Cherished Heritage

Some Fun At Home....

2010-05-10T14:50:00.000-07:00

Well... the kids think it's a great blessing to have lots of cupboards. I have so many now I can't fill all of them, so they found a little hide out.

I need my coffee in the morning..... LOL!

This is our sweet dog Sadie...

The kids love her and she's great with them.

Nothing like sidewalk chalk. By the time it was over with though, Christina almost looked like a Smurf. She decided to rub blue all over her face.

We raised the basket up to a full 10 feet and Ryan is doing great getting them in! Swish!

They love Saturdays... It means the ice cream man is coming!

Nothing like good 'ole Lincoln Logs!

I have teeth!

All personality!

How Snuggly!

Practicing his walking moves!

My Storehouse

2010-04-02T17:54:00.001-07:00

My memory is like a storehouse

Strong and wide and tall;

I store God's Word upon each shelf

That lines my storehouse wall.

My work and play are brighter far

With God's Word on each shelf

If I need joy or I need strength

I reach and help myself.

I memorize one verse each week

Though I am only four,

I say it morning, noon and night,

Yes, sometimes even more.

I could not understand God's Word

By my own self apart,

But Jesus died and rose again

And lives within my heart.

- Author Unknown -

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" - Psalm 119:11

I Believe....

2010-04-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

I Believe...

That just because two people argue,

It doesn't mean they don't love each other.

And just because they don't argue,

It doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...

That we don't have to change friends if

We understand that friends change.

I Believe....

That no matter how good a friend is,

they're going to hurt you every once in a while

and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...

That true friendship continues to grow,

even over the longest distance.

Same goes for true love.

I Believe...

That you can do something in an instant

That will give you heartache for life.

I Believe....

That it's taking me a long time

To become the person I want to be.

I Believe...

That you should always leave loved ones with Loving words.

It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe....

That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe....

That we are responsible for what we do,

no matter how we feel.

I Believe...

That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...

That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs

to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe....

That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I Believe....

That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down

will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...

That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,

But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe....

That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had

And what you've learned from them and less to do with how many

birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe....

That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others.

Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...

That no matter how bad your heart is broken

the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe....

That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,

But, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...

That you shouldn't be so eager to find

Out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I Believe....

Two people can look at the exact same

Thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...

That your life can be changed in a matter of

Hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe....

That even when you think you have no more to give,

When a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...

That credentials on the wall

do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...

That the people you care about most in

life are taken from you too soon.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

'The happiest of people don't necessarily

have the best of everything;

They just make the most of everything they have.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Though I didn't write what is written above, I believe it is true.

Complete In Thee

2010-03-13T06:11:00.000-08:00

This song is amazing!

It's Been Awhile...

2010-03-04T19:22:00.000-08:00

Well it's been awhile since I posted pictures of the kids and it's long over due... They are growing up fast. They just won't stop growing... : ) These are a few cute pictures from this winter.

It's been a bit cold for us Floridians this winter so Ryan actually gets to wear his hoodie.

Christina's 1st Pigtails!

Add a few wrinkles and that's what he'll look like when he's old and gray... Lol

Our Little Reindeer!

Chubby Moose Moose!

Pretty Girl!

Handsome Young Man!

Silas home with the Lord!

2009-11-02T06:28:00.000-08:00

If you click on Ms. Karen's link on the side of my blog (kdforthecongo) you will hear the testimony of the day the Lord took Silas home! This past Sunday, the Lord's day!

Update for Silas - 10/30/09

2009-10-30T07:22:00.000-07:00

This is the latest update regarding Silas from our pastor this morning:

Please pray for 2 year old Silas Blackburn, son of Nick & Karen Blackburn who has stage 4 neuroblastoma cancer.

Silas contracted a severe bone infection about one month ago that resulted in him being hospitalized and some intense antibiotics were begun. The hospital stay also interrupted his treatment and diet. Over the last month the cancer has come back with a vengeance. Bro. Nick has returned home to be with his wife and children.

