The Journey

Kit's birthday

2009-09-14T07:53:00.003-10:00

Today is my dad's birthday. The first one without him. I wrote a tribute to the time I had with him on my blog:

maishaod.blogspot.com.

Kit and Shelly's Wedding Anniversary

2009-08-31T08:25:00.006-10:00

Today is my parents' 34th wedding anniversary. I want to tell my mom how much I love her and respect the woman that she is. I know that this is a tough day for her.

My mom and dad vowed, "as long as love shall last" on their wedding day, which always makes me smile. Well, love sure did last for a while!

I love you mama!!

Your Amazing Gift to Us...

2009-08-24T14:08:00.006-10:00

Four months have gone by now since Kit went to be with Jesus.

My dad had an amazing "attitude of gratitude", so what I want to do is to thank all of you who have been there for us. That's what my father would do.

THANK YOU to all of you amazing people who have been there for my mom, me, my brother, my dad's mom, my dad's siblings, their families, and all of the extended Lauer ohana. You have been there for us emotionally, financially, spritually, physically and mentally...and we just can't thank you enough.

THANK YOU to the Hope Chapel Kihei, Maui church family who has been there for us and for each other. We love you dearly...always.

THANK YOU to the doctors, nurses and staff who took such good care of my dad over on Oahu. A HUGE thank you goes out to hospice...you truly are quiet angels and will get your reward in heaven.

THANK YOU to all of you who helped out with the memorial service and spreading of ashes

THANK YOU to all of you who helped with or participated in the Run for Hope/Run for Kit.

THANK YOU to every single person in Hawaii, the United States, and all over the world who prayed so fervently for my dad and for all of us.

THANK YOU to everyone who continues to think about or pray for our family and to all of those who continue to remember my dad, Kit Lauer.

I put up the Expression Session picture as that was the friday night service dedicated to my dad where people shared what my dad meant to them. This was the night he passed away.

THANK YOU for the Expresssion Session. I'm sure that my dad saw it on his way to heaven :-)

God Bless you all!

PACIFIC WEDDINGS DEDICATION TO KIT

2009-07-15T22:01:00.006-10:00

This page was written by Robyn Iaea, who is the Publisher/Editorial Director of magazine "Pacific Weddings". This is on page 20 of the Summer/fall 2009 edition. You can click on it to enlarge it.

Thank you so much Robyn! My dad would be very honored :)

love,

Maisha and the Lauers

2009-07-06T13:50:00.034-10:00

FOURTH OF JULY

Every July 4th, the city of Greenville, Texas has a parade on Park Street (which happens to be the street that my grandma lives on). It has been a Lauer family tradition for about the last five years or so to get together on that week and to watch the parade. Jeff, being the radio personality type that he is, videos and makes commentary on the parade. It's quite fun and makes us all laugh. Aferwards, we play games and eat good food. My dad always enjoyed it too. He was very much missed by us all this year.

Parkstreet Parade

Jeff's videography :)

Interviewing Mr. Hutchins (aka "Big Earl")

Abigail and Caleb Hutchins wearing "Run for Kit" shirts.

2009-07-06T13:34:00.010-10:00

SHELLY'S BIRTHDAY

July 1st was my mom's birthday and everyone helped out to make it a very special "surprise" birthday for her :)

Aunt Dawn and Sarah Hutchins came up with the idea of baking cupcakes and decorating them for my mom to choose her favorite. My mom wanted to pick them all (we knew that would happen because she is the nicest person ever), but finally she did choose one :)

While we all sang "happy birthday" my mama was brought to tears.

Thank you so much everyone for doing this and for making it so special. It meant a lot. We love you all.

Cupcake Contest

Nancy helping my mom choose :)

My mom's pick: The skier, by Judy Woods :)

LAUER FAMILY REUNION

2009-07-06T11:22:00.026-10:00

GRANDMA PHYL

Sorry it's been a little while since we've blogged. My mom and I went to Greenville, TX for a Lauer family reunion. My Grandma Phyl, who is 84 and has survived two bouts of cancer, is still as spunky as always :-)

My grandma never thought that she would outlive her very healthy and energetic son, Kit, who was so much like her. We love you grandma.

Uncle Buddy came from Maui, and Aunt Dawn and her husband Jeff came from California. Cousin Carol came from Colorado, and grandma's longtime friend CJ came from Minnesota. My friend Nicole drove four hours from Houston to be with us as well, thanks Nicole!

It was also nice to see my grandma's Greenville friends, who have become our friends over the years. The wonderfully amazing Hutchins family...we just adore them! :) Judy and Clay, Paul and Jeanne, Gloria and Charles...they have all been such faithful friends to my grandma.

Nicole and my mama

Buddy and Nancy Hutchins

Clay and Judy

Paul and Jeanne

Gloria and Charles

Cousin Carol and Aunt Dawn

Two Months...

2009-06-23T22:41:00.007-10:00

It's been two months since my dad went to heaven and I can't believe it. I found this poem and it really spoke to me so I wanted to share it with you all.

love, Maisha

GOLDEN HEART

God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not meant to be,
So he put his arms around you
and whispered "Come to Me".
With tearful eyes we watched you,
as we saw you pass away.
Although we loved you deeply,
we could not make you stay.
Your Golden Heart stopped beating,
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the best.

Tribute to my dad...

2009-06-21T15:19:00.002-10:00

“You are the best man I have ever known”. Those were the last words I barely audibly uttered to my father as I watched him slip away from his earthly body. The thing is, I really meant those words. What a lucky woman I am to have been blessed with such a dad. My dad Kitrick Lee Lauer (aka “Kit”) was not perfect by any means, just as no human is. But, he truly was the most wonderful man that I have ever known.

This is a difficult time for me as father's day approaches. What a wonderful man he was and I will always be grateful for him.

Love you forever dad!

Maisha

***

(I moved this post up for Father's Day. If you are looking for the Run For Hope Post, scroll down or click here)

Run For Hope 2009 - For The Love of Kit

2009-06-21T05:51:00.013-10:00

It was another successful event organized by the Women's Ministry at Hope! Many gathered yesterday at Hope Chapel, for the Run For Hope. Thank you to everyone who helped and participated in this event dedicated to our beloved pastor Kit and his family.

I was at Hope at 7AM. I was a volunteer for the race set-up, so I made sure I was on time. When I drove in at the parking lot, many volunteers were already there - the place was almost ready to go - a lot of set-up were already done.

I pulled my camera to take photo. Yikes - there was no card in the camera! I was in a rush to get out of the house, I didn't check if the card was in (it wasn't because I downloaded some photos the night before and neglected to return the card in the camera). I was bummed that I couldn't take photos. Good thing, Alana told me on Friday that there were several people who volunteered to take photos so I should not stress out about it. Whew! I am glad she told me that because I would have been really really bummed. I know I would have drove back home but that means I wouldn't be able to help there at that time. Anyway, I just decided to stay and cut oranges and bananas to get it ready for the snack after the run.

More photos will be posted here as soon as I get the copies taken by the other volunteers. In the meantime, here are some of the photos taken after the race (yes, I drove back to our house after the race to get the card:)

Shelly was so wonderful and gracious when she spoke at the end of the program to thank everyone who participated and helped. It was a touching moment as she had to pause a couple of time to held back the tears. She knows Kit is very thankful too. The whole Lauer family is so thankful for the love and support being shown to them.

More photos later. By the way, June H. downloaded a lot of photos from Run of Hope on her Facebook account. If you are a friend of June, you will be able to view them :)

Picture of the day from Aunt Dawn...

2009-05-30T14:05:00.007-10:00

I love this photo of my dad! thanks so much Aunt Dawn (I love the freckles too :)

I think my dad looks a lot like Eden here. Eden loved her Uncle Kit.

We all miss you very much daddy...it's just not the same here without you. Can't wait to step through that door someday and say hello to you again!!!!

Run For Hope 2009

2009-05-28T12:06:00.002-10:00

click on the photo if you want to make the poster larger and read the details of this run:

ONE MONTH

2009-05-24T09:10:00.015-10:00

Well, it's been one month without our precious Kit Lauer. God has been carrying us all. Although my dad battled AML for a little over a year, and we may have "prepared" a bit, his death still stings us.

In the last month or so, my dad had the idea that he wanted to write a book. Sadly, he didn't get very far but I wanted to share the few paragraphs that he did write:

Have you ever watched a delicate, individually patterned snowflakes fall upon your little red booties? Probably not, but that happened to be my very first memory in life. There I was, standing in the snow, looking up at someone very big, most likely my mother and finding myself already in awe of life. I was born September 14th, 1947 in Kokomo Indiana. You might be saying, “you're kidding, Kokomo?...is that a real place?” Yes it is! and that’s where I am from, well, at least I was born there and lived there for about 3 years and then my family moved to Los Angeles the city of Angels, although it is getting tougher and tougher to find any actual angels there now-a-days!

I even remember the airplane trip. Everyone kept stuffing gum in my mouth, they said it would help with adjusting the ear pressure. I think I had about 16 pieces in there by the time I was choking on the gum(they had no Heimlich maneuver in those days) so a good flip upside down and whack on the back caused the slippery mass to dislodge. Needless to say I was happy to be in LA alive.

We moved into a cute little house in La Crescenta CA with pretty shear curtains and a brick walkway and steps, even a circular planter made of bricks around a beautiful tree of some kind. I liked it…other than the fact that the little girl next door tried to literally scratch my eyes out one day, grandpa tied to push my brother all the way over the entire swing set when he kept saying higher, higher grandpa (an early start to his gymnastics career I suppose) and my pet turtle slipped under the fence and off into oblivion…just a few childhood set backs, but over-all good memories of La Crescenta.

I love that we have these beautiful words and memories from my dad. I treasure them.

much love to everyone and have a blessed day!

Maisha

Mikey and Shae's "Turtle Life" Tattoos for Dad...

2009-05-16T09:44:00.009-10:00

Shae's lovely little turtle tattoo in honor of my dad :)

Mikey's tattoo on the arm to honor his pops. It means "turtle life" in Greek...Mikey and I are one quarter Greek.

you can go back to May 9, 2008 on the blog to read about the significance of "turtle life"

http://kit-blog1.blogspot.com/2008/05/hello-everyone-wow.html

Song Written by Mikey

2009-05-12T13:41:00.003-10:00

Papa you and me
Digging our toes into the sand

Papa you and me
Walking along shore holding my little hand

Riding on your shoulders
Humming and singing love sweet love

Papa you and me
Making life so easy

What do I do
When you have to go
Where do I go
When you have to leave me here

Mikey, let me tell you about heaven

Dad, isn’t that where the turtles are

So I let Jesus through my door

Now I know what to do
When my daddy has to go

I got to have peace, we got to have peace
I got to have faith, we got to have faith
Love everyone around, everyone

Now your lookin down at me

Such a lucky boy to have had you

I’ll remember everything

Till the day we meet again, in heaven

Papa you and me

Letter from Maisha

2009-05-12T13:37:00.002-10:00

Daddy…I love you so much. Thank you for being such an amazing father to me. I felt your love every second of every minute of every hour of every day. I have been so blessed to call you dad.

You were my biggest cheerleader and the greatest fan of my life. You were always my best advice giver and I can’t tell you how much I’m going to miss that.

There’s so much I wish I could say but words don’t even express the gratitude that I feel for the role you have played in my life. You have been the most excellent example of how to love the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul…even through suffering. You have so beautifully modeled how to love others, even when sometimes it meant that you would get little in return.

You praised Jesus up until your last breath and I am so thankful that I got to be at your bedside to witness that. In your last hours, through the greatest suffering that you had ever been through, you cried out that you would never forsake Jesus…I will always remember that. My last words to you were that you are the best man that I have ever known. I pray you heard me because it is true. So very true.

God is going to have to pick up the pieces of my shattered heart and fill the huge, gaping hole I now have. But, I know He can do it. I’m putting my trust in God’s provision through Jesus and I know that I will see you again…and this time, we won’t have to ever say goodbye!

One of your favorite verses has always been John 14:2. “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” I’m clinging to that verse for the rest of my days here on earth until I finally make it home.

I can’t wait to wrap my arms around your neck and tell you how much I’ve missed you; I pray that I will make you proud. I pray that I will learn to love the way you loved and that your wonderful attributes and traits will be passed on through me and Mikey.

Bye for now my daddy,
Forever your “pink push up girl”

Run For Hope - June 2009

2009-05-05T19:46:00.005-10:00

We will begin registration for the “Run for Hope 2009”, this Friday night the 8th of May. There will be a registration and information table after each service beginning this weekend up until the night before the race on Saturday, June 20th.

We Love You Kit ...

2009-05-02T15:39:00.006-10:00

Life Lesson from Kit
(written by Karen Johnson)

1.Share the Love Boldly --Kit cared about what mattered to others and every person was a potential friend no matter where they were at in life, he could always find a connecting point; even while he was getting chemo he was making friends.

