TRUSTING - DAY 12 - THANKFUL FOR SUNDAY

This morning when I awakened, I embraced the fact that this was the day the Lord had made and I would rejoice in it. I was grateful to be in the 2nd service and be with our wonderful church family.
Leta, I wore the hat you sent me. Imagine this...........I had the PERFECT jacket to wear with the leopard trim hat!

After service we came home to a wonderfully prepared meal, of which I was able to eat! PTL!

This afternoon Gary and I walked a mile (before it got so windy!). When we returned home, we had our glorious Sunday afternoon nap:)

This morning in service, I shared with the congregation one of the nuggets, the Lord spoke to my heart during Radiation last week: Your neediness, when responded to properly, is a link into the Presence of God. As Gary and I went to bed last evening, we had a need. I desperately wanted to be well enough to attend church. We prayed. We slept well and was able to enjoy our Day of Worship!

Enjoyed having Meg and Neely stop by this evening!
They also showed Grammy how to do the Elliptical. They make it look so EASY!! (NOT!!!)

TRUSTING - DAY 11 - SUNNY SATURDAY

I love this picture of Gary. What a beautiful day!

It was a beautiful Sunny Saturday. I haven't been too perky today, but that didn't diminish the fact that it was a beautiful day. This afternoon, Gary and I took a stroll out to the bench. I donned the new hat that my girlfriend, Virginia, brought by to me this morning (I think Gary was trying to get a picture of the "bling" butterfly on top of the hat:)

We sat in the sun, while Gary told me all about the Ceremonies he had attended. I was so sorry I wasn't able to attend these special occasions, but I enjoyed having him tell me all about them.

The first event of the morning was to honor our friend Dr. Kurtis Koll, at the Cameron Aggie Family and Friends Awards Lunch where Dr. Koll was inducted into the Cameron University Faculty Hall of Fame. Congratulations Dr. Koll!The next event was a Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony for John and Marline Fotuaika. Gary said it was one of the sweetest ceremonies he has had the privilege of being a part of. Afterwards they hosted a Luau to celebrate with family and friends. Visiting with the family Gary found out that they were from Tonga. They were part of the church when Dwain and Jeanne Jones were missionaries in Tonga. You can imagine their surprise when they found out that we are very good friends with the Jones Family. WHAT A SMALL WORLD!! We couldn't wait to call Dwain and Jeanne and tell them about meeting this AWESOME family!


Thank you all for the cards, texts, messages on FaceBook, e-mails, and meals that I have received. Every spoken, and written word has been so much encouragement, and although I may not be able to respond to each one individually, please know that my heart is full of love and gratitude for you.

As Gary and I went to bed, although I had struggled throughout the day, we prayed that God would renew my strength for Sunday. GOD IS FAITHFUL!

TRUSTING - DAY 10 - MAIL RUN

My sister, Fara, is a realtor in Colorado. She told me that one of the agents in her office wanted to send me a couple of hats that she had worn. She is a cancer survivor. So today, when Gary checked the mail, he brought a package in. As I opened it, I knew that this gal was definitely a GIRLFRIEND! One of the hats was black and had leopard trim and the other one was covered in BLING!! Well, you know me, I had to wear the BLING hat right away:) Her note to me was a precious reminder that in God's Family we are all "sisters in the Lord". Though I have never met this wonderful new Girlfriend, I was embraced by her love. Thank you sweet Leta.

I am at Julio's getting ready to eat lunch. Love the hat, Leta!

