Well we have a change of plans. We are not going home for Christmas. The Liver team told us this morning that her liver #'s are not what they should be yet. They have started Bethani on another immune suppressant drug that is a whole new level. Short term side affects are severe flu like symptoms and long term affects are much more serious, but we have to get this rejection under control. We are optimistic and believing that this medication will work better than the former. Although this puts a kink in our plans for the holidays we are optimistic that everything will work out for the best.
Tonight Bethani began her first treatment and is very nervous and scared about the severe side affects. Please keep her in you prayers through this difficult time. Remember the family (myself, and her mother specifically) as we help carry this load with Bethani.
May you all have a very Merry Christmas!
With much love,
Brian, Bethani, & Wyatt
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67 comments:
hello to you all~
hang in there...i will be praying for endurance and strength for you all! ecspecially mom...i could not imagine the load you are carrying on your back, there is nothing worse than having a child go through something like this, and you do such a good job of being strong, strength be unto you in Jesus name....keep your head up brian! i pray that God gives you pyshical, mental and emtional strength and wisdom to deal with everything. bethani i love you girl and will not stop praying~
naomi
I did tell Santa to check the hospital if you were not home so don't worry about your gifts. He will know where to find you, Wyatt, Bryan and the rest of the gang. Now, in the meantime, I am rebuking any serious side effects of your new regimen of treatment. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His healing power has not stopped. He will carry you through. I believe it!
I love you mucho.
P.S. Oops! Sorry Brian for misspelling your name. I should have known because my Brian is spelled the same as yours.
Bethani
Honey I'm sorry things didnt work out as planned, for your holiday. We just want you to know our hearts and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. It's a good thing you have doctors who care enough to keep you until things look good. I have worked in a hospital for 6 1/2 years to see alot of them release patients way to early, only to be bombarded with the same patients again after the holidays. So just relax and let them take care of you. Christmas can wait until your all together.....as you might remember, our children always had to wait until January to have Christmas, for when their daddy got home off the truck. It seemed he was never home in time for Christmas....but we made it a special day when he came home. So our children never felt as tho they missed out. You all will be back together very soon and this will be way behind you. We feel so proud of you girl, on how far you have come, and how well you have done. ...wow a transplant is major and you did it!! I remember when my uncle Larry got his new heart how scared he was and how we as a family were so scared. But they can do some amazing things nowadays!! We love you and your family very much and you mean the world to us. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
love you mucho
sis Rosie
Bethani,
Just checked the blog to see how things were going for you. We are still praying for your complete healing and that the peace of God will be with you each step of the way.
Like Sis. Rosie said you can have Christmas any day - the most important thing is that you get the treatment and rest that you need. Keep your chin up girl we know Our God is able!!!
"When God unfolds the Rose, He always gets it right"...
We love you!
Love Shanna Gregg
Hello Bethani,
You and your family are on our minds constantly. We continue to fast and pray for you here at home (Redding). We will not let up until we see complete victory! Here's a little joke to bring a smile. A minister went to visit one of his little ederly saints. When he got ready to leave he said, "Sister, I'm sorry, I sat here and ate all of your peanuts." She gave him a great big toothless grin and said, "That's okay Sonny, I done at all the chocolate off of um." Ha! Get well soon girl. We love you. ~ J
I just thought of something, Bethani. And I want you to try this when you are up and running again. This might get you thrown off a bus, but it's worth it.
Here’s how I do it, I'll use my own name for pure, unadulterated, comedic effect:
Next time you are on a bus, wait until you think it will be quiet enough for all to hear you. Then stand up and announce, "Okay, I guess I'll go first, My name is Ron Giesecke, and I'm from Redding California." Then sit right down as if to give the "next" person a space to do it.
Within thirty seconds, the most insecure passenger will struggle with standing up, then sitting down, then ultimately back up. They'll manage to squeak out some pathetic echo to yours. Trust me. Crowd control is yours, all you have to do is activate it.
The last time I did it, the bus driver picked me up like a puppy. Fortunately I wear ties a lot so my stretch marks aren't visible.
-R
Bethani and Brian,,,,,,,,,hang in there! All things work together for our good. I know it may not seem like it and its hard to understand, but GOd is with you both. WE will keep praying for you and your little guy and your whole family. Have a Merry Christmas in spite of the circumstances. You know the song, Praise the Lord he can work through those who praise him Praise the Lord, the verse goes kind of like this, Satan is a liar and he tries to make us think that we are paupers when he knows himself we're children fo the king. So lift up your mighty hands in praise for the battle must be won we know that Jesus CHrist is risen so the WORKS already done. Praise the Lord. I may not have the words exactly right but I hope you get the message. We love you and will stand with you in prayer.