2. Weep with the Weeping --Kit had an innate empathy that few men have, and he could communicate that compassion through a hug, a word of insight or encouragement...and he would follow-up later to see how you were doing with that. He was able to go to the depths with people, and give them hope in the valley of shadows.

3. Go, Go, Go for the Gusto --whether it was running, biking, singing, preaching, or teaching apologetics, Kit did it with passion and dedication. He was a man of live action. He had many interests and careers. He reinvented himself over and over again. There were few wasted moments in his exuberant life.

4. Fail Out Loud --Kit would openly share with us his failures, missteps and foolish choices. He could laugh at himself, and also model how to back up and change the course of your life when you've taken a wrong turn.

5. Kiss Your Wife and Kids --I always loved hearing him talk about his kids, or should I say "rave" about his kids. He adored them without reservation or shyness, and the feeling is mutual. No adolescent anger here, these kids were well-loved and loved their dad right back. His loyalty and appreciation for Shelly was also inspiring. You never doubted Kit's love or faithfulness to her.

6. Be God's Best PR Person --I never met anyone who was so bold at communicating the Heavenly Father's deep and unconditional love for his children. Not a hell-fire or judgement-preaching pastor, Kit opened the book of love for us. Kit's message, repeated over and over again, was this: "Your Heavenly Father loves you so much, He accepts you, He yearns for you, His arms are open wide to you, open yours to Him."

7. Tie Yourself to the Mast and Ride the Storm --Kit was able to weather the storm of cancer, never wavering in his confidence in God's goodness, because he had spent so much time in the Word. His testimony was even more powerful because, as he lay weak and in pain, he would confidently assert that God loved him, that Heaven was held for him, and that whatever God wanted was good enough for him.

Thank you, Kit, for being such a shining example of an overcoming faith and a successful life. You leave a legacy by the way you lived and I am going to try to follow in your footsteps. We love you and miss you.

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

Scattering of Ashes, Continuing to Celebrate Kit's LIfe ...

2009-05-01T04:11:00.001-10:00

This Saturday, May 2nd at Sidewalks Entrance of Keawakapu Beach we will be celebrating Kit’s eternal life by the scattering of his ashes at 8:00 AM. Everyone is invited to come.

Please note that only loose flowers can be released in the ocean.

Verses ...

2009-05-01T03:53:00.011-10:00

It was a very beautiful Celebration of Life last night at Hope Chapel. I am very thankful that Hope Chapel did a live stream feed here online, that family and friends around the world were able to celebrate with us.

I would like to post a couple of verses that have inspired me during the celebration of Kit's life. As these are verses that Kit applied in his life as he lived fully for Christ, may these verses also inspire us to keep living a life worth living, to the glory of God...

A verse that would always remind us of Kit:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful." - 2 Timothy 4:7

A verse to keep us all going:

" But those who trust in the Lord will find their strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." - Isaiah 40:31

Memorial Service (Updated 4-27-09)

2009-04-30T12:07:00.012-10:00

A Celebration of

Kit Lauer's Life
Thursday, April 30, 2009
6:00pm
at Hope Chapel

Heavy Pupus will be served at the Courtyard after the service.

If you were not able to pick up one of the trays to put the pupus (distributed last Sunday) , you may still bring some pupus to share (heavy pupus such as finger sandwiches, cheese and crackers, meatballs, sushi, chicken wings, etc.)

using your own tray.

So that the volunteers may attend Kit's memorial, we would appreciate if the food items you would bring are ready to serve in single portion sizes.

Thank you for your generosity and sharing.

***

Scattering of Ashes at Keawakapu Beach on Saturday May 2, 8:00AM

This Saturday, May 2nd at Sidewalks Entrance of Keawakapu Beach we will be celebrating Kit’s eternal life by the scattering of his ashes at 8:00 AM. Please note that only loose flowers can be released in the ocean.

A Note From Maisha (taken from her post on Facebook)

2009-04-26T22:35:00.003-10:00

Hi Everyone,

I wanted you all to know that, after a year struggle with leukemia, my beloved dad passed away friday night at 7:40 pm. He passed away right about the same time that he would normally be getting up to give his message on friday night. He had been in a lot of pain the last few days and he really wanted to go home. On friday he was in excruciating pain in his head and was sick for hours...we think that he had a brain hemorrhage. My mom and I, aunt Becky and uncle Buddy, and the main pastor of our church were all there. I'm thankful that he is with Jesus now and in no pain at all. My dad was such a wonderful dad to me though and my heart is broken.

The memorial service is this thurs at 6pm at Hope Chapel. You might be able to watch it live through facebook on "The Gathering Maui" or possibly on the Hope Chapel Website (www.hopechapelmaui.com). You can also check out www.kit-blog1.blogspot.com.

Thanks for all of the love and prayers...we really feel them. and I can't tell you how wonderful it is to read the notes and comments. I'm sorry I can't respond to each and every one...but I am deeply appreciative.
Maisha

p.s. I'm attaching a photo of my dad "preaching" at Mars Hill in Athens like Paul of the Bible did :) No need for that anymore dad...you finished the race just like Paul, and you made it!!!!

Jason's Reflections on Knowing Kit

2009-04-25T21:49:00.027-10:00

*Jason Spence is on Brazil and would not be back until April 30th, in time for Kit's Memorial Service. He e-mailed this reflection and we thought it's appropriate to post this on Kit's blog as the continuation of our expression eession for Kit.

Hello Everyone,

Like the rest of you, I’ve been reflecting on the privilege of knowing Kit Lauer over the years.

In the mid/ late 1980s, I knew him as Kit the “hammer”…but God transformed him into Kit the “lamb”. I remember in the early years a time when he was kicked out of one of our Hope Chapel Bible Studies for his too overbearing opinions. God use this though to temper him and soon he began to lead his own Wednesday evening small group in his house with his brother Buddy. Those were awesome days of worship and much evangelism through the Lauer Family gifts of hospitality.

Beginning in the early 1990s, my children were in baseball and soccer with the Lauer kids with Shelly/Kit coaching so we and many families spent lots of wonderful years at the Kalama park fields doing lifetogether. It was always fun hearing Kit yelling on the sidelines what Mikey and the other players should be correcting and cheering them on. Kit was such a jock!

In 1993-1994, Buddy and Sons Construction with Kit’s oversight built our house on Ponana Street . It turned out to be a positive experience. I remember Kit’s “can do stay in the budget” spirit. I chuckle when I think of the compassion he had for Rick Horowitz whom he hired to do some of the painting…which Kit had to do over in his own time and dime!

In the mid 1990s, Kit joined our staff as our church Administrator. Here are some things that stand out to me about those early years.

* I will never forget one of his major contributions. He was appalled over our message system of answering the phones and all us of putting little paper messages in our individual mailboxes…so he budgeted getting us all computers and using the inter-staff outlook box feature so that we could have instant communication.

In those days, I wasn’t into computers since I smoked marijuana in my typing course in high school and never was good at typing etc…but one day arrived in my office which at that time Kit and I shared the same room….and there was a computer…right in the middle of my desk….I was shocked and Kit said…Get over it…you are not going to remain a dinosaur and he coached me that year how to use it…and the rest is history.

*Another big thing Kit did was organize a DCAT ( Doing Church as a Team) Saturday seminar at Hope Chapel which offered Christians a spiritual gifts, talent, personality/passion analysis to enable believers to discover the person God wired us to be…so all of us can serve in the right place for the right reasons at the right time. God used Kit to pull off large events that our current staff load was not able to do. My prayer is that this gift based, passion driven serving philosophy of material he developed can be used more frequently in the years to come.

*Of course the Friday Night service which rotated teachers in & out really took off when it was handed over to Kit and Buddy. God used them to bring it to the place it is today.

Moving into the 21^st century….I loved the way Kit performed weddings and funerals. He was so sensitive to the parties involved. I will never forget his compassion of singing worship songs over the bedside of Randy Insley as he was nearing going to Heaven. I saw God that day. I always admired his touch, quite literally and spiritually that he had on people.

Speaking of touch….I will miss those massages Kit would give me in the Tues a.m. Senior Staff meetings. Often while he was waxing eloquently at length on some subject I would move over to his knees in front of the couch and sit on the floor and he would massage me while making his point/s.

Of course many of us have and will continue to benefit from Kit’s apologetic course. Kit was an amazing combination of intellect, humor and compassion. My brain cells always would hurt when he would corner me in the hall about his new insight on “infinite regression” or whatever he was saying or something!

In these last few years Kit excelled in team ministry thru mentoring, discipleship and delegation to our young adults. He taught us a lot about transferring the baton of leadership as exemplified in Ben Prangnell, Sam Gyorfi, Jeremy Napier and others whom he had a major role in spiritual & ministry development.

Kit served God´s purpose in his generation…and has helped equip a new generation…he´s been an amazing inspiration and example.

“For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep “Acts 12:36

May we follow in the footsteps of King David and Kit Lauer and serve God in our remaining days as well.

Sincerely,

Jason

Thoughts From Ray Mains

2009-04-25T20:29:00.003-10:00

We all know that the Lord as a plan for all of us. We are told this many times and sometimes in many ways. Well last night surely was one to those ways.....of "His Good Planning."

The Lord called Dr. Kit home to be with Him last night, His Plan.
The Lord had many of us at Friday night service (which Kit started) together to praise Dr. Kit for the many things he has been doing to serve the Lord and help many of us in many different way, for some time now, Good Planning.
Dr. Kit going home to be with the Lord at about the same time (after 7:00pm) he would be up there in front of us teaching us more about our Lord, Good Planning.
Many of us were there and had the opportunity to hear the news about Kit going home at the same time together, just Good Planning, how fortunate it was that so many of us were and could be together hearing the news and being able to comfort each other. Just darn Good Planning.
I'm so glad I was there with the others, and could listen to all that was being shared, in how this man, Dr. Kit has effected so many...Good Planning.
Just about a month ago the Lord told me to get the mission photos (slide film of four trips with Kit, to PI ) together and start scanning that I would need to be able to share them with many, so I did, I had told my wife (Dawn) about this message and only her.

month ago got them all together
left for mainland a couple weeks ago
after return got another message to finish them up.
Wednesday night (4/22/09) stayed up late getting them ready for scanning.
Thursday morning (4/23/09) at 05:30am starting scanning, finished about 100 slides about 2:00pm and delivered them to Ben at Hope Chapel.
Ben asked, "can you talk a little about the slides and some of your time with Kit?", I said no, the Lord said yes, and so I did, Good Planning.

Thank you Lord for your Good Planning. Thank you Dr. Kit for all that you have done...love ya.

Yes well will miss him...
Capt. Ray

"Today You Shall Be With Me In Paradise"

2009-04-24T21:47:00.004-10:00

Kit went to be with the Lord tonight (a little past 7PM). We will miss you here Kit, but we know that the heaven is doing a warm welcome. You've run the race well, you've fought a good fight ...

Let us continue to pray for Shelly, Maisha, Mikey and the whole Lauer family. You may leave a comment here or on the Facebook pages.

Karen wrote a beautiful good bye, honoring Kit, on her blog. Click here to go there.

Friday Night Service Dedicated to Kit

2009-04-22T16:26:00.004-10:00

This Friday night we are dedicating our service to Kit! In the midst of fighting leukemia, Kit has taken every opportunity to share God's word with us. So we are setting aside this Friday night to share with Kit what he means to us and how God has used him to bless our lives. In place of the regular message time slot we are going to be hearing from a members of our church family, sharing in worship and, Lord willing, Kit would like to speak a few words as well. Don't miss this Friday night's expression session in honor of Pastor Kit.

To those of you reading this blog and can't make it to the Friday Night service (maybe you're in the mainland or out of the Country) remember to tune into our live broadcast over the internet. Here is the facebook link to the streaming video. CLICK HERE to go there.

A Much Needed Update

2009-04-18T18:36:00.004-10:00

I wanted to update you all on how my dad is doing. I'm sorry that we haven't blogged for awhile but Kit it was having a very difficult time this past week. He has-for the most part-been very, very sick with brief moments haven't feeling "okay".

My dad prayed out to God last night to help him in his pain, and I believe that God is using the wonderful women of hospice to do just that. My dad is feeling a whole lot better right
now. Basically, he feels like a new person. It is so great, uplifting, and just cheers our spirits to see him like this.

This Friday night service will be a type of dedication to Kit. So, if you guys can make it, that would be wonderful.

I want to remind everyone that "The Journey" booklet will be coming out in print soon, thanks to some wonderfully magnanimous friends who are so close to my dad's heart :) When the booklet is out, we will let everyone know how they can get copies.