Yesterday morning Silas woke up with severe head pain and was taken to ER. The CAT scan has revealed that there is more cancer growth in his head behind the eyes. The Blackburns have decided to discontinue the antibiotics and treatments and only give him meds for pain and feed him through the feeding tube. To just be home and not have to travel back and forth to Gulfbreeze for treatments and to the hospital for antibiotic infusions will be a blessing. He is tired, and has endured much suffering, and the parents feel what is best is that he needs to just rest now. Hospice has been called to pick up the care of Silas. He is now at home on Morphine for pain.

Please pray for Silas and that God would sustain the Blackburns with his all sufficient grace at this time. Thanks to all for your prayers and many cards, notes, and encouragement to the Blackburns as well as the many gifts that have been given since May of this year. Lord bless you all. God is still on the throne.

Pastor Buddy Maynard
Truth Baptist Church

Immediate Prayer Needed for Silas

2009-10-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

Silas is in the emergency room having seizures. Please pray fervently for him. He is not doing well....

Please Pray for Silas!

2009-10-24T10:20:00.001-07:00

This is a message that my pastor's wife posted on another website....

Please pray for Silas Blackburn, he is at his lowest point, the next few days will be important for a turn around... please pray for Nick and Karen and for our little church...please send messages but do not overwhelm them with phone calls right now.. thank you...

Silas is in need of much prayer and supplication right now. I have personally seen physical changes overnight happening to this little guy. Please lift him up in your prayers!

Silas in the Hospital

2009-10-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have done any updates on Silas. Ms. Karen has posted at times and I felt as though most were probably reading her blog. Silas has been doing well for a child with such a aggressive form of cancer. He has had his "good days" and bad ones. His cancer has gone down greatly over the past 2 months and we praise the Lord for that.

Silas was taken to the hospital Friday with what was an apparent swollen arm. He was admitted with a serious bone infection and could be in the hospital for up to 14 days. Please pray that he heals quickly and he will be able to come home sooner than that. With Ms. Karen being in the hospital with Silas and Bro. Nick on the road, the children are with the Maynard Family. They are well taken care of, but there is not place like home.

We thank you for all your continued prayers.

Our Cutie's

2009-09-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

These are a few pictures of the kids over the last couple of months. Hope you enjoy!

Here is our moose moose! He is the smiliest guy ever.

Ryan with his Sadie girl!

Christina waking up with her turtle!

Mmmmmm! Pizza!

My two little guys!

A Few Cute Pictures

2009-07-17T19:55:00.001-07:00

As I am sure you probably noticed life has picked up pace since Joshua was born. Not to mention life in general just doesn't seem to slow down much around here. I figured since it was a bit quiet tonight I would take advantage of at least posting a few pictures of the kids. A couple of them are too funny!

Here are my 3 peas waking up one morning. Can you tell by their puffy eyes? They are all so sweet together.

Look! I lost a tooth. He is now actually missing 3 on top. It is a huge gap. I don't know how the poor guy eats. :D

This is why you don't let daddy get the kids dressed for church! :D He had a little fun getting her dressed the other day. We died laughing. Let's just say I fixed her up a bit before we went to church and we left the shades at home.

This is our little Joshua. He's not so little anymore, he is our big 10+ pounder. He's a cute little guy, huh!

That's all for now. Hopefully I will be able to do some posts a little more often now that we are trying to get into a better routine around here. Hope you at least got a little laugh.

Meet Joshua Stephen and More!

2009-06-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

We were blessed to have Joshua Stephen on June 9th, weighing in at 7lbs 7oz and 20 1/4 inches long. Ryan and Christina have both enjoyed their new brother. Christina gives him kisses on a regular basis, she has been very sweet to him. Ryan takes every opportunity he can to hold him and love on him also.

If you want to see his first pictures at the hospital you can visit Steve's blog at http://www.thefatherscall.blogspot.com/. He even has a cute video clip on there.

Sweet Big Sister!

Proud Big Brother!

Now This is the Life!

Life is Hard!

A Day at the Beach!

Safe from the Sun!

Cute Sandy Toes!

Christina enjoyed life away from the water!

Ryan was a little more adventurous!

Christina helped Daddy dig a hole.

So they could put Ryan in it!

Watch Out!

Getting ready to give kisses, how sweet!

Getting a little shade!

Oh, what a long day!

Silas Doing Well!!