Barb and Ed Burlison
Good morning to Bethani and Company:
You know this: It's not a tree or a present gaily wrapped or even a gingerbread man that makes Christmas. It's family and love...God's love that caused Him to assume the body of an infant, and be born in a manger...so that in a few years He would offer Himself a sacrifice for our salvation. That's Christmas.
It would be silly to say that you will have just as fine a Christmas in your hospital room as you would at home, but it is not silly to continue to lean on Jesus, on your friends, and on your dear family. That you know to continue to look to Him for strength and healing is a gift of inestimable value. Thank your parents and every preacher and teacher who have taught you God's ways.
My love and prayers are with you as you slog through these difficult days.
For the entire family I'm wishing you PEACE and FAITH.
Love you all,
Shirley Buxton
Many are the afflictions of the righteous but HE delivers them out of them all. So many times in Davids life, he cried out to the Lord in an impossible situation. God heard him every time. The Lord is with you every step of the way. He is holding your hand today, tomorrow and everyday.
Philip and Linda Walmer
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas that is Jesus filled! We know that God is working on you and giving you what you need. Like the Casting Crowns songs states, "Praise Him in this storm." You have the best of the best on your side. Stay strong and keep the faith.
God bless,
~David
Dearest Bethani,
I am sorry to hear you cannot be in the comfort of your parents home for Christmas, but I know you are going to make the best out of the situation, and manage to smile through it all!
I had a dream about you last night and I wanted to share it with you. I dreamt that I was at a beautiful park sitting in a bench holding Wyatt. And as I sat there I heard a faint sound in the distance. As the sound got closer I realized it was you Bethani. You were singing "Jesus loves me" and you looked like you had never been sick at all. Your hair was all curled and you had so much energy, just smiling, laughing and singing that song.
As you came by me, I hugged you so tight and your body had strength and you felt not tenderness on your wound. I handed over Wyatt and you began to talk to him and you began to tear quietly.
I'm not sure why I had that dream but it touched me and I wanted to be sure to tell you.I love you so much girly! You be sure to have a wonderful Christmas!
Love You Always,
Teri Ann
Hey there! I think you all need a huge laugh and I see Jackie and Ron are thinking this too.
Brian...you need to let B see this this. I promise you ALL will laugh til you cry. I don't think my dad will mine that I sent this since it's you guys. hehehe
Click the link below. I hope this works. LOL
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9596424748
ok....it looks like you'll need to highlight, copy and paste that url.
Bethani...our family is still standing with you on this. We will not stop until you are through this!
Love you bunches!!!
Cheryl
You have already received the greatest of Christmas gift this year - the miracle of life. The material gifts can wait. Your best gifts are right in the hospital room, and are the ones you can hold in your arms and feel their warm touch. Being together is what really counts. We are celebrating and rejoicing with you for His goodness to you. (I know you guys are tired, but this too will pass). Continuing in Prayer & Love, the Hoppers
Okay, here's a joke...
A woman went into her kitchen to find a burglar loaded down with a bunch of stuff he was stealing from her kitchen. Not having any kind of weapon to scare him off, she raised her hand and said "Acts 2:38," and proceeded to quote scripture.
The burglar froze in place and didn't move. The woman called 911; the police arrived and were amazed to find the burglar still frozen where he stood.
"What did you say to him that kept him from moving?" they asked the woman.
She told them that she had simply said Acts 2:38 and quoted scripture.
The police chuckled and escorted the burglar out to the patrol car. "Why did the woman's quoting scripture scare you so much?" they asked.
"Scripture?" said the burglar, "I thought she said she had an ax and two 38's!
Kind of a Redding joke, huh!
Love you all!
look at this word CH--CH
WHAT IS MISSING?
U R
we are praying fervently for all of you,
god bless !
bro david
redding ca,
heres ours to watch too!
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1600416851
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Ralph and Rose and Cole McNeely
Bethani, we are so sorry to hear that you won't be home for Christmas. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers daily. We know God will carry you through. We miss you at Skyline. We love you.
hello everyone!
i know that its not the best situation right now but i still wanted to stop by and wish you all a Merry Christmas~
we love you!
tom, naomi, bethany and solomon~
Brian...dude, I mean dude.. really dude, thank God for giving you really big shoulders. Because, dude you're carrying a load. But trust Gods word, he will not put more on you than you can handle. So the way I see it is... you da man!!! We love you, and continue to trust with you, in Gods healing powers!