We love you and Kit's praying for you all and is very thankful for your love and support. He is still preparing for the May 9th seminar and really needs everyone's prayers for the strength to do it. My dad wants you to know that his heart is with his fellow sufferers and says that you are kindred spirits. It's his prayer that this post will be a lifter of your spirit.

Want to Listen to Kit's Good Friday Message? Now Available Online

2009-04-13T09:16:00.003-10:00

Good Friday Service Now Available to listen to

at Hope Chapel Website.

Click here to go there.

How Kit is Doing

2009-04-07T07:56:00.005-10:00

My dad found out yesterday from his blood test that his cancer cells are increasing at a very high rate. The normal white blood cell number is between 4 and 11. My dad's count is over 100.

This is not good as the cells multiply at an exponential rate; so, when something kicks them in and they start going...they go fast. These bad white blood cells (blast cells) eventually make the blood very thick and useless and transfusions will not work. Another round of chemotherapy is not really an option as my dad is so weak and fragile, and I don't think the doctors would allow it. This is typically how acute leukemia progresses and so, in the physical, it is not really a surprise.

That being said, we ask for prayer because God is bigger than that and He made our bodies. His will is going to be done...and I am praying that His will is to keep my dad around a little longer. I know you all want that too. My dad is still planning on speaking this friday...so, for those of you who can't make it, and are on facebook, you can watch a live feed when you join the group "The Gathering Maui".

Here is a verse that our good friends, Joe and Karen Johnson, put on their blog for my dad I thought that it was awesome:

There was given me a thorn in the flesh. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me...For when I am weak, then I am strong. II Cor 12:7-1

We love you all so much and are so thankful for you.

Maisha and the Lauers

The Gathering Maui on Facebook

2009-04-04T14:01:00.003-10:00

Hello everyone, it's Maisha. My dad spoke last night and it went well :-) He plans on speaking again next friday for Good Friday (6 pm and 8 pm). He's been very tired and has been battling fevers and nausea, so he could use prayer for that.

I wanted you all to know that if you're on facebook, you should become a fan of "The Gathering Maui". You can watch a live feed of the friday night service if you're not able to make it, and it gives blog updates on there as well. It's pretty cool.

much love,

The Lauers

The Lauers and The Johnsons

2009-03-31T07:09:00.008-10:00

The Johnsons visited the Lauers last night, and I requested Karen to e-mail me some photos to post here (thanks Karen!). Let these photos be a reminder to pray for Kit today.

I know all of you regularly prays for him. For today, the specific prayer is for his blood transfusion to go well. Read Maisha's prayer request here. Read Karen's tender words on their visit HERE.

It's been a week!

2009-03-29T10:25:00.002-10:00

Hi All!
To update you about my dad...he did speak on friday night. It was a wonderful message and I'm sure that so many were blessed...but It took everything out of him. He stood the whole time again (despite out efforts the past few weeks to get him to sit down while he's teaching) and his back was so sore after. I think next time he will sit :-)
He's going to get a blood transfusion on tuesday so I pray that everything goes smoothly with that and that it will give him more energy. We're not sure if he will just get a red blood cell transfusion or if he will get platelets as well. That will be decided after they transfuse him with rbc's.
We continue to ask for prayers of healing and comfort for my dad and entire family. and we appreciate everything that our friends and family have done :)
love,
Maisha

update

2009-03-22T23:38:00.002-10:00

I would like to ask for prayer for my dad...he's not feeling well at all right now and he has a fever tonight. I believe that tomorrow he will get his blood checked and maybe hospice might come over.
I know that God can do anything...it will be a miracle if my dad's able to get up there and talk this friday night at church. I pray that we will all see God at work.
My whole family is ever so grateful for you all. I am very scared as I love my dad with all my heart.
love,
Maisha

New Series

2009-03-22T16:59:00.002-10:00

My dad started the first part of the new series "True Love" this past Friday, as he spoke about the problem that all human kind have. He established that the major problem is that of the heart...according to the Bible, the heart is contaminated by sin and the cure is Christ. He spoke about the fact that we all need to realize that we have this problem before we can ask God for help.
This next Friday night message will be on freedom. My dad wants you all to know that many people think Jesus established a religion, but if you really look at his teachings, he was opposed to religion. In fact, he saw it as a burden that detracted from their relationship or pursuit of God. Religion enslaves people by rules and regulations, but God is after a personal relationship with us that truly frees us from these things.
My dad wants you all to know that real freedom is found when we find true love...and that true love is found in the heart of Christ. He frees us from religion and empowers us to live a fulfilling life here on earth as well as eternity. We want to keep inviting friends and family to come...especially on Good Friday.
Looking forward to seeing all of you!
with love,
Maisha

2009-03-17T19:34:00.005-10:00

Hey folks, Josh writing for Kit...
Make sure to invite anybody and everybody to our new series, True Love. We just had a meeting today about the first message in the series. Maisha's puppy, Zoey was in attendance, licking everyone. Ben will be interviewing Kit about his recent experiences and how they helped to reveal Christ's true love to him, and Kit will be wrapping up the message, bringing the point home. The message this Friday will be titled, "The Problem," followed by "Freedom" on March 27th, with special music by David Tomaoka, "Learning to Let Go," on April 3rd, and finishing up on Good Friday, April 10th, with the message, "The Day True Love Died."
Invite cards will be available from your greeters and at the info booth. We had 2,000 printed, so use them!
I'm so happy Kit is doing what the Lord laid on his heart to do...to keep teaching!

Kit speaking friday

2009-03-12T20:14:00.002-10:00

Some were asking whether I was going to be speaking this Friday Night...the answer is yes! I am finishing up the current series on the 'Upside Down Kingdom' and setting the stage for the new series coming up called 'True Love' which will lead us to Good Friday. Because of your prayers, I believe, God just continues to strengthen me, allowing me the ability to teach. Thanks for all your wonderful support of me and my family! We will keep you posted as to the availability of the 'Journey Booklets' once they are published. May God richly bless you as you seek Him with all your heart!

In His love
Kit

UPDATED: It Was A Blessed and Inspiring Sunday!

2009-03-09T04:48:00.009-10:00

I received a couple of e-mails and notes from friends on the mainland asking how the Sunday went at Hope and how did Kit do on his teaching on Peaks and Valleys. It was awesome! Thank you all for your prayers for Kit and his family. Kit taught at both services and God gave him the energy and the clarity of mind to fulfill this call. I attended the second service and it was packed! (of course the first service was packed too!)

The worship and teaching were all so inspired and inspiring (see Liza's Eyeview for more of my musings) - truly a work of the Holy Spirit.

Again, on behalf of the Lauer family, thank you for your prayers.

HERE's the LINK TO THE TEACHING! click here now! You can download the hand-out on that link too. Thank you Lisa :)

On Peaks and Valleys...

2009-03-06T12:16:00.006-10:00

I appreciate your continued prayer for me to be able to speak at both services on Sunday. It is always a wonderful privilege and honor to share God's word with the body of Christ.
Like many of us, I've been through lots of peaks and valleys in this life. The word of God has a lot to teach us about both peaks AND valleys. We love being on the peaks...that's always thrilling, exciting, wonderful when all things just seem to be going "right". But, "right" to us is not always the same as right to God. God has much more in store for our lives than just standing on a peak screaming, "I'm the king of the world!".
You have probably noticed that peaks don't provide a lot of room for others and, if we stay there too long, maintaining that position can become a very selfish endeavor. This is why God allows us to have valley experiences. It seems that true growth, maturity, character development, sense of compassion, the real meaning and depth of the things of God are discovered when we find ourselves in the dark valleys of life.
It's my prayer that this message will help us to understand why we must go through these valleys, and how we can grow in our relationship with God....emerging out of the dark valleys as a well sharpened instrument whose life is given to serve the living God and all that is good and truly right.
May all of our lives be inspired through God's great love as exemplified through the sacrifice of the Son. That that same love would flow through our spiritual veins embracing our families and our loved ones, and out even to the uttermost parts of the earth.
Love,
Kit

kit teaching Sunday

2009-03-04T13:40:00.002-10:00

Although I haven't had a lot of strength these last few days I have moments of energy and great joy having my family around me and your constant love and care through e-mails, blog comments, cards letters, etc...I am working on the message for this Sunday (two services) ...I would like to ask for your continued prayers and support for me to have the strength to deliver the message. I find no greater joy than being used by God in this way. I will be sharing about the peaks and valleys of life. Like many of us, I have experienced both the peaks and the dark valleys of life and my desire is to apply God’s Word to our hearts and minds in such a way as to bring light into the darkness and encouragement to our souls.

With great love and in great appreciation for your love, prayers and support,
kit

SUNDAY SERVICE

2009-03-02T21:23:00.003-10:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that my dad will not be speaking on friday...he will be speaking both services on sunday. He could really use your prayers as he is working on limited energy.
We love you all.

2009-02-24T16:49:00.003-10:00

Here is what my dad wanted to say:

"the turnout on friday night and the response to the message was so encouraging to me. Being able to see so much of the body all at once and to have that time of sharing God's word and being able to worship together was so nourishing to my soul and so wonderful. I know that a lot of you felt the same and I'm going to try to get back up there a week from friday. I know that the strength God gave me and being able to deliver that message was because of your prayers. I thank everyone who is reading and interacting with this blog because I know it's your love, concern, care and encouragement that helps me and my family make it to the next day. To watch God's love being poured out by you guys is an awesome thing. I will continue to serve the body and love on my family and friends as long as the Lord gives me breath."

Face Down

2009-02-23T05:42:00.002-10:00

* This song was sung at the Friday Night worship, after Kit's teaching. Some of you may want to hear (and sing) it again, so here's the video of lyrics of it:

Welcomed in to the courts of the king,
I've been ushered into your presence.
Lord, I stand on your merciful ground,
Yet with every step thread with reverence.

There is none in heavens like you,,
And upon the earth, who's your equal?
You are far above, You're the highest of heights,
And I'm bowing down to exalt you.

And I'll fall face down,
As Your glory shines around.
Yes I'll fall face down,
As your glory shines around.

Let your glory shine around,
Let you glory shine around.
King of glory here be found,
King of glory.

Speaking Friday Night...

2009-02-19T10:19:00.007-10:00

Hi Everyone, my dad wanted you all to know that he is planning on speaking at the Friday night service tomorrow night. Please pray that God would place his healing hand on my dad and give him the strength to teach.

Thanks so much!

with love,

the Lauers

a prayer request

2009-02-11T11:18:00.003-10:00

I am feeling strong enough this morning to get on line to let you know I am still here on planet earth and that I appreciate all your prayers, love & support that continue pouring into my heart and into my family. I desire to teach at church a week from this Friday and so I am asking God for permission, strength and clarity. It is the desire of my heart. So, I am also asking if you would pray that God would do just that...give me the strength, give me the clarity to bring a message before the Church one week from this Friday. You are always on my heart and in my prayers.

Forever
love
kit

Kit's Savior Loves, Kit's Savior Lives

2009-02-10T18:05:00.006-10:00

This photo was taken from Maisha's Facebook page. I love this photo of them, don't you? Below is a worship song we know Kit and Maisha like. I think we all like it too:

I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at His right hand
Stands one who is my Savior

I take Him at His word and deed
Christ died to save me; this I read
And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my savior

That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior

Chorus (2x's)
My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior's always there for me
My God: He was, my God; He is
My God is always gonna be

Yes, living, dying, let me bring
My strength, my solace from this spring;
That He who lives to be my King
Once died to be my Savior

That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior

My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior loves, My Savior lives

*** Kit's is doing ok (I know you always want to know how he's doing) Of course, your prayers are always appreciated.

In addition, any fun times (even crazy times) you have with Kit that you want to share here in the comment section would be appreciated too (for the Proverbs says, laughter is a good medicine :). OK, even if it's serious and not funny, like how God blessed you or inspired you to walk closer to Jesus through Kit's testimony, feel free to share in the comment section. I know that's an encouragement to Kit and family :)

And if you just want to say "hi" just stopping by, that's ok too :)

Wednesday hello :-)

2009-02-04T16:15:00.005-10:00

Kit wanted to say:
"After a couple days of not being able to get up...I was able to get up a little bit today. It must have been your prayers because I felt that it was God Himself telling me to get up today. Maisha was able to read my emails and blog comments to me and it's always very encouraging and comforting that I'm still on your minds and in your hearts and prayers."

My dad is very tired, but not in a lot of pain. He has started to have night sweats again. My family and I are very grateful for this time together and for all of you who love us. I know that many of you would like to hear from my mom...hopefully she will be able to write on the blog sometime. She's very busy as she's back to her regular work schedule and is also taking care of my dad.