2009-06-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

We are praising the Lord to be able to give you such a wonderful update on Silas today. He has just gone through his second round of chemotherapy and is doing very well. He is doing better right now than he has done since January, which is prior to his diagnosis. He is not experiencing many of the side effects that they were sure for him to encounter. Ms. Karen has been administering a regimen of natural supplements to Silas to try and counteract the side effects and they are working. He is walking and talking like he hasn't done in months. After his first round of chemotherapy he could not walk when returning home, but he is now. He has been playing, laughing and having fun like he hasn't done in a long time. Before he was diagnosed he had gotten to a point of not wanting anything to do with anyone or even wanting anyone picking him up. We are sure due to his pain level. He has now returned to a fun loving little boy! Willingly giving out hugs and loves. We can't thank and praise the Lord enough for his wonderful grace and mercy at this time.

Ms. Karen, Paige and Silas are currently staying at the Ronald McDonald house just blocks from the hospital. They check in daily at the hospital for them to do the necessary tests on his blood counts, etc. If all continues well they will be able to come home for another period of time soon until his future treatments are necessary. We know that things can change rapidly and there is no telling what tomorrow may hold, but we thank you all for your continued prayers and support. The Lord has shown he is able and we are thankful.

Ryan's Birthday

2009-06-03T19:39:00.000-07:00

I figured I better get on here and put up some pictures of Ryan's birthday before the baby comes. Lord willing it will be any time. It feels like it anyway!

He was spoiled as usual. : ) These are just a few pictures. Hope you enjoy.

He got some new skates as you can see. Wait until you see him try and use them. : )

Nothing like a Deere. John Deere that is!

Now on to cake. I couldn't' pass up the little turtles. They were too cute.

And then Bro. Bob thought Ryan needed a little decoration himself. : )

Let's just say Ryan needs a little practice on his skates. I didn't go out with him for his first trial run. : ) I will definitely have to help him out a bit.

Where is the Baby Going to Go?

2009-05-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

For those of you that have asked one of these questions:

"Where are you going to put the baby?"
"Are you going to hang him from the ceiling?
"What are you going to do, put him in a drawer?

I thought I would give you some peace of mind that we do have a place to put him. Ryan, Christina and Joshua will all have their own bed. Though it may not be the standard bed, it is one their very own.

This is Joshua's little area. Complete with shelves and a closet. : ) The only thing we have to worry about is his big sister!

Of course, this must be Christina's. She is the only one who would stand for pink. : ) Snuggled right up next to her soon to be little brother. We are going to have some major training to do though. I caught her standing in his bed today!

I'd show you a picture of Ryan's area but it needs a bit of work right now. He just had his birthday yesterday and we haven't recovered. I am in the process of that today. Finding room is sometimes hard to do, but we usually get it done. I'll post some of his half of the room along with some birthday pictures in the next day or so.

The Faith of a Child

2009-05-27T15:25:00.000-07:00

I have had this video uploaded to my drafts for quite some time now. I kept thinking of posting it on my blog but never had peace that the timing was right and never knew what to say. I have decided it is time to post it today though I know some of you have already seen this video clip. I don't feel there is anything I can write at this time to add to this video, it speaks for itself. Though very simple, it is at the same time profound. I pray that you will just listen to the words of this young boy and that the Lord will use it in some ones life. All we need to remember is to always run to "Him".

Silas at Graduation!

2009-05-24T13:18:00.001-07:00

I didn't want to do an update until it actually came to pass, so I waited patiently.

Silas was able to come home for a visit until his next round of treatments starting June 1st. Of course that is as long as he stays healthy and there are no complications.

Our graduation for the boys academy was this weekend and he was able to come. We had an area set up for him in the back where he could watch, but not everyone could get close to him. His immune system is low, so extra precautions were necessary. His big brother Hunter graduated from Kindergarten though and he didn't want to miss it. : )

It sure was good seeing him home! The Lord worked it out wonderfully for him to be able to come home and everyone was able to make it to graduation. The Lord is sooo good!

He had a little snack before it all got started. He did very well. The doctors have been in amazement at how well he has been doing. We pray the Lord continues to marvel them with his miraculous healing.

As I mentioned above, Silas will be returning to Shand's for his next treatments June 1st. Please continue to pray as the side effects of the chemo therapy are very grievous. As you can imagine a second round is only going to add to that, but we know that the Lord is able.

Thank you for your prayers!

