and get to dwell in God's presence forever. If we attempt to live without Him in this world and pay without Him, than we choose to live without Him for all eternity. Living without God is darkness and emptiness! We are living without Kole and still have the light of Christ! Kole was a huge blessing and was our beloved boy, but he was never the source of our light and our love. God is calling us to His light! He calls us through our blinding tears as He leads us to Himself and to His hope. Sometimes, He blinds us with our tears, so that we can hear His call. I believe He is calling---Kole would say "go"! Kole would want all who loved him to be near him for all our eternal future. But most of all, he would want to share his treasure--being his Lord and your Lord. I cannot tell you the joy we feel, as a family, when you out there join the body of Christ with us! It wipes away our tears of sadness and loss and brings tears of joy and great gain. We cheer for you out there and value you all! Just as you have valued us and our Kole! We are all a product of our valued God, who values us with undying love.

Jodi

2007-05-11T11:44:00.000-04:00

Not ever experiencing a death of someone so young, it is hard to know what to expect! God has not given us past experience to draw from, to which I am grateful! I believe that to be true with parenting and marriage as well. Life is truly a pilgrimage. I am glad God is our teacher, for He is patient and gentle in His leading and direction. We can look back and see His hand in our lives.

I have to say that we, as a family, had experienced Him in a way that we cannot explain! His presence was so real, that this earth, though we were still breathing and walking on it became less of a reality than God Himself. For most of our lives, the earth has been our center focus! We are a people who are scientific and depend on our sense of touch, sight, taste, hearing, and smell to govern much of our lives. But, when all those senses fail to get you through a heart wrenching and unbelievably difficult situation---then God. God became our rock and our fortress. We could not use our senses. We needed to learn to use faith. He helped us and led us all the way. In fact He carried us. Now, that we are back down to "earth". It is an adjustment, for we do not want to go back to living independent from Him. But, we do not have the dire situation holding us to His side. Today, it is a choice! Before, it was "do or die". I have learned that there was no way that Janni and Steve could not have stood this valley unless our Shepherd became very real and up close. There is so much more to our God, than what we in our finite minds allow us to believe. He is bigger than all trouble. He can speak our to our hearts very clearly and gently. He can speak through His Word. He can give a sense of peace and calm when all is shutting down! When life goes "spewing" blood, God can sustain and give us Himself as unbelievable comfort. Why does God allow such difficulty to His children? I can remember praying for Kole two days before Kole left this world---seeking God on my knees in such desperation. God's tender voice came through with such love,--" Jodi, Kole will live". I had immediate peace! However , two days latter Kole died. So , I thought to myself did I mis-hear Him. Like, I said this has been such a journey and God has chosen not to reveal all His lessons at one time. Yesterday, that lesson hit home and I know it was God, Himself teaching me! He is a kind teacher and I would have no other "principle" teacher in my life more than Him. His lessons can be difficult, but as Beth Moore states about trials--- hang on until the blessing comes. God will use your background everyday for you, instead of against you. She also says that this will cause the enemy to fall into the pit he designed for you. Anyway this was the lesson God so gently taught me.

I had been participating in a Bible study called "The Patriarchs" by (of course) Beth Moore. We have gotten to the last weeks lesson. I came upon this portion of scripture. God had pulled Jacob aside to reassure him that it was of God's own design that Jacob (new name being Israel) should move his entire family to Egypt, as Joseph had suggested. In Genesis 46:2-4 God spoke to "Israel in a vision at night and said, 'Jacob! Jacob!' 'Here I am,' he replied. 'I am the God, the God of your father,' he said. 'Do not be afraid to down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again.
And Joseph's own hand will close your eyes."

When I read the 7 words I put in bold print, God reminded me of how He whispered in my spirit to not fret because "Kole will live". God always keeps His promises and yet how can that be when it was not fulfilled for me to see! Well, it happened to Jacob. God promised that Jacob would come back to the land. Yet he never did see his home land again in his lifetime. Jacob died in Egypt. His future generations did, but he did not. At least not while he breathed and walked this earth. I realized than, that God is prying my eyes open to see past the end of my nose. He was telling me that Kole is alive. That heaven for a believer is living. I did not see the reality of heaven in that way! I looked at it through "human eyes" and not "God's eyes". I was looking for the "here and now". God was trying to teach me that "heaven is here and now" even though I had to depend on faith and not on experience. His promise is fulfilled, though not in the way I expected. I wondered if Jacob thought when he was dieing if maybe he mis-heard God. Beth Moore explained it like this "God's promise to bring the patriarch back was to Jacob's family line and not just his dry bones". She goes on to say, "Modern, drive-thru thinkers like you and me frame events in such immediate terms we decide we either misunderstood God or He misled us if His promises are not fulfilled in our personal lives".

The promise is fulfilled or will be fulfilled, even when we have to wait to test it with our senses. God's ways are much higher than ours ways and His thoughts are unfathomable. He is right in everything He does. Even in this great hurt and loss, I know He is right in allowing it! It will not always be hurt and loss. Some day, He will turn it into healing and victory. I am clinging to His ankles, until then. We have to go through the process of healing in order to be, an even better "whole" again. It is healthy and good.

I pondered why God does not microwave our healing and give instant answers to our dilemma's more often. I believe it is because lessons that take a "process" to learn are more transforming and have broader effect and testimony, than those just given to us without much agonizing. "No pain, no gain". He is developing character and His likeness in us, through our seeking Him for answers through our struggle and in our struggle. I believe we all have struggles, as God pries our fingers off this world. To seek Him, is to have victory! To seek rebellion and bitterness, is to experience more despair and defeat! I have faith that victory is in store through seeking Him through the grief. We cannot bypass grief. We will all experience it. Take His hand and we will walk with Him together through the "fiery furnaces" of this life. Until the other side, when we will understand what real "living" is all about! Being in His presence constantly and consistently is real living and real loving! We truly have no clue yet, what that is all about! Faith looks to our future home with welcome! Our senses want to stay, where we know and experience life daily. We are better off growing our faith, and keeping our senses in check. We need to remind our senses that God is real!

Jodi

2007-05-07T20:26:00.000-04:00

Hello to all! Here it has been almost one month, since Kole went on before us-- to our real home and to our real Dad. We have had some working through times this month! Janni is doing well. She deeply misses her precious son. Steve just finished reading the book "90 Minutes in Heaven". He loved it and has been sharing about his faith in Christ wherever he goes. It makes this sister-in-law very proud to have him as a part of our family! Anyway, I would say that the transition has been the most difficult (on my end) on my seven-year old, Leah. She was so crazy about her cousin Kole. As soon as she could speak to pray in Sunday School, Kole would be her number one prayer request. Even before Kole became sick, her Sunday School teacher came up to me and asked who this "Kole" was! Leah has been his loyal fan from the time she was a toddler. I can remember seeing Leah with a pouting face in so many pictures we had of Kole and my children. She was always pouting when Kole chose to sit with Josiah or Hannah over her! I can remember her saying that it would not matter if Kole liked her or not, or was sick, or anything--- for she chose to love him through thick and thin.

She has demonstrated "a love" that puts me to shame. Her "human love" being deep as it is, is truly nothing in comparison to God's steadfast love for us! God's very nature is love. He is the source of love. He has undefiled love. It is hard to believe that He loves us still, even when we stray from Him or become "ugly" in our attitude or actions. His love does not fluctuate. In fact, if given a chance God will demonstrate His love over and over to you every minute of every day! It is "us" who block His love, for His love is free flowing. I have done some blocking of His love lately and have experienced needless suffering due to it! I then find myself going on to pray that my daughter, Leah, senses God's love for her. When, I am rejecting it myself! Guilt has been my culprit and blocker! Trying to get back to raising my children, taking care of my spouse, and to the mundane duties of house and home has fueled my guilt. The "enemy" has been my accuser! He does not give us a break to grieve! God will turn "his" schemes around I am sure! I love to see God back fire satan's evil!

Getting back to Leah. She has had some grieving to do! She has felt ill since Kole died. I took her to the doctor, who said that she looked pretty good except for some swollen glands. Some wonderful sisters-in-Christ pray with me on Thursday mornings. They poured out their hearts, before the throne, this past Thursday for my daughter. I felt so loved, as they loved my daughter through their heartfelt prayers! Leah happened to see Kole just after he died. My dear prayer partners feel that God will use that experience in her future ministry. He was just a shell and she could tell that Kole was not there anymore! I can remember his frail lifeless body. A light bulb turned on in my head the minute I saw that his spirit had left. This world is just a "dying shell" in comparison to the world to come. This world seems like "our reality" until you get a glimpse of what" it truly is" through watching a person pass from this life to the next. You see what is left behind! What is left behind is an empty shell. Just like a locust shell found on a tree trunk! The life in it has moved on! Leah has many questions--some which are so deep and so thought provoking that I can hardly believe she can ponder so deeply at such a young age. She has been wondering why we even want to live here in this dying world. She truly thinks that going to be in heaven with Kole would be much better than staying here. She wonders if she truly loves God or if she just wants to escape hell and go to heaven?

We had a wonderful Sunday night church service, this past Sunday. A young father, in his 20's, was sharing his heartache at watching his young wife go through cancer surgery, chemo, and radiation. He stated if God takes her, he too would be jealous! She gets to go be with the Lord, and he would have to wait. He and Leah are of the same mind in that regard. We ended the service by singing "I'll Fly Away". Afterwards, Leah was perched on my lap as she said "I was just thinking about Kole when we sang that song. It made me sad!" She said, I think it would better to go to heaven now as a kid, don't you? To that, I pointed at my stomach that she was lying against! I began talking, as God was leading me-- "do you know what, Leah? You have a new baby sister coming soon and you have a job to do! You need to tell her about Jesus. You are her big sister. I also said that Kole was the big brother in his family. Now, I bet he would like it if you took over his job. That means you need to tell baby Judah about Jesus! She then, pipes in with a smile, "and Jaelle too". Jaelle has now taken on Leah's dedication and the tables have been reversed! Jaelle loves Leah, as Leah has loved Kole!

In many ways, our whole family has a new excitement for the day when we all get to "fly away"! But until then, we have a job to do! That job is to love God, love those still here, and spread the Good News of Jesus. May the Good News fly to ends of the earth! May it be God's love, His Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit that sets and fuels our flight!

Luke 17:33 "Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it"

John 12:24-25 "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But, if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will loose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life."

Jodi

2007-04-25T00:58:00.000-04:00

God is good! Here I am typing at 12:59 A.M. My family has been struck with an intestinal virus and so here I am awake as my daughter is now affected by stomach upset! I happened to begin reflecting on the last month, as I shut my eyes to go to sleep! I thought of how our "family" was able to experience God's presence in a powerful way. Now, do we give up on experiencing it, even though we did not get the answer we wanted? Is prayer powerful and effective? How do we know? How do we stay motivated to stay close by His side? Well, I will tell you one thing! The challenges of this world do not end, and so we cannot go very far going "solo"! My own children had to ask me, if I had prayed about getting over my stomach upset! I really did not, for I just took it as part of life! Strange after pursuing God so intensely, would I forget so soon to get on my knees! When, I finally took my children's advice, God not only restored my health and energy, but also gave me peace and joy! Do not wait to pray, I waisted much time on the couch!

Anyway, as I thought and prayed in the dark this evening, God seem to cast some light on my questions! God and His Word are kind of pursued like seeking a "scientific discovery"! God cannot be put into any kind of scientific limit or formula! But, He requires dedication and study! We may even make mistakes, but that only helps fuel our knowledge of Him and His direction. He is faithful to keep going with us! It is too easy to give up when hitting a "road block"! We struggle with the fact that God requires us to allow Him to make the decisions and to decide what is good and best. This never limits our discovery, but only blows our "discovery" out of this universe! I can remember praying for Kole and not giving God, in my heart, the right to do what He wanted! I wanted Kole! God wanted Kole! I have learned that to pray under His authority, means having His authority. I also learned to trust Him, over myself. I will still pray for God's healing touch, yet under His authority. God is a good and righteous authority! We have difficulty trusting authority here on earth, because we see so much corrupt leadership! Our enemy tries to make God seem corrupt! He did that to Eve in the garden! She bit "right into it" and listened to the snake! God's authority led to the "tree of Life" and to the garden of Eden. Satan's authority led to this fallen, diseased, and sin ridden world.

Does God want us to give up on His presence? No, He wants us to learn and keep going on our pursuit to know Him, His Word, how to pray, and how to live and obey! There is no going back to living dependent on ourselves, and the "easy road"! God has reminded me with this "intestinal bug" that He still desires attention and involvement in our lives consistently and constantly! Is that a drain--- to require such dedication. No, instead He fills us with His amazing strength and wisdom that comes through His Spirit! The Spirit is called a "stream of living water". The Spirit's power and ability flows and never runs dry. "Burn out" comes--- when we attempt to take on our troubles and responsibilities by ourselves, in the limited strength of our flesh and will. We, then, run out of strength and become overwhelmed with the burdens of this life! God's burden is light! It is difficult to fight against what God wants! What He wants is much better for everyone. He knows all and is unlimited! How do we know what He wants? We open ourselves up to Him, we open up His Word and diligently seek Him in prayer! We than know we are His own, for He becomes very personal. We can truly say we "know Someone in high places". "Someone" who has all say and all power. This is the discovery of our loving Creator God and Father of this universe. If you feel like you are a "no body" in ability to impress this world! I want to remind you that we are here to build His image! His image is already complete and not lacking anything! So, we get the simple job of pointing to Him, who is worthy to be praised. No person is worthy of praise! It is hard and empty work attempting to build our own image! I was free the day God redirected me to invest my life, building His image! I do not feel like a failure anymore, when the "Jones" pass me up!

I want to remain open to His leading! I think of what Jesus said to His Father, " Not my will, but Yours be done". It takes immense trust in God to allow Him to have that freedom and authority in your life! I have found that "He does not strike you with lightning" on the spot (Ha!--I can actually remember cringing when giving God permission with my life). He does, however, light a fire in you ! He gives you a purpose, a hope, a love, and a relationship with Himself that blows your imagination. I would never want to go back. Giving Him the driver's seat in my life has led to meaningful, rich living and an close loving relationship with Him. God decides the day your born and the day He comes for you! You decide whether to cooperate in the in between! He makes our life a success! He does the "sweating", we do the "bowing on our knees"! It is much more relaxing and comforting, to be on our knees! Anyway, God's sweat does not stink! Ours does!

God is free to pursue and the reward is huge! I tell my children whenever they read God's Word or pray, that they can look at it like putting money in a "spiritual bank account"! I had them memorize Psalms 103, when Kole was first diagnosed with cancer! I paid them ten cents a verse and threw in a few more coins when they would meet extra challenges! When they were done they had a little over 2 dollars to spend at our small town coffee shop! However, I reminded them they had 2 million plus in their "spiritual bank accounts". Sometimes, we feel trapped by our lack of education, status, and finances. We do not feel, we have what we need to make our physical dreams a reality! God gives us everything we need to make Him a reality. He has already paid for our tuition. He makes life happen in more abundant ways than you can ever dream or scheme up! He is free for the asking! He unties your hands and remakes your dreams even better. He lets us out of our financial and relational prisons. Isaiah 61 states that He come to set the captives free and to release the prisoners. Sometimes, it is a blessing to have our hands tied! Then, God is the "One and Only" available to us! Being a housewife with small children, ties me down to my home! I do not have a retirement account with my own name on it! It is laughable, to look at my Social Security statement! However, I am free to study God's Word and pray!

Anyway, I encourage you to never give up on discovering what God has for you! Do not hold back! Build your "spiritual bank" account. Become a "scientist" seeking discovery. I believe that even in our failures or in God's veto, that there is even more to discover! He does not shut a door, but opens up the entire universe! Just like with the discovery of our antibiotics! It came with much failure. The discovery was really a fluke! I believe it was not a fluke, but the hand of God saying "watch this"---go my way! He pointed the scientist in the right direction! He will point you the best way as you build your "bank account" and learn from your discoveries! The Bible is a vast treasure, prayer helps you spend it or should I say invest it! God is worth it all! I would say God has made the most of our trial, by leading us to His side! He has kept us! We would not want to be anywhere else. Kole is just on "His other side"! We are both hugging God, but on different laps! It is like, we are at God's left lap and Kole is at God's right! There is comfort in that---God bridges the gap and we all share Him! Comfort would not last in having Kole here with us. Comfort lasts in having God!

Today I was fed this from 2 Thessalonians 5:24
"The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it".

This reminded me of the verse in Philippians 1:6
"...., being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus".

He truly does the "sweating"/work in us and through us.

Jodi

2007-04-22T22:24:00.000-04:00

Hello my dear friends and prayer partners,
I am so sorry that I have not posted anything for quite some time. My hands became quite full with a newborn baby and my precious Kole needing so much attention during his illness. I have wanted to post many times but we just got internet capabilities a couple of days ago.

Anyway, I just want to thank everyone for all of your prayers, comments, bible passages, cards, gifts, love, concern, hugs, and tears. Kole was surely loved and we as a family have all felt it.

I cannot explain the emotional roller coaster that has gone on but what I can say is that God continues to bless our family. We miss Kole greatly but we are thrilled that he is healed, running, and laughing at us that he made it to heaven first. Everyday, we look at his cute pictures on the fridge and we want him back but we only would want him if he was healed completely. But then we realize that Kole wouldn't want to come back. Why would he? He has everything he ever dreamed of and much more in heaven. Knowing this gives me great comfort. Everytime I think I should have given him something or taken him to a special restaurant that we never made it to can make me feel bad. It does not take long for me to get out of the pit and realize that he eats much better food and plays on the fastest gators in heaven. He has not missed out on one thing. Praise the Lord.

I have to thank God for his great mercy. I can actually say that I am very happy. Even though I miss Kole I am happy. It is amazing how God takes care of every part of me. Someone was telling me that some people were very concerned for me because of the fact that I had faith that Kole was going to be healed by God. I don't know if these people thought that I would go into great depression or be mad at God if Kole would not be healed here on earth. I will yell it from every mountain top that our GOd is good and a loving God. No one, I mean no one, can go wrong having faith that our Lord Jesus can and will heal you or a loved one. With this faith and seeking the Lord through His word and prayer is healing in and of itself. God has healed Kole and he has healed my heart. I am constantly thinking about this verse in Philipians 4:4-7

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Refoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. THe Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to GOd. And the peace of GOd, which trancends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

YOu see that part that I put in bold print is the important part for me right now. The bible speaks constantly about trusting GOd or having faith in HIm. I did not need to guard my heart or my ego because GOd will do it for me. In fact, I asked my sister why wouldn't someone trust God. He is the best you can get. She replied with something Beth Moore says, "People do not want to be wrong." After going through this, I know that this is part of it and the other part is that we want to guard out emotions so we can prepare ourselves for the worst. But what I have learned is that it is ok to be wrong because God is never wrong. ALso, that we do not need to guard our emotions because GOd does it for us. Who do you want guarding your heart? God or yourself? I choose GOd. I know that if it were up to me to guard my heart I would be a mess. Only God can heal a heart that has lost a precious child. I know that Jesus has guarded my heart. He did not allow me to torture myself with anguish. Jesus is doing the crying for me. We put all of our trust and faith in HIm and He has shown His love for us better than any earthly father could do. For my own father cannot prevent me from having great sorrows but my heavenly father sure has. All I can do is praise my GOd because sometimes I just sit and think wondering how I am functioning. I know my God is so big and he has taken care of all of my needs.

Psalm 40:1-3
"I waited patiently for the Lord: he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our GOd. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord."