We love you all.
Maisha and family

something from kit

2009-01-28T11:26:00.002-10:00

I am so thankful today for the strength and clarity God has given me to post a huge thank you for your tireless prayers, love and support of myself and my family. We are simply living each moment God gives us in hope of a miracle healing and in assured peace of a long enduring relationship with God in Christ who gives us life. I am blessed to have my son and his wife as well as my daughter here with me. My family is such a wonderful comfort. My family always reads me your posts, e-mails, cards and letters. I am so loved...and I thank you so much for never giving up through prayer for one another. You are constantly in my prayers as well. I pray God would give me the strength and time to speak at church. That would be an awesome day...for now it is moment by moment...knowing that all our moments are in the loving hands of the one who gave it all for us and has the power of life in His hands. Robyn Iaea has graciously been putting "The Journey" notes into a booklet that will prayerfully be an encouragement to all of us. We will let you know when those booklets are ready. I was also excited to learn that last Sunday's message giving by Craig came with a promotion of the 'Loving God With All Your Mind' seminar notebooks and CD set which is a great tool for those that want some hard core empirical evidence for God's existence. This all makes me happy because I feel like God is still using my life for His good purposes.

I just wanted you to know that I am still very much alive, still here, still in love with God, still in love with you, still thinking about you and praying for you as I receive your love and prayers deep into my heart as well.

Continuing through His strength,
kit

thankfulness

2009-01-21T13:43:00.001-10:00

Hi all. I'm over here with my dad and he wanted everyone to know that I (or my mom) read the blog comments to my dad and they make his heart happy. He cries the whole time...for happy :)
We are praying that he can get off some of the medications because they make him so drowsy. His pain is doing alright though...and he prefers drowsiness to pain. He only feels bad because he doesn't have much energy right now for calls, emails or visitors. I told him that you all love him and completely understand.
love,
The Lauers

2009-01-20T14:28:00.003-10:00

today...my dad wants to say that he is so thankful for the amount of love, compassion and concern that has been stirred up within our family, friends, the church body, our community and beyond...because of what has been going on. It's amazing how God can mature us through pain and suffering.
Our church has been through a great deal of pain this last year.
It's amazing to watch us grow and mature...and to be able to express more love and compassion through our relationships. It really brings great glory to God and all that is good! That being said...let us encourage each other this day to continue in that good work.

My dad has not been in a lot of pain for the past couple of days. The pain meds have been working wonders :) We really pray that this continues. He also has more of an appetite now especially since his taste buds are coming back. He still has very little energy and we're hoping that will increase.

We are praying for you all as you are praying for us!

love,
The Lauer Ohana

2 Corinthians 4:7-16 (NIV)

2009-01-19T20:31:00.006-10:00

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 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.

***

For the latest post of Shelly, Jan 17th, click HERE. If you have any encouraging Bible verse to share, please post them in the comment section. The Lauers are enjoying their time together as a family. Please continue to keep them in your prayers, as we know you are doing. Mahalo :)

January 15 Update - Kit, Shelly, Mikey, Shae & Maisha are all on Maui :)

2009-01-15T12:12:00.003-10:00

Thurs.
Mikey and Shae arrived back on Maui yesterday ... and it sure is good to have them home.
Kit went in to Kaiser to have his blood tested in the a.m. We still have not heard back from the doctor , but Kit seems like he is getting stronger and healthier to me.
On Tues., afternoon , the Hospice people came to assess Kit. The doctor on Oahu told us that Hospice could be a good support to us on Maui, so.. we called them and I am so glad that we did. The nurse helped make suggestions on the pain medicines..and last night... was a much better night because of the new medicines. Kit still wakes up frequently, and has to change clothes and sheets because of the night sweats, but there was only one time last night that the pain was really uncomfortable.... a big improvement for other nights. Kit is eating really well.. he has an appetite..and he must be gaining weight... although we don't have a scale , so I can not confirm that.
Now that I am home , with the kids here and all the things to do in my life , my attachment to the Blog is not the same.. I feel badly, because "the Blog" ( your postings) helped me get through those days at Kaiser..and I feel a little disloyal to you these past few days...because I have not been good about writing... I really want to emphasize how much your writings helped me and Kit. I want to thank you again for taking the time to write e-mails, write posts, sent cards etc... it made a huge difference in our days at Kaiser. I know that some of you did not write, but you were praying and even fasting for us... thank you so much. We could not have more wonderful friends and family in the whole world than YOU!!!! Love, Shelly and kit

2009-01-12T22:37:00.002-10:00

Monday night and we are back on Maui.
I just read Kit the blog... and Becky, it was so nice to read your letter on the blog. It was very hard for us to say good bye to the second floor East , so.. we actually left very quietly. After spending almost 3 months ( total ) in Kaiser with all the nurses, doctors ,aids , etc. you get to know each other and you get attached to people.. and of course.. we had our favorites and Becky you were definately one of them. We could see Christ present in your nursing... you were so sweet and tender with us... we will miss you... thank you for your prayers especially. Becky did not just pray for us.. she would pray for all her patients before work.. the nursing profession is so admirable and Kit and I have so much respect for the men and women that do that job, it is such hard work.
After staying at the Petulla's condo one night, we flew back on Sunday afternoon. It was so great to get home to Kihei and of course, we had to visit Buddy on the way home, since he is layed up on the couch from his bike injury. It is so wonderful to be home with our family.
Kit is very tired and weak and unfortunately the sinus pain is back again. Sunday night was difficult. He wakes up often soaking wet, and he has to change clothes , sheets etc. So please pray for the pain.. even right now.. the pain medication is not working.. and it is a helpless feeling to watch someone that you love so much... suffer pain. Kit really loves everyone, but he is going to lay low for awhile, until he gets his strength up. He weighs about 130 lbs... but thank God, he is getting his appetite back.
Mikey and Shae come home on Wed.. We are anxiously waiting for them.
We love you so much and we appreciate all your help,support , prayers, concern, comments, cards, gifts and love... these past months.
Love,shelly and Kit

2009-01-10T09:41:00.004-10:00

Sat. Jan 10th

Kit has not taken any pain medicine for about 30 hours now.... that is such an awesome thing... because his sinus pain is going away. Praise God!!!! He had a tough night tho.. not because of the pain, but because he wakes up every couple hours... completely soaked.. and freezing... so... we strip everything off... get new sheets , nightgown... and start over again. I remember this happened the last time when Kit was recovering from the chemo...antibiotics.. etc.. He was always so cold and the hospital has the AC blasting in here... and so... the night was miserable....it sure is amazing how a little sunshine coming through the window can change things.

The doctor that we love... Dr. "Tiger Woods" Duong came in with good news today. Kit's blood work was very good...platelets up...neutraphils up... He wants Kit to have two units of red blood cells today.....which takes about 5 hours... and then.. he wants to see if we can go home this afternoon or tomorrow. Kit is ecstatic!! He can't wait to get to Larry and Charlotte's place... to open their storm blinds and look out on the whole Waikiki beach... their condo..on the 12 th floor.. has the most spectacular view in the world. It won't be cold there....and to stand there and watch all the action in the water is invigorating.. to the far left .. there are people surfing...then.. the outrigger canoes.. are going out and in.. in the am and pm. then.. there are the stand up paddlers, the snorkelers... swimmers.. then there are people sailing boats past them.. and then.. way out there are the big ships... it is so exciting to sit and look out over God's creation..Oahu is such a beautiful island... We are so thankful to have friends like the Petullas... they are so generous.. When we got our first house 33 years ago..Charlotte stitched the most beautiful" Home Sweet Home" picture that has moved with us from house to house ,all these years...Years ago.. we taught and coached their kids, who are all grown up now with their own kids...We are not sure exactly when we are coming home.. but we will be there soon.

You Are Mine

2009-01-10T03:16:00.006-10:00

This song ministered to me, and I know it will do the same to you. From one "cry baby" to the next, make sure you have tissues next to you when you watch and listen to this:

For the latest update Fri, Jan 9 from Kit and Shelly, click HERE.

Jan 9 Update - Thankfulness

2009-01-09T08:54:00.008-10:00

Fri. Jan. 9Th
Kit had a pretty good night last night. He just told me that he wanted me to let you know how thankful he is for so many things. The fact that his brother Buddy is okay after being run over by a truck with his bike and to see how many people just rallied and prayed for him..is a wonderful testimony to sowing in to the body of Christ. It is a comfort to Kit to know that so many people love his brother, the way that Kit does. Most of you know that Buddy and Kit started the Fri. night service together years ago and the worship teams today still flow with the same creativity and freedom that Buddy brought as a worship leader.
Kit is thankful that his son and daughter-in-law are coming to be with him from Oregon. They fly in on Wed. and Kit and I are so thankful to Mark and Jori Spencer because they set up the whole thing. Kit said," My heart is so thankful because I see our body of Christ is really putting in to action their faith... it is a very powerful testimony to those around us of how God's love can grab a hold of our lives and cause us to be much richer and fuller and touch more lives and cause our lives to be much more than we could ever imagine. I don't really know God's ultimate transition plan for me in to eternity in terms of the timing, I am physically very weak and tired, but my desire is to serve the Lord if he should choose to give me the energy and health to do so. I am very thankful for the ministry that God has given to me and my hearts desire is to continue to be able to expand upon the truth and knowledge that God has imparted to me. I still want to teach and help others enhance their relationship with God and to help them prepare for those difficult times in life that come upon us . We have God,we have His great gift , the life of Christ..and we have one another....and this is more than enough for a lifetime of thankfulness."
Kit fell back to sleep, so... I am continuing on... We just got the information about Kit's blood work and his white blood cells are 3.900 (18 % are neutraphils) so... things are looking up...the red blood cells and platelets are about the same, so... we are not sure if the red blood cells will be transfused today or not. The doctor is taking one of the anti biotics away and now he will only be on 3.
Last night, when Kit was asleep, and I was in my little cot ,near his bed, there was a knock on the door and we had a visitor. Laura Bagby's dad, Ron, was there to visit us, after he was up visiting his wife... What a wonderful visit we had.. out in the hallway.. He is such a loving person...no wonder Laura is the way she is... He offered to have me come and eat out his house etc... The body of Christ is HUGE and so honoring to our Lord .
I know this is long... we love you guys.... shelly and kit

Laughter Is A Good Medicine / My Hope Is In You

2009-01-09T04:56:00.012-10:00

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart
and good news health to the bones.
Proverbs 15:30 (NIV)

A cheerful heart is good medicine
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)

I am so glad to read about Kit's good day yesterday. And I know that all of us are praying for this good news to continue. A couple of Proverbs came up to mind while I was reading the posts and comments yesterday so I thought I would post them up here. Thank you for all who are commenting. Keep your stories and sharing coming. They are a good medicine :)

Liza

P.S. Here's a great post to read at Laced With Grace (click it to go there and read)

******
Here's your song for today: My Hope Is In You:

Jan 8 Update and the Story About Poop :)

2009-01-08T18:39:00.007-10:00

Thurs. evening ... just a quick note... Kit is sleeping after eating a little dinner tonight. He is very tired and rests a lot. But... today was a pretty good day... not too much pain. We praying for the blood counts to go up tomorrow.

When I read Lisa's e-mail ... I had to write... explaining my niece's nickname. When my brother and I were in jr . high... my sister , Carol, had a little baby girl... her name was Kathie... We loved her so much, and when Mike and I would walk home from school , we would go to my sister's house to see our little precious niece. I gave her that nickname then..Poop! I don't think it had anything to do with pooping diapers... it was just a cute name to me..because she was so adorable... and I love it when she signs her name Poop... because it brings back loving memories of a wonderful time in our family's life..