TRUSTING - Day 10 -TGIF

I woke up Thankful that it was Friday!
My devotion reminded me that a grateful heart protects you from negative thinking. I determined I would go into treatment GRATEFUL. I have so much to be grateful for.
I am grateful for my precious husband. As I leave to go into Radiation, he sits in the waiting room, reading scripture and praying for me.
I had an experience this morning during my Radiation Treatment that I will never forget.
As I listened to the song "Deeper" on the PlanetShakers CD, I felt God's presence. He lifted me up and cradled me in His arms. His amazing peace surrounded me.
As we left the Cancer Center, I told Gary about the experience. I could still feel the presence of God. After I had shared with Gary, I picked up my phone and there was a text from a young man, whom I have never received a text from. The text read, "This is Carey Leighow, my prayer for you now is; Father, I pray you would allow Debbie to lay in your arms and you would nourish her body, mind and soul to make it through the test and trials the enemy has set before her" The peace that washed over the both of us, driving down Gore Blvd., was the unmistakable assurance that God had allowed me to lay in His arms and I was nourished.
I went home to rest for a while and at lunch, I was able to go to one of our favorite restaurants Julio's and have an enchilada with white cheese sauce!! PTL!

If you would like to listen to the song I referred to, follow this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHAW9YfU8r8

TRUSTING - DAY 9 - DAY AFTER CHEMO

This morning after I finished radiation I felt good so we stopped by the office for a few minutes.
Left to right: Tashia, Debbie (sporting my new hat that Pastor Lacey and Paula bought me) Cindy (my daughter) and Danyel!

The Pastoral Staff along with other Team Leaders of LFA, went to Gateway for the Connect Pastor's Conference. We always look forward to this conference, but this year we were unable to go. They were so thoughtful and brought great CD's, DVD's and this snappy hat that I could not wait to wear:) The gals went to Charmin' Charlies! I LOVE THAT PLACE!! It has more bling in one place than should be legal!! It is such a fun place to shop! They took a picture for me though and let me know they missed me.


Thank you staff for your thoughtfulness! You are LOVED!

Today I have been very tired. After I got home, around 11:00 I rested for a while. Gary had appointments at the office, so I called my neighbor Renee and ask her if she would walk a mile with me. It took us a little longer and a couple of rests along the way, but we made it. Thank you Renee for joining me in a leisurely stroll:)
It was a beautiful day and by this evening, I felt like catching up on my blog.
This afternoon these beautiful yellow roses were delivered to me. Someone knows how much I love yellow roses. They were sent with a note of encouragement that spoke to my heart.
Thank you!


My darlin' is trying to put some weight on me. (I lost 3 lbs) so he took me to Braums and got me a butterfinger mix! That's a good end to the day!

TRUSTING - DAY 8 - 2ND ROUND CHEMO

2nd Round of Chemo went ok. Gary wasn't feeling well, so as soon as they got my IV started, I talked him into going to the Doctors office. His eyes had almost swollen shut. So he went and once the nurse took a look at him, she said he had to stay and see the doctor. Thankfully, they were able to get him in immediately. He got some meds and headed back down to sit with me. So, when you pray, remember Gary also! I'm so grateful for a husband that is so tender and loving towards me. Even when He didn't feel well, he was doing everything to make me comfortable and smiling. I love him.

The blanket was brought to me by my girlfriend, Wanda Gipson. It has green frogs all over it. She said that it stands for Fully Relying On God.
That I AM doing!

Two down! Thank you for your continued prayers on my behalf!!
I go in every Wednesday for Radiation, Lab, Dr. Visit, then Chemo. The day starts around 8:15 and ends around 3:00. I have been pretty wiped out by the time I get home. It takes a few hours before I get my legs under me:)

I'm so blessed to have a Pastoral Staff and Support Staff that is wonderful, compassionate and supportive. Linda Barnes is sitting with me while Gary preaches on Wednesday night. That is a highlight of his week. He loves preaching to the awesome congregation of LFA!
The time with Linda has been refreshing to my spirit as she cares, shares and prays for me. I'm so abundantly blessed and I am so very grateful!

TRUSTING - DAY 7 - GARY VISITS TREATMENT

On Tuesday, they allowed Gary to come into the Treatment room. Here are two of the wonderful ladies that take care of me. They are very kind, always with a smile! They have always put me at ease and allowed me to prepare in my own time.