Silas Blackburn Fund

2009-05-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

Our church will be starting a fund for all the expenses that will be acquired due to Silas' illness.

Below are some portions of an e-mail that our pastor sent out today:

Since May 5th, Silas has been a patient at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. The treatment thus far has been Chemotherapy to try to stop the cancer, and reduce the tumors. The chemotherapy has awful side effects, and Silas is in much pain, and he is already losing his hair. There has been contact with a doctor who was trained at Shands Hospital as an oncologist who is now practicing a lot of natural treatments on his patients, and they have been very successful. Please pray that God would give direction concerning these alternative treatments that have proven to work.

Bro. Nick is still on deputation. He just returned from a meeting in Texas this weekend. We are going to fly him to far away meetings whenever possible so that he can be with his wife most of the time. As you know, deputation yields the funds necessary to barely make it for a family of 10. The Blackburn's have not asked for anything. But I know as their pastor that they are not eating well, and are struggling to take care of the family in two different locations. Gainesville is 4 hours away. They have secured lodging in the Ronald McDonald house near the hospital. It is 10.00 a day. While this is very reasonable at 300.00 a month, it is still a lot when you don't have it. The church here is doing all it can to help, but our church is not a large one. We have a fund that we have set up for the Blackburn family and Silas. They will be incurring more expenses when we begin the alternative treatments. If you can or would like to help in any way, money is what is needed. These monies will be used to provide treatment for Silas, and to sustain the basic necessities for the Blackburn family. Thank you for any help that you can give them at this time. These can be sent to the following address:

Make checks payable to:

Truth Baptist Church (memo the check for: Silas Blackburn Fund)

4015 Maynard Dr.
Panama City, Florida 32404

Any questions can be directed to me at (850) 774-0300.

For God's Glory,

Buddy Maynard

As most of you know, Silas does better some days than others. Overall his days are still filled with pain and trials. I know I say this often, but we can't thank you enough for all your prayers and support. I know the Blackburn's are especially grateful. We couldn't imagine what it would be like without your constant prayer. We have seen many prayers answered already and hope that you will continue to pray and share the need for prayer for Silas with others.

Silas Doing a Better

2009-05-19T07:56:00.000-07:00

Silas is doing better this morning. He had two episodes of high fever last night, but Ms. Karen was able to bundle him up on her chest for him to be able to sweat them off. That in and of itself is a blessing because he doesn't always want to be held because it can be uncomfortable. His platelet level went up on its own, which is a huge answer to prayer. Bro. Rob's platelets are there and ready for when he needs them. Ms. Karen wrote us a text saying she asked the nurse if platelets ever go up on their own and the nurse said "No" and she said they were all surprised. She also wrote that "My God is Mighty!". She sure is right, we know He is and we know that prayer works. We witnessed it last night and have continually throughout his illness thus far.

They have had may problems with the blood and platelets that have been donated being used and processed properly. Please pray that these problems will not continue. That will make the process a lot smoother when the time comes for them to be needed.

They have decided to keep Silas at Shand's in Gainesville and not try and transfer him to Pensacola. Though Pensacola is closer, it does not have the cancer ward that Shand's has. Please pray for the doctor's wisdom and the Blackburn's wisdom when dealing with the doctors during this time. It is just a difficult situation.

They are going to try and bring the rest of the children over for visits regularly so that Ms. Karen can see them. Bro. Nick is going to be in and out trying to continue his deputation so he will need much prayer. Paige, Aaron and Ms. Chris are staying with Ms. Karen to help, so they all need much prayer.

Please pray especially that Silas has a good week this week. Our graduation is this weekend and Hunter will be graduating from Kindergarten. We are praying that he does well so that Ms. Karen will feel at liberty to be able to come and see him graduate. Even if she comes right before and leaves right after, that would be an encouragement for Hunter and Ms. Karen.

Thank you for all your prayers!

Please Help Pray Silas Through the Night

2009-05-18T21:58:00.000-07:00

I know that it is very late and many are in bed, but I pray that there are some that get this and are able to help pray for Silas tonight.

Ms. Karen has asked for prayer. Silas has a fever and his platelets are very low. Ms. Karen said he is very restless and acting in a way she has never seen before. They are asking for us to pray him through the night.