Merry Christmas
Tom and Tressy
Lake Tahoe
Okay Bri and Bethany...you are not alone in this difficult season. The Lord said, "You are my servant...I have chosen you and have not rejected you...So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you." Both of you are beautiful children of God. You will get through this. There is an army of God's people surrounding you with love and prayer. Be encouraged!
I love you so much,
Aunt Sharon
Merry Christmas to all of you!
My heart goes out to you right now. A few years ago, my family was in your shoes. I was in the hospital for the Holidays -- which my husband and I admit is no fun! Our daughter who was 4 at the time celebrated Christmas with family and friends. The beauty of it is, she really doesn't remember. We were told that might be my last Christmas --- But God -- did HIS THING! HE really does have that "miracle thing" down -- He just doesn't always do it as fast as we wish He would. I know you are all concerned about the side effects -- God Is Big -- He can take care of those too! I was on 13 highly addictive medications for 10 months, the day I was healed -- I stopped all of them. At my next Dr. appt. they argued that there was no way that could be done. Four years later, I have not had any side effects. God is Good!
I didn't mean to write a book -- but, I just want you to know that You are a miracle -- and your life will be changed for the better because of it. You will never take the important things in life for granted ever again.
Years from now, your darling son won't even remember why you get tears in your eyes every Christmas and you just can't stop hugging him.
I pray God continues to bless you and give everyone involved peace and strength while you wait for Him to do what only He can do . . . again!
Jennifer (Holt)Pomerinke
Hey girl,
It just breaks my heart that you aren't able to make it home. But you getting better is the most important thing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. My Family ( the Don Doran Clan) send their greetings and we are all praying for you and your family.
Merry Christmas!!!
Lots of love and prayers
Abby *Doran* Harrell
wow I've been away from the blog for a while. Did ya miss me? ;) The whole fam is here. Sherah, Neil, kids, Misti, Adam, & Jerrin. They all wanted me to wish you guys a very Merry Christmas! We look forward to seeing you in Reno soon!! We are planning a church service at Saprinas just for you Bethani! Flowers, Derbys, Aguilars, and Roams. Can't wait!
I know I know it's 2am Christmas morning. I'm going to bed for a few hours. lol
We love you guys and we are praying for the best. ~Aguilars
A very Merry Christmas to all...
Chris Kellie Camaryn and Jordan...
This "change of plans" is just that; a change of YOUR plans. This is not a change in God's plans or a surprise to Him because He has this entire situation in His very capable Hands, and His plans are so much better than ours can ever be! Our plans would be to make this whole thing go away and for everything to be back to what we consider normal life. But He has something greater, and more wonderful, and more awesome in store for you, Bethani, than we could ever imagine or dream up for you. I'm sorry that you will be in the hospital for Christmas but I'm thankful that you have the most precious gifts of all; Jesus, your family and friends, hope, and the assurance that you are right where He wants you to be...in His plans.
Merry Christmas to Bethani, Bryan, Wyatt, Bro. Bishop, Sis. Bishop, Bro. Bobo, Sis. Bobo, Bro. Tim and Saprina and Bro. Tate.
This Christmas strips away any and all commercial pretense, even here in our home. And for that I am thankful.
-R
Merry Christmas,
It is Christmas morning, as I was praying I thought of you, and your family. I came to the computer to check your blog, sorry you are not home this Christmas day. You will have the best yet! CHRIST and your family with you. You are blessed! We are praying for you and your family.
We love you,
Muniz family
We check the blog to see how you are doing. Although we do not know you personally, we know all the Roams and Brian's folks. We trust that God will continue to give all of you strength in every area. You are in our prayers.
Ron and Jerry Ann Guidroz
Just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you today and hoping all side effects are minimal so can somewhat have a Merry Christmas. I'm sure Wyatt can brighten any room including the hospital. :) Love you so much!
Bethani & family,
What a time this has been for you. I wish I could snap my fingers and you would be with your Family at home right now. I will continue to pray because Jesus can snap his fingers and make it all okay. I mean it if there is any little thing I can do to help you just let Saprina know. You are such an inspiration to me and one tough little young lady, you keep fighting girl.
With much love,
Jen Payne
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!
Thinking of all the family today as you gather in S.F.
LOTS OF LOVE AND HUGS!!!
The Eells Family
Hey Chica... Sheree and Austin here. We're still praying for u everyday. Believe me... none of u have been forgotten. All the Opdykes, Hortons, Arlts and Gentles say hi and they're all praying as well. Enjoy the time with friends and family today and enjoy all the jokes from Ron! :) We love you all and can't wait for the next miracle because every new post and every new day is one!!
`All of us
P.s... Hurry and get better so I can bring u coffee girl!! Oh and give Wyatt hugs for us!!