Please continue praying for us as we know and can feel all of your prayers.
God Bless,
Janni

2007-04-20T22:00:00.000-04:00

There are many questions that we have! What I witnessed from Janni and Steve was amazing trust! They truly trusted God with Kole! That has not changed! They are glad Kole is truly in God's hands. That trust came from studying God's Word and intense prayer! They had to know who they were trusting. They discovered in depth and detail, our loving God! He walked beside them and Kole the whole way, never leaving them or forsaking them! They will always cling to Him for clinging to God has been engraved into their being! My Aunt Jane had taught me about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego passing through the firery furnace in Daniel chapter 3. Her Beth Moore Bible Study pointed out that passing through a firery trial leading a person into heaven is the best refinning we can imagine. Why, because it brings the ultimate healing of body, mind, and soul! If Kole's body would have been healed here, he would still have to struggle with his fleshly sin nature. His mind and soul would still be struggling with sin. Now ,that has been healed as well. I did not necessarily see it that way before, but I do now! I was willing to take the sin nature and work with it! I was thinking today, as I was talking to a friend about our childhood memories, that our biggest growing times in childhood comes through failure! God does not need to be taught! He also never fails nor needs to. He does not need to grow or learn. His love is perfect. His plans are higher than our ways. We need to be taught and so, in His great mercy, He allows His children to experience disappointment! I am sure it is hard for Him to allow us to struggle and yet He knows that our character will never grow deep, if all is well all the time! We become stuck in a way! Our minds would be stuck here on this earth, if we had everything we ever wanted right now! God will reward faith and belief in bigger and better ways than we can imagine! It might not come the way we expected it or when we expected it! It all boils down to believing what we cannot see yet! I look around my church on Sunday and say to myself, "we are all here in this building to worship God, who we cannot see and touch"! God told "doubting" Thomas that you believe because you see, but blessed is the man who believes even though he cannot see! Everywhere we are tested on this! We believe we will get up in the morning, even though we cannot see the inner workings of our bodies or the unseen dangers in our environment. Today, my four year old said that we cannot hide from God, because He can find us anywhere. Nothing is hidden from God. There is so much hidden from us! We really are blind in a way! Why did God take Kole when we prayed and believed? Right now the answer is hidden from us. Heaven is hidden from us! Kole is hidden from us! The Throne Room is hidden from us! However, we can find some answers through seeking God through prayer. Also, God's Word is not hidden from us! The enemy of our souls does not want us to discover the hidden treasure found in God's Word! I can tell you that God is pleased not to hide His love for you! It written in the rainbow, in the sunset, in fields of harvest, in the mountains and valleys, in the ocean and in all the beauty of His creation! It is written in His Word and than He inscribes it on your heart! I find myself asking God all the time to reaffirm His love for me. He never fails to do just that! There is no one who loves you, like He does! Believe it or not, God's answer of "no"---was not a mean and unloving answer! It was not a punishment! It was His best answer for both Kole and the rest of us! We just have to believe in what we cannot see!

God makes us all so different! He tutors us "One on One" (Psalms 119)! He prepares us for our individual roll on this earth! Mine is quite small! For I spend so much time pondering, I do not always get a whole lot accomplished in the physical realm. I am not very efficient. I would make a terrible doctor and an even worse secretary! Anyway, do not feel unworthy if you question and struggle! Your heavenly "Tutor" is preparing you for His assignment for you. He is a patient teacher. Through this whole process with Kole, I have fallen many times. I have struggled with doubt and have mis-interpreted what God was trying to say and where He was moving. In times alone with God , I almost felt God brush back my hair in a very tender way and say to my heart "you are learning my dear child, get back up so I can continue teaching you"! He is so patient and does not expect perfection, just our attention and willingness to learn. He is the most kind and loving teacher! The enemy of our souls is trying his hardest to get us to give up on God or to get us to "think" God has given up on us. God never gives up on us!!!! We have to be tenacious in our pursuit of God, because we will get hit with these two temptations daily. God will never be tempted to give up on you. Reading the Gospel books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the New Testament will give evidence of this. I love the fact that Jesus chose very regular people, who had much to learn! They had their share of failure and still remained His beloved disciples. However, Jesus never failed them. His love never failed them. His death did not fail them! They did not understand everything Jesus was attempting to teach them when they were with Him, and yet it all became clearer as time went on! Now, I am sure the 12 disciples see Jesus' teaching as crystal clear as they are seated around the throne of heaven by the crystal clear "river of the water of life". Perhaps, Kole is sitting with them, who knows! Out of all the humans who were a part of Kole's journey, Kole is the only one who understands God's decision right now!

Here is an example of the Disciples feeling sad over and not understanding God's plan.

Matthew 17:22-23

"When they (Disciples and Jesus) came together in Galilee, he said to them, 'The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.' And the disciples were filled with grief."

Even when the disciples got to see Jesus come back from the dead, they only had the short extra period of 40 days with Jesus, until Jesus ascended up to heaven.

John 15:17
"Some of his disciples said to one another, "What does he mean by saying, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,' and 'Because I am going to the Father'? They kept asking, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We don't understand what he is saying."

"Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'? I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy."

Jesus also says in John 14:1-3
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

Kole loved a song by Audio Adrenaline ---It is about the Father's House--- it goes something like "It's a big big house with lots and lots of rooms---It has a big big yard where we can play football---That's my Father's house". Kole's favorite sport was football! I can still remember him singing that song sitting on his mom's lap in my dinning room.

May our grief be turned to joy!

Jodi

2007-04-19T15:22:00.000-04:00

Janni and I enjoyed talking on the phone yesterday! I shared with her some of the comments you have made! She does not have internet access at her new home, as of yet! It was good to hear her voice chipper and full of hope and love! It is only God, I know! He continues to carry them through this lonely time! My mom is staying with Janni! I know today they are going on a shopping trip to the Detroit, Michigan area.

I was told a cute story about Jaelle! Kole has always taken on the roll of "policing" Jaelle! My mom had allowed Jaelle to use permanent markers with her aid. Jaelle, said she cannot wait to go to heaven and tell Koley, that she is allowed to use markers! My children were pretending yesterday and made a place for heaven and another place for hell! They have had their world expanded beyond the borders of this earth! Leah, keeps saying she cannot wait to go to heaven. Today, she said it would be fun to go to heaven as a child! My oldest son had said the same thing, when he was younger! I must say that I had my eyes closed so tight, to the thought of heaven coming at an early age! However, God in His wisdom has shown our entire family that heaven is not far off and not to be feared, even at an early age. Hell is to be feared, not heaven! Jaelle had counseled Leah, the night of Kole's death that she should not cry because Kole was in heaven with Jesus! Jaelle was smiling and happy to have Leah sleep in her bed and yet Leah was sad! Jaelle said "I know Leah , I will pray for you. Jesus can fix everything"! It was healing , hearing Jaelle pray for Leah. It was not long after Jaelle's prayer, that Leah drifted off to sleep! Jaelle however took a little longer, I have grown closer to my little niece as well. She is generous with her love. I soak it in like a sponge. I enjoyed her little frame sitting on top of my round belly and her small arms wrapped around my neck at the funeral! She has a new girl cousin to meet and love soon! Kole has helped grow our love for one another! I cannot tell you the love I have for my sister, it is amazing how God has knitted us together! Mostly through praying together and loving Kole together next to his bed! Those conversations we had, I will never forget! I will never forget how Kole could make Janni chuckle with delight and how her chuckle would never fail to bring out the most precious smile on Kole's face! There was one priceless moment I recall between Janni and I. We both were talking about our love for our Lord and the spiritual battle we had been fighting together alongside one another. This moment took place as we sat on Kole's bed around a week before Kole went to be with Jesus! We promised we would love each other's children as our own and work together to raise them to love Jesus! It was a beautiful moment that I will never forget. I ache to see her, as I recall it! I am proud to share so much "blood" between her! We share our physical heritage and the blood of Christ! We share our burdens, our triumphs and our children! We share love! This is the body of Christ! If you read in the beginning chapters of the book of Acts about the body of Christ, you see that they shared everything and became one family and served one another! I read those chapters and desire "history" (early first church history) to adopt me on the spot! It is a reflection of the great love of Christ working through whom He indwells! We welcome you, into our family! There is plenty of room and plenty of love. You know God takes us just as we are! There are no strings attached! The greater your difficulty, the greater His love and forgiveness! Amazing grace is what saved a wretch like me! We are full of struggle and far from perfect! God has taken us and made something amazing. He is the only one who can turn us around in our dysfunctions. He is our only hope for wholeness and healing! A testimony states how God has taken us from point A---despair and defeat, to point B---joy and victory! I sit back and marvel at His work! He has brought joy and victory out of the home-going of a small child. Show us your glory God,--- through your beautiful transforming work in our lives! To those who have joined the body of Christ, my heart swells with love for you----I say welcome! Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing".

Acts 4:32-34

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them."

You have done a wonderful job taking care of the needs of Kole and his family! Your prayers were and are the biggest blessing! We can tell you are praying! How can something so intangible be so affective! We will one day see all that prayer accomplished and accomplishes! Kole is seeing it now!

Jodi

2007-04-16T17:20:00.000-04:00

I believe Kole would have been overcome with your love, if he could have attended his own funeral! My sister would worry that his head would expand in pride. Of course, that is not a danger anymore! He no longer struggles with his fleshly weaknesses!Thank you for such compassion and support shown. I am sure Kole would be relieved to know his parents were well taken care of! I believe Kole has indirectly rescued more people in his six short years, than most people whose lives spans through many decades has had opportunity to do. He is pleased I am sure. We can call him a "rescue hero" for Christ! We love you Kole! You are forever engraved on our hearts! I am sure Jesus is entertained with your conversation, we certainly were! I also know that you are enjoying Jesus! We only see Christ in part here, and have difficulty keeping Him the center focus!

Getting back to a normal routine, for me, has been difficult! The emotional and physical drain of the last few weeks has taken most of my "energy"! I have not been home to call Janni and so I wonder if she feels the same! Looking around my house I see the neglect and the work to do!Our "historical" home always has repairs waiting! I am looking at a window screen flapping in the wind, reminding me of my two year old who had taken it upon himself to take a small screen tear and make it bigger---much bigger! When it happened it did not phase me, for Kole's struggle was so much more significant in my mind! I look around and at all the burdens of this life and know for sure that God never intended for this to be our permanent home! My plea to God is that He will keep us in the palm of His hand! I marvel at our journey and how He blessed us with His presence! I never want to live without Him! That would truly be darkness and despair! Getting back to His Word and to our knees is everything we need to keep moving fore ward. I want to be like my nephew, having his courage. He really never worried about saving himself! I believe he has inspired us to focus on rescuing the perishing. We tried to rescue his life for him here, and yet Kole must have already known Jesus was his "Rescue Hero" and heaven was his home.

Now what do we do? Isaiah 50:4-6 and 10.

"The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He awakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back."

"Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on His God."

Amplified version "Who among you who [reverently] fears the Lord, who obeys the voice of His Servant, yet who walks in darkness and deep trouble and has no shining splendor [in his heart]? Let him rely on, trust in, and be confident in the name of the Lord, and let him lean upon and be supported by his God".

God's word is truly a light to our path and to our healing!

Jodi

2007-04-12T11:06:00.000-04:00

Here is the website to see Kole's obituary. It is www.grofffuneralhomes.com/obituaries.

Jodi

2007-04-11T18:58:00.000-04:00

Many thoughts and feelings run through our hearts and minds at this time! Time with God is of utmost importance, to talk to Him and sort out all that has happened! In many ways, some things have become clearer and other things we have to practice our trust in our God! The good news is that we have gotten to know the most wonderful and only God of this universe! We know ALL His plans are good, even though they do not feel good or seem good! We believe some day He will share why he took Kole at such a young age from loving parents who loved God! For an example of how we can be mistaken, we have seen in our environment such things that we thought we were helping God out and the opposite has held true. I have heard of a story (my facts might not be exact) where a country had brought in snakes to eat poison frogs to get rid of the danger of the poison frogs. The snakes became poisonous and the problem became much worse! We trust that God knows what He is doing and for that reason His way is best for Kole and the Kellers! If we would try to force our way (which would be impossible) I believe that we would miss out on God's best design! We did, however, do all we could do to pester and beg God for what we wanted! We even had many believers help in petitioning before His throne! For God to veto our petition for Kole's continued life here, must have meant we were lacking understanding of some unknown factors. God basically said He had a better idea and to trust Him. We as humans are so limited in our understanding of things. We live a relatively short time period! We see little of the past and none of the future. We live only at one place at one time and only experience a small portion of the geographical locations of this earth! Our minds are limited and flawed! Our morality is flawed! What we might think sounds and looks right sometimes can be dead wrong to God! We as believers see ourselves underneath His loving wings and underneath His authority. There is only room for God to be on the throne of our lives! He decides and we stay in awe of Him bowed at His feet! He is all loving and all kind. God is beyond time! It will be no time at all before Kole sees us again. Time is not important in heaven! Time was created by God when He created this earth and the heavens that surround us! That is how we have our lunar calender and our 24 hour day! God is everywhere all the time! God made the past, makes the present, and is the future. We are limited by time and space! We did not get to walk this earth when Christ walked, we believe so much and have experienced so little.

He sees our hearts and is able to fully love us and mold us to be more like Him! He gives us experience and understanding, if we allow Him! God gives true ever lasting joy and peace and love. It does not come from everything going smoothly in our lives! We could have gotten to keep a healthy Kole with us and yet experience a deep dark depression. Getting what we want, does not guarentee our happiness. True joy is not based on anything but Christ alone.I have always longed to be married and have children. I have gotten that and yet what I was so graciously given was not enough to give me joy. Christ has given me all joy and all love. My family is a bonus. We also realize that this earth, is not our home! God does not want us to be too comfortable here making His creation "our god" and our all! We can easily make this earth our focus, people our focus, careers our focus, entertainment our focus, nature our focus, hobbies our focus, materialism our focus and ourselves our focus! God wants Himself to be our focus! He wants us looking to the cross and not ever taking it forgranted that we have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb! He wants us not living for this earth where every living thing must die! He wants us living for His Kingdom, where every living being will live for all eternity! I believe God when He whispered to my heart that Kole will live! He lives as our Lord lives in the unseen heavenly realm! We believe, have faith and trust in that more than anything! We believed God for Kole to be healed here, and Kole was not! That does not make our faith null and void! It just says that God chose a better plan for our faith, a faith that takes more wait. We will wait to experience Kole's healing with our senses! We did not see Kole's healing yet, though we know it has happened! Just like it took 120 years for Noah to experience the promised flood to occur, all the time preparing the Ark for that moment! We have to wait to see the healing that heaven promises. We will not have to wait 120 years to experience Kole's promised healing. But while we do wait, we will be preparing the "Arks of our hearts"!

God was good and kind and loving all the way! No person brought peace in those last hours. It was only God and His Word! How can God love us through death? How can He not? For that was what was required of Himself! His death led to life and Kole's death led to life. Kole is alive and well! He has helped to take our eyes off of this dying world and up unto Jesus and His heavenly Kingdom! That is the future vacation we are looking forward to in the future! We want many to come with us! All are invited! Kole would be pleased to show you all, his new healthy body, the beautiful body of Christ seated around the throne, and of course Christ! "Oh what manner of love the Father has given unto to us---to behold the beauty, the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple"! We do not know true undying, unending, unyielding, surrounding love yet.....the best is yet to come! We should feel sorry for ourselves that we have to wait! I believe that Judah was such a promise of new life to Janni and Steve! No one could replace Kole and no one can replace God! God just gives us hope through His creation, and through new birth!Judah is evidence of God's handiwork and God did a beautiful work forming Judah in his mother's womb. God performs a beautiful work in birth, of which we see now---- and in death, in which we do not see yet. God knows we need something to see and touch while we wait! This new baby who lays curled up on our shoulder is such a reminder of the glory that is to come. I have learned that there is glory in death---for those who believe in Christ and who are called according to His purpose.The darkness of death comes in not believing!

I love this chorus "In Christ Alone"

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this Solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when striving cease
My comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He arose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final death
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no schemes of man
Can ever pluck me from HIS HAND
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I stand

Jodi

2007-04-10T22:51:00.000-04:00

To our dear friends, family and support team we are thankful to announce that Kole Joseph Keller is now at home with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! He left this earth with a smile and a tear around 10:00 PM on Monday night, and was welcomed into the arms of His Heavenly "Da-da". We desired to have him "tough it out" here on this weary world with us, but God knew best and knows best!!!

God always keeps His promises and even in death His promise is kept!We believe God had given Kole some extra time here on earth, from March 23rd until April 9th. It was only a few short weeks of extra time, but they were a gift! Kole was given time to get to see his new baby brother and more time to get hugged on and kissed on by his loving mom and dad! We had more time to get to be loved by Kole, love him, and learn from him. God gave Kole amazing comfort during that time! God allowed us to see this world has no hold on us, for it is all lost and dieing without God. We saw that death is a welcomed relief to those who love Him and know God. That is not the case with those who choose to not allow God to be their Father.

Kole's last few days became more difficult starting on his birthday, Saturday April 7th. However, I believe God was with him in a special way and that his discomfort was seen by us more than felt by him! He was able to have his hospital bed placed in his new room and yet his favorite decoration was of course his mom and dad! They prayed and stood beside Kole morning, noon, and night! They were tender beyond measure and full of love for their boy! They were also full of love for our God! They are still full of love for our God! Kole had hospice come to the house. They were so kind and comforting to Kole! One hospice worker told me that she has learned a lot about life and death through her job! I have to admit that hospice work was and is my one occupation that I am afraid of the most! This one hospice worker sees beauty in death all the time! As I pondered Kole's death and God's desire to take him home, I have thought of all that God was teaching us about heaven! Heaven should not be feared, but welcomed. Heaven is where the glory of God shines the brightest!Heaven contains the perfect love of our perfect Father! Heaven is a promise! Heaven should be welcomed! My pastor said once that this time on earth is like a dot at the end of a ray! Heaven is the ray! It goes on forever. We are to live this short time/dot on this fallen earth for our God and His eternal heavenly kingdom! Our fingers have been pride off of this world in way, and they have been placed around the ankles/feet of Jesus! We have learned to cling to Him! What more can we ask! It is a miracle! We have seen His Word deliver us time and time again! We have known that He has heard everyone of our prayers! We know He is a good God! Nothing brought us joy like God and His Word did! We have gained an intimacy with Him, that will carry us through this difficult world and give us the strength and courage to get through the Kingdom work left to do. One day we will be with our precious boy again! Oh boy, do we miss him! We know we will spend eternity together having a running , leaping, and praising God party all day long! Forever! I hope there will be twinkies!

Steve and Janni are truly believing God! Steve says the thing he is going to miss most is the empty arms and not being able to carry his son! They both are pleased and relieved that Kole is not limited but completely restored and with His true Father! Steve's mother puts it like this----Our children belong to God! He gives them to us as a blessing. We are to take care of them, but they are ultimately His. We need to be thankful that He gives them to us for any length of time.

He can ask for them back, and many times He does not ask for their earthly lives back so early! He does ask for us to raise our children for Him and give them to Him in a spiritual way. But, when He does call them home, He has a perfect plan! This was God's perfect plan for Kole. We believe it and trust it, even though we do not understand yet and do not see the whole picture yet! Until then, we get to know God in the "here and now" more and more. He is the only One who will never leave us or forsake us! We do not have to wait to know Him! There is never a parting with Our God. He follows us and is with us from conception into eternity and beyond. There is nothing like "the With of God" or like His presence! People pale in comparison.

He has wrapped Janni and Steve in His love and is pleased with them! They have believed Him, even at the risk of being wrong! In that, they were right! Believing God is the right way to live! We believe even though we cannot see all and know all, for we trust our God who sees all and knows all for us! We trust His Word and are not afraid to believe! We are afraid not to believe.

Death of King David's young son---2 Samuel 12:18-22

"On the seventh day the child died, David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, "While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate." David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. "Is the child dead ?" he asked.
"Yes", they replied, "he is dead"
Then David got up from the ground, After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped......His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!"
He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought 'who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live'. But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me".

Kole's funeral is Friday at 11:00 A.M. at their large church called "The Chapel" in Sandusky, Ohio. There is a one hour visitation before hand at 10:00 A.M.

On Thursday (At the Chapel church) visitation will be (I believe) from 5:00-8:00. If I am wrong I will send an update!

Jodi
Have fun with Jesus, Kole! Your mommy and daddy glow their love for you! Your life has impacted us forever! God has imprinted His love, faith, and truth way down deep in our soul through your life!

2007-04-06T13:40:00.000-04:00

Hello, I thought I would run by a quick update on Kole! I just talked to my dad and he said he is amazed at the progress Kole has made this week! My father said this with joy in his voice! Kole happened to be weak on his left side last week. However, this week Kole is using mostly his left side. He even uses his left hand to eat! Kole's left side seems remarkably stronger! Is that not God or what! Also, my dad (Kole's grandpa Sprunger) over heard Kole tell his father (Steve) that he is going to take a picture of his mom and dad with him to college! That just gives a tiny hint to the strong bond of love that they have established. My dad said I do not remember even thinking about college at his age! My mom told me he keeps turning down tylenol! He actually has hospice nurses working with him. He gets a massage every day! I have heard Kole enjoys his massage! He is very talkative and alert! His mind is sharp as a tack, which is quite amazing, since it is his brain that should be the most affected.