Well.. I am going to shut this computer off. I love you and appreciate your comments.... shelly

Jan 8 Update and the Football Pools

2009-01-08T10:45:00.004-10:00

Jan.8
Last night was a good night , except that we were worried about Buddy. ( Buddy, Kit's younger brother was ran over by a truck on his bicyle yesterday on So. Kihei rd and taken by ambulance to the hospital, released and then later admitted because he feinted in the shower) We would pray, each time we woke up during the night that Buddy was sleeping soundly and that he did not have any brain damage. We called him at Maui Memorial this a.m., and Craig Englert answered his phone. Kit , Buddy and Craig talked for awhile and there was a lot of joking going on... which is a good sign. Buddy is being released today.. with a fractured fibula and he needs to take it easy. We are SO thankful that Buddy is okay.
Kit is in 2 football pools ..one with the Lauer Family and one with Pete Nichols... he is in first place in both... Kit is a very competitive person... even when he is extremely weak...sick .. and in pain... he is determined that I send his picks in for the week. For awhile , Buddy was in first place in the Lauer family pool, but a couple of weeks ago, Kit went ahead...This a.m, on the phone ,Kit was joking with Buddy about Buddy being so depressed about Kit taking the lead in the family football pool that he got in an accident and ambulanced to the hospital just to get some attention or something to that effect.. they are just 2 silly boys still.... ( and "Poop",( my neice) you are so right about how these two brothers love each other.)
Thank you for your prayers about good dreams etc... Kit was not troubled in the night, like the night before... and the best news is that he does not have to have any transfusions today. The platelets and red blood cells are holding... and the white blood cells went up a little and there were some neutraphils.. so.. that is good news.. If the counts continue going up.. that would be awesome... but we just have to wait and see how the days ahead go.
Kit has a very small appetite... but he did eat a little for dinner and breakfast.. He is down to 140 ... his skin is peeling everywhere and his hair is falling out on his head... but everywhere else...it is staying.. He wishes that he would have shaved down... arms and chest before coming in, because pulling off the tape from the Iv's etc..is very painful.
I am going to sign off for now... I read all the e-mails and blog comments to Kit..... they give him so much joy... thank you for loving us the way that you do.
oxxoxoox,shelly

Update on Buddy

2009-01-08T00:03:00.011-10:00

Hi All. This is Maisha. Latest is that they don't think Buddy had a seizure (I didn't personally witness any of it). I think he just fainted and sometimes you jerk when you faint. His CT scan was normal which is the most important thing. He still shouldn't have been sent home, and it's good he went back into the hospital because he actually did have a fractured bone in his leg. I saw him at the hospital tonight, and he's gonna be ok :-)

I also talked to my dad tonight and he seemed in good sprits. I got to pray with him and I prayed that he wouldn't have any negative images popping into his brain...but only butterflies and puppies :) Praying that tomorrow will bring good results in the blood test!

Thank you everyone for being such a support to my mom and my family...thank you Liza for helping us with the blog!!!

2009-01-07T20:08:00.004-10:00

Jan. 7 8:10p.m.
I am typing a quick good-night from Kit to you.
"Shelly sits by my bedside and brings me joy and hope and a sense of God's presence and encouragement ,all....because she is reading your posted comments on the blog and your e-mails to me. They are like precious treasures that keep me close to you and they let me know that I am a part of your life , as you are a part of mine.
The beauty of this is that for those of us who are in Christ, we have this relationship forever .... it is amazing how God's love and his compassion just shines through you guys... it really does!!! It gives testimony to the whole world around us to the genuiness of God's great love!!!"
We just got a call from Maisha telling us that Buddy had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital tonight because he had feinted in the shower, Michael heard him fall and ran in and put him on the bed, where he had a seizure. Right now he is at the hospital and the doctors are checking him out completely. He had been in a serious bike accident today.. and his leg was driven over by a truck, but until now... we did not know that his helmet had been split open as well, during his fall. He went by ambulance this a.m. as well to emergency. Please lift Buddy up in prayer... We pray that he has no brain damage and that he does not have any more seizures... the hospital is keeping him there tonight... and we are praying for good news in the a.m.
love,Kit and shelly

2009-01-07T13:29:00.008-10:00

Wed. Jan. 7th... Well...things are about the same...as far as the blood results... The neutraphils have not shown up yet... in the blood tests, but maybe tomorrow. No need for a platelet transfusion today. Last night , Kit had to have a new IV put in , because the other one came out after the red blood cell transfusion and they wheeled him down to the room where they insert IV's and afterwards, we even walked back to our room. Kit borrowed the shaver from that department and shaved his white beard off... Because of the transfusion , the nurses were behind in administering Kit's various antibiotics and anti-fungal medicines, so he was dealing with that all night. Those drugs are what cause Kit to have hallucinations.. but last night... they were troublesome. Dogs mauling him, wrestlers trying to wrestle him in his bed...in the condition he is in...etc... not the typical butterfies ,beautfiul streams and lakes....that he would hallucinate about before.. but... he got through the night. He is struggling with the pain in the sinus area still.
We received a call from Becky this a.m.that Buddy was in the emergency, because of a bike accident... so.. we are praying that he is okay... Becky said that there were no broken bones... but we do not know details yet...
Mikey called last night from Oregon and he really wants to come home and be with his dad. He has decided to not go to school this quarter and continue on later. He and Shae prayed about it and they will come as soon as they can. Mark and Jori Spencer have so graciously offered to buy their ticket, and I am thankful for them doing that.
We have the nicest doctors and nurses over here. I feel their caring hearts and concern. They are supporting Kit in trying to get home.
Your comments and e-mails are supporting me and Kit to the max... This morning Maisha called and said... "You sound like you have a cold.". and I said no... I have just been reading the blog.. and I cry through each comment posted... Kit loves hearing me read them to him.... even though I cry while reading them.
We love you guys so much.. shelly and kit

********

Shelly, sorry to add up to your post (this was supposed to be in the comment, but I really wanted to post this song for you and Kit, and I didn't want to start a new post because I want everyone to see your update right away) I thought of just giving you the link, but I think it's better to actually embed this in the blog.

Kit, I first heard this song from you. May this gives you peace, hope and comfort. Love, Liza

Encouraging Bible Verses...

2009-01-07T05:24:00.012-10:00

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.

Any other encouraging Bible verses you want to add? Add them in the comment section. Mahalo :)

If you are looking for the latest update, scroll down or click here (don't miss Shelly story on Kit) and here.

A lot of encouraging comments here :) (Shelly, make sure you regularly check the comments here because it's still growing :)

The Kit We Love

2009-01-06T15:23:00.004-10:00

3:20p.m.
Kit is having his red blood transfusion right now... and something so funny just happened...that I had to put it on the blog... the walls in this place are really thin and we have had alot of different people sleeping in the next room. Some people are very quiet and some are quite noisey...there are nights when we can painfully hear patients throwing up in the night ... and Kit will pray out loud for them...." Jesus , please be with that woman "
etc.. He really has a heart of compassion for them because he has been where the people are... well.. a few minutes ago.. the patient next door.. was making all these loud noises... from the bathroom... and Becky , one of the sweetest nurses that Kaiser has.. a full on Christian who prays openly in our room for Kit... was asking the man if he was okay... and he made some very rude and loud remarks back to her... and I could not believe Kit... he has been laying there.... almost lifeless... with no energy... having a difficult time to sit up even... and he starts to get up... and he says.." Is that guy talking to Becky like that?"... and I said yes... and he said ..." I'm going over there and talking to that guy..."..and I told him to sit down.... and he said..," No one should talk to Becky like that.... " the whole thing made me laugh... because he came alive to defend his special nurse... and that is what I love about Kit. bye for now...

January 6 Update

2009-01-06T10:33:00.016-10:00

Jan. 6 ,
Liza is so true how your blogs are keeping us connected to our loved ones and I read them to Kit... and he is moved by all of you and what you say... you are encouraging us big time!!!!
Last night , was a tough night. Kit really wants to be home on Maui... last night he told me that he has had the most fulfilling life... so blessed...so loved... and that he is ready to go be with the Lord. He was just praying out loud to the Lord, thanking Him for everything , his full and rich life... his loving family and friends...and asking Him to bring him Home( to Heaven) . He was in alot of pain... but eventually fell asleep and today is a new day.
He does not have an appetite. He had one bite of eggs and drank some Ensure... and that is it. The blood work came back today... and Kit needs another red blood cell transfusion. The oncologist just came in and convinced Kit that he needs to stay here on Oahu for awhile longer to keep getting antibiotics and to not give up yet. Even though , his white blood cells are still at 0 , only a few neutraphils... his doctor believes that Kit might still be responding to the chemo and that his body is slow making the new blood cells. The platelets are holding from the transfusion yesterday. So... we are not coming home right yet.... tonight... when everyone is out of the hallway... we are going to try and take a walk... the doctor really recommended that he do that... to change the scenery..Maybe after the red blood cells... he will have the energy to do that... Right now... he just lays in bed and sleeps... his sleep is not too restful because his brain is working over time... and he just keeps talking about things... He just said something about "the secret garden" ... maybe that book... we read to the Maisha years ago... I don't know... it is funny the things that he says...
I had a great experience this a.m. Out in front of Kaiser there is a little stand where they sell good coffee and sometimes, I go get a cup in the a.m. Well, today I did and the lady in front of me was buying Earl Grey tea.. she was an older tiny petite japanese woman... who was wearing this adorable vintage hat... (she had had chemo ) ...she reminded me of an old Bonjo... with her unique style.... I asked her what doctor she was seeing... and then I ran back to Kit's room and got this box of Earl Grey tea... that an angel from Maui...Robyn Iaea had sent to Kit with other goodies...yesterday.... Kit is not much of a tea drinker..nor am I.... but these tea bags that Robyn sent ... were too adorable to waste on people that are not tea drinkers. They were packaged in little triangular shaped boxes.. hanging from a string with a leaf on the end... They were so cute and I knew this lady would love them..so.. I wrote her a note and brought them to her and she was so happy and thankful.. SO.. Robyn .. thank you for letting me bless someone with that gift for Kit.
I think that Kit is starting to lose his thick hair( ha..) I see hair on his pillow.. He has not shaved... because the electric shaver that I bought him was junk and his placelets are too low to shave with a blade.. so... he is growing a white beard ...
CW... I think that was the person... I am trying to think of anything to say.... to keep you informed.
I love reading your comments.. all of them... you just don't
know how your words minister to Kit and me. You are such wonderful family and friends.. that have made our life so rich...thank you for reaching out to Kit...and me. ... and our family. love,shelly

Pleasant Words Are Healing To The Bones ...

2009-01-06T05:04:00.011-10:00

"Pleasant Words Are Healing To The Bones ..."

I had this verse on my head for a couple of days now, so finally I Googled the words to find out if this is really in the Bible and where exactly it is written. Well here's what I found:

It is on Proverbs 16:24:

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Pleasant words are [like] honey from a honeycomb- sweet to the spirit and healthy for the body.

King James Bible
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

The comments being spoken (and written) here are healing to the bones. Keep them coming. It does not matter if you have commented previously, feel free to comment once a day if you can.

To those who do not know how - learn how. It's easier than you think it is.

To those who are just coming in and didn't know what we are doing, we are "talking story" about Kit while continually praying for him and while waiting for updates. Share in the comment any stories of you and Kit (and Lauer family) - how you met him, how he blessed you life, funny stories will do also :)

NOW, I am not imposing unnecessary guilt to those who are not really into blogging or not really comfortable leaving comments (I thought I should clarify that). That's ok, you may encourage on other ways. Shelly and Maisha are in Facebook, or you can e-mail them (kit@maui.net). Whatever means, as long as you keep on encouraging in this time of waiting for a miracle to come.

If you want to the read latest update so far, click HERE.

Love from your blogging crazy friend,
Liza

P.S. Aside from "healing the bones" we are keeping Shelly entertained by our comments while she's there with Kit in the hospital

January 5 Update

2009-01-05T11:31:00.006-10:00

Jan.5. We have been at the hospital for 3 weeks today.
Kit had a pretty good night...he is not constipated now... I know for Maisha that is too much information..ha.. but being in the hospital gets down to those sorts of topics.. Kit has been sleeping alot.. and not eating. He does not have an appetite. His platelets are very low..3,000 and he is having a transfusion today. His white blood cells are coming up very slowly.. I wish that I could report more news... but this is a time of waiting ... to see if Kit's body can fight the infection that is in his sinus' and maybe other places in his body. The pain medicine helps him alot... his teeth ,jaws, nose ,temple area, and his face in general ..are what really hurt when the medication wears out... I am so thankful for the pain medication....it would be unbearable to sit and watch someone suffer ....if they did not have pain medication. What would even be worse ...would be to watch someone suffer and to know that they had not received the Lord as their Savior.
Kit really wants to come home to Maui.
I can't tell you how your blogging helps me get through these hours. I love you guys...
shelly

January 4 Update

2009-01-04T11:31:00.011-10:00

Jan 4th. Oh Liza that was so sweet of you to hijack Kit's blog. Just thinking of your wedding makes me laugh. I will never forget that day...Everything was so well co-ordinated...so... planned ahead of time by you and your family. HOWEVER...Bradley failed to tell Marla and Me that we were in the wedding and suppose to being wearing a shade of PINK... and when someone came and told me at the last minute... when I was wearing some black small patterned shabby little dress that I was suppose to be walking down the isle... I could have died.. I don't think that I even had lipstick on etc...But that was a beautiful wedding with all the things in it ...Philippine tradition to the max... and you were so gorgeous that day.. with your hair up.... and your loving family all there to share the day.. Of course.. Bradley was so handsome in his barong...and Kit and Dickie too...wearing them too... makes me smile..What an honor to be asked to be in your wedding. I know that you had chosen McManus ' and us to be like godparents to you.... and I have always felt like such a failure to you guys, as god parents. I had big plans ... but just never carried them out...
Liza, thank you again for being such an encourager...
Love,shelly

Now... about Kit...He is sleeping now... and he is getting another red blood cell transfusion right now. Last night he slept pretty good and he did not have a temperature.. that we knew of.. He is getting 4 different antibiotics and anti fungal medicines... almost around the clock. The pain medications make him constipated.... which is a problem... when you can't eat fresh fruit and vegetables when you are nutrapenic (weak immune system because of leukemia). He can't walk around in the hallway... because he has no white blood cells to fight infection..so... pray that things will start moving... ha..
We are just waiting now... for the infections to get nailed down..and for Kit's bone marrow to start producing his own white blood cells . He has to have a new IV put in... every 4 days, because he is not a candidate for a picc line because his immune system is so weak. The person is putting a new one in right now as I write.
Your prayers.. your comments... they are so uplifting to us. Some of you.. I don't know(but I feel close to you anyway) ... but Kit knows you .. I just cry when I read what you write because God is so good to us by blessing us with you all.. standing by our side.. while we are over here. Praying for us...begging God for a miracle... thank you.. so much.
love, Shelly

***
A post to write stories about you and Kit - click HERE and share in the comment section :)
Liza

Our Family of Hope ...