Please help pray that Bro. Rob's platelets arrive EARLY in the morning for them to be able to give them to Silas. We have had quite a few people already that have given whole blood and platelets on behalf of Silas and will continue to need more people to give as time goes on.

Pray the Lord gives peace and comfort to Silas and the family tonight. Thank you for all who were able to pray. I will try and give an update in the morning when one is given.

Thank You!

The Kids in Action

2009-05-16T20:26:00.000-07:00

I haven't done any posts on the kids recently so I thought I would do that today.

Like most kids would, Ryan wanted me to video him in action on his bike. He can catch a little air on our little speed bump out front if he gets going good enough.

Of course he likes to pose for the camera also. Not really actually. He usually puts on a fake cheesy smile.

As I mentioned before he likes bikes and bb guns. We were able to spend a little time at the pond the other day so he was able to get out his bb gun. Let's just say Big Daddy doesn't like turtles in the pond, they eat his fish.

Now on to Christina. I was gone for a couple of days to a ladies retreat a couple of months ago and Christina spent a good bit of time at the Maynard's because Steve had to work. If you want to know what kind of influence Russell has on children, below is an example of what he taught Christina.

She is quite a regular goof ball. She gives us laughs on a regular basis, as you can see by her cheesy little grin.

Did I mention the fact that she is all girl. She likes all the little frilly things any little girl should. Perfume, lotion, necklaces and more! She just thinks she is too cute.

Fever and Blood Count Still Dropping

2009-05-16T06:27:00.001-07:00

Silas is in need of much prayer this morning. He has a fever and his blood counts are dropping rapidly still. They are giving him the remainder of Aaron's blood this morning, but will not have Russell and Clay's blood until tomorrow. They are hoping that will hold him off before more is needed. Please pray that his blood counts stay stable until the other blood arrives.

Please pray much for Bro. Nick, Ms. Karen, Ms. Chris, Paige and Aaron as they are all there with Silas. It is one thing to be afar and another to be right there watching all the ups and downs. I know the Lord's grace is sufficient.

Thank you for your earnest prayers!

Silas' Blood Count Dropping

2009-05-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

We received word early this morning that Silas' blood counts have been dropping. He will be in need of blood again in the next couple of days. He will also need to be put back on a morphine drip for his pain. He is not ready to leave the hospital yet and will be staying there for now. The Lord is in control of it all. Please keep Silas and his family in your prayers. Ms. Karen has been updating her blog fairly regularly also with updates. You can read her latest blog there and see some pictures of Silas that she has been posting. Her blog is www.kdforthecongo.blogspot.com .

Thank you for all your support and prayers!

News Regarding Silas

2009-05-12T13:38:00.000-07:00

It came to my attention last night that some of my initial blogs were inaccurate regarding the locations of Silas' tumors. I have already went and edited my posts for those who have not already read them and wanted to clarify the locations of his cancer for those who already had. With emotions high and everyone on edge some of the information was not passed correctly.

To sum it up here are the locations of Silas's tumors:

He has 4 spots on his head, only one of them is growing into the bone of his skull, they are not on the brain.
He has one soft tissue tumor under his right arm. (It is not in his lymph nodes, Praise the Lord!)
The cancer is in the bone of the right arm and left leg.
The cancer originated in his adrenal gland, which is the tumor that spans his abdomen.

I am sorry for the confusion, I wanted to make sure that all of the information was presented accurately.

As of today, they are looking for Silas to possibly be able to come home for a small visit this weekend before hopefully being transferred to Sacred Heart in Pensacola. He ran a fever last night, but the fever has since gone away today. To be transferred he needs to be able to keep his food down and not have any more fevers.

Please pray that all goes well over the next few days so that these events will come to pass. It would be a huge blessing to have him closer to home. We know that the Lord will direct where he wants him to be. It is in His hands.

Prayer Requests for Silas - May 11th, 2009

2009-05-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

Though Silas has shown signs of improvement since given chemotherapy, there are still many trials ahead. Bro. Buddy and Aaron Maynard donated blood for times when it was needed. We also have many others that are able to give and have it designated for him. He was in need of blood this morning and they were going to give him blood from an unknown donor. Ms. Karen requested that they did not do so, but they have given her a hard time. Bro. Buddy's blood was ready and available, it was just going to take 30 minutes to make it to where it needed to go. Please pray that they are cooperative in giving him the blood that is designated for him and not just any blood from the blood bank.