By the way volunteers are cleaning the Keller's new home today and are beginning to move their belongings into their home. By tomorrow they should be in their new home! Tomorrow is also Kole's birthday. Happy sixth birthday Kole!

Here is the passage I read today, to my children. It comes from Acts 27. Paul has been on a ship off the island of Crete. There has been a fierce storm for a number of days and the crew has given up hope of survival (vs.20). Paul goes on to encourage the crew with this message from Acts 27:22

"But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night and angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, "Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you". So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.

Jodi

2007-04-05T23:48:00.000-04:00

Janni and I just finished talking on the phone! I could hear Judah on the other end of the line getting impatient! He has only nursed most of the day and yet 15 minutes away from the comfort of his mom, was just too much!! Janni said he was good yesterday, but it all hit the fan today with this little newborn! How could a small 8 lb bundle be so demanding and consume so much time and energy? Janni said with Jaelle being sick, her three children call for "a four man job"! Kole takes one parent, Jaelle takes one grandparent, the newborn takes up Janni and then they need someone to feed them! She laughs at the craziness, because it is rather ridiculous. She also knows that it will get better. She has been blessed by all the volunteers who have painted her new house, put in the appliances, and who will move her stuff into their house on Saturday! By the way, Kole's birthday is Saturday and he wants to see some of his friends. That is something, for he has been too sick to desire guests. Steve and Janni will not be able to help their volunteers move their belongings into their own house! This is so against their nature and yet God has caused them to require the love of so many to takeover for their physical housing needs. They also require much spiritual support as well, which "big time" includes prayer! Thank you to the person who sent the verse from Zechariah 10:6 "I will strengthen the house of Judah and save the house of Joseph, I will restore them because I have compassion on them....". That verse made Janni's day! And as her big sister, I love it when she sounds uplifted! Kole's middle name is "Joseph" as most of you already know!

I can imagine that everyone wants to know how Kole is doing! Janni said he has been doing better everyday since he got home from the hospital! He is using his left hand more and has asked to eat, which is always a blessing and answer to prayer! Janni said he really does not ask for pain killers, even though they are offered to him! I can just imagine the hosts of Angels that are ministering to his physical needs even at this very moment. This type of brain cancer usually results in horrible pain, especially head pain and leg pain! The doctors can usually help with the leg pain, but not with the head pain unless they put in a shunt, surgically, to remove some of the pressure! Why he is not in pain, is purely God and your intercessory prayers! This week the Lord has spoken to my heart about truly trusting Kole into His care! I have to laugh at myself, for what in the world did I get off thinking I could help Kole's pain or discomfort or anything along those lines! Prayer is my best bet, for helping my darling nephew! I love him so, for there is something about sitting around a sick child's bedside and praying your heart out for that frail and oh so valuable child! I need to devote myself in that way, to my own children! There is a tenderness that comes to one's heart, when one prays to the God of Heaven and Earth on any sick/needy person's behalf! We as a church grow our love for each other through intercessory prayer for one another! I know many of you do not even know Kole, but love him through your prayers and even gain more love for this unknown child! I bet you feel like you almost know him! Janni cannot wait to tell Kole of you and your love for him! She just told me that tonight! Pray that Janni gets time with the Lord. She misses the hours spent in His Word and in seeking His presence! She is so busy that she barely gets a shower! I told her that her spiritual bank account is full to over flowing! But that does not matter to her, she misses her time with her Lord and Savior!

Tonight my church had a special church service! I cannot remember the Latin name for it! I had such "need" to be there tonight! It was what I call a "Divine Appointment". I have been confused this week! Almost as if there was a dark cloud over me! Funny, because the weather changed at the same time, and warm sunshine was exchanged for cold snow! Anyway, I started wondering if we were really hearing God and if maybe I had been mistaken! I really don't doubt God, but I do doubt myself! My good friend Liz Ward, at church encouraged me not to doubt God's work in us! Tonight, as we took communion, I got down on my knees asking for this dark confused cloud to be removed! It was as if God was saying (as Beth Moore said God has said to her) "You have only begun to believe me"! I believe God was saying to me and even to the church "I am pushing for more belief out of you"! I know I short change myself and say to God in my heart "haven't I believed you enough"! God has more confidence in us than we have in ourselves! We really do not have examples around us of "extreme believing believers". My oldest son said that he wants to be a missionary. He really does not like the idea of the discomforts of the third world. However, he (Josiah) said to me that he wants to go to the places where Christians face persecution, because we have it way too easy here! I thought to myself, where did he get that kind wisdom at twelve years of age! He is right you know! It seems that it takes "extreme fire" to produce "extreme belief". Unless we make a decision on our own to surrender to the Most High God! The more we know Him the easier it will be to trust Him with our lives and the lives of our family! I felt His calling tonight to extreme belief, trust, and faith! He wants us to be equipped to minister to this dying and hurting world! It seems so depressing but that is how the enemy has deceived us ! I believe the riches of this life are found in ministering the way Jesus did, when He walked this earth! Those poor disciples lived a rather sheltered life away from the "unclean" and diseased people around them. This was before they became followers of Christ! Their "law" and society required their separation from anything considered "unclean", if they were to be "good Jews". I am sure they did not put up much of a fuss, because it is of course easier to live in our "comfort zone", ignoring the pain in this world. After they put down their nets, they picked up the poor and needy and became fisher's of men! I bet they discovered the most rewarding job of their entire lives! They were "hooked"(or netted) for life, I am sure! I never thought that I could face being at the bedside of a child fighting brain cancer! I thought I would emotionally fall apart, and go into a pit of despair! The opposite has held true! There are times when it is difficult to see him suffer! God has been gracious and has made those times relatively short lived! He has given us victory after victory over all of Kole's pains and sufferings. For the most part Kole is resting comfortably or talking! Facing this hardship, has instead made us become more "real" and our Lord-----He really has become REAL!!! God is AWESOME!! He is kind and entertaining and delightful to know! I must say I believe He has the kindest eyes and the most warm loving smile you can imagine! He deserves our awe and worship and yet He is approachable, hugable and lovable! Instead of the "pit of despair" we get to experience a bit of the "throne room of heaven"! He has rewarded us, with Himself!

These verses hint at the kind of reward that God has for us when we allow Him to use us as His representatives before a hurting world. Christ did this and now He does it through us!

Isaiah 61:1-3
"He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners........to comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion----"
"TO BESTOW ON THEM A CROWN OF BEAUTY, instead of ashes"
"THE OIL OF GLADNESS, instead of mourning"
"THE GARMENT OF PRAISE, instead of the spirit of despair"
"They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor".

Is. 61:9
"Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed."

I was sharing with my precious church "sisters", how this valley has seemed so long! I told them how I could relate to the movie, "Facing the Giants"! There is a portion on that movie where the football coach has his player perform this amazing feat of strength. Anyway, he crawls across the entire length of the football field using only both hands and both feet, while carrying a 160 lb fellow player on his back! The coach blind folds him so that he does not see how far he has to go!This was pointed out by my good friend, Kim Allison. I finally got the fact, that we too have been "blindfolded" in a way. This wise coach knew the player would give up if he saw how hard "this coach", was planning on pushing him! The coach was teaching him to give all he had and not to reserve anything based on what the player could "see"! We get overwhelmed if we see the distance, for in our minds it seems impossible!

Sometimes, it may seem impossible to have great faith---but with God "all things are possible"! It may even seem that God is expecting way too much out of us! He has more confidence in us, then we do in ourselves! God will not steer us wrong! He wants our lives to mean something and to be used for God's great glory! We have many "crowns" at stake! Crowns that we get to cast before His feet! God is a great coach and does He ever love his players! He laid his life down for them and has given us His "resurrection power" to overcome! We just need to keep listening to His encouragement and keep going! By the way, God also adds fellow players to help. I am thankful for my teammates, Grace Community Church of Lima, Ohio and all of you out there!

Jodi

2007-04-04T17:37:00.000-04:00

Hello,
As most of you know things have been kind of crazy. But nothing that our good Lord cannot handle. The devil continues to want us to think that we are alone and that Jesus will not save Kole. God continues to reassure us everyday. I know all of these turmoils are all for His glory. Lets face it. Only by the work of the greater power would Jude be born on the same day that Kole would have to be taken to the hospital. Then, our house should finally be finished by the end of this week. All of these huge issues in our lives are coming to a beautiful end.

God continues to pour blessings on our family during this time. He has yet to dissapoint us and we are confident that He will continue. As it says in Psalms 119:116 "Sustain me according to your promise and I will live, do not let my hopes be dashed."

I know our hopes will not be dashed and that God has something perfect in mind.

A couple of months ago a friend of mine came to me and said that he had been walking his dogs real early in the morning and he felt the holy spirit come across him and say that the Kellers cup will over floweth. It is so easy for me to get into a pit and feel sorry for myself. But let me tell you that God continues to bless us over and over again. Forever we can rejoice in His holy name. For our God is near. Let me tell you about some of these blessings. Judah of course was a perfect blessing. He is a good baby and he slept pretty good last night. Kole continues to do ok. He is very tired but he does not complain of very much pain. He cracked me up today. He was so alert that he wanted to hold Jude. He had a great smile on his face when Jude was in his arms. Kole started talking to him and making sweat baby sounds. It was quite precious. Then Kole went to give him a kiss and Jude began rooting. Kole threw up his arm and said, "No, no! No boobies here." It made us all laugh. God is good and continues to sustain him. How about, Steve's dad called today. He went over to our house and met the floor people. God used them to bless us too. Steve's dad ended up buying them lunch because they worked until 4:00 am on our floors, slept on the floor for a couple hours and then finished laying the carpet this moring so we could get into the house as soon as possible. What a sacrifice. Another friend of ours was so kind to give us his appliances. He even has gone to the trouble of getting them to our house for us. What a huge blessing. Steve was named teacher of the week by some local radio station. I guess one of his students nominated him. What an honor. God has our cup overflowing.
Please continue to pray for us all day long as the devil is always attacking or trying to attack. Today, Ellie has now come down with a fever and she is sick. Thank goodness for all the help. Please pray that Ellie gets over this illness quickly and that the rest of the family stays healthy.

Oh, here is another praise. Kole just asked for peanut butter and jelly toast. He has not wanted to eat for quite some time now. Ya!! He has also asked for chili. Our neighbor brought us over some and Kole said he likes to eat chili on days like today. He ate three bites and liked it. Praise the Lord.

God Bless,
Janni

2007-04-04T09:09:00.000-04:00

Thank you for the encouragement on the blog. I read many of the comments to Janni over the phone, while she was still in the hospital. I could hear her weep on the other end of the line. She was overcome with your kindness.

I feel a need to pray. God you are kind, we see your kindness through your body of believers. Lord, you cannot be predicted, even though we have tried to pin you down! You, Lord, are not limited by anything! You have power over all cancers and all of man's abilities. Dear Lord, you are patient as we seek you and sometimes get you wrong! You see our attempts to love you, worship you, learn about you, believe you, and trust you! You are a patient coach and teacher. When we fall you brush the hair from our brow and help us to stand to our feet. You call us to stand in our "God given shoes" and not be swayed by this world! Lord, we trust you entirely with Kole! We have seen how you have provided for him over and over! You appointed the most adoring parents to be his guardian. Parents who have laid down their life for their son! You have flooded these two human parents with a love for you that overflows to those around them. You have called them to your side and have led them all the way with you outstretched hand and staff. They have looked to you alone as much as is humanly possible! You have spoken to their hearts and spoken through your Word. They have believed you, they do believe you, and they will believe you! Lord, please pour out your peace and rest on their spirit. You know they are weary and have come to a place where the need to rest is written all over their faces! We worship you for you have felt all that they have felt. You have spent time on this weary earth and were acquainted with much grief. You, yourself, became tired and overcome with the task at hand. Jesus inside of one day, you were beaten until you were not recognizable, forced to carry a cross while loosing blood, and than nailed to the cross you carried. Jesus, your Heavenly Father was forced to turn His back on you as the entire load of all man's sins rested on you! Then, it was finished. You were buried and than in three day you rose again. You conquered sin and death. Lord, please teach us to honor and worship you even when the enemy accuses you of forgetting us! Let us not forget you and the cost you paid for our sinful selves! You never forget us, you never leave us, and you never forsake us! Teach us to wait on you as you are busy caring for Kole right now! You are providing for him in many unseen ways! You are keeping him company and have your angels encamped around Kole as he rests underneath your wings! It is in your wonderful glorious hands to give him back to us. We know it is far better for you to keep him with you! We believe what you have spoken in our heart and soul! We will wait for you as we worship you and learn of you through your word.

Kole should now be home in Oak Harbor with his family and new baby brother! They have given him a catheter to release his urine. He sleeps peacefully most of the time! He will awaken for short periods of times to talk. He is given demerol, a pain killer, as needed. He only had it once yesterday morning. He has taken in very little "physical food" but I am positive Janni and Steve are feeding him the bread of life/God's Word. The Word of God has been Kole's main staple! He does wake up from time to time to talk and always looks for his "Mamma and/or Dad-da"! When he calls for his "Dad-da" it reminds me of what our Heavenly Father is called in the Bible. He is call "Abba"! You cannot imagine better parents for Kole! My heart swells with pride for the fine job that they are doing! Kole trusts in their care for him. We must trust in God's care for us! I think that is why God calls us to be like little children.

Isaiah 40:28-31
".....He will not grow tired or weary and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Isaiah 40:28-31 Amplified "......there is no searching of His understanding. He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound] . Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted; But those who wait for the Lord [expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.

p.s. Janni I have tried to call you, my dear sister. I have sent you an email!

Love,
Jodi

2007-04-03T11:28:00.000-04:00

To our wonderful friends and family! We have a wonderful God deserving of all worship and praise! Even when things seem difficult, He is good and kind and full of mercy and grace. God is beyond our ways and way above our thinking! We are under Him, under His good plan for us! We trust Him and believe Him. We believe His Word!

Kole is not in pain and is sleeping restfully! Last night, Kole had a cat scan. He still has brain tumors. His main difficulty is eliminating his urine! Other than that, and a few leg pains here and there he is comfortable. By the way they had to take him off the IV due to the fact that the extra fluids build up pressure in the brain.

We know that the comfort Kole is receiving is from the loving hand of God! Last week, Kole was in agony. That has not been the case this week! Janni and Steve are committed to God's ways. They are committed to His Word and to prayer! They will remain in Him! It says in John 15:5 (My favorite chapter) "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing"! They are His children and have sought God with their whole being and found God to be true and good and all powerful. His ways are far above our ways. It is good that He does what He sees as best, for we cannot see past the end of our noses. We trust God's sight! He sees and He knows! They have faith. Faith that will last through the fire! They also have hope! All their hope is in God alone! I know God is delighted by their love for Him. Janni said today that God was good! Satan tried everything to tempt Job to deny God, and yet Job held firm to His faith and to His God! We can sure relate to Job during this time! As I say that, I am filled with love for God. He has performed a miraculous work in our lives already in the "change of heart". He has set our hearts towards Him and away from this world! We have gotten to experience His presence in a real way! Steve said last Saturday that he has never longed for the return of Christ more, due to getting to experience a small taste of his glorious presence! We cannot put into words what happened last weekend, for we have nothing to compare it to, on this earthly realm.

Hebrews 11:1 (Amplified) "Now Faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of things [we] hope for, being proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

Please continue to pray for God's direction and His glory! Pray for God's love and presence to surround them.

Love,
Jodi

2007-04-03T00:28:00.000-04:00

Kole and his new brother Judah

taking a nap together.

2007-04-01T21:42:00.000-04:00

Well, we have a new baby report. Janni and Steve and I were upstairs praying together late Saturday night when she reported a contraction. I told Janni that since she was already almost 4 cm dilated that she better head for the hospital. Steve fearing that he would have to deliver his own baby, could not agree more. He had a sparkle in his eye and his loving smile betrayed such pride and loyalty for his wife and children. Janni decided to go natural and actually did not have much of a choice. By the way, she does not recommend it. Steve lovingly said Janni was hilarious! Of course, it did not feel "hilarious". When they got to the hospital, she was transitioning from 7 to 8 cm to 9 cm. Judah David Keller was born about 45 minutes after their arrival. His was born around 2:17 A.M. this Sunday.He weighed 8 lbs 2 oz and was 21 inches long. He has a lighter complexion and a different look than the other two. I would say he looks more like Jaelle than Kole. He is a good newborn, rarely making a peep.

Also, both Janni and Steve prayed and made the decision to bring Kole to the hospital this morning as well. He needed fluids and is on an IV. The good thing is that his room is separated by a wall from Janni's. The nurses were so kind and accommodating. They said they have never had this type of situation happen. One nurse had been there for over 30 years. The nurses were so touched and full of compassion. God takes care of the Kellers wherever they go! Please pray for Janni and Steve and Kole. They hardly had any sleep the night before and their lives are in such an "uproar". We are thankful God is in control and knows what He is doing. I happened to sleep with Kole the night his parents were gone. I told him stories and we talked. He told me everything he knew about cheetah's/leopards for he enjoys learning new information. I have to ask myself continually how old this boy truly is, for his thoughts are way beyond his years. Janni and I both were pondering the same verse, out of the blue, during this time. It comes out of Matthew 7:7. The verse says "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock and the door will be opened to you". This is a very overwhelming time for them. Please pray! My heart feels heavy. I cast my cares upon Him. In the same way, my love has grown and I feel overcome with compassion! God is with them and I am glad. He is all sufficient. This family is truly special. They are kind and offer smiles to all they meet! All who know them, love them. They too have much love to pour out and they give bold testimony to their loving and faithful God wherever they go! If there was ever a time when they needed extra encouragement and prayer, it is now! Don't ever forget that God is good and that He has the whole world in His hands. Thank you for praying. I had asked God to lay it on your hearts to pray over the last two days! They have needed the loving out pour of the body of Christ! Please put them on prayer chains and tell many to pray.

Love,
Jodi

2007-03-31T09:40:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-30T15:02:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-29T23:53:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-29T14:32:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-29T10:13:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-27T19:29:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-27T17:45:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-26T13:48:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-26T02:16:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-26T00:02:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-24T15:09:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-24T10:09:00.001-04:00

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

2007-03-24T10:09:00.000-04:00

2007-03-23T18:36:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-23T15:06:00.000-04:00

Pray Now and Tell anyone you know to Pray.

2007-03-22T12:55:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-21T08:56:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-20T21:12:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-18T21:24:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-18T20:39:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-17T20:05:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-16T13:23:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-14T16:57:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-14T04:39:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-13T20:50:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-13T13:01:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-13T01:04:00.000-04:00

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

2007-03-10T22:59:00.000-05:00

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

2007-03-08T11:10:00.000-05:00

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

2007-03-07T10:08:00.000-05:00

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

2007-03-06T11:21:00.000-05:00

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

2007-02-28T14:02:00.000-05:00

Hello to all!! There has been some major difficulties getting technology to cooperate with us! Now, we think, Janni can finally log on and write everyone! We have been hitting some strange road blocks as of late and have to wonder at the invisible battle that is going on in the heavenlies.

Janni called me, to tell you that Kole had some difficulty last night! His legs hurt! The day before he had a head ache, however it went away! Janni said she has been fervent to pray over Kole and he has responded by praying as well! Steve has also been in fervent prayer over Kole! We see God answering prayer all the time! Kole now is calling out to God on his own. Whenever they pray over his symptoms, they eventually leave! Janni said they are "short lived"! We are witnessing God win these little daily battles all the time now! Janni also wants me to let you know that she has found it a blessing to worship God and praise Him when the attacks hit! The enemy expects her to curse God, but instead she worships. She finds such comfort and beauty in Him! Today Kole was riding in the car and asked Janni to sing the "Nails in His hand, the Nails in His Feet" song! She could not remember it and so I was lucky to get a call from Kole! Kole said Aunt Jodi, what was the song about the nails. So, around 11 o'clock this morning I was singing to my darling nephew on the phone! I cry thinking about it! Oh, how much Jesus loves him. Jesus has the scares to prove it! Kole is worshiping Him! We all are worshiping Him! We desire all to worship Him!