Ashley is getting me situated on the table
I'm placing my lollipop in my mouth. That's a little more appealing name for the block I have in my mouth during the treatment

The mask is being secured

Lining up the laser beams

Preparing to administer the radiation treatment
Once this is in place they leave the room and go into the control center

This is the control center where they can hear me and watch me.

Ashley was explaining the radiation process to Gary

At the beginning of this treatment process I was extremely tense. Each day that I have gone in, Gary has been in a private waiting room for the radiation patient's family. There he reads scripture and prays over me while I am in the treatment. I know that so many of you have been praying for me every day at 9:45 - I have felt the prayers.
After the first day, I was sharing with my daddy how intense it was for me. He said, "Baby, this morning as I was praying for you, the Lord reminded me of a song and I began singing it over you. So tomorrow when you go in, you just remember this song and you will be comforted."
The song was : Shut In With God in a Secret place, there in His presence beholding His face, finding the courage to run this life's race, Oh how I love to be Shut In With God." So the next morning, as I went in I began thinking about the words to the song, knowing that Gary had chosen scripture for Peace, and I wasn't tense.

I'm finding that as I am SHUT IN WITH GOD, He is speaking.

TRUSTING - DAY 6 - ORDINATION BANQUET

After a very full and wonderful day spent with my Girlfriend Christie, Gary picked me up and took me to Johnna and Joe's house so we could change for the Banquet that evening. I got some rest then we went to the Petroleum Club in Edmond to meet with the 2011 Ordination Candidates and the Oklahoma District Officials. The Banquet was very elegant, the food was delicious and being with the wonderful men and women that will be Ordained and hearing their stories was y priceless.

For those of you that have followed our 27 years in the ministry, you know that we never thought that we would see this day happen in our lifetime. We have served Assembly of God churches faithfully over these years, without being credentialed by the Assemblies of God. Our love and loyalty has always been with this wonderful denomination. However, in the providence of God's time and His will for our lives, we are now going to be Ordained with the Assemblies of God, on April 26, 2011. We are so grateful and look forward to what God has in store for us.

This process all began several years ago. God knew that I would be in this battle when He appointed the time of Ordination. I am asking that all of you, friends and family, agree with me, that I will be able to attend my Ordination, with strength and health! In JESUS NAME!

TRUSTING - DAY 6 - GIRLFRIEND TIME

Day 6 started out with my girlfriend, Christie picking me up at 9:15. First stop was radiation. As I went in for Radiation, Christie sat in the waiting room, reading scripture over me. I felt God's peace. When I came out Jessica, Christie's daughter was sitting with her. She gave me a card that I have to share with you. IT MADE ME LAUGH! Thank you Jessica!!!

We had a couple of errands to run in town and then we headed to OKC to look for a wig. Several years ago, when Christie's daughter, Regan needed a wig temporarily, she had met a wonderful, caring lady named Ann Patton. Her salon is called "The Egyptian Salon" Here is a link you can go to:

http://www.theegyptiansalon.com/index.html

We arrived in OKC in time to have lunch at Chick-Fil-A. A grilled chicken salad w/fruit sounded really good! (my norm at Chick-Fil-A is the chicken strips, fries, lots of sauce and a coke) But my tastes are changing and some things don't sound good to me, so when I find something that sounds good, I EAT IT. The other night, I wanted a cheeseburger and the next night I wanted tacos. Christie said she thought I was going to lick the plate clean:) I ate every bite of the salad. After lunch, we went for our appointment with Ann. I at no moment felt awckward, or sad. I was little anxious, because you start talking about what brought you to the salon in the first place, but they put me at ease immediately. After all I was with my girlfriend and in the company of new girlfriends, so I began trying on wigs. The first few, I wasn't crazy about, but when they put the one on that I got, it felt comfortable. I tried on some turbans and scarfs also. Towards the end of our time, decision made, Gary showed up because we had a banquet to attend in the evening. When he saw the wig on me, he liked it, so the decision was final.
So, my take away from that shopping experience: there are advantages of losing your hair, and seriously, if I have a "bald head" day, I will have a beautiful wig to put on it!