2009-01-04T01:19:00.007-10:00

Aloha! This is Liza hijacking "The Journey" blog :) (Hi Kit and Shelly! love you!)

If you came here to see what's the latest news on Kit, click here. Maybe they will update us again later, but for now I want to take the pressure off of them to update this blog. I want US to update this blog for them by US sharing the many blessings we receive from God as a result of Kit's ministry, and the whole Lauer family's loving kindness to all of us.

Soooo..... while we are continually praying for Kit and the whole Lauer family, I encourage you to leave a comment on this post sharing about Kit and you. For example- how did you meet Kit and how that friendship enriched your life? any particular incident that Kit's teaching or action blessed you? Share them here on the comment section. Make it concise (see my example, I wrote the first comment). I know it's hard to keep it short because there are so many, but choose just one and share briefly. Is this is good idea? I think it is because I know Kit and Shelly will be encouraged to read all the comments. If this is not a good idea, then this post can be easily deleted (no worries). OK, are you ready to share? fire away!

Jan 3 Update

2009-01-03T08:22:00.007-10:00

Jan. 3

I wanted to take this time to speak heart to heart to you about all that is happening. As most of you know, we finished the chemo course, took the bone marrow test and none of the cancer went in to remission. This is very disheartening to us , as well as to you ,I know. We have been battling this leukemia for 9 months now and many of you have supported us( literally... carried us through this ordeal), but with the blood counts dropping all Summer and into the Fall, we finally had to come to Oahu because my body could not fight this bad sinus infection and the cancer cells were back in my blood stream in dangerously high numbers. We made the decision at that time to excellerate a third chemo treatment, knowing there was only a small chance of remission.

Now, if you could just continue praying for me and my family that would be wonderful. It would do two really powerful things. , it would knock one more time Hard on Heaven's gates...... it would ask one more time for a miracle. It would require a complete demonstration of God's true power and glory if he healed me.

Secondly, it would continue the process within all of us to learn to cope with adversity and to increase the realization of the value of true loving relationships.

Kit is dictating this letter to me... and his mind is getting really foggy right now... so we are going to continue this later. WE love you guys and we really appreciate all your support through these months.

The doctors are trying to isolate the bacteria , microbe, or fungi that is causing Kit's infection. Please pray that his own blood would start to produce the nutraphils that could help fight infection. The doctors know that Kit wants to come home to Maui and that is our goal.

Love,Kit and Shelly

Bone marrow test results

2009-01-02T22:51:00.003-10:00

I see that my parents have not written on the blog yet...so, I wanted you all to know that we found out the results tonight and they were not good. My dad's bone marrow is still about 80% packed full of cancer cells (last time after chemo #2 they were about 60%). My mom or dad may write more later if they feel up to it.

I think right now Kit needs prayer for battling all of the infections going on in his body. He needs some good white blood cells! He wants to get heathy enough to come back home.

All our love,

The Lauers

2009-01-01T17:23:00.003-10:00

Jan 1st
Well... it has been a tough 24 hours... Kit is having high fevers, chills, nausea and with all the medicines they are giving him, he is not thinking clearly. Right now , they are giving him 2 units of red blood cells and his platelets are low again..even though they gave him platelets yesterday.
I know that you are praying to our Lord for Kit to get through this.... and I can not tell you what reading the comments does to encourgage me...even though , Kit is not ready to read the blog yet... I am praying that tomorrow he will start feeling better. This is the day(day 14) that the chemo has done the most that it can to his marrow ..... his immune system is very weak and unable to fight all these infections. His sinus' are still sore. He is peeling like a lizzard from the rashes that he gets all over his body( allergic reaction to the medications).
I am sorry that I don't answer my phone..it is really difficult to talk on the phone most of the time.
I really appreciate your prayers.... I love all of you so much and so does Kit. We have been so blessed to have you in our lives.
Love,shelly

2008-12-31T13:25:00.003-10:00

Dec.31st!!! I wrote already...and something happened to the whole letter... so I guess that I am not ready to replace Liza Peirce yet.. as Queen of the bloggers... Because Kit is still asleep from his bone marrow tap this a.m., I can not get him to help me..so..... I will just start over....
Kit had to have more platelets today... and they are giving him anti fungal and anti bacterial medicines around the clock.. and hopefully they will be able to destroy the things that they find in the blood that Kit's blood can't fight , because he does not have any good white blood cells to fight infections.
The bone marrow test went fine and Kit is asleep... mumbling and rambling on and on. This behavior was frightening for me at first, because I was afraid that he was going to be like this forever... but it is just how Kit handles drugs and certain medicines. He is just talking up a storm.. with many of you .. with his kids... with the doctors here...etc... I see how much he loves people , because the mental state that he is in ... is not a fearful place... but a loving place.
We will not find out for a few days the results of the bone marrow tap, because tomorrow is New Years...
This past year has been a year with much pain and much joy.... but I know that you are all praying that 2009 will bring good news for Kit . It is so awesome to read the blog and realize that people from everywhere.... Hawaii, Calif. , Oregon, Wash. Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Texas, Chile,Honduras, Greece and etc.. are praying for us. We are connected by this blog.... it is amazing ..it's like how Jesus is with each one of us all at the same time all over the world... He is infinite..
We have been so blessed by all of you... how much you love us and care for us. We are praying that you have a wonderful and safe New Years Eve!!!! and that in the New Year ,the Lord will bring you even closer to Him.
Love,shelly and Kit

2008-12-30T17:14:00.003-10:00

Shelly here again.... I love reading your notes... thank you so much for praying for us... I am a slow learner.. and setting up Kit's computer was difficult for me... but... I have it down now..so I can help do the blogging now. I love to look on the blog and read what our dear friends and family have to say. You guys are so encouraging!!!!
The infectious disease doctor called a little while ago to say that the recent blood work identified some strange flagellum, so they started Kit on some new medicine. Kim Insley-Morell said that she knew about the roller coaster ride.. because of what she went through when Randy died of cancer many years ago. It is such an up and down ride... but we contiue to pray to our Lord for strength and healing , we play our worship music, read our daily devotional, our Bible and another special book that Mikey's mother in law bought for me years ago...and with your prayers.... we are getting through each day.
For Christmas, I had bought Kit a special photo of a honu.( turtle)..because Kit has a special love for turtles because of Mikey. I had Maisha bring the photo over here for
Christmas and it is on the wall in our room. I just told one of our favorite doctor's the story of "turtle life" when Randy Insley died years ago....and Mikey ( a four year old) thought that eternal life was "turtle life"... and Mikey asked Kit if "Randy got to go live with the turtles now? "
Well ...I am signing off. I love you guys.. and I am so thankful to be here with Kit and to have you lifting us up in prayer.
Love,shelly

2008-12-30T11:34:00.003-10:00

Shelly here again. It is Dec. 30th. Just when we were thinking that Kit was getting better , the chills and fever began... over 103 last night, but we are controlling them with warm blankets and tylenol . One thing good about being here again at Kaiser... I know right where to get the warm blankets and we have the routine down.
Most of Kit's infection is in his nasal sinus' now. His eye is so much better. It is completely open now.
The oncologist came in this a.m. and said that Kit's bone marrow tap will be tomorrow at 10:00a.m. Because New Years day is the next day, we will not get results as quickly as we would like. I know that all of you will be praying for miraculous results and I thank you for that.
Reading the comments by each of you is very encouraging. Thank you for taking the time.. thank you for your prayers... thank you for loving Maisha and Mikey (too)as you do.
Love,shelly and Kit

2008-12-29T12:16:00.005-10:00

Shelly here. We have been on Oahu for 2 weeks today. I think Kit is making good progress now. Last night , he did not take any pain pills, his eye that was swollen shut, is much better now. He got fairly good sleep. His disorientation, hallucinations, and confusing thoughts are less frequent now. ( We are almost sure that it comes from the anti-fungal medicine.. which he will eventually not have to take). He still has a skin rash, but he is handling the itching. Because Kit's platelet count is low , he will have another platelet transfusion today. The plan is for Kit to have the bone marrow tap on Wed. at 9:00 a.m.
We are very pleased with the nursing staff and doctor's here at Kaiser. We know they are doing their best to help fight the infections etc.
We are so thankful for all of your prayers... and loving thoughts..And Dionei, I know that you love us...so never say that you are a terrible friend. Kit and I are so blessed to have the family and friends that we have. We are continually thanking God for you all. I hope that you really KNOW how your love inspires us. Love,Shelly and Kit

2008-12-27T22:02:00.002-10:00

Thank you so much for praying! Tonight, my dad had more energy and his mind was a little more clear. Also, the CT scan didn't show anything major going on behind the eye, so that is very positive....they are thinking it is just an allergic reaction.

Hopefully, tonight will be a more restful night for Kit.

With grateful hearts,

The Lauers

Bad Night for Kit...

2008-12-27T11:01:00.005-10:00

Dear friends and Family,
I just spoke with my mom and my dad had a very difficult night. My dad (and my mom) could really use prayer.
The power went out on Oahu and, they have some things on a generator at the hospital, but not everything. The lights in the rooms did not work, and unfortunately my dad was sick throughout the night and the pick line came out of his arm and was bleeding everywhere. They had to try to put it back in with flashlights.
My dad is a little better this morning. He is on pain meds and it's difficult for him to communicate what he's feeling and what he needs to my mom. He's very tired and his mind is very slow. I know it's frustrating for both of them.
Another thing is that my dad's eye is pretty much swollen shut and they are afraid that it is an infection. They thought it was allergies because he had reactions to meds before. They are doing a scan on it today. Eye infections like this can be very dangerous because the eye is an extension of the brain and it could potentially be fatal if they don't get it under control. He is already on many antibiotics.
Please pray that the Lord comforts my dad and sustains him, and also that my mom is comforted.
This is all so difficult but I am trying to keep you guys aware of everything because we really need and appreciate the prayer!
love, the Lauers

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T11:11:00.008-10:00

I am writing this from the hospital room in Kaiser on Oahu. Although this is not the ideal Christmas...my mom and I are happy to be here with my dad and we are very grateful to have him with us.
I mentioned before that my dad is still battling infections, so he could use prayer that they would stay under control.
Also, it seems that one or more of the medications are having an effect on my dad's mind...he is not lucid all of the time. We pray that this will get better and that nothing is permanent. It's very difficult for him to carry on conversations right now.
My dad is relying on God to hold him up for the next 12 to 13 days until the bone marrow test. We are all praying that his blood counts will come back up, that the chemo worked on the bone marrow, and that there will be no major complications.
Our deepest gratitude for your love and support!
Happy Christmas and a wonderful 2009!!
All our love,
Maisha, Shelly and Kit

Monday Update

2008-12-22T13:30:00.003-10:00

My dad got more energy and was able to finish the blog. Maisha

This is Kit here! Just a small break in the storm long enough to post a short not to you. My heart is saddened because I can't come to the Wednesday Christmas eve. service. I was so looking forward to speaking that night, for my heart is simply filled with your love, support and prayers and your never giving up on me "attitude". And know this, that I won't give up either until the Lord says "let go". I look forward to that day, but today is a day for battle. Tuesday will be the fifth and final treatment day and then I have fourteen days to wait for a bone marrow test to see how deep the cleansing of the cancer cells has gone. Just making it through this third chemo treatment will be a miracle in itself. But, the greatest miracle of all, of course, is that God would enter His own creation by taking on the additional nature of a man. That God would care enough about each of as to give His Son for our failures, weaknesses and sins and all this before we had even acknowledged Him, while most of us were just 'sinnin it up' out there in the world. God, looking from eternity to eternity, saw the potential loss of His creation, so he stepped in to save us from ourselves...and the most amazing thing is that God entered this world as a helpless little baby boy and at the moment of Jesus' birth the shadow of the Cross fell upon that manger. Thank you Jesus for giving your life for ours in order that we could receive the gift of everlasting which you hold in your hand. We stop in our busy schedules and punch lists...we pull back from our myopic view of life, our circumstances and complaints, yes even from our pain and suffering to give you thanks this Christmas and to offer our selves as living presents to you. Let our lives shine so brightly with love for one another this Christmas...in order that you would be gloried.