They also need much prayer regarding getting him transferred to Sacred Heart in Pensacola. They have a good cancer ward there as well. He would be much closer and it would give all of us easier access to them and Ms. Karen to the other children. They just need prayers that Shand's would be cooperative in allowing him to transfer and that Sacred Heart has a Pediatric Oncologist willing to take him on.

Right now his treatment plan is for him to have chemo 3 days in a row and take a break for 3 weeks to build his immune system back up. After that he may be able to come home for a visit. It just all has to do with how well he has handled the chemotherapy and what effect it had on the cancer. They have a long term treatment plan for him, but to begin they plan on going through that cycle a few times to get the cancer in remission Lord willing.

Bro. Buddy had a conversation with the ladies while he was donating blood that I thought would be good to share. I have copied and pasted that portion of his e-mail below.

I had an interesting conversation with a nurse at the Blood Bank there in Gainesville on Saturday morning. She told me how that when these cancer patients need new blood, they will take the contaminated blood (due to the cancer and the chemotherapy) and replace it with the donor's healthy blood. She said that they trade the sick, diseased blood with healthy, pure blood. I put a big smile on my face and told the nurse that I had that done years ago. She responded, "you had a blood transfusion?" I said to her, "yes Ma'am." I continued, "Years ago, I had sick blood that was contaminated by sin. Jesus Christ replaced that 'bad blood' with his, and since then I have been a picture of perfect spiritual health, and I have eternal life!" This black nurse smiled really big and said, "Honey chile, you shore did!" Glory to God!! As a result of this conversation and others, I preached a message Sunday morning at church on "the Blood". Praise God for the salvation, sin-cleansing, sonship, sancitification, strength, and security found in the "Blood of Jesus Christ". (Hebrews 10:19-23)

Praise the Lord for His Blood!

Silas is Eating!

2009-05-09T16:10:00.000-07:00

One hour after Silas' chemotherapy yesterday he not only ate some fries, but devoured them Ms. Karen said. He had not been able to keep any food down for about five days prior to that, so it is a huge blessing. This morning he ate a banana and fed himself yogurt. Not just a little cup either from what I understand. Now they can't keep enough food in him! She also said that today he has played some. He has mainly slept this past week so that is another encouragement.

I will keep updating my blog even if it is just small tidbits like today.

The Lord is good! Thank you for all your prayers!

Answer to Pray on Silas - 5/8/09

2009-05-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

Silas' bone marrow tests came back last night and his marrow is cancer free! Praise the Lord! We know that Silas still has challenges ahead, but his marrow being cancer free makes the process that much easier.

This is a short update for now, but I wanted to share the good news. If you have not read all my previous posts regarding Silas, please do so. My first post has a link where you can send a message to them at the hospital. They could use much support and encouragement during this time.

Thank you again for all your prayers!

Update on Silas - May 7th, 2009

2009-05-07T08:08:00.000-07:00

As of today they will be starting chemotherapy on Silas. They were relieved to know that only one of the tumors on Silas's head are growing into his skull and are not attached to his brain. Silas does have a tumor in the bone of one leg and the bone of one of his arms. They have not received the results yet regarding his bone marrow, but their earnest prayer is that his marrow is cancer free. It would be a great anwer to prayer!

Bro. Nick will be returning home for the weekend and spending some time with the other children. He will be taking them with him to a meeting that he has this Sunday and then down to Gainesville also to see Silas.

We thank you all for your prayers and support. We know that the Lord's is in control and he has a purpose for all that he does.

"God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend."

Job 37:5

Prayer Needed For Silas

2009-05-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

Silas Blackburn is the 8th child born to Nick and Karen Blackburn, missionaries on deputation to the Congo. He is their youngest child and recently just turned 2 years old.

Silas has just been diagnosed with a Stage 4 form of cancer called Neuroblastoma. It is a form of cancer that attacks the nervous system in children. At this time they have recommended aggressive chemotherapy and only give him a 20-30% survival rate.