I needed a short wig, because I can't have it on my neck.
Christie, Ann and Debbie

After leaving the salon, Gary and I went to Johnna and Joe's home in Edmond so that I could change clothes for the Ordination Banquet.
I will post pictures and talk about the Banquet in a later post.

TRUSTING - DAY 5 - DAY OF WORSHIP

This morning started out pretty rough. When Gary left for church, I didn't know if I would be able to make it. By about 9:45 I had decided I wasn't going to be able to get it together enough to go, but I kept saying "I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength." I finally got dressed and headed to church. The first person I saw when I walked into the church, was our precious friend, Kyong.
Recently Kyong lost her husband, one of our deacons, Carl. Several months before Carl passed away, Kyong had some physical challenges of her own and she had not been able to drive for quite a while. After we greeted one another, we walked into the Fellowship Hall, and I looked around for her son, who has been driving her to church since Carl's passing. I didn't see him. I said, "Kyong, is David here?" She said, "no". Then I said, "So how did you get here?" and she said "I drove myself!" She proceeded to tell me that she had heard Jentzen Franklin's message this morning on TV, and she said "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." and then she said, "NOTHING CAN STOP ME NOW!" I wrapped my arms around her and agreed with her! I was so grateful that I had made it to church, Kyong brought so much joy to my heart!
I love her!

As I stood in the worship service, they began singing this song,

"Through You, I can do anything,
I can do all things,
'Cause it's you who gives me strength
Nothing is impossible"

I wept, thanking God for reassuring me of His promise to me!

After leaving the service this morning, I stopped by my office, and there was a card slipped under my door. I could not believe my eyes when I began to read the card,

NOTHING that comes your way is too much for you. No matter what it is, GOD IS MORE THAN EQUAL TO IT - - you're not, bt He is and He lives in you! With the Lord by your side and love all around you, there's NOTHING you can't get through.
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength, Philippians 4:13

The card was not signed. I do not know who left it for me, but
God sealed His promise in my heart! THANK YOU JESUS!

Our normal Sunday lunch is at Mama Pratt's house. Today she fixed roast, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, salad, and rolls. I ate it all and enjoyed every bite!!
Thank you Mama for your continued, unselfish love and care for us.

After lunch I went home and took a nap. When I woke up I felt great and told Gary that I thought I was up to walking. We walked a mile and then came home and relaxed in the lounge chairs in the yard. Yes, this next picture is me chillin'. It has been such a good day.

While I was enjoying the beautiful day, I captured a couple of geese flying over.

My evening has been blessed by a visit from Ron and Christie Woodson and Jeff Meyer.
Dr. Jeff Meyer is in Lawton to speak to Christian Educators on his new book, Cultivate: Forming the Emerging Generation Through Life-on-Life Mentoring
What a privilege and honor to welcome dear friends into our home for prayer with me.

Take a moment to go to this link for more information about the ministry
Dr. Jeff Meyer is involved in

http://www.passingthebaton.org/about/dr-jeff-myers.html

TRUSTING - DAY 4 - NEELY'S BD PARTY

NEELY BUG'S Birthday Party was this afternoon.
It is hard to believe she is actually 6 years old.
Jason's family came from Chickasha. It is always nice to see all of them.
Cindy made red velvet cupcakes; everyone said they were YUMMY!
Kids played in the playscape;
Enjoyed a nice visit with everyone.
All in all, it has been a good day!

TRUSTING - DAY 4 - BENCH TIME

It was a beautiful morning. Mama and I decided to take a stroll out to the bench (that's where we solve ALL of the world's problems, you know) Maybe some of your ears were burning, because we talked about many of you:) This morning, carrots sounded good. So I took a bag of carrots and munched on them while we enjoyed our Bench Time.
I'm so grateful for Mama. She carries a lot of burdens, but she never seizes to amaze me with how she can bring encouragement to everyone she meets.
I have enjoyed my bench time today!