I love you guys...keep up those prayers...let's see what God will do!

kit

2008-12-22T13:20:00.012-10:00

My dad started to write the blog today, but he was just too tired to finish. My dad has an enormous amount of gratitude for all of the love and prayers!!! We don't know what else to say...they are deeply appreciated!

Here's what is current and what we need prayer about:
1. My dad has one more day day of chemotherapy treatment. As we said before, these are older chemotherapy agents. When the Hawaii oncologists conferred with the doctors from City of Hope, they felt that he should try different chemotherapy agents since he did not go into remission before.
2. He is battling infections (as before) and probably will be for the next few weeks.
3. The blast (cancer) cells in his blood are being eliminated by the chemo but we do not know, until we do a bone marrow test, if they are working on the bone marrow. So, Kit would appreciate prayer on that. Also, please pray that when he does do the bone marrow test (not sure when, but maybe in the next 2 weeks), he would have no complications from it. Last time,there was some damage done and it was very painful for him...for weeks after.
4. My dad has had to take a lot of vicodin because of his horrible headaches...but these pain meds have side effects...and he is experiencing them. So, if you could pray against these side effects, that would be great.

Thank you!
love, Maisha

2008-12-20T18:19:00.002-10:00

It's Sat evening and I am writing the blog for Kit. Thank you for all the encouraging comments. We really feel your support and love.

Kit has finished 2 days of chemo now. The first day of chemo did knock down some of the cancer cells in his blood, so hopefully the next three treatments will destroy all of them in his blood and bone marrow. The doctors here have conferred with the City of Hope doctors and they recommended 2 chemos that were older , that Kit did not use before. We are hoping that these destroy his blast cells. One of them is cobalt blue and makes his urine blue.. hopefully the urologists were prepared for the strange looking sample.
Kit had a really hard night last night, his head felt like it was going to explode. Hopefully , it will be a better night tonight.
I can not tell you how much we appreciate your love and prayers. Please keep lifting Kit up to the Lord.
We love you and we want to be home with you soon.
Shelly and Kit

A word from Kit

2008-12-19T10:55:00.003-10:00

I wanted to bring everyone up to date. I came into the hospital at Kaiser Moanalua on Oahu two days ago because I had serious infection and the cancer cells had taken over 70% of my blood serum...a dangerous condition to my arterial system which was indicated by low blood pressure. The infection was abated and then I was transfused with red blood cells and platelets because they had also been dropping way too low over the last few months. If I go home now, I have a very short time to live. So we decided to fight for more time. I am submitting myself to another round of deep chemo TODAY, something I really do not look forward to, but barring a straight out miracle from God it is the only way known that we can possibly knock down the leukemia cells. The treatment is quite risky and there is a chance they could lose me through it...so I would appreciate every one's prayers once again that God will show mercy to me...that the side affects will be minimal and that we would get even some remission to have more time to love you and my family and to continue to share the gospel of Christ. I may even be so bold as to have you ask God if this treatment could be used to send me into full remission...a real miracle...which would allow for a possible cure. In the physical, that possibility is a tiny sliver of hope...but all things are possible to God. I have felt the pressure to just give up...but how can I do that?... God just didn't make me that way...so into the battle we ride and I need your prayers, love and support more then ever. So let us rally together one more time before the Lord and present our prayers and supplications to Him. May His name be blessed forever...even in death we are more than conquerors...for His resurrected life has swallowed up death itself. I love you all more than words could ever express. Stay the course, keep the faith...trust in Him through it all.

Love in Christ forever and ever
kit

Wednesday Update From Maisha...

2008-12-17T09:57:00.014-10:00

Hi everyone! I just spoke with my mom and she said that my dad is feeling much better this morning after he got all of the transfusions. I think I mentioned before, but my dad's on Oahu and had IV antibiotics and blood transfusions yesterday.

My dad is battling allergic reactions though (he experienced that before) where he gets all puffy and one of his eyes was swollen shut last night. It's from the antibiotics and may also be from the blood transfusions. He's doing a bit better with that this morning though.

His blood pressure was dangerously low last night and they almost took him to ICU, but that's better as well. My guess is that it was because his red blood cells were so low, and once the transfusion started working and his body got used to it, he was doing better...but I'm not sure.

My dad is still thinking about starting on mylotarg (I spelled it wrong before) after he's feeling a little better...but he also wants to be home on Maui for Christmas.

Thanks sooo much for your love and prayers!!
Maisha

**as of 5:00pm*

Not great news--I just got off the phone with my dad...what he told me is that the cancer cells in his blood have increased from around 65% or so to about 75% in one day. This is not a good sign. The cancer cells are spreading VERY fast. According to the drs...if he were just to go home and get transfusions...he might make it to Christmas. They decided they don't want him to do mylotarg but do a newer different type of chemo (sorry I don't know more details about that). It's very intense...but if he makes it through, he could have more time. So, once he is a little more healthy, they are planning on starting that treatment (maybe in a couple days, I'm not sure). This is not an easy decision for my dad, and this is not an easy time for my entire family...so I hope that all of you will try to respect this decision. It is hard to make these kind of calls, you know what I mean if you've ever had to make them. That being said, what we need is prayer!!!! and we sooo appreciate it!!! thank you!

Love,
Maisha

Urgent Prayer Request

2008-12-16T06:01:00.003-10:00

Below is what was e-mailed to the Hope Chapel Prayer warriors:

Hope Chapel associate pastor, Dr. Kit Lauer got his bloodwork done today. All of his cell counts are low (wbc, rbc, platelets), and he has an infection and fever. In addition, they are now seeing cancer cells in his blood as well as in his bone marrow. He and Shelly are leaving this evening to go to Honolulu, where he may need to have a blood transfusion.

***
Maisha has a more detailed update on her Facebook. Many of you have shown support by leaving notes and messages there. Are you all on Facebook? If any of you reading this blog do not have a Facebook account and would like to be updated more from this blog, please let me know by leaving a comment. Otherwise I will assume that everyone has been following Kit's update on Maisha's facebook page. Thanks. - Liza

Update From Kit...

2008-12-12T13:06:00.006-10:00

I want to thank everyone for your prayers and support to help me be able to go to Oregon and see my son Mikey wrestle and hang out with him, Shae (his beautiful new wife) and all the extended family there in Oregon. If you have followed the blog at all, you probably know how God answered our prayers and kept me healthy the whole two weeks I was visiting. I was able to watch Mikey wrestle both a tournament and in dual meets for his school, Southern Oregon University. It was wonderful being with the family there in Oregon during Thanksgiving...I even got to go fishing on the Rouge River with my brother Buddy, compliments of Shae's uncle Danny Vidlak...I am so thankful for all our family and friends and our church family who have loved and supported us through this battle with Leukemia. Some of you know I was invited to speak there in Grants Pass, Oregon at the Edgewater Christian Fellowship...it was a wonderful experience and we all got touched by God's love and hope.

I need your prayers again to help me make a decision whether or not to take a fairly new treatment that has similar downsides as the chemo therapy...the new treatment has only a 13% chance of full remission...so we must weigh the chances of remission against the downside affects ...I am caught between just waiting on God for the straight out miracle or asking God if He is going to work through this new treatment. So I need your prayers for discernment. Please, if you haven't already done so, peruse the blog to see pictures of the trip, our Christmas letter, Mikey wrestling and other stuff. I will continue to teach Friday nights and Sundays as often as God calls me and gives me strength. It is your love and prayers that are keeping me going, that is for sure! I thank God for you everyday!

Please know that I am in constant prayer for and your families as well. Just being alive to celebrate this Christmas with you is a miracle in itself and my heart is filled with gratitude.

In His love forever,

kit

More Photos From Oregon - Mike(y) Wrestles

2008-12-11T14:20:00.003-10:00

2008-12-05T11:34:00.004-10:00

This song ("Faith" by Jason Upton) was introduced to me by my friend Leslie, and it has really ministered to me lately. What God has revealed to me through my dad's battle is that there is a whole lot of pain out there. I know that so many of you are hurting (physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually) so I wanted to share this song with all of you who want to believe God and who want to see Him in your life.

Much Love,

Maisha

here's the link:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v91MIT4GEg

Mele Kalikimaka Family and Friends

2008-12-05T05:02:00.015-10:00

Mele Kalikimaka Family and Friends,

2008 has been an eventful year for our family. I know that most of you know that Kit was diagnosed with acute leukemia one week before Good Friday. Before he started his chemo treatment on Oahu, he flew back to Maui and gave the Good Friday Service message at Hope Chapel. Mikey and Shae flew home from Oregon and we all spent Easter Sunday together and then Monday a.m. , he was off to Oahu to begin the treatment. Unfortunately, after 2 rounds of chemo, Kit’s body did not respond to the treatment and he was sent home to Maui after 2 ½ months in the hospital.

The chemo, infections, and antibiotics… almost destroyed Kit physically, but slowly, he got his strength back and began feeling better. Recently, his blood tests showed that his white blood cell counts were dangerously low...and he was worried that he was not going to be able to fly to Oregon and watch Mikey wrestle. (he had never seen Mikey wrestle in college yet) With God’s grace and antibiotics, Kit and Buddy flew out on Nov. 14^th . They watched Mikey wrestle 7 matches, they spent time with my family( Carol, Diane, Kathie , Mike , Laura and Jared) who drove up to Oregon to see Kit and Buddy.

Kit was able to spend precious time with Mikey and Shae, the Vidlaks, the Browns, the Johnsons, the Crabtrees, the Smalls, the Hickmans, the Wilsons. The trip was such a blessing to Kit . He felt so good in Oregon and Shae’s relatives, treated Kit and Buddy with such care. They spent Thanksgiving at Danny and Steph’s house, the same beautiful house where Mikey and Shae were married on Sept. 8^th 2007.

So…even though we are unsure of the future, we have so much to be thankful for. We have received so much love and support through this trial .Friends, clients, family and our church body have loved us so much that we are in awe. If you Google, Hope Chapel, Kihei, Maui, you can go on the Kit Lauer blog and see all the incredible things that our church did for us.

Maisha has been such a blessing to us. She comes over a lot and spends time with us. Kit always tells me how happy Maisha makes him and how he loves to hear her laugh. Maisha is working optometry at several places on Maui. She was able to go to Paraguay again this past summer on an eye mission trip. Maisha and Mikey and Shae bring Kit the most joy in his life.

Mikey is finishing up his senior year at Southern Oregon University. He and Shae live in Ashland and hopefully after this summer, they will move back to Maui. Mikey is wrestling and hopefully, if he survives all his injuries, he will have a good season. He wants to teach on Maui… hopefully, there will be a job here for him.

I still have my cleaning business and I have the most awesome partner, Yuko, who helps me everyday. When I was in Oahu with Kit…she ran the whole business. I have great clients, and I am thankful for the work. I have a very thankful heart at this time in my life. I appreciate each minute that I have Kit in my life. He has been the best husband and father that anyone could have. If God does not heal him, I know that Kit is not afraid to die, because he knows that he will be living eternally with the ONE whose birthday we celebrate this month. We have felt Christ’s presence through this whole ordeal…He has been our strength…”Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14

Thank you for being in our life…we love you and we pray that God will do wonderful things in your life in 2009!

Love,

Shelly and the Lauer family

Kit Is So Proud Of Mike (Mikey to Many of Us :)

2008-12-01T23:44:00.005-10:00

This is one of the main reasons Kit went to Oregon - to see Mikey wrestle, so we wanted to share with you some of the action shots :) Kit is so proud of Mikey, and we are too!

Coming up next is Shelly's Christmas letter to family and friends. Stay tuned :)

Kit in Oregon

2008-12-01T04:57:00.004-10:00

This is the first Part 1 of the slide show ... come back for part 2 tomorrow :):

THANKFUL

2008-11-26T14:45:00.004-10:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

The Lauer family has much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Over the past eight months or so, we have experienced so much love and support from friends and family. You ALL have been amazing and we thank God for you! We have also felt the hand of our Lord every step of the way...we have a God full of Magnanimity! (that's for those of you who read Kit's blog while he was in the hospital :)

My dad is still in Oregon and doing great! His energy level has even slightly improved. We would greatly appreciate your prayers for him as he travels back home to Maui on friday. the McManus family has been so generous and upgraded my dad and Uncle Buddy to first class...we love you guys!