In recent weeks his parents had noticed that his lymph node under his arm was swollen. It began to grow so they took him to the doctor. The doctors first reaction was to give him an antibiotic, stating that is was probably an infection of the gland. They returned to the doctor days later with Silas because a bump had began to form on his head while sleeping. The doctor ran some tests last Thursday and Friday with another bump occurring over the weekend. By Monday Silas could not keep down any food, the tests showed abnormal blood work and he was given a CAT scan. They then found tumors on his head and he was immediately released from Panama City to be taken to Shands Children's Hospital in Gainesville, FL.

Since his arrival there, he has undergone much testing. They have found tumors all throughout his body. He has some on his head with one growing into his skull. The cancer is in his adrenal gland. He has a major tumor spanning across his stomach that originated from his adrenal gland. This afternoon he underwent surgery to check his bone marrow, do some biopsies in various areas and put in a port for easier access to his veins. He came through all of that well.

Currently they have him on a morphine drip to control his pain. Within the next day or so they are looking to have a plan of action on how to attack the cancer. They have had a hard time because it is a very aggressive cancer and he is very small.

We ask for your earnest prayers for Silas and the whole Blackburn family. They have been fervently on the road since January seeking support to make it to the Congo. Bro. Nick will need much prayer as he tries to continue deputation and minister to his family. Mrs. Chris Maynard, our pastor's wife is with them and plans to stay for as long as she needs to help. She also has health problems and could use much prayer. It is very tiring and taxing on their bodies. Bro. Buddy, our pastor, plans to make trips back and forth to be supportive also.

For those who would like to contact the Blackburn family or send a message of support you can contact them by going to http://www.shands.org/. You then click on "For Patients and Public", next you click on "Send a Patient a Message". Once there you put in Silas' name and room number, which is 4528. They are very tired and have received a volume of phone calls, this will help them rest a bit more and still receive messages from everyone.

I will post updates on my blog as I receive them. We thank you all for your prayers and support during this time.

"Be Not Now Negligent"

2009-04-28T15:23:00.000-07:00

I am not sure who all has read any of my previous posts, but a couple of weeks ago I had a post called “Lord of All!”. It was of a poem I had found in one of my books and I had added this verse which the Lord had dealt with me about a few days after reading the poem.

“My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him…..” II Chronicles 29:11

The Lord showed me how negligent and neglectful I am in areas of my life and how we as Christians are in so many areas. Since then we have also had Family Conference at our church, which the Lord has shown me more areas of neglect in my life. I know that we all have them and that many of them may be different, but I believe that there are some key areas that all Christians are prone to neglect. I think that most would agree that Bible reading and prayer are at the top of the list of areas that we neglect. It is so easy to get up in the morning with purpose and a list of things that need accomplished and we could breeze right by spending time with the Lord. I know it’s easy because I have done it and done it more than once! Without a doubt it has been more difficult for me since my second child was born and I am about to add a third child to that. If there are not purposes made in our hearts to make time with Him it can easily be neglected and before we know it He isn’t Lord of anything in our lives.

Our service is another great area of neglect. There are countless ways to serve the Lord, but are we? I know that we all have different callings, talents and purposes for the Lord so it is hard to pick out what yours may be. For all of us it should be Soul Winning. It doesn’t matter who you are, there are souls around you to be saved. We live in a trailer park and to be quite honest with you I know that we have not done our best to try and win the souls around us to the Lord. Yes, we have made contact with those around us, but not to the extent that I know we could. If you are not praying, passing out tracts or witnessing to anyone you meet you have a great area of neglect in your life. If you have children and are not teaching them about the Lord outside of church or having them learn scripture, that is an even greater area of neglect. If we have no other calling it is to see our children saved! If we rest their souls upon only what they hear during church services we might as well be called in for child neglect. I have failed in many areas of teaching and training my children, but our goal should always be to do better.

