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Wednesday, July 2, 2014

God’s love for Kelsey

“Now a man was sick, Lazarus, from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, and it was her brother Lazarus who was sick. So the sisters sent a message to Him: ‘Lord, the one You love is sick.’” – John 11:1-3

I read a devotional a few days ago which brought me to tears – it was based on the previous passage of Scripture. The devotional went in depth into the nature of God’s love and how Mary and Martha did not appeal to Lazarus’ good deeds, the number of children he had (we don’t even know if he did have children), or the ways he would be able to bless others if he was healed, they appealed to Jesus’ love for Lazarus. The devotional is beautifully written (if you’d like to read it, here is the link: http://goo.gl/EAbclA), but I walked away realizing that I can make this same appeal to God about Kelsey, “Lord, the one You love is sick.” And oh, how great his love for Kelsey is. Because of God’s love, He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross to pay for the wrong things that Kelsey has done in life and provide for her to come to salvation. Because of God’s love, He is preparing a place in heaven for her. Because of His love, He enabled her to choose to make Jesus the Lord of her life, acknowledging that she did not measure up to God’s standard and needed to rely on the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. Because of God’s love, she, like Jesus, will be raised to life in heaven. It is an extravagant love, which means before time began, God had a plan about how He would draw Kelsey to Himself.

I love Kelsey, Alexa loves her mommy, Kelsey’s family loves her, all of her warriors love her, but all of our love for her combined does not add up to God’s love for her. Can I trust His love for her? As I continually plead with God for her healing, I know that every action God takes toward her is motivated out of His love. Thank you all for joining in petitioning God, because, “the one He loves is sick.” Can I trust His love for her?

If you’d like to get a warrior T-shirt, we are planning to place another order tomorrow morning. You can visit http://thekennedycrew.com/t-shirts/ if you’d like to get one.

Photo Jul 01, 5 12 51 PM

Photo Jul 01, 5 13 05 PM

Two very special girls, who are incredibly dear to my heart! Check out the colorful and special necklace that Rylen (Alexa’s cousin) and Alexa made for Kelsey.

By way of a brief update, the meeting with Dr. Keefer was a challenging one for Kelsey to hear on Monday. He shared with her that the nutrition IV would not be helpful for her. He said if he had even a glimmer of hope that it would be beneficial for her, that he would start it for her immediately. He has seen patients at a similar stage who have requested the IV nutrition and it really made no difference at all (other than it adds to the already constant monitoring). It is always hard to hear that in the world’s eyes there is no hope. Since then, Kelsey has managed to eat about half of a Krispy Kreme donut, 1/3 of a McDonald’s cheeseburger, and some cheese sticks from Stars & Stripes.

We continue to covet your prayers:

-- Pray for good rest for Kelsey, for minimal pain, for wonderful times of alertness, for strength, for the ability to enjoy some more tasty foods if they sound good.

-- Pray for continued special times with family and friends. Thanks to all who have come by.

-- Pray we can continue to bring God glory. We had a hymn singing session with several gals from our church in Norman this evening. The nurse came in and said that they had received several calls from other people on the floor who said it was so encouraging to hear the singing. Whether Kelsey’s days are many (as we pray), or few, that each moment she lives would bring Him glory.

-- Pray for Kelsey’s complete and total earthly healing.

“Lord, the one who you love is sick.” You do what is best for her out of your great love, but my heart pleads for You to bless her with a full healing of her body here on earth!

18 comments:

  1. woke up @ 5:30 today started praying for Kelsey. I find that whenever I wake up at night, God places her on my mind and in my prayers. I am trusting God's Love for her with you! Thank You for allowing all of us to pray with you.

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  2. Praying, Praying Praying. We have her on our minds all the time.
    We know that God is right there with all of you.
    Johnny & Leda McNabb

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  3. I dont know you or your family but i do know a friend that has been following you and reposting on your behalf. I sure will continue to lift you guys up and plead with our heavenly father for His will and complete healing. Nothing is too big for Him!! don't give up!

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  4. Praying for you guys! Joe and Emily Laird

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  5. Praying day and night for you all. We love you guys.
    Melissa for the Mingles

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  6. I don't say much on here, but I read every word. And I pray off and on all day. I love you all.

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  7. Praying without ceasing for that earthly healing! And what a sweet thought, "the one you love is sick". Thank you for sharing.

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  8. Praying for you guys!

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  9. Dear Kelsey, Chris, Alexa and family,
    As you dwell under the shadow of The Almighty, may He grant you His perfect peace and rest. Your friends in California are praying!

    Don and Andi Ellisen

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  10. Praying for our good God to fully heal her. The topic of your post was the exact topic discussed at my church Sunday. God does love her irrationally, desperately and unconditionally. His love is relentless, and I pray our Savior shows His great love by Bringing her comfort for pain, rest, an appetite, precious time with those Kelsey loves and wisdom for decisions both on your part and the doctors.
    Praying fervently,
    Amy Cruz (Jenks, OK)

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  11. Our family was just a few months ago in the place you are in now and can truly relate to how this is. We are continuing to pray constantly for you guys. We trust that whatever God allows, goes thru Him first and that it will be only the best for Kelsey. We are praying that God will wrap you in His love and the love of those around you.
    Susan Zeeb

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  12. We pray that the Lord surrounds you all with His peace...the peace that passes all understanding. We pray for an earthly healing for Kelsey so the Father can be glorified. But make no mistake... the Father is already being glorified by Kelsey's faith and the faith of those around her. Continue to trust in the Lord, for you know He is in control.
    Praying constantly,
    Carl and Sharon

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  13. Dear Chris, Mike and I do not understand the doctor's comments on the no nutrition IV. Wouldn't having this IV help her feel better and give her more energy? Could you override this order? We are praying for wisdom for you in this situation. Ginger Tinney

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  14. Chris, I'm so thankful for your vulnerability and willingness to share. I am one of many who have been praying for Kelsey and your family for quite some time. Since attending OBU together, I have had such admiration and respect for your beautiful wife! She always seed to have a keen ability to challenge and encourage others in the faith. What an honor to stand in the gap and go to our Jesus on behalf of Kelsey, whom He loves, and you and Alexa as well! May His nearness be evident as you draw near to Him. And may the cumulative prayers of so great an army result in the peace only our God can give. My prayers continue as The Lord continues to keep you heavy on my mind. In Jesus, Jenn Brittain Mosburg

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  15. I find myself thinking of and praying for you all continuously. So thankful for the love of our Savior for each of His children! Will continue to pray for healing, comfort and strength!

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  16. Chris, know that all the Wintons have been lifting up Kelsey and all of you to the throne of grace. We love you all.

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  17. Chris, I attend your mom's BSF class and was even able to meet your beautiful wife there one evening. I have been praying and will continue to pray. Your words are an encouragement to so many and may you continue to share the love of Jesus with those around you. Praying for many special moments for you with Kelsey and Alexa and that you will be in His perfect peace

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  18. What faith I see in all the blogging. God has him a beautiful angel. I read it is very hard for the ones left behind but she is perfect now enjoying the glory of God and all that met her there. I pray for you and your family for your loss but I envy your faith and courage to understand that your wife lives on always. God bless you.

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