TRUSTING - DAY 3 GOLF

They did it again!
Gary and Ron have done this before!! They show up to go play Golf and they have the same golfing attire on! TOO FUNNY!

I'm so glad Gary is able to get out today and play a round of golf. Golf is definitely a stress reliever for him, and the last few days have been a little bit on the stressful side.
It is a beautiful day, I'm feeling good today, and it is a GREAT golf day for the guys to get out.

I'm going to rest for a while, then who knows, I might do laundry!

TRUSTING - DAY 3 WALK

We are ready to go for our walk. My goal is to walk 1 mile a day. I wasn't up to doing a mile yesterday. I did make it out to my bench and back, but this morning I feel like walking. We have an amazing place to walk in our neighborhood. It was a little windy, but if felt good to get out in the beautiful sunshine.
Ok, so I am sitting on the couch now, a bit tired, but very grateful! I walked a mile!

TRUSTING - DAY 3

Good Morning! Yes, it is a good morning. I slept all night, in fact I woke up at 7:45!! Wonderful! When I checked my phone this morning, I had received a text from a girlfriend that said she had been up at 3:00 A.M. praying for me. I sent her a message back, thanking her for taking the "night shift", because I slept through the night, for the first time in a while.
God is so faithful! Thankful for everyone that is praying on my behalf. I'm very humbled by your love, prayer and support. YOU ARE LOVED!!!

So, when I DID get up, I went in to my "morning happy place" to spend some time with JESUS! So thankful for the rest and the beautiful morning. Day 3, I feel stronger. I think I will go for a walk in a bit.

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!!

TRUSTING - DAY 2

Yesterday was a pretty intense day. I didn't know what to expect! Thankfully, I did well. So, on Day 2, I'm ready to go for a radiation treatment. Yes, I have a hat on. No, I haven't lost my hair, it was just a BAD hair day :)
I am receiving my treatments at the Leah M. Fitch, Cancer Center in Lawton.
They told me today that I will not have to come in tomorrow as they will be having maintenance done on the radiation equipment. So, I get a THREE DAY weekend!!

TRUSTING - DAY 1 - I LOVE THIS MAN

On August 3, 2009 - we found out that Gary had Prostate Cancer.

After much Prayer and research, Gary decided to have the Robotic Prostate Surgery in Oklahoma City at Mercy Hospital, on October 14, 2009. His recovery has been very successful. The first year after prostate surgery, a blood test is taken every three months. On Oct. 8, 2010, the Friday before leaving for Israel, we received the good news that Gary was declared 1 year cancer free.

Just before his surgery on October 14, 2009, Ron and Christie Woodson invited us to go on a trip to Israel. We made plans to go believing that Gary would be cancer free and that we would celebrate in the Holy Land. Little did we know that almost exactly 2 months after Gary's report of 1 year cancer free, we would get the report that I had cancer. WHAT A SHOCK.

Day 1 of Treatment - After we were settled in and my IV was started, Gary went to get a Dr. Pepper. When he returned, he sat down and said that he was going to go ahead and start his treatment also. He made me laugh so hard, I cried. I LOVE THIS MAN!

A couple of days before I started treatment, we were at the hospital getting some of my prescriptions filled, Gary decided to get his PSA checked (with all that had been going on with me, he was late in having the 3 month PSA check)

Just before they started the IV of Chemo for me, Gary went to his doctors office and returned with the GREAT NEWS!! His PSA was 0!! PRAISE THE LORD! He is now on 6 month check-ups. We are so thankful for God's continued faithfulness and for restoring Gary's health. Now, he will walk with me through the valley.

One thing I know, there will be tears along the way, but Gary will be there to help me laugh! I LOVE THIS MAN!