David has come to my mind lately! He started worshiping God as a young shepherd boy! He was able to get to know God while being alone with his sheep. God delighted in David's company and in his little songs of heart felt praise! When David's sheep were faced with the enemies of both the lion and the bear. God did not hesitate to come to David's aid! With God's help David slew the lion and the bear! David gained confidence and allegiance to his God! He had no one out in the field to deny his faith and say "oh David, it was your skill"! He knew where his help came from! He knew his Helper! Later, when his older brothers had joined Saul's army to fight against the Philistines and Goliath, David was able to have confidence in God for this bigger battle! The battle with the giant. We could say he had a giant sized battle ahead! He grew to trust his big God, through getting to know Him, through worship, and through experiencing God's deliverance first hand! David boldly told King Saul in 1 Samuel 17:37 "The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will surely deliver me from the hand of this Philistine". David, stripped of all human armor, than went out to face the giant armed with his God. In 1 Samuel 17:45 David says to Goliath, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied". David had confidence in God when few around him could muster the courage to step out in faith! David proves that it is not in ability, size, and strength that brings victory, but faith in God alone!

When Kole was a tiny boy, my mom tells this story about Kole! Kole was going into my parents church one Sunday and he says out of the blue, we are here to fight the devil! We have laughed many laughs over that story! Now, we wonder if maybe we should have took him more serious. My sister and I put on the "Armor of Salvation" as we prayed together yesterday! His armor is invisible, but oh how it works! It dawned on me one day, that I failed to believe its effect to protect us from the enemy of our souls. In fact, I asked God one day who my enemy was! I have discovered I have a real enemy! We all do! We cannot fight, if we have our unshielded heads buried in the sand. In Ephesians 6:10-20 Paul explains our armor. We have the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the feet fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (God's Word). The chapter goes on to admonish us, as Ephesians 6:18 says, to :

"... pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints".

This is the battle plan for Kole Keller. We are arming ourselves with the "Armor of Salvation"! Out of the blue I caught myself singing the words of this hymn this morning, "At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light and the burdens of my heart rolled away. It was there by faith I received my sight and now I am happy all the day....."! In one day, Jesus took the burden of our sin away. In one day, God took away the big burden of Goliath away. We are believing God for this trouble to, to be rolled away! Praise Him, our victory is won!

Jodi

2007-02-21T10:17:00.000-05:00

Hello, Janni has much to say and due to issues with logging in onto this blog, she has not been able to express it! Anyway, everything should be fixed now and hopefully you will hear from her soon! We were together on Saturday! I have some good friends who were home from Mali, Africa. They brought along their two twin baby girls, adopted in Mali! It is incredible story! Janni and my good friend, Amanda laughed together as they held these two promises! Amanda, shared her struggle waiting on God for their arrival! She not knowing if God had intended to give her, her hearts desire----children! Then, after a long wait (which we understand now) God blessed her with two adorable twins (you can read their story at McMali.com). My good missionary friend shared her testimony with Janni and shared how God blessed her with the most perfect babies at the most perfect time! She saw that the struggle made the blessing all that more appreciated and glorious! God adores us so much that He allows us to struggle and wait on Him! In the mean time we get to know Him and His grace that sustains us! We had a marvelous time together talking about our Lord and His provision! Amanda's provision has arrived---I am sure she will be requiring much more down the road! Her biggest need of God's provision right now is "sleep"! However, she is not longing anymore for children! Her longing has been satisfied by the God of heaven and earth! She came to realize when the struggle came to a close that she could be satisfied in God alone! She handed over her desire for children, and in return God handed over the most beautiful twin baby girls you ever laid your eyes on! Anyway, Janni was able to see that she too has been in a wait---but hearing how God not only did not fail in providing relief---but He provided more "relief" than even expected! He poured out His blessing to the point that it even overwheled the "gift receiver"! He is that kind of adoring God. He adores Janni, Steve, Kole, and Jaelle! He adores them so much that He has allowed them to pass through this valley with Him in order to reveal His glory! We sometimes have to have our comfort and earthly security taken away before we can discover Him! I am envious in a way of how near they are to Him and how they have paid a price that will not return void! Jesus paid a price for us, that surely will not return void! Sometimes there is no way around a valley! However, when you finally through blood, sweat, and tears, reach the mountain top, you see that the valley was necessary to get where you now stand---on the solid ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!

My husband was teaching a Bible study last night on 2 Samuel 22 where David writes this prayer of praise to his Rock! He writes:

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliver;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stonghold, my refuge and my savior--
from violent men you save me.
I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.
The waves of death swirled about me;the
torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
The cords of the grave coiled around me;
the snares of death confronted me.
In my distress I called to the Lord;
I called out to MY God.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came to his ears.

Verse 18-20
He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support.
He brought me out (of valley or pit dwelling)
into a spacious place; he rescued me because he
delighted in me.

My husband said that rock signifies "strength"! He said you can see that there is strength in a physical rock! In the same way our invisible God is strength! We can count on our invisible "Rock" more than we can count on the visible cement foundations we have our feet on this very moment. Janni and Steve have moved their feet to the invisible Rock-- from the visible soil of this earth! Now they are planted on solid ground! They are in a safe place of refuge! They are safer than ever before, when this earth had their hope! Now ---Only God, the Rock has it! We praise Him from this valley and we will praise Him from the Mountain top! Glory to Jesus the Lamb that was slain!

Jodi

2007-02-12T19:34:00.000-05:00

What a kind and attentive God we serve! Janni and I talked together on the phone sister to sister and sister-in-Christ to sister-in-Christ! The Lord loves the Kellers more than any of us can imagine and He is so tender to soothe their fears and "pump them up" with His Word, especially the promises that it contains. When the going gets tough, the wise keep persistent in prayer and belief. There has been several times when God has planted a verse on my heart only to have a believer repeat that same verse to me in various ways! It was difficult to pray on Saturday and so that day I just asked the Holy Spirit to pray for Janni and Steve with "groans that words cannot express"! I received an e-mail from a dear sister-in-Christ from our church who is maintaining our prayer chain and keeps people posted on Kole and others. In that e-mail she puts Romans 8:26 "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". It was like the Holy Spirit said, to me, that he was attentive to that little crying out I did on Saturday. He heard and He interceded for my sister and her family! God is so in the business of bringing a constant flow of encouragement! He keeps tapping us on our shoulder and saying "I am more than here for you"! We as humans need constant reminders from Him and He is so willing to oblige! What He does not want is for us to wallow in the pit ignoring His outstretched hand to pull us out! We can be like swine and enjoy wallowing in the mud way too much! Another verse I believe God put on my heart was talking about whether Christ would find faith when he returns! I desire that answer to be yes, yes, yes and yes! Janni says the same and so do my parents and many others! We will not let bad news "blow out our flame of faith" but we want it to "fan our flame of faith"! In Luke chapter 18:1-8 it talks about about the persistent widow coming to a judge over and over again wanting a just ruling in her case! The judge was getting tired of turning her away only to have her return, and so decided that he would give her case a just hearing. Jesus than says "....And will not God (who cares and loves us) bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?". Janni and I both believe faith is being persistent in prayer! God looks for us to be tenacious, not giving up on Him even when we feel like throwing in the towel! We are holding on for dear life to our faith! It is easy to believe when things go our way, right away. But when it gets worse before it gets better---it is too easy to get bitter! Janni, instead wants to be a faithful mom and servant and be dedicated to keep going to our King over and over again. We will not give up on our Lord, for He does not give up on us! Anyway, Luke 18:8 came to me as my parents were sharing the news of Kole's MRI report. Several days later, I happen to go to the Brooklyn Tabernacle website to put another prayer request in for Kole. They have that verse posted as their inspiration for praying twenty four hours a day, seven days a week! I think of their labor of love, praying for people they do not even know, and am in awe! That is Christ's body! That is a reflection on the kind of sacrificial love Jesus has for us! To belong to the church family is the biggest blessing of my life! We can be so critical of the church's weaknesses and throw out the beauty that is found there! Never would we be able to handle this heart ache without Christ, and as a bonus "the Body of Christ" (The Church)!

Janni and I were talking together about how much we are learning from God, himself, our teacher. He is teaching us to surrender! I figure it is kind of like this---we have a house full of furniture and trinkets and the like. Surrender would be laying down on the floor and watching someone come into your house and rearrange everything under your nose! Your responsibility is to lay still and quiet and allow it to happen and be willing for it to happen! When we invite Christ into our lives we get the companionship of the Holy Spirit! When Jesus left his beloved disciples, his heart ached for them. So, He promised not to leave them all alone. In His great mercy, he provided himself through the Holy Spirit! We allow the Holy Spirit in the houses of our bodies, but we do not allow Him to touch anything. The Holy Spirit wants to take residence and make room to work in us. He needs to be free to do some rearranging in our hearts and minds. Janni and the rest of our family has been rearranged! Though, we have fought it at times, we would never want to go back! God has good taste and does a better job at getting rid of our hang-ups than we ever could! It is freedom! Second Corinthians 3:17 says "Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom". Criminals who surrender to the law are put in prison. Christians who surrender to the Holy Spirit, are set free! Amazing isn't it, how we have to rearrange our thinking!

When Kole got off the plane from Memphis, Janni and Steve decided he could choose a restaurant to go eat at! Kole chose Taco Bell. Janni said that it was so cute, because Kole ran to Taco Bell as if he were set free! When deprived of the freedom the Holy Spirit offers, we should run to him with the same enthusiasm! Don't feel too sorry for Kole, he has gotten to eat prime quality food for four months. He truly ate like a King! Why we have such taste for "junk food", is beyond me! I myself, am guilty! God loves each and every one of you, out there! It has been such a great blessing for me to be a part of this! You have shown us great love! Your prayers have been hounding the "Throne Room". God loves all of the attention and takes great delight in every petition, from the very young to the very "wise"! Kole is not lacking, in what is most important----LOVE!!

Jodi

2007-02-10T19:37:00.000-05:00

Our God is so awesome! The devil is certainly attacking us.
As you know the news we got on Friday was not what we were wanting to hear. It was disappointing. At first, I just thought, "God, here I have been professing my faith and now what do I say." He completely answered my question. He said "Janni, He may not be healed now but I have promised and I will follow through. You must continue to have faith even when the news gets harder." God always answers prayers but it is not always the timing we think it should be. God told us to persevere and have faith. God has promised us that Kole will be healed. God raised Lazarus from the dead, Jesus from the dead, the centurion' s little girl from the dead, he healed many from leprosy(yesturday's cancer), casted out demons, and so many more miracles. There is no reason why we should doubt that KOle will not be healed from the tumor that has grown. God can do anything at anytime. He has promised healing and we know it will be done.
Today was tough. I was trying to get on the plane and we had food issues. I was so stressed. I prayed for more strength. I was beside myself. I wish I could express in words how down and frustrated I was. Anyway, God revealed to Steve and I not to worry and stress. Kole is in his hands. It reminded me of the scriptures that God gave to me back in October. It was 2 Chronicles 20 with King Jehosaphat. God said it was his battle not yours.
God has revealed a lot of scripture to Steve and I. The miracle of the mother who chased around Jesus to have him heal her daughter who was demon possessed. She perservered in her faith. The disciples called her a dog because she followed them everywhere. She did not give up. Jesus healed her daughter because of her faith. I want to be like that mother. I will not give up my faith for what the doctors may say. God has told us that Kole will be healed. We know this because he will not break his promises.
TOday, God also revealed to Steve a scripture in Hebrews chapter 10. It is a call to perserverance. God continues to reassure us that he is with us. Verses 35-39 spoke to me. "So do not throw away your confidence, it will be richly rewarded. You need to perservere so that when you have done the will of God , you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteousness one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who beleive and are saved."
The whole next chapter is on faith. The bible is God's living word. I believe every word written in it. God speaks to us through his word. Thank you Lord for your words.
Thank you to all who prayed and are continuing to pray for Kole and our family. God is listening and answering always.
God Bless,
Janni and Steve

2007-02-10T11:47:00.000-05:00

Hello friends and family. This is what I know! I know "all the way our Savior leads us". Along with that important truth, the MRI has shone that the tumors have grown and that Kole has cancer cells in his spinal fluid! The information I have is very sketchy! I do know Janni says "she is believing God"! God is good and we are praising and trusting Him, knowing Kole is in His hands! Though we do not understand and see the plan the way God does, we believe! God always finishes what He starts and always remains faithful. We desire to remain faithful to Him--even in our crying out! God is good all the time! We are His sheep and He is our shepherd. He is looking out after Janni, Steve, Kole, and Jaelle! He will lead them, as He leads us to our knees. Even this is not too hard for God! God will never fault our belief! I was reading through the gospel accounts of Jesus healing the sick, blind, demon possessed, etc. and many times He says, especially in Luke,"it is your faith that healed you, or don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed, or rise and go; your faith has made you well, etc." We desire to do our part and believe God, no matter what!

"All the way my Savior leads me--What have I to ask beside? Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who through life has been my guide? Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell! For I know what-e'er be-fall me, Jesus do-eth all things well......"

Love you all,
Jodi

2007-02-04T18:21:00.000-05:00

Burr--- is this a cold February Sunday or what! My husband has given me hope that this might be the "peak" low of the winter! My poor parents arrived back from Florida over a week ago, only to face such frigid temperatures! Anyway, they missed their grandkids and that was what drew them home. My poor father was welcomed back by my own children with "dangerous" excitement! They put on a performance of gymnastic feats. Grandpa Sprunger ended up with a black eye and broken glasses. He is yet to come back!! Anyway, my mom said that Kole and Jaelle have been chasing each other through the house and have caused quite a ruckus . We have been waiting and praying for the day when Kole would have his "child like" bounce back. We actually welcome the energy and craziness. There had been a time when Jaelle could out run, out maneuver, and out last Kole in energy, physical strength, and agility. Her big brother is "on the move".

Today, I was talking to my Sunday School class about praying for Kole this week. I started telling them some stories about conversations Kole and Leah have had when they were younger. Some of the neatest talks happened several times traveling in the car. One time I spent a little time teaching Leah and Kole a little song that I have felt teaches children about Jesus' love for them is a unique way. Keep in mind that Kole was into Bob the Builder at the time! Anyway, I change it a little when I sing it to kids, but it basically goes like this.......

"The nails in His hands, the nails in His feet, they tell me how much Jesus loves you" (Kole did the hand motions by pounding his palms of his hands half to death----he was hammering those nails in good). "The thorns on His brow (Ow!), they tell me how-- He bore so much shame to love you. And as the heavens pass away, all His scars will still remain and forever they will say just how much Jesus loves you".

Both Kole and Leah got into this little song and at the end of it, they both said "Jesus needed a band-aid". I think Kole would have picked out a "Bob the Builder" band-aid at that!! Anyway, it was so sweet and remembering that precious innocent time in our lives brings a smile to my face. I think Jesus smiled at those two precious little ones of His! They were willing to soothe Jesus' hurts and I know Jesus is willing to soothe theirs. Little did we know back then, that the day would come when we would be asking Jesus not just for a band-aid, but for a miracle of healing. I would have never imagined that Kole would have this coming in his future, but God knew. God is not over whelmed with the problem. He is our King and Ruler over everything. He paves the way for us and He has taken Kole in His arms and has personally cared for Kole with tenderness and mercy. He has used "human" hands and feet. His touch flows through man in ways we do not understand. I can say this looking back, Kole was taken care of like a king, by our "King". He may have moments when the memories were hard, but I believe for the most part he felt comforted under "His Wings". Jesus gave Kole His own kind of "band-aid", a better one than even "Bob the Builder" or "Johnson and Johnson" can make.

Today, we studied the Israelites during the time of the Judges! Jaelle gets her name from that Biblical book! Some may call the book a little bloody, but I assure you it is never boring! Anyway, during the book, Israel struggled with peer pressure. They were pressed in on every side. First, the fell for the pressure to follow the idols of the Canaanites, Mideonites, Philistines, etc. As a result their negative peers influence turned sour. The Philistines and all the "ites" put on the "pressure of oppression". It was a no win cycle and the Israelites fell into the trap over and over. Many times repenting and many times God sending help in the form of a Judge--- like Gideon, Deborah, and Samson. At the end of the book of Judges, Samuel becomes prophet. He has to hear the people begin to complain, due to the peer influence, that they too wanted to have a "human king". They wanted a king they could see and touch. God for a long time said that they did not need a King, for they had the perfect King in Him. He had proven over and over His power to deliver, protect, provide, and on and on. However, it was not enough for man. God never wanted them to look to a man, who could not care for them like He could. Yet, they insisted and God gave them their way. It seems but for a few kings (example David and Josiah), most of the kings let the power go to their head and they ruled the people harshly and with evil motives. They were better off sticking with their true unseen King. When Janni named Kole, it used to make me think of the nursery rhyme "Old King Kole was a merry old soul and a merry old soul was he". We no longer have visible Kings around here, sitting on gilded thrones. No, we rely on our unseen King and He leads the way and cares for His people with true authority and power on high. Jesus is the Keller's King. He will care for them with royalty. They will have His royal treatment. They are His loyal subjects. We worship our King! He is all we need! Our King came born in a barn. His future led to His nails for our healing and redemption. His blood has potent power to heal and wipe out sin. One day we will use our sense of sight and see Him on His throne. We will touch the scars in His hand and on His side. We believe in our King unseen!

Jodi

2007-01-29T14:39:00.000-05:00

I have a lot to tell you. First of all I must tell you this funny story about Kole and his dad. I have to give you a little background information first though. Kole has to drink a lot of water. In fact, he probably drinks about 56 oz. of water a day. That is a lot for a five year old. Consequently, he has to go to the restroom quite frequently and when he has to go he has to go now. Anyway, we were getting ready for church yesturday and we were eating breakfast. Steve had this huge plastic cup filled with cereal. He had just taken a large bite and Kole says non-chalantly, "I think I peed in that cup when I was with grandpa." You should have seen Steve's face. It was quite funny. Just before we walked out the door we made the kids use the restroom. Steve says, "Something smells like pee in here." As quick as can be Kole says, " I bet its your cup." There were a couple of the same cups, so it could have been a different one. Needless to say we have thrown them all away. I must say I have quite the little ham on my hands.
Kole is doing great. Like we have said he is healed. Kole, Steve, and I are going back to Memphis on February 8&9. On the 9th, he will be having another lumbar puncture and the MRI. Steve and I are excited to see God's miracle. We know KOle is healed from the tumors. We are now praying that He will do the ultimate miracle and all the signs of radiation, chemo, and surgery will be gone from the MRI. We are asking for a day of prayer for Kole on Thursday, February 8 starting at 11:45 through February 9 until 2:00. This is 24 hours from the start of his MRI. If you would like to take some time during those days, here are a few things we are thankful for: for healing KOle from the tumors, helping him cope with the new food regiment, giving him his hair back, his pituitary gland seems to be doing just fine, his coordination continues to improve, no sickness, strength to take the protocel and vitamins all the time, his confidence is coming back, he IQ test showed improvements in the areas of short term memmory and processing skills (a concern with radiation), the wonderful support of friends and family, and for the doctors who God is working with. We have so much more to be thankful for.
I have been reading a lot of books about prayer. A couple of things have really stuck to me. Here is one. A pastor by the name of Jim Cymbala was struggling in a church in Brooklyn. He began to pray and God spoke to him and said, "If you call upon me, I have promised in my word to answer, to bring the unsaved to life, and to pour out my spirit." Because of this he told his church that the prayer meeting on Tuesday was the barometer of the church. It will be the gauge to determine the success or failure of the church. This is what another pastor who was visiting this church said in reference to this comment, "You can tell how popular a church is by who comes on Sunday morning. You can tell how popular a pastor is by who comes on Sunday evening. You can tell how popular Jesus is by who comes to prayer meeting." Needless to say, his church started with a congregation of 20 and now it is more than 8000 members strong.
This church came to my sisters mind back in October when we first learned that the tumors had returned. My sister called this church and told Kole's story. They pledged to pray for Kole for 30 days 24 hours straight. One of the pastors even called my sister to find out how Kole and the family were doing. I was quite touched.
If you think about it, we are so blessed that GOd loves us so much that we are even worthy enough to be able to talk to him and have a personal relationship with him. In the old testament, only one priest, once and year, was able to enter God's most holy place. And before he could do this he had to be cleansed from his sins with a sacrifice of a bull, a ram, insense, etc. Now we can, any one of us,because we are cleansed by the blood of Jesus. I think that is pretty awesome. We are worthy of talking with God and asking whatever.
Anyway, I just thought I would share some of the cool things that God is doing in our lives. We are truly blessed.
Love,
The Kellers

2007-01-18T22:44:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,
I just wanted to tell you how awesome our Lord is. As you know Kole is going back down to St. Judes in February for an MRI and testing. This seems to challenge our faith. God has been so good and continues to tell us that he is healed yet, we continue to work on not doubting our Lord. Anyway, last night I told Steve that I beleive that KOle is healed. Steve said, "No, Janni, I know he is healed. Let me tell you how I know." He went on to tell me that he was doing his devotional in the morning and he prayed asking God to talk to him about his anxieties about the upcoming MRI. God is so loving. He sent Steve to read Daniel 6. The passages that spoke directly to him were verses 26-28. This is what they said.