Bethani, we are all thinking of you and your family this Christmas Day. Our prayers are continually with you. Even through you are where you are, we still wish all of you a Merry Christmas and we hope to see you home very soon. The Kruse's family, The Burnett family and The Bade family. God Bless all of you.
Christmas in Holdenville, and our thoughts always drift away to anywhere there's family. All of you are on our minds, in our hearts, in our prayers continually, especially today. Wherever you all may be on this Christmas day, we pray you feel the sweetest love, the warmest memories, and God's perfect peace.
I'm so sorry. We are praying for you all. Please try not to fear. God knows where you are.
Love you
Sis Mullings
Dear Bethani and Brian,
What a savior we serve as we celebrate His birth today! I’m thinking of you and can’t seem to get you and your family off my mind. Every time I pray for you, other than specific prayers, I’m thanking the Lord for healing you! You see, He woke me up early one morning and spoke to my heart. He said, “Thank Me for healing Bethani’s liver.”
That was in November. But on November 10th I was praying, and because I got my eyes on what was happening to you I forgot what the Lord had told me and I started worrying. But while in prayer again that calm reassurance came over me that the Lord is going to bring you through this. Then I was startled by what the Lord said next. He said, “Stick to the plan.” I thought to myself, what was the plan? Because I had started to worry, and began listening to what was going on with you, I had completely forgot what the Lord had told me, and that was to Thank Him for healing you!
I’ve been hanging on Psalm 118:17, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” Bethani, you have a perfect liver placed in you by some of the best surgeons, and you’re getting the best medical care at U.C.S.F. The Lord truly is ordering your steps.
I just wanted to let you know I love you, and miss you very much and I am looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Again, I love you in the wonderful Name of Jesus,
Sis. Cathy Holloway
Hellow Bethani,
This Janay Kramer from the Chico church.I am sorry for your sickness.(However!!) I am very happy to hear that your getting better=)
God bless you and your family=) ~JaNaY KrAmEr~
(Better know as NayNay)
OOOOO and Merry Christmas=)
~JaNaY KrAmEr~
Better know as NayNay
Hello sweet family! You have been on our hearts today as always. We know good reports are on the way! Happy Birthday Brian!!! We love you all so very much!
Natalie, Tim, Guy and Levi
Dear Brian, Bethany and Wyatt,
Merry day after Christmas! We just wanted to drop a line to let you know you are loved and prayed for in San Fernando.
You are on our daily prayer list at the church.
Remember, God is in control. His mercies are new every day.
We pray for your daily encouragement and renewed faith.
With all our love, Michael & Nancy Flowers
Bethani and Brian,
I Hope you all had a beautiful holiday!! I am still praying for your strength through this time. Keep being positive God always comes through!!!
Dear Bethani,
The chruch in Fullerton is praying for you. "The Lord is our Strength".
Thank you so much for keeping us posted on your condition. We all care.
Please tell your Mom and Dad we love them.
love forever,
Kathy Hodgson
Still praying in Hollister. May the peace of God that passes all understanding be your today.
Nathan and Ronda Hurst
It seems like when I think about you and am praying for you, Brian, Wyatt, Bro. & Sis. Bishop and the rest of the family, a song always comes to mind. I guess that's what speaks to me the most. Go figure. Well, this morning, in prayer, and all day, this is what I have had in my heart. Please remember these words:
"He'll do it again, He'll do it again, if you just take a look at where you are now and where you've been. Hasn't he always come through for you, he's the same now as then. Oh, you may not know how and you may not know when, but he'll do it again."
Bethani, remember God does NOT fail, it's NOT in his vocabulary. He will come through for you this time the same as all those other times. It WILL happen, in his timing. We are all just praying a little harder now.
We love you dear, and please let your mom and dad know too, that if you and Brian, or if they need anything at all, please call me.
Love all of you,
Debbie Roberts
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN !!!!!
Have a wonderful day and give
Bethani a BIG HUG for me.
We love you guys and will continue to pray for healing.
Cori :)
Hey Brian...did I get that right, it's your birthday?? Wow, that's messed up, a lifetime of combo-gifts. Anyways, here's mine, Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday!!!! We love you man!
Tom and Tressy
Lake Tahoe
Brian & Bethani,
You remain in our thoughts and prayers. Isaiah promised when the Messiah came, he would be the Prince of Peace. He did come 2000 years ago and fulfilled that prophesy. During this season, as we celebrate His birth, we pray the Prince of Peace floods your souls with the peace that passeth all understanding!
We believe with you for a miracle of complete recovery!