TRUSTING - DAY 1

Preparing to leave for my first radiation and chemotherapy treatment. I will be doing 5 days a week of radiation and chemotherapy every Wednesday. I made a shake of 4 scoops of ice cream, 1 banana, and Strawberry Ensure. Thanks to my daughter-in-love, she forgot her blender bottle and it is perfect for my " on the go shakes!!"

I had my radiation treatment first. That was a little intense. In a later post I will talk about the radiation. Here, I have my IV going. There are several meds that are given before I got the chemo. Thankfully, I received 2 different kinds of anti-nausea medicine. I'm grateful for that! When I chose the blanket to take with me, I decided on the West Point blanket. It was representative to me, that if my son, Matt had the courage to go fight a war, I could have the courage to fight this battle! Thank you Matt and Lisa for your service to our country!

A very precious friend, Melody, brought this FAITH BLOCK to me. She is a cancer VICTOR!!
We are not VICTIMS, WE ARE VICTORS!!
She was a sweet encouragement to me.
All through the day I continually received messages from friends and family, either by text, facebook or phone calls. (I even got a video from Lisa, but I promised I wouldn't post it) It did make me laugh.

TRUSTING - Proverbs 3:5 & 6

Gary and I was scheduled to leave on vacation to Israel, with our dear friends, Ron and Christie Woodson on October 12, 2010. Our trip had been scheduled in faith, believing that we would celebrate 1 year cancer free for Gary.

A few days prior to leaving I noticed a swollen gland. Before leaving on our trip I checked with my doctor to see if I should get some medication before leaving. My doctor said that if the gland was still swollen when we returned, I should come back in and have further examination of it. We were in Israel for 2 1/2 weeks, so when we returned, I made an appointment with the doctor. It was her recommendation that I see a surgeon. It was determined I needed to have the mass removed and biopsied. On December14, I had neck surgery removing the mass. On December 16 I received a call that no one ever thinks they will get, "Mrs. Pratt the mass removed is cancerous." Because the mass was located in the neck, I was sent to an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist. After examination and scopes, the doctor ordered a full body PT/CT Scan which was scheduled the Monday following Christmas, Dec. 27.

Everyone that knows me, knows that I LOVE CHRISTMAS!! Knowing I would be having surgery on December 14, I wanted to make sure all of my Christmas decorations were up and my shopping was done. I determined that this news would not destroy our family Christmas. AND IT DID NOT! Although it was something that we discussed, we determined it would not dictate the FAMILY CHRISTMAS we were accustomed to.

After the PT/CT Scan was done, the results showed a tumor in my right tonsil. So on January 4, I had my right tonsil removed. After being released from the Ear, Nose and Throat doctor to see an Oncologist, we began the journey of a treatment plan. That is where I am today.

I would like to share candidly, as the days unfold.

My life scripture is Prov. 3:5 & 6. I have raised my children praying this scripture over them.
"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, lean not to your own understanding, but in all of your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." So while I don't understand, I WILL TRUST.

Gary and I have been so abundantly blessed with the most amazing children, that are standing in FAITH, Believing with us as we begin this journey, of TRUST in our FAITHFUL GOD. We both have incredible extended families that know how to touch God on our behalf.

We are GRATEFUL for the wonderful church family that we are so privileged to serve with. They continue to TRUST with me.

For the many friends, from California to New York, from Africa to Ireland, that have contacted me, assuring me of their prayers, I'm deeply moved by your love and support.

Thank you for TRUSTING with me that at the end of this journey, God's fingerprints will be seen and His name will be praised.

I am especially grateful for the Godly physicians that God has placed in my life. I look forward to seeing how God will show himself FAITHFUL as I walk this path.

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY NEELY BUG!!!!

Grammy and Papa picked Neely up from school on her birthday. When we ask her where she wanted to go she said "Braums of course, that's where we went for my 5th Birthday!"
She ordered chocolate ice cream topped with oreos and m&m's. This picture was captured before the chocolate got "all over" the face:)

Love this baby girl!