I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. "For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions." So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

How awesome is our Lord that he continues to talk to to us and give us faith when we continue to question him. That is how much he loves us. He is patient and understanding. I thank him for that. Steve and I have learned through all of this that the power of faith doesn't come from us but the good Lord. God does not expect us to have the strength to believe but if you ask and listen to his words (most of the time this is the Bible) He will give you the faith. Steve and I know Kole is miraculously healed by our Lord Jesus Christ. We are so excited to see what he has in store for him.

We still do not know for sure when we will be going back to Memphis. When we do we will let you know and let you know about the day of prayer for Kole. Also, please pray for our dear friends from St. Jude. So many children need our prayers.
Thank you all for your love and support. With your help we are able to get through this.
God Bess,
The Kellers

2007-01-12T15:35:00.000-05:00

Hello my dear friends,
I just wanted to give you an update on Kole. He is doing great. It is awesome to see how God is working in his life. Steve and I beleive and trust that he is healed by our Lord Jesus. We still struggle at times with faith but we have discovered that it is not our fault. It is the devils. We also found out that we will never have strenght to have the faith that God wants us to have by ourselves. The only way we get that faith is through God. Mostly we get this faith from his holy word. It is amazing the way it works. We can be so down but when we read the bible we are full of faith. God gives us so many promises and he will never break them. We know that God has healed Kole we just need to keep the faith.
By the way, Kole is going to be returning to Memphis in February. We would like to have a day of prayer for Kole the day before his MRI. We will let you know the exact day when we know the days we will be there. We may have to reschedule due to Steve's basketball games. I will keep you posted.
Also, I just wanted to thank you for all of the Christmas cards and gifts. The blessings are over flowing and we love appreciate you all.
God Bless,
The Kellers

2006-12-30T07:36:00.000-05:00

Many of you out there may have heard Janni and Steve testify Kole will be healed, if not already. They have received this message during several times alone with God in prayer. How can they be so bold? Do not get them wrong! It is not that they believe that their family is imune to death. The Bible says "where oh death, is your sting" anyway. God has just said in this instance, Kole is to stay. God can use us in our death and God can use us in our life. We believe that God has an appointed time for us to be born and for us die. It is not cancer that decides our death! It is our great and merciful Lord and Savior, who decides the best time for our life here to end! We have been created to want to live and to hope to live. It cannot be that all will get what they want, but what God decides is best! To say that Kole would be more blessed to stay here on this fallen earth, than a child called to heaven would be a mistake! We have such little understanding of our great God and King and His eternal home. We like what we know, and do not welcome change and loss. God knows that what seems to us a loss, is truly a gain for us and for His Kingdom and His glory. Janni and Steve have already experienced a loss in a sense. A loss of comfort and carefree living, a loss of being an average family with an average son. A loss of thoughts that do not trail towards fear, disease, sickness, and death. But through it all both Steve and Janni testify to great gain! Both of them have gained a greater knowledge of their heavenly Father and the depths and riches of His word. They have been catapulted into being a testimony and into having a ministry, which has given their lives meaning and depth. They have had the privilege of witnessing the Great God of the universe provide and lead them every step of the way down an unknown trail. They have grown their confidence in God and find Him faithful and delightful to belong to and know. God has been a real and present comfort and has poured out immeasurable grace and peace. Their has been tears and frazzled times, but each time God has taken them into His arms and bathed them in His love. They both testify that God's Word is the water that puts out the fire of their doubts and fears. The Bible is an incredible treasure. It cannot be fully understood without the key---the Holy Spirit. God's Word comes with great power and authority. The enemy of our souls does not want us to discover the great treasures that lie behind the black words on the thin white paper. Those words are God breathed and alive and so work to transform us from a life of death and destruction to a life of light and life. The Keller's have found God to be true to His promises and to His great might through the daily study of this vast treasure. I laugh because I have an old worn Bible from childhood, but not from use only from age! I loved this Bible because it was unique, in that the cover had a zipper. I did not love the Bible for it's living words that it contained, but for the outside cover. It was kind of like being fascinated by a candy wrapper. I found pleasure with the wrapper, and ignored the candy so to speak. As a child, I do not remember ever unzipping the cover and reading it's contents. God smiled at me, I am sure, for he knew one day I would discover His love letter to me. He takes great delight when we discover the endless treasures and promises of His living Word. It is through the Bible we get to know specific characteristics of God, though He can never be fully understood in His great magnitude. The words of the Bible are like a diamond. They are multi-faceted and gleam from every surface. They shed bright light in contrast with the "black velvet" of the despair from the earth. The enemy takes delight in keeping our Bibles zipped up, so that we will continue living in defeat and darkness. The scriptures speak to us God's words of encouragement, His love, and His direction and specific work in our lives. They are words of truth. There are times when Janni and Steve are beside themselves with fear. In those times, they dive for the nearest Bible and claim it's truth and power. Then diving to their knees, they pray that truth in faith. Both of them will testify that peace and safety is to be found "under the cover". Psalms 91:4 says "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and refuge". They have restored peace of mind, countless times, through seeking God through His Word. He has never failed them. That is why they believe. God is the only one able and has proven time and time again that He never stops keeping promises. He has been found to be faithful, powerful, and true. Numbers 23:19 " God is not a man, that he should lie,....nor a son of man that he should change his mind. Does he speak and than not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" In Romans 5:2 and 5 God says "...we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God....... And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us". God is sure and steadfast like nothing on this earth. A human doctor can promise a cure, but cannot always deliver. God cannot promise and not deliver. His promise is sure and we can take great comfort in it. God delights in our faith in His promises. He knows it is difficult for us to believe.

Well, I best lighten this blog entry with a little story about Kole. Kole has quite a lot of confidence in his dad and his dad's basketball team! He has also inherited a competitive trait---we will not blame anyone on this! Anyway, Janni told me this incident Kole had at one of his father's games. Steve is always polite, friendly, and a true gentlemen. He is friends with many of the coaches in his league. He takes great pride in Kole and so before one game, Steve decides to introduce Kole to the coach of the opposing team. In his boyish way, Kole wrinkles his nose in a snarl and growls. Steve and Janni were mortified until they heard the next phrase out of Kole's mouth. Kole lowers his voice, points in intimidation at this surprised coach, and growls "You're going down". To that, those shocked adults had a good laugh. Kole had hope that his dad's team would have victory. His hope in his earthly dad's success is not always a sure thing. It is not like our hope in God. I have been taught that "Biblical hope" means it will happen. It is unlike "earthly hope" which means it might happen. Kole's intimidation however seemed to work at this game. His father's team won the victory. The opposing team's coach, came over after the game and told Kole that he got them this time. He was truly a good sport and I like this coach for his humble response to this zealous and loyal child. May we be just as zealous and loyal to our great God and King, ruler of everything.

Jodi

2006-12-18T14:13:00.000-05:00

Hello,
Just wanted to tell you how awesome God is. Two Fridays ago, Kole had a headache. I freaked out. My faith went down the poop shoot. I sat by his bedside crying and praying to God to send Jesus to his room right now and lay his hands on his Kole. Well the headache did not last long and he recovered without any medicines within a half an hour. The next day at the game an friend of mine, that I do not see very often, came up to me and we began talking. She told me that She felt that he is going to be just fine. I did not think too much about it at that time but the next day someone else said to me that if you think God is talking to you and someone else confirms it that it is from God. As I began to think about Kole, obviously, I thought about that woman. Would I just say that to someone knowing what the doctors had said? I know she was a message from God. She was the answer to my prayer for Jesus to come in Kole's room right now and heal Kole. God sent this woman to give me strength, faith, and trust that it will be done. Wouldn't you know he sent another affirmation of his miracle for Kole. I was just talking to my dad this weekend and telling him how cute my kids looked in their picture with Santa. I told him how we showed Kole a picture of him from his October school pictures and how his hair keeps coming in better and better. Boy God is good we said. He used to have about a three to four inch gap of baldness on top of his head. Now it is only about an inch wide. Here come to find out my dad has been praying that God would show us his healing on Kole's tumor by growing back his hair. I cannot tell you how excited I am about all that God is doing in our lives. He is so real and alive. So many days I have thought about how sad and depressed I should be but I am so happy. I thank God for this. He is so good.
By the way, I have to tell you this cute story about Ellie. I was on my way to my parents house on Friday and Kole was sleeping. Of course Ellie, my little chatter box, was back there talking to herself. Before long I heard her praying. She said, "Thank you Jesus for hanging on the tree for my grandma, grandpa, Kole, mommy, daddy,...... " It was so cute. I think she is getting christmas and easter mixed together -hanging christmas ornaments and Jesus dying on the Cross. I laughed for a long time at her sweet innocence.
We wish everyone a wonderful Christmas. We are happy to be in Ohio for the celebration this year.
God Bless you all,
Janni

2006-12-14T00:54:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas-----almost!!! I will tell you, that with five children in the house, I hear at least three to four squealing voices repeat "our family Christmas count down" daily. My six-year old has taken to studying and marking calendars. I can only say, that I get a bit anxious every day when reminded, multiple times, that the days are few till Christ's birthday and my tasks are many! The children get anxious, for the day, and yet they do not experience heart burn! What is it with that? To be young and carefree! They get all the money spent on them, and yet do not have a dime to their name and not one debt either!

Kole and Jaelle came for a visit last night! My sister packed a cooler full of nutritious goodies. I have to tell on Jaelle. She may not be famous at this point, but she will be!!! Nothing gets past her, especially food! She ate her supper nicely, followed by four helpings of blueberries, her cheese stick, and other stuff. Nothing was left in the cooler, and so I cheated a little and gave her low sugar Dora the Explorer yogurt! She was thrilled and chatted to me the entire evening in the kitchen! She was so funny and delightful! When my sister came home she sympathized because she too, does the same thing at home. She too, spends the evening in the kitchen! Jaelle has always been a good eater and a grazer. Later on that evening, we were playing a game and I teasingly made a remark about Barney. Jaelle tilted her head to the one side and had a serious look on her face and said with gusto"I like Barney"--if she were a little older she would have added "so what are you going to do about it!" I had to laugh because to mention Dora, Barney, or food to Jaelle and up perks her ears! Kole looked great as well! He enjoyed playing polly pockets with his cousin Leah. He is gaining weight nicely! Many of you out there may not take that as a compliment. But, Kole once told me he was as thin as a snake. He looks better filled out like a strong tiger! Janni says he sleeps less now! Kole says his days are fun with his dad. He has blueberry waffles with special butter and a glass of goats milk for breakfast, gets dressed, brushes his teeth, takes his medicine, and plays with his dad and probably grandpa Keller too!! He is a happy boy!

I started thinking today, as I was praying for help for my worry and anxiety, if God ever gets tired of running to our rescue! I pondered how He could keep delivering us over and over from our trials and yet not get annoyed or run down. You would think we would get just a certain amount of His help and than we would be on our own! Yet, that is not the case! He hangs out in the "kitchen" all day and answers all of our every beckoning calls with love and delight. I can almost hear Him say, "there is more where that came from"! Janni and I may run out of food or patience with Jaelle. But, God never tires of meeting the needs of His children. We are blessed to know Him! I am so glad He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture. We get to graze all day! Good news for Jaelle! Anyway, in Sunday School we talked about the Tabernacle (tent/temple in the desert). The Holy of Holies is where God hung out! It is where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. No one was allowed to hang out with God except the High Priest and he could only go once a year on the "Day of Atonement", for all other days, God was off limits! Every one else, women and children and men, stayed on the outside and only got to wonder what it was like to go to God and kneel in His presence. Why? They were an unholy people with unclean lips. God could not be in their presence. He could tolerate the Priest only after a blood sacrifice, ceremonial cleansing, confession of sin, and on and on. Today, the curtain has been torn in two. This points out the huge ramifications of Christ's work on the cross! It was Jesus alone who paved the way with His blood to the Holy of Holies, so that we can be made pure to kneel before a holy God anytime we want to! Do we take advantage of our privilege? We also get to house the Holy Spirit in us and become a living Temple of God! The enemy does not want us to grasp the significance of our privileged position and of our access to the powerful God of this universe! Our Holy God hangs out in our kitchen, even with the dirty dishes!!! The Israelites would not have been able to imagine this and would probably say "unfair" or "take advantage of such opportunity". For us, God says "come one, come all"--- women, children, and men washed in Christ's blood. His deliverance is there for us over and over again. It truly is a "Merry Christmas".

Jodi

2006-12-06T20:25:00.000-05:00

Hello,
I just wanted to tell everyone that Kole is doing great. He has adjusted better than anyone with the diet. In fact, he cracks me up. Dr. Bunting, the doctor who found the tumor, goes to our church. Kole loves him and every Sunday we have to look for him. Well a couple of Sunday's ago we were talking with him. Dr. Bunting and I were talking about the diet we are on and he was telling me about the healthy food their family eats. Anyway, Kole says to him that I have him on a diet now. So Dr. Bunting asks him what is it that your mother won't let you have anymore. Quickly, Kole responds with Coffee. He acted like I give him coffee all the time. He rarely ever had any and that is the first thing he told Dr. Bunting. I just laughed. You never know what comes into his head.

Please continue to pray for KOle. We are planning on having a prayer gathering for him sometime. All the plans are not complete yet but I will pass on the information as we know more.

God is so good. We are so blessed to have his awesome love and power surrounding us always. When we are down I pray to the Lord for guidance and open the bible. HE always leads me to his uplifting love. I couldn't get through many days without his living word.

By the way, I really think Kole's hair is starting to get thicker on the top of his head. PLease continue to pray that it will all come back. We are also concerned with his pituitary gland. The radiation could have damaged it. Right now his hormone levels are borderline. We are praying that all damage to his body will be restored. Also, we are scheduled to return to St. Jude's in February. We love that hospital but we are unsure if we want to subject his body to the drugs of putting him to sleep and the radiation from the MRI. We are lifting all of this up to prayer for healing and guidance. Please pray for these specific things also.

We love all of you and we thank you for all of your support.
Love,
Janni

2006-11-27T12:40:00.000-05:00

I was a little concerned that Thanksgiving might be a little hard to celebrate for out family this holiday season! However, the opposite has held true and who do we have to a thank? Jesus! Thank you Jesus for joy and fellowship despite of hardship! Janni said that she had been sitting in her car one afternoon feeling joyful and marveling at the fact that she really had not a whole lot to be joyful about. She looked to God in that instant and said to Him something like "it is because of you that I have joy"! She than met a woman who expressed sympathy over Kole's diagnoses and Janni was able to give testimony concerning God's kindness and graciousness in giving joy in the midst of hardship! The Sprunger/Conley/Keller clan were all able spend several days together over Thanksgiving. Kole was full of smiles and fun! His big cousin, Josiah, enjoyed teaching Kole moves in the "art of sword play"! Josiah was an encouraging coach. Kole, beamed his thrill on his face, when told he was performing "good moves"! The kids are use to going to McDonalds with Grandma and Grandpa, when they get together here in Bluffton. So, of course the suggestion was made to go to McDonalds. Kole responded with a grin, "not with me around----if you want to be around me you are going to have to eat healthy"! He eats his organic, vegetable laden meals with thankfulness and smiles! He is proud of his diet and feels that he will gain strength and health from the discipline. Do I need to mention he is five, with the maturity of a fifteen year old! Janni and Steve believe God is leading them in every way for Kole's treatment! You see God paving the way in Kole's heart as well! God does not miss any details in His plan and in His purpose! We might over look a child's acceptance in what is good for them, but God does not! There is a huge commitment involved in Kole's health regiment on Janni and Steve. First, there is a major cost involved financially in feeding Kole organic foods and in purchasing his Protecel and glyconutrients. Also, there is planning and time commitment in preparing healthy wholesome meals. Not to mention, the regiment of timing his intake of Protocel. Kole is to have the high antioxident drink in his body at all times. That means he gets it every four hours and has to be awaken every morning at five to take it!! Janni and Steve spend every spare minute filling capsules with Kole's glyconutrient powder (manatech). Kole has to swallow quite a few capsules in one day and never complains. He does not complain when he has to drink his "pau pau juice" or his Protocel. It is an amazing production they have going on in the midst of a busy life! They are commited parents and think nothing of the sacrifice of time and effort and cost . I wonder if I could be so disciplined and timely. God has made a way for them as well. Today, the hymn "I need Thee Every Hour" played through my mind and heart! Steve prays before meals! He prays something like Lord we do not know what is good for our bodies like you do! We are making every effort to follow you in this and ask that you bless the food we eat and you use it to make us strong and healthy. God is leading Janni and Steve to have a prayer meeting of sorts for Kole at their church. A real calling out to the Lord, in His Name, for deliverance. For we need Him and and He desires us to come together and admit our need. He cannot deliver us if we cannot admit that we have need of deliverance! We glorify Him in our need! Quite the opposite of the message the world sends. The world says to need God is weakness. The truth is we are weak and He is the only one strong! Please pray God's presence will come and fill the church during the prayer meeting! Pray that many will be blessed, God will be glorified, and His Kingdom expanded. Pray that we will desire God to deal with the cancer of our sin and that our hearts will be prepared of His holy presence. Pray for healing.

Jodi

2006-11-19T09:55:00.000-05:00

Hello Dear Friends,
We have some good news to share. For those of you that do not know KOle and Ellie are expecting a new baby brother on March 30. On THursday, we were at the doctor's office waiting for the ultrasound and both of the children said they wanted a boy. Daddy of course said he wanted a boy too, but I said girl. And yes, for the third time I was wrong. The kids were very excited. Ellie asked if the baby was coming out now because she wants him to ride rides at Cedar POint with her. I thought that was cute.
Anyway, Kole is doing great. He is adjusting to the diet better than anyone. In fact, he tells grandpa we can't have that because it has sugar in it (Grandpa seems to forget some of the rules. THis is understandable due to the fact that we have so many. The funny thing is that Kole knows them all and if he doesn't he askes if he can have it. Isn't that sweet.) I am so proud of him. He is a trooper putting up with all the natural meds and the diet changes.
Please continue praying for KOle. God is working miracles in him. I beleive that he is going to be completely healed. We live on God's word everyday and when the devil tries to get us down we just open the Bible and God always lifts us up.
Yesturday we got a letter from the endrocronologist ( I am not sure how to spell this). It said he was borderline for the amount of hormones his glands are excreting. One of the warnings about the radiation was that is can damage the pituitary gland. This affects all the other glands. They do not know for sure, but he is not excreting enough hormones. He will have to have more tests. Please pray for this.
I also wanted to say thankyou to so many people who have helped me find recipes or websites with recipes. This was a huge stress to cook and it is getting much easier. Keep praying, believing, and trusting in the Lord.
God Bless,
The Kellers

2006-11-18T12:35:00.000-05:00

There truly is no new news to report on Kole! I just felt led to write and encouraging word! One night a few weeks back, just after I received the report of "the cancers return", I believe God laid it on my heart, while I slept that the intense sadness and pain that I was feeling in my reality was nothing in compared to the reality of His intense power to heal! The pain was real to me and was what I was experiencing in my sleep and through my days. The pain knocked the wind out of me, and the tears threatened to overtake me morning and night. This was and is my reality! I know this first hand! God was telling me that we can know God's power in reality. God's power is reality! Just as much as pain is a reality! We can know God's power first hand! Sometimes we may have to wait for a "certain moment" when He chooses to release it, but it is a reality all the same. His power is certain. We are alive this minute due to His power. The earth is in orbit due to His power. The stars are in the heavens, and not falling to crush this earth due to His power. When we pray we get to unleash His power over our very lives. The church member at the Brooklyn Tabernacle church in New York City are praying for Kole 24/7 for thirty days straight. Now that is God's power released. How grateful we are for their sacrifice for the very life of a small boy they do not even know! We have more power in our unseen God than we have in our reality in living in this seen world. The enemy likes us to think that "pain" is the only reality. That God cannot overcome or chooses to not come to our aid. The enemy likes to deceive us into thinking that our prayers are a waste of time, that the Lord does not hear and that His will is set in stone. The enemy says the medical diagnoses sets His will and limits His will! I have been listening to a sermon in that in the day of trouble, we call upon the Lord and the Lord hears. He waits and wants us to call on His Name. Calling on His Name brings revival and life to our spiritual lives and to our future. To say we believe Jesus Saves is one thing, but to know Jesus Saves is another. It is funny how alive the Spirit is and how He will plant a song or an hymn in our heart. The hymn that has been planted in my heart today is "Jesus Saves". Part of a verse from that hymn goes ".... sing it softly through the gloom, When the heart for mercy craves; Sing in triumph o'er the tomb; Jesus saves! Jesus saves! My mother (and Janni's) and I have talked about how there is a real battle to hear the voice of the Lord over the voice of the enemy! We are in a battle for our very spiritual lives and we proclaim that "Jesus Saves"! Can I add that He is here and He hears! Praise Him!