How do you think that we minister to the Lord? By ministering to others! Most of us would never admit it, but we are SELFISH. If you can sit there and say that you’re not then you might want to ask somebody close to you and see if they agree. You might be surprised. I am not saying that we don’t care about others or that we are not giving, but usually it is only when we feel up to it. We tend to get so wrapped up in our lives that we can seldom see the needs of others. I can guarantee you that there is some one around you that could use some ministering. There are people who would just like a short visit, a phone call or a card. If we were really in tune with the Lord He would show us the people that need ministering and ways that we could minister to them. The Lord has a way of laying certain people on our hearts that he might not have laid on some one else’s heart. That is because he knows who can meet their needs. Have you ever noticed that certain people are drawn together? That is because the Lord knows who can help that person in their time of need. If some one came to me about losing a close loved one I wouldn’t know what to say because I have never lost anyone that close to me. However some of you have and you would be able to help a person who may go through that. You just have to make yourself available. We often don’t make ourselves available and more than likely miss out on a blessing from the Lord.

There are many more areas I could have mentioned, you just have to make it personal to yourself. Has the Lord shown you areas you have neglected? As Bro. Keenan said this week in Family Conference “Just take steps.” The only way to make progress in our areas of failure is to start taking steps.

A Day at the Park

2009-04-20T05:21:00.001-07:00

We had a fun day at the park the other day. While Christina enjoyed exploring and pushing around the stroller, Ryan was a little more adventurous.

Once a little gun shy on the swing, now a fearless jumper! Look out below!

Basketball, who needs basketball?

Swoosh! It's in.

What's this stuff?

Look, I'm up here.

Two too cute babies!

Lord of All!

2009-04-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

I looked upon a farm one day, that once I used to own;
The barn had fallen to the ground, the fields were overgrown,

The house in which my children grew, where we had lived for years..
I turned to see it broken down, and brushed aside the tears.

I looked upon my soul one day to find it too had grown
With thorns and nettles everywhere, the seeds neglect had sown.

The years had passed while I cared for the things of lesser worth:
The things of Heaven I let go when minding things of earth.

To Christ I turned with bitter tears, and cried "O Lord forgive!
I haven't much time left for Thee, not many years to live."

The wasted years forever gone, the days I can't recall;
If I could live those days again, I'd make Him Lord of all.

Theodore W. Brennan

II Chronicles 2:29

My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him...

Coming Soon!

2009-04-14T10:21:00.001-07:00

Joshua Stephen

Well I finally did it. I let Steve take a picture of my belly (without my face of course!). We are now on the coutdown. : ) We only have 8 weeks left until my due date. He is due on June 7th and we are anxiously waiting. We still have preparations to make, but it will all come together. We are blessed to be having another child. I wouldn't trade them for the world! I just pray we do our part in teaching and training them for the Lord.

Proverbs 22:6

¶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

He is Risen!

2009-04-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

The Saviour

Luke 24

¶ Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
8 And they remembered his words,
9 And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.
10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.
11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
13 ¶ And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
36 ¶ And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
43 And he took it, and did eat before them.
44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
50 ¶ And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

The Salvation

Romans 10:9-15

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 ¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

The Sin

Romans 3:23

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Luke 18:9-13

¶ And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

A Breathe of Fresh Air

2009-04-10T16:53:00.000-07:00

We were able to get out today and enjoy some fresh air. It seems as though we have been too busy to do much of that lately. The kids sure enjoyed it. Ryan and Steve enjoyed tossing the baseball, while Christina enjoyed running around and trying to escape!

Cheesy Grin!

Sweet Smiles!

Though some days seem long, the Lord is always faithful to give rest and a time for family. Even if it's only for a few minutes or hours at a time.

Got It!

Get Me!

We are thankful for every minute and hour we get to spend with our children. They are not ours, but the Lords! They are such a blessing to have and to be around. If we have no other calling, it's to raise our children for Him!

Meet Christina

2009-04-07T18:26:00.000-07:00

Christina (also known as Chunka Munk) - 15 months old

Hopes to be a help meet and homemaker one day! Christina is full of energy, enthusiasm and plenty of emotions. She loves getting into things, getting snacks and just plain getting attention. She gives lots of loves, lots of kisses and LOTS of jabber. Enjoys trips to the park and any chance to be outside.

Meet Ryan

2009-04-07T17:58:00.000-07:00

Ryan (also known as Bubba)- 7 years old

Aspiring preacher, part-time cowboy and fisherman. Ryan likes to read his Bible, ride his bike, shoot his red rider bb gun and just plain run. He is a great big brother and great help at home. He loves to sing and loves to make his little sister smile. He enjoys school and is in the 3rd grade of home schooling using the A.C.E. program.