I already mentioned previously that my dad got to see much of my mom's family on his visit which was a huge blessing. I wanted to add that my dad got to see my Aunt Becky's mom and dad (Doug and Edie) who could use prayers over their health as well. He was reunited with the Johnson family (from Oregon), Jon Small, the Hickmans, and the Crabtrees...who are all very dear to us and we are very thankful for all of them :-) My dad has also been cared for and loved on by Shae's family (Mikey's in-laws). They are our family now, and we love them!!

Kit had the awesome privilege of speaking

at Edgewater Church in Southern Oregon!! I know it touched his heart to be able to do that, and it also touched the hearts of the people in that congregation!

God is good :)

The last thing I want to mention is that Kit's oncologists would like him to start a new med which has a 25% chance of working and has similar side effects as chemotherapy. Basically, my dad would be taking the chance of becoming more sick with infection for a fairly small chance that it could make him better. Kit would be really grateful for your prayers on this decision...as would we!

Much Love,
Maisha

Updates On Kit's Oregon Visit

2008-11-23T09:30:00.003-10:00

I just found out from Buddy that Mikey will not be wrestling in the tournament this weekend because of his hurt knee and toe. We're so happy that at least my dad got to see Mikey wrestle last weekend (although, sadly, he missed making it to nationals by 2 spots).

I know my dad is so proud of Mikey! Another blessing is that my dad got to see his two sisters-in-law and much of my mom's family...they came up from Northern California :)

My dad started to have a reaction (hives) to the antibiotic so he's going to stop the antibiotic and take benadryl tonight. We pray that he has no complications over there and that he makes it home safe to Maui for Christmas!

Thanks for the love and support :-)

Maisha

AS OF MONDAY 11/24/08: Kit has stopped his antibiotics and his allergic reaction has gone down and he has no fever...thanks for your prayers :)

Thank You Prayer Warriors - The Oregon Trip Update

2008-11-21T23:25:00.003-10:00

Thank you for all your prayers especially for Kit's trip to Oregon. Here's what Maisha said when I asked how Kit is doing:

...My dad is doing pretty well. He's so excited to be in Oregon with Mikey ,and he got to watch Mikey wrestle 5 wrestling matches last weekend. He has not gotten sick (he did start antibiotics before he left, which we were very thankful for) and his energy level is pretty good!

He will be there for another week, so continued prayers would be great, especially for the flight home :)

Attention Prayer Warriors

2008-11-05T06:04:00.004-10:00

Aloha. This is Liza posting here. Maisha wrote a note on her Facebook and I took the liberty to re-post it here so that the Prayer Warriors who are not a members of Facebook but are visiting this blog regularly can pray specifically and fervently. Here's the request:

He (Kit) got a blood test done yesterday and his immune system is very low (especially in fighting off bacteria). His red blood cells which supply oxygen and energy are also steadily dropping. We are very thankful that he has not had any infections and that he had enough energy to be at my birthday party and speak at two services! My main prayer is for him traveling to Oregon...he plans to visit my brother in a little more than a week, and he will be very vulnerable on the plane. Thanks for all the love and support.
Much love,
Maisha

Kit speaking Sunday both services

2008-10-29T16:34:00.005-10:00

I will be speaking at both services this Sunday about 'The Season of Loss'. Like all the seasons of the weather our lives go through seasons as well. Some season of life are warm like summer, some seasons are full of brilliant colors and change like fall, some seasons of life are full of hope and newness like spring, and some seasons of life are cold and bitter like a harsh winter. The season of loss is a tough season to get through for most of us. It often times shakes our faith and causes us to question everything including God. But, even though God allows a season of loss in our lives He doesn't want those losses to crush us. He wants to strengthen us and encourage us during the toughest times of our lives. God wants to teach us and guide us through seasons of loss in order that He can continue to use our lives and testimonies to help others to make it through to Him as well. The Apostle Paul made a statement to the effect that his losses meant nothing compared to the surpassing glory of knowing Christ...that somehow his [Paul's] personal suffering brought him closer to the suffering of Christ. The Father knows loss...after all He gave His only Son for each one of us to have true life. In the midst of our greatest losses is the Lord Himself telling us it's ok...it will be alright...for all the losses we experience in this life, as painful as they are, cannot compare to what He has in store for those of us who trust and believe in Him. May God encourage you in your time of loss, to know that this loss is only for a moment and then He [God] will make all things right...He has sealed this promise with the life blood of His only Son...for He is God and He cannot lie...so hold onto His promise my dear one!

This message, 'The Season of Loss', will be available on mp3 at hopechapelmaui.com mid-week of November 3rd

Please continue to pray for WBC's and RBC's to go up to normal range. Also pray for my planned to trip November 14th -28th to watch my son wrestle in Oregon (pray for protection from illness on the plane and throughout the trip). God is doing a great miracle in me!

With much gratitude for you persistent love,
kit

giving it away!

2008-10-23T13:22:00.002-10:00

I know a lot of family and friends visit the blog to get an update on how I am doing and that kind of care and concern is never taken for granted. I just want you to know that your love and prayers are keeping me free from sickness and even causing my blood counts to go up. My WBC went up this last week, which is a miracle and so did my Red blood cell count. I need both whites and reds to improve even more, especially the whites (the ones that fight disease), so please keep up the prayers. But, as much as I like your prayers and feel your love I really don't want this blog to just be about me. I want it to be about you and your walk with the Lord. I want my life to be about serving you, otherwise it becomes a self centered, lonely place. I believe we were created to give ourselves away to one another. After all, Jesus did say in order to really gain life we must lose it for His sake and if we try to hold onto our life in this world we lose real life. (Matt. 16:24) How true that is! I think we feel the best about our lives when we are giving ourselves away to others. When we lay down our life for our husbands and wives, our families, our children our friends, even for the stranger in need...life, true life fills our hearts and we get a real sense of accomplishing something valuable, something truly worthwhile. It isn't so much the number of years God gives us, but what we do with those years that really counts. When you take the time to pray for your friends and family and others you are doing something that is captured by God for all eternity. When you give to others from your resources, your time, your concern, your love...you are storing up treasures Jesus says. Someday there will be no more pain and suffering and loss and hurt, but in this world we do and will have troubles and problems, troubles and problems that threaten to take away our joy and our peace. The greatest antidote to these troubles and problems is love...the love of God available to us unlimitedly and it is activated by being other centered....by getting our eyes off ourselves and onto those around us. God provides the needs of others as an opportunity to express His love through each of us as we respond in unselfish love and concern and compassion. Yes, these times are tough with economic uncertainty and all kinds of problems in our lives...I should know... but I also know that God loved us so much He gave...and that is what we are to do...give...give of ourselves just as you have given to me. I want to be able to give to you...so I want you to know I pray for you...I keep giving messages, I keep teaching, I keep this blog going not only to keep you informed on what God is doing in my life but so that you would be encouraged in your life. There is no problem too big, no valley too dark and deep that God can not reach us and turn our broken and scared and hurt heart around for His glory. Life is found in giving our life away to others, for this is true life, life everlasting...all that is done in and through His love remains forever. We know this because God has placed this truth within our hearts... and that is why when we give ourselves away we gain more real life. So don't be timid or afraid the Lord says, but be courageous for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go! (Joshua 1:9)

May the Lord empower your life today to do what is right and good in His sight!
In His love
kit

You keep me going!

2008-10-18T15:22:00.003-10:00

Thank you for all your prayers and support...please keep it up. I was able to teach two Friday Nights in a row and that was a wonderful privilege for me. My energy levels are pretty good. My white blood cell counts are still low (keep praying them up) which keeps me from being around a lot of people, especially if they are sick or have been exposed to anyone sick. I wear a doctor's mask (after all I am a Doctor of Philosophy...hee hee..) before and after services and whenever I go into places where there are lots of people. You should see the reaction I get at the bank when I walk in with my mask on (do you want it all in large bills?...just kidding)...also people see me with that mask and walk several feet around me hoping they don't catch anything (I find that interesting). But, overall, the Lord has been very gracious to me. I haven't had to have a blood transfusion since I got out of the hospital and my overall health has been good. Every once and a while I get my eyes off the Lord and start thinking my life is going to be required of me here real soon and then I weep a bit, but the Lord helps me to not feel sorry for myself (it is really just the thought of leaving my loved ones that makes me sad) and God reminds me that we all have only so many days here on planet earth anyway and that my eternal destiny in Him is secure and my job is to just live out each moment He gives me to the fullest and leave the rest to Him. So that is what I am doing... and your love and support and prayers help keep me going. Please pray that all my blood counts would go to the normal range, that God would heal me miraculously and that He will keep me healthy enough to teach Sunday November 5th and then be able to go see my son, Mikey (in Oregon), wrestle November 14th through the 28th enjoying thanksgiving with him and his new wife Shae and the relatives. My prayer for you today is that God would give you a real peace regardless of what you are going through, knowing that as you rest in Him, He guards and protects your heart and mind. He is forever faithful to all who love Him and in His right hand is life eternal, a gift of love that no one can take from you because you believe in His one and only Son.

I love you dearly and I thank God everyday for your prayers and support!
kit

A wonderful gift!

2008-10-13T09:59:00.003-10:00

I got a wonderful gift this weekend! Friday, as I was finishing getting ready for that night's message I had a call from my son Mikey, who is in his last year at Southern Oregon University. I always enjoy it when my son calls and as I settled down to an uninterrupted conversation with this young man I love so dearly, someone started knocking at the gate entrance to our property. The strange thing was that I could hear the knocking on my cell phone...I thought...wow...that's weird...and as I opened the gate to tell the person(s) knocking that I was on the on the phone with my son...low and behold, it was my son! What a shock! Mikey's wife (Shae's) uncle Danny (who is mainly responsible for Shae and Mikey getting together) had flown himself and Mikey to Maui for the weekend. It was one of the most wonderful gifts I have ever received. Shelly, Maisha and I enjoyed Danny and Mikey's company all weekend long and then put them back on the plane Sunday afternoon to Oregon. Needless to say, I squeezed every moment of life I could out of this last weekend! I live everyday pretty much like that, squeezing the life out of life...trying to get all I kind out of the life God has given me. The interesting thing is that since being diagnosed with terminal cancer I find that the thing I am looking for in life is just being close to the people I love, just sharing the moment with them. All that is important when your life may be terminated is having the people you love around you and feeling the love of God in and through them. I am constantly close to the Lord, so the things that are important to Him are the important things to me. I don't think I have ever lived any fuller than I am right now...just savoring every minute of life while at the same time...having a real peace about it all because I truly believe that in Jesus, I have eternal life as well. It is an awesome way to live your life. To really live and move and have your being in God...trusting that no matter what, you will never really be separated from the one's you love who love God as well brings me great peace and a deep joy. I pray you have that peace and deep joy in God today. That in Christ Jesus you have found God's love and eternal promise for you and your loved ones. I pray that you are living beyond the circumstances of your life today regardless of the difficulties and what things look like...I pray that you are still squeezing all the life out of life you can ...soaking in the moment God gives you...concentrating on the things that are truly important, good, and valuable. I pray for you today...that you will love your family, friends and children, your work and class mates, even your bosses and employees. Love God...enjoy His gifts of goodness to you...His gifts are those we love and those that love us...that is life! I hope to teach again this Friday Night...I need your prayers to stay strong....your gifts to me, your love and encouragement sustain my life and enrich it more than I could ever have imagined. I thank you with all I have to give thanks with!

In His love forever and with deep gratitude for yours,
kit

The Journey

2008-10-11T00:13:00.002-10:00

Kit, I thought if you when I heard this song. Jesus is your bright shining star, He is guiding you each and every day...

with love from Liza :)

kit teaching this friday night

2008-10-06T18:53:00.002-10:00

Lord willing, I will be teaching this coming Friday night at 'The Gathering' at Hope Chapel. I have been so encouraged by every one's love, prayers, cards, notes, e-mails and blog comments. I can't tell you how much my heart just soaks up your care and compassion for me and my family. I am feeling very good right now. I haven't gone for my weekly blood tests for two weeks now, but I can tell you I am feeling good and gaining energy daily (it is your prayers for me!). Wouldn't it be great if God has just out-right done the miraculous and healed me?...wow... that would indeed be doing what seems impossible. But according to the Lord, that which is impossible for man is possible with God (Luke 18:27). I gave the message out of 1 Tim. 3 at both services this Sunday and I believe it went well. It was a good lesson on leadership and reaching our full potential in the Lord. I have had to play catch up the last 20 years, since the first 40 were pretty much dedicated to my own potential rather than God's potential for me. Once we get a hold of God's potential for our lives and put our wills to that...wow...things begin to fall into place and great stuff happens! So, it would be my encouragement to each of us to seek our full potential in Christ. Some of us may be asking, "what is my full potential in Christ?" Well...for that you have got to ask Him and He will let you know:) My sincere love and appreciation for all you do. Never grow weary of doing good...just get up and do it again. May God richly bless you!

In His love
Kit