Jodi

2006-11-14T22:41:00.000-05:00

Janni and I had a wonderful talk on the phone Saturday. She told a cute story about Kole getting the idea to entertain guests, in his home, by setting up trip wires and traps. Janni, was his first victim which gave Kole much pleasure! She tripped right over his wire after being groggy from a nap. We are a family (Sprunger side at least), who do not always pay attention to our surroundings. So, we make good "victims"! When Janni was a little girl she was such a live wire. Her feet could hardly keep up with her will to run free. I can remember a friend saying that she tripped over cracks in the sidewalk. Then as she grew those "sickening" long legs, in Jr. High and High School, her "graceful falling" only became much more pronounced and came with more force! She of course made up for it with her beauty, charm, and bubbling kindness! Anyway, God was just preparing her to be a fun mother for Kole someday! It is good to laugh and think of fun! It seems that when things get serious the laughter gets replaced by tears. We are not a family who has it all together! We are not a family who is always happy! We are not a family who knows exactly what to do! We are a very human family, with all kinds of trials and temptations! In fact, if any of you are out there hurting and do not know what to do-- we could cry right with you and pray for you from the heart! Sometimes, it takes pain and failure to really see ourselves for who we are! We can also pour out grace and mercy on others, because that is just what we have required! God does not look for fake perfection, but for brokeness. This song just popped into my head from Micah 6:8 concerning what God requires and looks for in us. It says "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God". Walking humbly with God is brokeness before Him. In our humble state, we require much mercy, enjoy much mercy, and feel no choice but to give others mercy. Janni told me that this world no longer has it's hold on her as it once did! To give up striving for perfection in this earth and on it--- to trade it in for fervently seeking a perfect God and His perfect true home. That brings freedom and guaranteed success! It is His image alone that is worthy to be praised. Ours, we work so hard to build, only to have it come crashing down on us in one way or another! Health use to be my "image" which I took pride in. The tower of Babel, in the book of Genesis, was a tower that was built to make a name for man. It was left a failure and unfinished! We will not fail building God's image, which might I say is already complete and built. We can make grandiose claims about the power and might of our Lord and Savior and be confident He can fulfill it! We can not trust in ourselves, but He is completely trustworthy. We are control freaks and sometimes think nobody can do it better than "moi"! That is when the world comes crashing down and we ask ourselves what happened and how did I fail? God never fails! He allows our failures to prove His perfection. Than, he pours out his undeserved grace, mercy, and love. He is great at bailing us out! God's sovereignty prevents us from beating ourselves up with would haves, could haves, and should haves! All this with Kole has a Kingdom purpose that we finite human beings cannot get our minds wrapped around! Someday we will see, we will glorify the Lord , and we will marvel at His plan in complete understanding. We are only required to trust in Him. Trust in what we cannot see, for what we cannot see is eternal. What we see is temporary. This is our call as a family--- to trust, believe, endure and fix our eyes on Jesus. Joy will return to us! God will be glorified! We will take great joy in testifying to His goodness and mercy. May we humbly pray as never before and delight the Lord!

Jodi

2006-11-10T17:57:00.000-05:00

Boy do I love my sister, Janni, and her last post was beautiful. Anyway, as you can imagine it has been difficult to fight the lump in my stomach and I cannot deny my tears. The funny thing is that today God pointed out to me something profound, as I sat in gloom. God does not have a dark cloud of depression, despair, doubt or death in His being! We as a people follow the world and the evil one's lead to despair when bad news comes. God does feel sadness, but there is no darkness in Him. It says in 1 John 1:1 "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by truth". So, why follow the darkness when we do not have to! Choose the Light ! The other Sunday we were studying the Israelites in Egypt during the time of the ten plagues. We followed the ten plagues and noticed that God only allowed His people to experience the first three annoying plagues, but protected the Hebrews from the rest of the plagues, which were very detrimental! When God called for the plague of darkness, only the Egyptians experienced the darkness. At the same time God's people experienced the light! We came to see that being born into the family of God has real tangible benefits here on this earth, as well as in heaven. We are able to draw a distinct line. The evil one represents: darkness, despair, death, deceit, and destruction. The God of the universe represents: life, light, love, hope, mercy, grace, joy, peace, deliverance, and life eternal. There are always two sides. There, of course, is difficulty in this life as a Christian, as anyone else, but "joy comes in the morning". Jesus, too, had the difficulty of knowing his death on the cross was eminent. He knew the day in advance. He knew that once that "one day" was over it would be "it is finished", and joy would come to all the people of the world. For on the day of Christ's resurrection, sin and death would be conquered forever. We have life now and forever! We also have access to a powerful healing God because of His Son. We can go to God claiming His Son and we have God's ear. The book of Acts, in the New Testament, records the healing of a man at the gate Beautiful. In Acts 16, it says that "It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see". We not only have the Light and Life of God, but we have access to His power to heal in the name of Jesus! We sometimes do not realize the privilege we have in Him, and only see the darkness that surrounds! I keep thinking of Peter as he was attempting to walk on the water. As long as he kept his gaze fixed on Jesus he was fine, but as soon as he let the "waves of this world" intimidate him, he started to sink. It is a fight to the finish to keep our gaze fixed on Christ. We will have victory if we pursue Christ, and in a way ignore this world. Christ is a much brighter future! Christ is Kole's bright future. Lamentations 2:19 "....pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord; lift up your hands to Him for the life of your little ones".
May we all walk in the Light! Through Christ, gloom is lifted! Praise His Name!

Jodi

2006-11-06T22:05:00.000-05:00

I think my sister and I think alike. It seems we can go on forever without a post and then we both post something. Well I have just felt led to tell everyone about church this past Sunday. We go to the Chapel in Sandusky and right now we are asking for help from God to lead us as we are growing. On Sunday, God knew that sermon was just for us. It was on miracles. Is that not a sign from God. Our pastor made some awesome points that really hit me at the heart. He talked about some statistics that were amazing. Did you know that something like 70% of Americans beleive in miracles. It is one thing to beleive and another thing to trust it will be done. Our pastor gave this example. THere was a man that put a tight rope across the Niagra Falls and walked across. He got so much attention that he thought of other things to do. One time he went half way across his tight rope and ate his breakfast. Another time he took his manager on his back across the tight rope. For thrills, he also took a wheel barrow across and brought it back to the crowd cheering him on. He asked the crowd if they beleived he could do it with someone in the wheel barrow. The crowd cheered yes, but not one would volunteer to do it. This is like God's miracles. We beleive God can do them but we do not trust that it will be done. I must admit this is something I have struggles with. I question whether he is going to answer my prayers in the manner I am asking. WHere is my trust? I beleive every word in the bible and it says in Hebrews 11;6 "beleive that there is a God and that He rewards those who sincerely seek him." God wants to please us but we have to be willing to trust him and have faith. God is good and I believe that God will heal Kole.

On Somewhat a lighter note, God has spoken to Steve and I about what we need to be doing with Kole. We have completely changed our diets. This is not so easy. He cannot (although this is a whole family change) have any sugar (sugar feeds tumors), dairy products, and wheat. He is limited to the fruit he can have because of all of the sugar it has in it along with meat. Basically, our diet consists of brown rice, one apple, one piece of cheese, very little organic meat, blueberries, raspberries, and vegetable. If you have any great recipes that can help me out I would love to try them. I have none.

We are also continuing with our glyconutrients that he has been on for awhile and we have started something new called Protocel. It is amazing how he has put this in our minds and led us to this non toxic treatment. Way back when we were almost done with radiation a boy who was just beginning radiation started on this Protocel. We were interested in what they had to say about it but we never went much further with it. Then a week before we left for St. Judes I was at a friends house and a woman was talking about her father having Lung cancer and he was not given very long to live. He went on Protocel and now the tumors cannot be found and he doing ok. Wouldn't you know that God sent her to put that in the back of my mind because soon after the doctor told us the grim news I thought about Protocel. We did a ton a research and God kept leading us to other people that informed us about it. I can actually say that I am so excited about how GOd is working in our lives. I cannot tell you how he contunues to put people in our lives to lead us in His direction. God is setting Kole up for an awesome miracle. We believe and we trust in Him.

Please continue to pray for Kole and tell anyone you can think of to pray for him to. Pray is the way to faith, faith is the way to trust, and trust is the way to miracles.
Love you all,
Janni

2006-11-06T18:20:00.000-05:00

"God is good all the time" is a song that I learned while visiting Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is the song that I learned in the midst of learning, that my nephew, Kole has three spots on his brain. God remains good even in the midst of pain. "God is good" is what, my sister Janni, has repeated over and over to countless audiences over the last months! God is good and that will never change! The best news is that God is in the business of bringing good lasting change in us! We have so many problems in this fallen world, which cancer is only one of million. God being good never changes. However, He desires to work change by bringing good in our lives. He works change to free us from our many problems and pain. Problems we just can not fix! I have learned that the quote by Jim Cymbala is true. He says that he "discovered an astonishing truth: God is attracted to weakness. He cannot resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need him". We all have to admit that we are desperate to see Kole healed completely, however there is not one human being out there who has the ability to heal Kole's cancer. Here we find ourselves, weak! God is the only one who can! He is the only one who can speak the world into existence in six days. He has the only blood that can wipe out all the sins, of all the peoples, of all the generations, since time has begun and on! He is the only one who can say "I am bigger than that"! We need to have faith to believe "God is who he says he is and can do what he says he can do", for that is what God is looking for! He wants us to take our eyes off of ourselves and our world and look to the God who sits enthroned around the circle of the earth! It says in Isaiah 40:22 in regards to God's power that "He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers". It also says in Isaiah 2:22 to "stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?". We can I say "I am a bigger grasshopper than you!" But, we are still all grasshoppers in power. Compare us to the magnitude of God and it is a laugh! I just love Malachi 4:2 which says "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall". God offers us release from all our troubles. Troubles we "grasshoppers" cannot fix or get free from! Our help comes from our unseen God and not from seen "grasshoppers". In 2 Corinthians 4:18 it says "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" and can I add powerful. I say "Lord reveal yourself to us in all your great might and glory". Pray to the God seated on the throne to heal Kole, as only He can! May we admit our weaknesses and allow God to release us from all the emptiness and problems we have as well. May we all be "released from our stalls" and leap!

Jodi

2006-11-02T10:30:00.000-05:00

Greetings from Memphis,
As most of you are well aware that we arrived back at St. Jude on MOnday night for the first three month check up. Yesturday the news was not what we were hoping for. The MRI showed three spots in a different area of his brain. According to the doctors, the cancer is back. Thankfully, his spine and spinal fluid came back negative. WE are in need of a lot of prayers as we have a lot of decisions to make. Our faith right now is the only thing that is holding us up. I am living on the story of Jehosophat in 2 Chronicles 20 where death is upon him and his nation. He prays a wonderful prayer and GOd answers by saying Do not be afraid nor dismayed for the battle is not yours, but God's. In verse 17 it says take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverence the Lord will give you. God told me way back when this all began that Kole will be just fine. He has lead us and we have faith that he is fighting this battle for Kole. He is not done with Kole. During this time Kole has touched so many lives BUt we must rely on prayer and Gods ultimate power.
For all of our prayer warriors that are reading this please do not mention any of this to Kole. He is not aware of the situation at this point. This is another one of the prayers we are praying.
God bless,
The Keller's

2006-09-03T17:16:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! We continue to be blessed by all the support and prayers lavished on Kole and his family! This is Kole's long lost Aunt writing. Summer has a way of stealing your schedule, causing lapses in communication and the like! I for one am glad for some sense of normal living if there can be! If you ask Janni she would tell you nothing is normal in their life. They are in a sense without a house, due to the fact they sold their home . Janni and Steve are in the process of building their new one, in Sandusky! They are also blessed to have wonderful parents, on both sides mind you! But, Steve's parents live closer to their work/doctor/schools and everything. So, they are the lucky ones to get to house the very special people of the Janni and Steve household. I am reminded of "the household of faith". The church is a blessed household to belong to as well. Janni and Steve make that up as well! Today, I was blessed to be in church surrounded by people who love my family, even though blood ties does not require them to! I also love them. To be apart of a church family is an honor and I highly recommend it!! What sets Janni and Steve apart? It is their faith in Christ and the fact that they are the church and have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. The church is wherever God dwells! If you have Christ than you have God (Holy Spirit) inside of you and you yourself are the church! The building is not the church really. It is the individual believers coming together to worship the Most High God. Someday in heaven we will feel the electricity of excitement, the holiness, the power, the love. It is in the "Throne Room" where worship will be natural and so fulfilling that you will never want to cease praising the God who made us and made the earth just for us and loved us so much that He gave up His own Son for us! We only see in part now!! We are required to believe what we cannot see! We cannot see the "Throne Room of God". It exists! We can get a little idea of it when we go to church and worship together there! It means more to me now than ever in my whole life to attend and participate in worship with my church family! They help us survive this tuff world . Witnessing God's word, worship, and fellow believers keeps us believing in a the God who we cannot see and touch! We need each other just as Kole has needed all the prayers of you guys, his parents, friends and family, and the St. Jude staff to make it through this hurdle with cancer! Where would he be alone!! The same goes if we try to live in this world, attempting to stay believing God, getting attacked by the "cancers" of this world and yet attempting to keep believing alone! May I say we need each other and this trial has taught me it is about "WE" and not "ME".

I have to tell you I got to see Kole and Jaelle a few weekends back! The first thing I noticed about Jaelle was that she had on my good Sunday high heels. Anyone, who knows her will tell you there is no private property when it comes to shoes and she will even ask you to take yours off if she so happens to have a notion to! Janni has been embarrassed quite a number of times. Jaelle is blazing a trail for herself in stolen shoes! What can you say! She is a "woman" who knows what she wants and goes after it! We are lucky it is just shoes! She is to cute to prosecute! Kole grinned when he saw me and said that I should be happy that he did not want to go to a wedding with his grandpa because that meant I got the privilege of having his presence at my house! It was a privilege, but with all the action and commotion at our house the privilege flew by! We later that day went to McDonalds as an entire family minus my mom. Kole took his normal afternoon nap! He is still regaining his strength so he requires a nap, which probably aids his body in repairing and refueling! Kole is still thin though he is gaining weight! I asked if he feels bigger and he grinned at me and said in his insightful way "I feel as thin as a snake"! I thought that was a smart description for a five year-old. Anyway, later at McDonalds we all enjoyed fun and fellowship! We have a McDonalds with a playground---the kind with tunnels and slides. It was a beautiful evening and the kids got happy meals! My husband took the first round of playing tag with the kids and Steve took the second round! Kole of course still has some adjustments to being back among kids and life. He needs lots of reassurance and I am so impressed with how in tuned Steve and Janni are to his needs! They desire him to get back out there and realize physical play is good for helping him regain physical strength and coordination. It is hard for Kole because he is perceptive enough to know he is not the same yet and he feels emotional about it from time to time. He does not notice it so much when he is by himself, but it is more evident to him among his peers. Steve, noticed Kole's heartache and took him aside, placed him on his lap, and did what a good coach knows to do when his player/son is discouraged. Kole had his face buried in his father's shoulder, so not to show his tears, as Steve began taking Kole "back" to when he first had his surgery. He said something like "remember Kole when you first had your surgery and you could not walk without someone walking behind you and how you needed lots of help". You can do everything by yourself now and you have come a long way". Steve also said "you know what the doctor said, Kole? He said it will not be long and you will be able to do everything you use to do! Now this is good practice for you to work on using your body in different ways". To that, Kole jumped down, and went back to playing tag with a big grin on his face!!He had a wonderful time the rest of the evening and they probably played a good two hours, incorporating other children as well in their play! I told Steve--he was very wise in what he told Kole and how it was just what he needed. Can I say that I sometimes "get down on my luck" and I have the sense as I go to God that He puts His arm around me, comforts me, floods me with His love, reminds me where I came from, and tells me that He is faithful to complete the good work He has started in me (Philippians chapter 1). Then it is "Onward Christian Soldier"! Can I say "Onward Christian Soldier" to you as well. You are even more adored and loved by God, than Kole is loved and adored by Steve. We just need to practice running to our Heavenly Father.

Love,
Jodi

2006-08-31T19:42:00.000-04:00

I just wanted everyone to know that Kole has begun kindergarten. He is loving it. He got a little sick last week and it was a little scary. Anytime any of my children throw up, it scares me. I just have to remember he is in God's hands. He is fine now. We know it was the flu because grandma and I both got it. Also, I am sorry that we have not posted much lately. It has been crazy because we have been trying to sell our house, selling our house, moving, and starting up the school year all at the same time. Hopefully things will slow down in a couple of weeks when we are settled at Steve's parents and school is a routine. Continue to pray for Kole and our family.
Love,
Janni

2006-07-25T22:01:00.000-04:00

It is so hard to know where to begin to write this blog after such an absence! This is Kole's aunt and Janni's sister writing. I have had an eventful summer, full of God's provision and answered prayer! A dear friend of mine has just stepped into a household full of ten children plus her own two. It is a long story full of God's beautiful handiwork. She, a divorced mother with two girls, who just married a widowed man (father of ten children). She predicted that she would be on the mission field this July. Boy, did she end up on a mission field. She is now housed out in the country, with a field and 12 young disciples! This was an incredible answer to years of praying and waiting! We understand God's timing now, though the wait was hard fought! I believe that God's plans are always good even when they seem bleak and answers seem long in coming or out of reach! I think of Kole and I see victory over defeat! A victory brought by our loving and merciful Heavenly Father!

Kole was here to visit us last week! He actually came on two occasions! I cannot tell you how my children waited in anticipation for their first glimpse of Kole and Jaelle after months of separation! They stared out the window and counted down the hours to his expected arrival!! I cannot even put into words the tenderness they had towards each other and the comfort they felt in each others'' presence as we reunited down in the basement of their grandparents. Leah set up house underneath the "carnival type basketball shootout game" they have mounted to the wall! It makes a perfect tent for kids. Kole, of course, was the dad and they had their babies and blankets all spread out like good old times! My kids never asked Kole one question about his hair or his diminished size! I was quite proud of them! Kole could play in freedom, knowing he was fully accepted and fully loved! You know, I find that to be true of God as well--when I feel gang up upon by people of this world, it is God who I seek for comfort! It is only God whose love is steadfast!! Kole eventually had to part with his cousins and streams of tears began to flow as he hated to leave. He wrapped his small arms around the neck of his adoring dad and buried his face into his shoulder!! He left, with his mom promising to return Kole to his cousins in two days! So, Kole came back and we enjoyed him again and he even got to experience a cookout lunch with family and a backyard Bible club! He has become so grown up since last November. He is tender and insightful beyond his years! I would say that though this was a tuff test for such a small boy ---he now has become large in character! His weight might have diminished some, but his character is plump and well fed! I praise the God who is real and who loves and who works all things out for good for those who love Him and are called according to His good purpose! It was interesting watching him as he deals with the after effects of his treatments and sickness! He happened to get a stomach ache after our cook out! Hannah and Leah were hovering over him as his head was down! I walked over to him, full of desire to erase any discomfort this boy could ever have!! I knelt down and asked Kole what hurt! He said his stomach was bothering him and that this happens quite a lot! He said he was pretty used to it, in a nonchalant way! My heart broke for he did not complain, but only stated the facts! I said "you know Kole, we pray over every little hurt we have in our family, and it works every time. Would you like me to pray?" He said " well, my mom has this medicine in her purse and when I take it, it always goes away!" I thought to myself what a good mom is my sister and what a good dad is our Heavenly Father ----for they both desire healing. One works to find healing, and the other provides healing all because they love so much and hurt when their dear little ones hurt! We have so much when we have God and believe Him and His word! We are rich in love and free from fear, for we know a compassionate God! A God who is full of goodness and beauty even in the midst of trial! I have watched a small boy be as brave as a grown man, all because he has been crowned with mercy from our dear Heavenly Father! There is no room for pity or defeat! I have watched Kole and victory should be his middle name! It has been granted to him by God himself! What a gift! This is hope and life! Outside of God this family would only know despair. With Him we will only know victory!