Love,
Dennis & Susan Sullivan
Hello Bethani, Brian, Wyatt, and the rest of your precious family! You've all been on our minds. When my dad (Bro. Opdyke) prayed for our Christmas dinner, he also prayed for you bethani. There were echos of amens, as our hearts and prayers reached out to where you all were.
You'll be home soon sweetie. We love you and the rest of the Bishop clan!
Still praying,
Kim Horton
PS. Happy Birthday Brian!! Wow, only one day before your mother in-law's!
We are still here holding all of you up in prayer, and thinking of you this Christmas.
God Bless!
Sweet Bethani and family,
Reading all of these blogs, made me think of the old children's song, "I'm in the Lord's army". Bethani, there's not a better army to have behind you and praying for you than the army we have, The family of God! We all have on the armor of prayer! We're there with you through every victory!
Luv u bunches,
Sis. Tricia Opdyke
BETHANI MY LUV,
OH MY WORD....WELL I GUESS YOU ARE PROBABLY THE ONLY PERSON I KNOW WHO DIDN'T OVEREAT THEMSELVES SILLY ON CHRISTMAS! YOU POOR THING - YOU ARE THE ONE THAT ACTUALLY COULD USE A FEW EXTRA CALORIES - LOL!! HOW ABOUT I SEND YOU OVER THE 8 POUNDS I GAINED AND MAYBE THEN THE DOCTORS WILL LET YOU COME HOME!! WELL ON THE UPSIDE, WHEN YOU GET TO COME DO YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING - YOU WILL GET EVERYTHING 50 - 75% OFF! NOW THAT BETTER BRING A SMILE TO YOUR PRETTY FACE!!
I LOVE YOU LOTS - AND THE ONE GOOD THING IS....WYATT WONT REMEMBER THAT YOU DIDNT CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS THE RIGHT DAY - JUST TRYING TO BRING ONE OPTIMISTIC THOUGHT YOUR WAY!!!! XOXOXOXO
ALANA OPDYKE
I know this Christmas didn't turn out as you had planned, but rest easy knowing that you're in God's plan. There is no safer place to be than in his plan.
Please know that you remain firmly in our thoughts and prayers. You will have a serious reason to celebrate when you get out of there!! Holiday or no, we'll make it a holiday when you get to go home!
May God give you strength, peace, and comfort.
The Patrick Garrett Family
I got a Johnny-jump-up for Christmas.
I was wondering why my wife was snickering and calling me "harness boy" all week.
I was enjoying the mystery up until that point. I don't think she saw the humor in the Ritalin that fell out of my stocking, either.
-R
In spite of these setbacks we know that God is working and we are praying for a speedy recovery.
Your are in our prayers through the holidays, as always.
God Bless,
Steve and Kandee McDaniel
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU..HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU....HAPPPPY BIRTHDAYYY, SIS BISHOP....HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!
WE LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!
STILL PRAYING FOR BETHANI AND THE REST OF YOU ALL HERE IN REDDING. Cori :)
Ps. A Very BIG HUG to U!!!
Happy Birthday Sis.Bishop!
We are all thinking of you and the family today as well as every other day. We love you and we are still holding you in prayer. Our thoughts are with all of you and still believing God for the answer. He's a prayer answering God and as you've always told us, he's always right on time.
Just wanted to say Happy Birthday to you today. We love all of you,
Debbie Roberts and Fam
This too shall pass. . . :)
Praying for you in Anderson, CA.
Bethani,
Still praying for you. Think of you often. Hang in there and keep the faith that this will pass soon!
Love,
Heather Potter (Johnson)
Hello Bethani and family!
Happy Birthday Sis. Bishop!!!!
Hope you all are hanging in there. I know you all have alot of prayers from alot of great folks going up for you. We continue to pray for you as well. God is ABLE. He IS ABLE. Take stregnth from the fact that you are in the service of the ONE TRUE AND LIVING GOD. If anything can be done HE can do it, and HE WILL. Peace and Fortitude be unto your hearts and minds. God is STILL in charge.
We love you all.
Kirk Buster and family.
Happy Birthday Sis. Bishop, Thank the Lord for the blog. We are all wondering how things are going with Bethani, We hope and pray that they are going as expected. We love and miss all of you very much. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
We hope to see all of you home soon. Love the Kruse's
Can we please get an update?
Rom 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
God is still on the throne and SOMEHOW, there is going to be good that comes out of this. Prayers are going up night and day from the Yount family. God bless every one of you....
Brian & Bethani,
Just wanted to let you guys know we are praying for you and think of you often. We haven't posted a lot but we check this blog every few days at least. God is with you.
Perrin & Rachel Clark & kids
We Need Updates!!!Please!!!!
suspense is making us crazy!
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