Love,
Jodi

2006-07-22T22:26:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to fill everyone in on Kole's first day of swimming. Today was the day he could take his first dip since this all began. Unfortunately, it was not nearly as warm as we wanted. We planned on taking the family to Soak City but it was just too cold. Anyway, he got to go in the grandparents hottub. On Monday we plan to go to Soak City. By the way, he loves "swimming in the hottub."
Keep praying for Kole and his eating. It keeps getting better but his weight is not going up. Praise the Lord it is not going down.
For all of our friends in Memphis, we miss you all very much.
God Bless,
Janni

2006-07-18T23:20:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone,
We are finally home and we will not have to return to Memphis until October just for a check up. We had a rough trip home. An hour out of Memphis our van broke down. We overheated. God was with us and we ended up making it to Nashville that night. Kole got pretty sick that day due to the heat and our van did not have air. Saturday, we had the car checked and we found out that our transmission was going bad. We had to love on our transmission on the way home and we had air again. We made it home late on Saturday.
Kole is doing great. He is getting back to himself. He has been playing with his cousins and friends. And his appetite is coming back. He actually said, "I think food tastes good again." That was music to my ears.
God is so good. He has taken care of our family this entire time. It was by God's grace that we made it home and that Kole is feeling so good and able to eat. We miss St. Jude and all of our friends but it is sure nice to be home. Oh by the way, I am so sorry this has taken so long. I will try to be better at updating the blog.

2006-06-29T09:04:00.000-04:00

Have you ever experienced planning for a trip, only to have it cancelled in the last few hours right before your scheduled departure? Well that is what happened to me, as Janni has alluded to in a past blog entry. My small toddling son came down with a temp. in the middle of the night a few weeks back! I was scheduled to leave the next day to travel to Memphis with my dad! After making numerous phone calls to my doctor and Janni and Steve, we decided that for Kole's sake and all the kids at St. Jude, I would stay home. To risk carrying germs to all these children who have immunity issues would not be worth it! We want Kole home ASAP and that is part of our focus the biggest part of our focus is on the God who sees and heals. God is of course more than safe to be around--God is not cursed with germs or sin or any type of contamination. Anyway, Janni also has had some change in plans. She has had to move Kole to isolation.They now live in a different apartment do to Kole's exposure to shingles. He does not have the shingles, but he could carry the germ. God sometimes shuts the door and even moves us when we least expect it! That happened to Mary in the Bible if you think about it---here she was going about her day and, when she least expected it, an Angel appeared to her and told her she was to be the mother of our Deliverer, Jesus. Being that she was a virgin and not married this was certainly not expected and in fact God's message rearranged her entire life. I think of the fact that Mary had great faith in God and that was the biggest reason God chose her! I love Mary's response to God's new change in her life. She must have had a history of meeting and seeking God out on her own in order to believe that what she had been told was truly going to happen. In Luke 1:38 it says "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. " May it be to me as you have said." I picture a hand laid out flat, as a representation of a life given over to God and His plan. A life which God takes in His own marvelous hand and blesses it with an eternal purpose that explodes the imagination. God gives life meaning and joy untold. He gives a future! Now to trust in it! To offer our life over to our "unseen" God, who has bigger and better plans than we could possibly scheme or plan, that is faith!

Love,
Jodi

2006-06-27T01:32:00.000-04:00

Crazy things seem to happen sometimes. You know when you think things are sailing so smoothly something seems to always happen. A dear friend of ours from Illinoise is going through the same treatment as Kole. Her lucky day to go home was suppose to be on Wednesday of this week. Well, to celebrate, my family, her family, and another medulla family all went out to eat together on Friday night. We had a great time and went to see the river and ate at the Spaghetti Warehouse. Wouldn't you know it. The doctors called me into the clinic this morning and said a friend of yours has come down with the shingles. You need to keep an eye on him. And that was it. Before the morning was over they called me in again and explained that because Kole has now fallen to 0 they are concerned. So to make a long story short, he had to have two shots to the legs and he will have to be in isolation from other patients her for 21 days. This means we will have to move out of our apartment and we will have to use only the isolation entrance to the hospital. It is going to be inconvenient but it is much better than the alternative. If Kole were to get shingles with his counts at 0 it could be deadly and extremely severe. Please pray for him and the other two children who are dealing with this also.
By the way, this should not change the time frame of us being able to come home. We are hoping to be back in Ohio in mid- July.
God Bless,
Janni

By the way I thought I published the last blog on the 23rd of June. Something must have happened because it was not on there today. I am sorry that this has not been updated for some time.

2006-06-23T15:20:00.000-04:00

Hello,
I am so sorry this has taken so long. Poor Jodi is dealing with two very sick kids. Her two babies have the same hoof, foot and mouth disease that Ellie had over Memorial day weekend. That is an awful and painful illness. Kole has now finished his last dose of chemo. It went extremely well. By far it was his best round. On Saturday, he threw up four times but he was not miserable. The next two days went even better. He ate on Saturday and he felt perfectly normal. By Monday he had a headache but he never got nauseous. He had to stay in the hospital one extra day because of his stem cell transplant. This time he had some of his bone marrow put back in instead of all perifial cells which come from his blood. He has had a lot of publicity lately. On Thursday he got out of the hospital early in the morning to go to a Chili's naming ceremony for a new building. He saved the day because the tree he was pushing across the front of the crowd almost fell but he held it in place in the wagon. He was very proud. He was then in a lot of pictures with Marlo Thomas.
Today was our first day out of the hospital and Kole loves it. My dad is staying with me until my friend Rachel can come down from New Jersey while Steve is back home for over a week.
By the way, I think Kole's hearing has been effected more. He is having more trouble hearing me when I whisper. Please pray that God would protect his hearing.
One of our friends here is going through the same protocal. She started losing her hearing after the first round of chemo. Now they have taken her off of that chemo to protect her hearing. We, as the parents, are just happy that our kids are healthy. Hearing is very minor when you look at the whole picture. Of course, we still hate to see them lose it. Please pray for Sarah, Kole, Payton, and Caz as they are all dealing with this hearing issue.
See you all very soon. Maybe in a month or so. Ya!

2006-06-14T14:39:00.000-04:00

Hello all! I thought I would give a little update. Kole has lost a small amount of hearing nothing within speaking range. Janni said it is a huge praise, the fact that he has only experienced a slight amount of hearing loss. Janni has also expressed a great deal of concern and love for a boy named, Nolan. He is twelve and his AML (leukemia) is out of control and is taking over his body. GOD HOWEVER IS IN CONTROL. He is a boy who is an inspiration to all he meets. He has great faith and is concerned for his three younger brothers. He is always pointing his mother to the Lord to find strength. She wrote that she feels like shouting from the rooftops the faithfulness of God and His word. The Bible has been her strength and shield. She expresses that this life is not permanent but God is-----death is not the end!! In fact, her entry on her website was beautiful, full of hope and love. As she watches her dear son's body fail him, she praises her Lord and King. There is no bitterness, nor defeat! I asked God to grant this dear boy more time realizing that this world is a tuff place to remain in! I know it is far better to dwell in His courts, in His presence. In that place there is no struggle, suffering, or shame. Only incredible love, life, light, glory untold, perfect peace and rest and on an on! We can only imagine. Why we fear it--I do not know! I guess it is faith in the unknown and comfort in the known.This earth is like living with a splinter. It is agony, but it seems more comfortable than the pain of separation--splinter from flesh. But when the agony is over---freedom and release from pain. We than ask ourselves why we were so afraid to be free? Please pray for Nolan and his family. They are a testimony of the grace of God. The Good News of Christ is being spread far and wide due to their testimony! By the way I will be leaving sometime afer June 17 to go see Kole and the rest. I will probably be there up through Friday the 23rd. Thankyou for praying!!!! Also, at the end of this week Kole will begin his last chemo treatment!!! Pray for God's hand of protection over his body and for his peace and comfort. I will love on him for ya!!!

P.S Kole's grandpa Sprunger will be there during this last round of Chemo and later Janni's good friend Rachel is comming in support and love. Pray that we can all be a blessing to them!

Love,
Jodi

2006-06-06T11:14:00.000-04:00

Hello again! I just got word from Janni. If everyone can pray for Jaelle. She has gotten a virus called stomatitus or stomatia or something like that. Also, she has had bowel disruptions and the like. She should be just fine, especially after your prayers. It is difficult for my sister to take care of Jaelle and Kole --and keep them separated. Quite a juggling act if you ask me!! Anyway, Kole has not got anything-Praise our Lord. His counts have been low, but have finally started to come back up. I just want to thank those out there praying for Chase (thanks Harrah family). Miracle of all miracles his luekemia--- which is the most resistent of this type that the Doctors at St. Jude have ever seen-- is now in remission. Chase (teen from St. Jude) is now ready for a bone marrow transplant. He was mentioned in the blog a few weeks back. There is another boy needing prayer from Allen East, the town next to Janni's home town of Bluffton. He might be needing a second bone marrow transplant within this year, which is hazardous. This precious boy's name is Brandon Mason. He could sure use your prayers. Like I said, we are seeing the mighty hand of God provide. It is exciting for me to go to your comments, see what you are specifically praying for, and then be able to report back that God is answering your labors of love. Keep going before the throne. It is a blessed place to be! You are blessing those you do not even know--which is not expected of you from this world's perspective. God loves it when we go beyond the call of duty for His own.

Love,
Jodi

Love

2006-06-05T15:09:00.000-04:00

Hello to all! I have been blessed by my Pastor and his insight into the word of God. He lives what he preaches which gives weight to his words. Sunday, he preached on Philippians chapter 3. I could not help but think of Janni and Steve. What touched me the most was verse 1o which reads "I want to know Christ and the power of His ressurrection and the fellowship of his SUFFERINGS, becomming like him in his death, and somehow, to attain the resurrection from the dead". My Pastor said that it is not that we ask for suffering or even want it---but it is through suffering that we find intimacy with Christ and a understanding of Him like at no other time. Suffering calls us to Him where He can sooth us with his word and His dear presence. We become shallow people without the refining fire of suffering. I believe it and I witness the depth of relationship that my brother-in-law, Steve is now experiencing through watching his son suffer and calling on the God he serves to help. His relationship with God has been "microwaved". He understands the "fellowship" of suffering---for he along with the Heavenly Father has had to watch their sons suffer. What fellowship they must have! It is a blessing and an honor to be in fellowship with the living Lord. Once one allows Him in, there is such warmth of fellowship, one will NEVER want to live without. The presence of God is beautiful. He is available to all, even at the same time. I don't know how He does it! What an incredible God we serve. Knowing Him you will be changed--it will be not something you can "muster up". God will do the changing and it is like watching a beautiful masterpiece being unfolded. Some of His most amazing masterpieces are made from messed up lives!! There is hope in God!

Love,
Jodi

2006-06-03T14:52:00.000-04:00

Today my dad, Kole's grandpa Sprunger stopped in. As we stood outside on this beautiful June Saturday, we talked of Kole. My dad happened to mention at least three praises. For one, Kole is doing much better than anticipated. Number two, he is using his right hand much better. In fact his hand writing has improved. Number three, so far he has not experienced any hearing loss. This was expected, especially after the third round of chemo. Lastly, Kole is gaining weight, strength, and ability. This was not expected by the doctors or the medical staff. So, what do we say----we serve a great and mighty God. We can see Him work----we can know He answers prayers---we can fully place our trust in Him! God has not failed us, nor will He ever. Even when He calls us home, He still never fails. This week I felt God whisper "my love is steadfast". We as human beings cannot relate to the steadfast love and workings of our Lord. But, He never tires and never forgets. He is consistent and true. There is none like HIM. Praise His name. I have full confidence in the One True God, Maker of Heaven and Earth. He has become so much more real to me through this crisis and I know the same holds true for the Kellers and the rest of the family. We would not know the success that we have experienced based on medical help alone. We can go on God alone, though He uses medicine, but never without God. I never want to be without God in my life. I do not know about you, but this life is too hard to go it alone. God is a loving God. He is just and true. May I say to you, thankyou for your prayers. They have meant everything to Kole. Someday, when Kole is older he will realize how much you have loved him through your prayers. I have prayed for those of you out there that have read this blog. May you know Him, for He is far far better than anything this world has to offer. If I had no home, no food, no family, and no health-- but had God. I would have everything. He is enough. You have God, you have everything. The power God has explodes the imagination. It is real. In fact, we are more than conquerers when we belong on His team. We cannot loose.

Love,
Jodi

2006-05-25T13:46:00.000-04:00

We have had a tough couple of days. Ellie got sick the day before. She had a temperature of 102. We were hoping it is was her two year molars. The next day she was still having a temperature and so I took her to the doctor. They said it was the rosiolla (I am not sure how to spell it) virus. It would last 3 to 4 days. We thought Kole was getting out yesturday also and we were concerned with him getting Ellie's sickness. Well, he ended up with a fever and had to stay an extra night. Today Ellie woke up with a fever and she was complaining about her gums. I looked at them and they were all swollen, red, someplaces bloody, and white. I called the doctor again. The doctor determined that Ellie has this viris called Stomititis. She will have it for 7 to 10 days and she is extremely contagious. Aren't we lucky. Ellie and I will be staying away from Kole for awhile.
Kole is doing great. We are thrilled that his third round of chemo is over and that he only has one more. Please continue to pray for his hearing. We were told the third round is the toughest on his ears. Most of the children lose at least some of their hearing. Thank goodness it is only the high frequencies like the s and ch sounds. Anyway, Kole is feeling good and he is actually wanting to eat food. I am thrilled. We miss you all.
God Bless,
The Keller's

2006-05-21T22:09:00.000-04:00

Janni has just informed me through an e-mail that Kole's time in the hospital was delayed one day due to the fact that the beds at St. Jude hospital were filled. How thankful I am that the delays in treatment are due to logistical issues and not health issues! Janni is asking everyone to pray for Kole to not get sick taking this medicine that prepares him for chemo. This medicine is designed to protect Kole's hearing. As some of you know, the chemo can adversly affect Kole's ability to hear. Janni also said that the physical therapist and occupational therapists were talking about how they cannot figure out how Kole can be doing so well. He still needs work at using his right hand. So, that is a prayer concern. Anyway, God's hand works so well. May it work powerfully on restoring full use to Kole's precious little hand. I am so pleased to be connected to the One True God, Maker of Heaven and Earth. There is such a privilege in being able to freely go to the God of this universe and make requests. God does not procrastinate nor does He make poor decisions like we do. In fact, He hears us and answers all of our requests whether it is yes, no, wait, or I got a better idea. Not one prayer is a waist and I hope you know that Kole is blanketed in prayer because of you. There is no better gift that you can give other than your prayers. One by one they are being answered. Praise Him!

Dear Lord, I ask you to bless those out there who are praying for Kole and those who are showing such concern for this dear little boy of yours. We ask that you will bless us with your presence. We pray for all the children in Clyde who have been struck by cancer and ask for your fantastic healing touch. We also ask that you will show us the cause and that you will wipe out all harm. It is such a privilege to know you and to be able to come before you. You are high and lifted up and we are low and oh so needy. May we grow to love and know you more.

John 15:7 "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.

Remember God always keeps His promises and the Bible is full of them. God is the only one you can count on----that is why He asks you to remain in Him. How? Get your strength from Him. Look only to Him. Put your whole self into His mighty outstretched hand. He is the way, the truth, and the life. It may seem like a radical way to live--oh, but it is freedom! Jesus came to set the captive free. There is nothing more incredible. Wait and see that the Lord is good. This earth is cursed by sin and disease, but there is no curse in God. We are free to trade in living for this "cursed earth" for blessedly living "in God and He living in you" (John 14:20).

Jodi

2006-05-12T15:03:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! There is so much good news in regard to Kole. He has just had an MRI yesterday and it was clear. Today he had a spinal tap and the results are not in yet. Kole is doing well. His belly has been somewhat irritable, not that he has thrown up or anything. Kole's appetite has just returned one day ago. Janni said that Kole did have the energy to ride a tricycle all the way to their friend's house which is in a neighborhood away. That is a good sign. Imagine the kind of endurance that feat required of Kole. He is an amazing boy --he has a "drive" to accomplish big feats. Kole also has followed Janni's lead. He is a boy who observes everything and than does it, if he is allowed. Kole attempted to drive a car when he was younger. This was one "feat" he was forced to forfeit. Janni has been required by the medical staff to become a fastidious housekeeper--she is normally clean, however health concerns have made sanitation mandatory. Kole has observed this and has found entertainment in mopping and cleaning. Janni said he even asks for more jobs to do when he is done. He is a productive little boy. I am proud of him for making the most of his situation and finding joy. He is accomplishing a lot for being so sick. Janni has also said that Kole has done significantly better after this second treatment than the first. Kole received four blood transfusions and four platelet transfusions after his first round of chemo. He has only received one blood transfusion and one platelet transfusion after this second round. Also, after this second treatment, his counts were not down for too long and he did not get a fever. Seeds of faith are being planted, for Kole is proof of God's sustaining power and protection. It is so human to complain and blame God. I have never heard one complaint from my sister. She is truly grateful to God and all of His provisions of support, which includes you.

Psalms 126: 4-6

Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negev (desert).
Those who sow (plant seeds of faith) in tears
will reap with songs of joy.
He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying the sheaves with him.

I guess we can plant seeds of doubt and discouragement. But, God promises if we take this opportunity to plant seeds of faith we will reap a blessing. We are full of joy now, even in our concern for Kole, but when this particular testimony is complete--- there will be songs of joy and a harvest. We do not see it all now, but someday ..... the tears will not be in vain.

Jodi

2006-05-07T16:13:00.000-04:00

The last time I wrote was just after Kole's time in the hospital receiving chemo.....sorry there has been such a big break in keeping you updated. I must say that there has been no crisis to report and no second hospitalization due to a temperature. Infact, Janni said Kole's counts are on their way up! Our God---how do we explain Him? How do we even know exactly what He is up to or what has He just spared us from? Of course, He spared us from sin and death and that would be enough-- but what else? What has He spared Kole from? There is nothing visible to the human eye to report as far as I know! I wonder what God is doing on the inside of Kole's body and heart?

You know---when you turn your life over to God, not to mention your child, as Janni and Steve has done---life becomes more serious for we now realize how fleeting this life can be. Sometimes, we, as Christians, can become afraid that we will fail God and fail our testimony. Sometimes, God calls us to do things that seems questionable to the human eye (which has a limited perspective). When God moves He is looking out for what is best for the Kingdom of God. As Christians, we are called to fulfill the great commission in Matthew 28:19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you". So far, God has moved. He has moved Janni and Steve to St. Jude in Memphis, Tennessee and He has made other moves as some of you already know. He has moved me to write these articles. He will continue to move. In fact, He will be moving some of you out there! We are called to follow our Master. One hym says "I have decided to follow Jesus--I have decided to follow Jesus--I have decided to follow Jesus no turning back, no turning back. Though none go with me, still I will follow--though none go with me, still I will follow--though none go with me, still I will follow, no turning back, no turning back". Sometimes Believers are afraid to follow. Sometimes they are afraid that they will fail God by not having the energy, wisdom, or ability to serve. It is possible that we feel unworthy. Every human is unworthy, that is why we are out to point to our worthy God and Savior. In the book of Joshua God makes a promise to the warrior and comander of the nation of Israel. His name being Joshua. That promise can be applied to us as well. Joshua is getting ready to "move" into the promise land and take on the idolatrous enemies of God. This is an intimidating task to say the least! God promises Joshua in Joshua 1:5 (NASB) that " No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I WILL NOT FAIL YOU or forsake you". We might fail God but God will never fail us. We go and do everything in God's strength. I can testify on behalf of my "brother" Steve that he is following after his Master's call. I can testify that he has great faith and believes in God's promises. It is exciting to witness God's promise fulfilled. Go with God-- Steve, Janni, Kole, and Jaelle. God will never fail you.

Jodi

2006-04-30T17:08:00.000-04:00

I don't know where to begin to write this article on the blog.....Kole is being sheltered in the wings of the almighty God as he goes through this intense Chemo. I spent some time today catching up on how the Kellers are doing at St. Jude. My parents (Kole's grandpa and grandma Sprunger) had just returned from their visit. They spent a week caring mostly for Jaelle. Janni has been Kole's choice for tender loving care. My mom said that Janni is so close to Kole that she can read his grunts. Kole is very weak, which is to be expected. It is shocking for a grandparent to take in at first, since their exposure to Kole has been limited by time and space. They being in Ohio and not seeing Kole for around two months. Kole is truly light as a feather at around 34 pounds. He does not have a desire in the world to eat one bite of food. His is now getting supplemented through a feeding tube type instrument. Kole told his grandma that every since his radiation that his taste for food has changed. Janni is even willing to pay him to take bites of food. I am letting you in on a little of the reality of the situation, but be of good cheer, God is faithful and so good. Kole is incredibly week and his speech is in slow motion. This is all due to the drain on the body, as a result of chemo. However, he stays busy creating with all kinds of craft projects. Much of his craft projects are centered around construction paper and scissors. This is wonderful, for the fact that he gets practice using his fine motor skills. This not only entertains Kole but also provides much needed therapy. St. Jude staff daily monitor every aspect of Kole's health and wellbeing. They are always on the lookout for any diminished abilities and changes in health. The occupational therapist times him at performing simple tasks with his hands. Kole has actually improved his time maneuvering objects with his hands, which flabbergasts the health care professionals. Chemo so weakens patients that they truly only see and expect declines in performance for awhile. Again, though this success may seem small to us, it is truly big---the big wonderful hand of God providing for Kole. Kole is taking a chemo which can cause significant hearing loss. Kole can also experience damage to his bladder, esophagus, and digestive system. We depend and believe that God has the power to protect him and so of course we ask for your prayers in this regard. Janni is amazing in her stamina to be at Koles every beckoning call. She has been trained on every aspect of Kole's care. You can compare her commitment to her call and to Kole's care, which demands all of her time and energy much like a doctor in residence. She eats, sleeps, and is held up in the hospital as though she is in a "space capsule". She has so much responsibility and her son desires his mommy 24/7. Pray that she gets the rest she needs. My mom said Steve took over one morning and Janni slept in until 12 noon. I hope you can at least get a little picture of the intensity of the situation and the intense provision of God. Please keep the Keller parents in your prayers as well. Pray that God will fill them with his supernatural strength and know how. Pray that they will get time to rest and to fill up on God's fuel--His Word. By the way, Jaelle is as delightful as ever, and seems to never run out of fuel. She is so easy going--which is just what is needed during this time. Kole is actually content as he is being surrounded by a blanket of love. Your prayers are part of the blanket. Though you can not touch him and hold him, your prayers are doing the "touching" in your place. You are touching Kole's life with prayers of interceeding. One godly friend of mine lay dying a few weeks back ( She is now alive in His presence). During that time, I prayed for her. I felt God in an unseeing way let me know that He was pleased. He is pleased when we pray for His own.

Jodi

2006-04-27T12:00:00.000-04:00

I just got word from Janni that Kole had to spend two extra days in the hospital. It was a dissappointment. Anyway, they get to come home today. Kole was to receive this nutritional supplement interverneous and needed to stay in the hospital for the treatment. Please keep Kole in your prayers during this crucial time. It will not be long and his counts will take a dive. He truly requires the Lord's sustaining power to protect him. Continue to pray God will preserve all his vital functions from the harmful effects of chemo. I am truly honored to see God do great and mighty things. If we will only give God a chance and truly believe Him. God asks us to believe in what we do not see, which is hard for us humans. It is much easier to look to what we can see and touch. That is why we have man made idols in this world. We were studying yesterday in the books of Exodus and Numbers. Joshua and Caleb were among the 12 spies to check out the promise land. God promised that he would GIVE the Isrealites the land. God is bound by his promises. The problem is that it takes faith to believe that God will do it. By looking down at our circumstances it seems impossible. Ten of the spies who checked out the land came back and said the people were giants and that there were too many of them. They led everybody to be afraid, doubt God, and believe that their circumstances and their adversaries were too difficult for God. Know this-- if you want to upset God--- that is just the attitude to have. Only two of the spies believed God and they were Joshua and Caleb. When Caleb stood up on and spoke saying that they could take the land as God had promised, nobody listened. It is not always popular to believe God. It is not intellectual or scientific----believing God means that you have no visual or tangible proof. I look up to the heavens, when I doubt and say to myself there is my visual proof. Anyway, only two of the spies got to enter God's promised land. Ten did not! Does that statistic still hold true? Do we still have very few who are willing to believe God? To be like Joshua and Caleb and believe even when nobody else does--- that is victory. My friend yesterday said that "one with God is a majority". Look and see that the Lord is good and faithful to all of His promises. Ask Him to help you truly see and increase your faith. We were also talking about the snake on the pole in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9) and the cross where Jesus was high and lifted up. In both places God has his people look up for healing--physical healing and spiritual healing (from sin). Joshua and Caleb looked up and were not afraid. That is our challenge.

Jodi

2006-04-22T21:04:00.000-04:00

I hope to be able to update you on Kole as accurately as possible. It gets kind of difficult seeing that my dear sister is throwing all kinds of numbers at me. I just want to add that math was not my interest area in school. In fact, I have always said I learned by accident, for I rarely set out to add to my head, knowledge. That is especially true with math. Anyway, God has done an incredible job in caring for Kole's health and well being that it is hard to put it all down in words.I am sure He has protected and provided for Kole in many unseen ways as well. Janni's voice was as cheerful as I have ever heard it before. She was chuckling and laughing almost the entire time we spoke to one another. Kole was performing in the background. You know the type of performance---it is when a little kid, being Kole, gets a hold of a toy piano and begins singing every song they can think of with gusto. I take it Kole was in the performance mode, he brought out an old song from the good old Barney days ...."if all the raindrops were lemon drops and gumdrops oh what a rain that would be" followed by ahah ahah ahah ahah ah. I could hear him singing and laughing at himself. It was so reassuring to hear so much joy and life coming through a telephone wire, which is probably only a taste of what joyous times they have experienced while confined at St.Jude so far. Talk about making the most of a "sticky situation". Anyway, Janni said she is so thankful especially about Kole's blood counts. Kole's counts were down to 1200 there for awhile. In fact it was right before this bout in the hospital. Janni had prayed that they would come up and they did to over 6000. The hospital staff said that never happens. I think they are getting use to Kole and so they probably are getting less surprised all the time. Of course what they are witnessing is the hand of God and answered prayer. Also, yesterday (Friday April 21) Kole was about to receive his first chemo treatment and he told the nurse that he could not wait for the injection. He loved feeling dizzy---any of you reading past blog enteries might notice a pattern here. Don't worry all this medication is too expensive to become habit forming. The nurse said in all her years she has never had a patient be excited about getting chemo. Kole did not get sick at all during or after his first chemo treatment yesterday (Fri.). However, he did get sick for about three hours after his second chemo treatment on Fri. He took a nap and has been fine ever since. Today, Kole has had all of his chemo scheduled for the day (Sat. April 22) and like I said.... he is singing and laughing and doing great. Janni is thrilled. Kole has been able to stay on schedule with his treatments which keeps him on schedule for comming home at the end of July. By the way, after this regiment of chemo which is completed tommarrow, Kole will be half way through. He will only be getting two more rounds. Kole's weight has come down some so that is an issue. However, Janni is not too concerned because then Kole qualifies for a nutritional supplement. Janni says that is a good thing. He was in the fourty pound range and now he is in the thirty pound range. It probably is not a surprise to the medical staff seeing the heavy dose of chemo Kole has undergone. It is truly amazing how well Kole is doing....and the credit all goes to our amazing God, who is faithful to us and answers our prayers. I believe in the promises God gives us in His word. Sometimes I slip my name in these promises and I say to myself-- Jodi, God will do this in your life (make no harm befall you) if you will for example make God your dwelling. I claim these promises and tell God that I believe them and I believe Him. Psalms 91 has been both my great comfort and my challenge.

It says in Psalms 91: 9-16 this:

If you (your name) make the Most High your dwelling--even the Lord, who is my refuge--

THEN no harm will befall you (your name), no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon a lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

Because he (your name or mine) loves me,"says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he (your name) acknowledges my name. (I love that part)

He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Notice how many "I will's" are in this passage. Those are all individual promises to each one of us! I have been studying the docterines of God and I know that God always without exception stays true to his promises. In fact God is only bound in one area, and that is to His promises. He is not like us, especially us parents. I can't even keep my promise to paint my daughter's finger nails.

Anyway, there is so much power in the words of scripture. If any of you out there is feeling a bit down. Find comfort in God's word, especially, in the Psalms.

Here is what God is asking you to do in this Psalm. For one thing God wants you to make Him your dwelling. Abide with God .... Move in with God and live in His presence daily.

God is asking you to love him and acknowlege his name. Don't be embarrassed to talk about God or claim him aloud as your own. Live in a way that shows you love God. In heaven you will fit in and be popular. You may have to give that up here. That's o.k. , it is way worth it!

Last, call upon God. Talk to God, depend on God, find strength in His living Word. The rewards are huge . Look at the all the "I wills". There are at least thirteen in this short passage of scripture alone. There is power behind those words/promises. Power to deliver! Only the power of God could deliver on those miraculous promises.

This is my hope, and I pray that sharing it will encourage you.

P.S. Please pray for Chase (teenage boy and friend of the Kellers). The doctors say that he has the most resistent leukemia that they have ever seen. It seems an impossible situation on human terms. The mother and this boy are very special to Janni. They could sure use your prayers.

Jodi

2006-04-21T15:28:00.000-04:00

I just wanted everyone to know that Kole is doing great. He had to have blood this morning because his hemoglobin was low. Then he started the chemo at about noon. He is doing great and asking to eat. The nurse that gave him the chemo said she has never had a kid want chemo before. Praise the Lord. I can actually say he gets excited about it. Please keep praying for him.
God Bless,
Janni

2006-04-10T18:13:00.000-04:00

Today is a beautiful spring day. I cannot say enough about how much more "spring" I have in my step. I love just breathing in the warm sunshine. Janni has given me some information today on Kole. I thought I would pass it on to you. Kole has actually been in the hospital since Friday at 11:00 p.m. until today (Monday). I just talked to her and it is about 6:16 p.m. She is waiting to be released. Kole could have gone home earlier, but needed to wait for a platelet transplant. This is his second one since he started chemo. The best news is that Kole's counts are back up. I heard Janni tell Kole that today he could have grapes because of that fact. Janni said she is very busy when Kole's counts (white blood counts) are down to zero. She has to take alcohol wipes to door knobs and practically every surface around Kole. She has to wash her hands after touching anything and everything. Kole cannot eat many foods. He can only have fruit which can be peeled like bannas and oranges. If you have chips and stick your hand in the bag you contaminate the whole container of chips. Kole cannot have one chip out of a contaminated bag of chips. You have to pour out small amounts in bowls. Kole has to wash his hands continually. Janni especially has to wash her hands while preparing food. Janni is in training to become a "Merry Maid"(Ha!Ha!). She said that she invisioned this time at St. Jude to be more relaxing but the opposite has held true. So, if you have not heard from her, just know she is probably cleaning house, washing her hands, caring for Kole and family, etc. Her heart is with everyone of you and she cares deeply for all her friends and family. I can give you a little time table concerning Kole's white blood cell counts. Kole received his Chemo on March 24, 25, and 26. He than stayed in the hospital until Tuesday, March 28. Kole stayed at home in the Target House starting that Tuesday until his birthday evening which was April 7th. Koles counts were down to zero from the following Sunday, after being in the hospital for chemo, which would April 2nd to around Sunday, April 9th. So for around eight or nine days, Janni had to be a "Merry Maid" and a "Sterilizing Cook". However, three of those days Kole spent in the hospital (Friday night at 11:00 p.m. until today, Monday). They tested Kole's blood for illnesses such as diptheria and nothing showed up. That is a praise. Also, the reason why a temperature is so disheartening is also do to the fact St. Jude's doctors have a policy regarding hospitalization. If a patient with a zero count gets a fevor, they are hospitalized until their counts go back up. It does not matter if the temperature leaves them or if blood tests prove nothing . As a precaution, the patient has to stay. Janni knows of a patient who had a slight temperature and had to stay 14 days in the hospital until her counts went up. She was fine the entire time. It is when kids and parents feel couped up in the hospital for long periods which seems to be the difficulty. Anyway, the Target House is beautiful and spacious. Every apartment has a child of course. So, there are loads of kids for Kole to play with. Janni said it is almost like a continual party or sleepover at this Target house. There are places for the teens to hang out such as game rooms and places for the younger kids as well. There is more space in the apartments for families to have some privacy. There is also the convenience of making meals in their own home. This was not true for the Ronald McDonald House. Though the McDonald House did have game rooms, loads of fellowship, and friends to hang out with. I talked to Kole. He said "hello Aunt Jodi" in his sunshiny voice. He drew me in and made me feel so loved just by the tone of his voice, like always. He keeps getting more loving all the time. He was watching Cyber Chase. He spoke like a little boy who was very content and well taken care of.

I am getting ready to teach about the Ten Commandments. In our Bible Study's last lesson we learned that if you broke one commandment, it is breaking them all to God. Today, when Janni was talking to me about the chips, the message hit home. Just one dirty hand in a bag of chips contaminated the whole bag. The bag of chips now was infultraited by germs. To God one sin contaminates us in the same way. There is only one way to fight off the disease of sin and that is with the blood of Jesus. Lately, Koles treatment has been centered around his blood. In the same way our treatment for sin is centered around blood. It is the cleansing blood of Jesus. The Bible says that the payment for sin is death. The shedding of blood represents death. If it were not for Jesus, we really would have to shedd our blood and die for our own sins. However, blood also represents life when it is used as a cleanser. The white blood cells in our body cleanses our bodies of viruses, bacteria, and the like. The blood of Jesus cleanses our sins so that we do not have to die. I marvel at the story in John chapter 8. There is this woman caught in adultery. There is a Jewish law that says if a woman is caught in adultery she has to be put to death by stoning. The payment for sin is death as the Bible says. However, the pharisees who were getting ready to stone the woman were not perfect themselves and deserved death. Jesus told them in John 8:7 "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her". Of course all the pharisees left. They knew they were not without sin. Jesus however did not leave. Why? He was without sin. He had every right to stone this woman to death for her sin. Instead of taking her life, He gave His. He, though he was completely innocent and without sin, gave His life, for this sinful woman, on the cross. Wow, the love of God. Wow, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world"(John 1:29). Jesus is our Lamb. The shedd blood of the Lamb is for us (the contaminated). Amazing! Jesus died for us so that we did not have to, though some choose to. Have a happy Easter and remember Jesus beat sin and death when He rose from the dead.

Jodi

2006-04-08T15:00:00.000-04:00

I have a little news via my parents (the Sprunger grandparents). I will try to give you the basics as I know them. Kole ran a little temperature last night of 101. He needed to be hospitalized as a precaution. It is a fairly low grade temperature, which is a blessing. However, it needs to be addressed immediately. Kole was given antibiotics and responded wonderfully to them. The doctors were very pleased by his response to treatment. I think he has been released from the hospital, but I am not sure. Keep praying that Kole stays free from infection, especially now that he does not have the infection fighting white blood cells. I wonder how antibiotics work without help from the white blood cells, but they do! Of course you know me---how does anything work without God. "With God all things are possible". I am thankful that God allowed for us to have doctors and medicines, research and the like. I never want to take medical care forgranted, for that is part of the "healing" hand of God. God uses medicine for treating our illnesses and diseases. That is part of God's provision for us. However, His provision goes on and on into infinity, encompassing all aspects of our lives. If we only really knew.

Jodi

2006-04-07T12:20:00.000-04:00

Greetings everyone. Today is Kole official Birthday. He was born on April 7 th five years ago today. I will never forget that day. It was a sunny and warm spring day, as my mom and I travelled up to Sandusky to be there for Kole's birth. I had to bring Leah who was at the time just over one. We kind of had hoped that Kole would be a girl so that Leah and "Kolette" would be close cousins and enjoy playing together. God had a better plan. I cannot imagine Kole any other way than who he is. Anyway, Leah loves Kole like no tommarrow. She talks about him on a daily basis with such love and devotion. When she was just little, she would never pray a prayer without mentioning Kole's name. Her Sunday school teachers, at my church, feel like they know Kole even though they had never met him. One teacher came up to me and said who is this "Kole" Leah talks about all-the-time. We need to know who we are praying for every Sunday. I told them Kole is her favorite cousin and maybe favorite "person" walking the face of this earth. Now that Kole is sick, my church family has participated in prayer for Kole. In fact, I think Leah paved the way for them to feel a connection to a small boy they have never met. Do you think God used Leah---without us knowing it? Praise the Lord for his hand at work when we are too blind to see it. Just think of all the prayers Leah had "stored up" ahead of time ha! ha! Anyway, concerning my church. I have been pestered by one boy in my Sunday School class to bring in a picture of Kole---the pressure was too much. I finally got it together enough to remember and they enjoyed looking at Kole. I am so glad that these children are willing to intercede and care for a person (a child), they have never even met. Getting back to Kole's birth. Janni was induced and infact she barely felt one contraction. It made her big sister a little envious. I suffered through contractions all through the night and into the morning before I was allowed an epideral. She practically had to feel a slight tinge of a contraction and was all hooked up. Kole's birth was a joyous occasion. Steve's parents were to be first time grandparents. I feel that they had and have so much love in them that they could hardly wait to pour it out on this little grand baby. They have done just that. A present example, is how Kole's grandpa Keller retired early because he felt that his family needed him. I admire his willingness to drop everything and be the support day in and day out. Of course Nancy has been there quite a lot too and so have my parents. The fact that Steve Sr. has retired has made it possible for God to use him in his vital role of caring for Jaelle when Kole needs to be at the hospital for long periods of time. I feel that God has just covered all the bases for Janni and Steve. I have chills from head to toe reflecting on God's provision. Sometimes, we need to look with a magnifying glass at God's handiwork in our lives. It is just plain beautiful--- His design for us. Back to Kole's birth again....Kole came into the world with quite a big cheering section--my father being added to the group of six (not including Janni and Steve). He was so healthy and robust. He had dark complexion from the start just like his dad. He was a good 8lbs I think 2 oz. We enjoyed being at the room passing him around staring at all these marvelous tiny features God had crafted. Later, more family arrived. Steve Jr. was blessed to have his own Grandma Keller come to the hospital. I can remember her holding little Kole in a chair. Janni and Steve were radiant in their joy and Steve said Janni did a good job. He was proud of his wife like he always is. Steve also had his uncle and aunts and even cousins help celebrate that joyous day. I remember it like it was yesterday. I smile thinking about it. The last thing I remember is the fact that Steve had worried that Kole would be active and a little tempermental during the night. The next day, his prediction held to be true. Kole would give his parents a "run for the money" from the get go! He has never been typical in nature, but he has always been special and so dearly loved.

I have to add something special concerning my own dear first born son. He is now eleven and is so insightful for his years. We are reading "The Heavenly Man" written by a chinese man named Brother Yun along with Paul Hattaway. It is a tremendous book. Talk about the amazing hand of God. If the integrity behind this book was not there, I would have a hard time believing the incredible miracles recorded. But, because of this man's deep love for Christ and God's word, you can see that what this book testifies to, is true. Not only that but this man was able to love his persecutors. He went through persecutions in which he should not have survived. The torture was so violent. Again, the hand of God is seen throughout this beautiful story. It will make you love God all the more. Brother Yun, came from a home where his father was sick and dying of cancer. His mother has forgotten her faith and was overwhelmed caring for five children. They had spent all their money on doctors and were destitute---until. This is how the story goes straight out of the book "The Heavenly Man".

This mother, who had forgotten her faith, was laying in bed......"suddenly she heard a very clear and tender, compassionate voice say, "Jesus loves you." She knelt down on the floor and tearfully repented of her sins and re-dedicated herself to the Lord Jesus Christ. Like the Prodigal Son, my mother (brother Yun) came home to God."

"She immediately called our family to come and pray to Jesus. She told us, "Jesus is the only hope for Father." All of us committed our lives to God when we heard what has happened. We then laid out hands on my father and for the rest of the night we cried out a simple prayer, "Jesus, heal Father! Jesus, heal Father!". ......"Within a week he had recovered completely and had no trace of cancer! It was a great miracle from God".

After reading this...my own first born son stood up and said in a loud voice "Jesus, heal Kole".
I was touched then, but even more touched now. He was taking hold of his faith and shouting out to the God who he believes in "Jesus, heal Kole". It can be kind of embarrassing as far as human standards when it comes to acting "put-together". But, I think that is what God is looking for. To be willing to look almost crazy in our faith....

Jodi