Some Through The Fire...God Leads His Children Along-My Present Testimony

Howdy! It's been far too long since I have posted anything. If anyone follows us on face book, then I am sure you have a good idea on why Blogging hasn't been a priority. Though, I do miss writing from my heart. 

I posted over a year and half ago about my husband Brad going through a terriable ordeal after a simple knee surgery. I shared my heart and some pictures.

  [HOLD STRONG TO HIM NOW AND ALWAYS http://snowdenwiththefam-daneille.blogspot.com/2010/11/hold-strong-to-him-now-and-always.html]

In July of 2011 Brad had another heart episode and wasn't the same since. He continued to get weaker and weaker. Again work stopped as well, he was too ill to work any carpentry or roofing jobs. Thus of course all income ceased. 

Brad continued to have tests after tests run. They said he had lymphoma, cerebral hemorage, blocked arteries and other types of cancers. But, the tests would come back negative. Yet, still my strong and healthy man was depleting in strength before my eyes. Even in the fall he was rushed to a hospital a few hours away where they proceeded with a heart catheterization. 

The Lord directed our steps using a special friend and her husband who told us of a lyme doctor in Indiana. So, we went and after a long assessment she diagnosed him with having this disease. The doctor placed him on droves of antibiotics and even more herbs. No wheat, gluten and sugar in his diet as well. Presently he has been on the med.'s for 6 months and an I.V. med. for 2 months. He has only gotten worse. Now, his heart hurts worse and has gained 30 lbs of water in 2 months. 

This past week the Cardiologist ruled out other possibilities and came up with hardening of the pericardia muscle. This is quite rare and typically misdiagnosed and caused by autoimmune diseases and the such. We do believe it was the lymes; never positive...but it leans more that way because test of other diseases all came back negative. 

The only place we can go to get this taken care of is quite a distance away in Cleveland, OH; at the infamous Cleveland Clinic. Where at first they will do a catheterization, then if this is the case a open heart surgery. Of course there is a % of mortality rate as with most any surgery. But, we are keeping focused on the Lord through every step of the way.  

I have three children, my oldest now is 20,  the two girls are 13 and 9. They need their daddy ... and are believing he will be fine. 

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Many have asked why do you think you are going through this. Or, how are you making it through each day? How are you surviving financially? The list goes on. 

First and foremost...the answer above all is --ONLY GOD! Seriously because: 

Without Him I could do nothing,
Without Him I’d surely fail;
Without Him I would be drifting,
Like a ship without a sail

Jesus, O Jesus, Do you know Him today?
Do not turn Him away!
O Jesus, O Jesus, Without Him
How lost I would be

Without Him, I would be dying, 
Without Him I’d be enslaved;
Without Him Life would be hopeless - 
But with Jesus, Thank God I’m saved. 

Jesus, O Jesus, Do you know Him today?
Do not turn Him away!
O Jesus, O Jesus, Without Him
How lost I would be...

~written by Mylon R. Lefevre

I cry, I get really tense, I get sentimental...then amazingly I feel the tender arms of Jesus just wrap all around me and hold me up. I need to, my children watch every facial expression, hear my words and reactions. They must see Jesus in all of this. 

Many scriptures have been my sustenance for living. God's Word is ALIVE; God has challenged me to just simply Trust His Word...the Word I have ministered to 100's in my life, the Word I have fed to my own children. TRUST THE WORD OF GOD! 

Secondly; can't stop living. Lately, because of really difficult, hurtful trials from pastoring certain churches life has slowly seeped out of my spirit. The past few years God has been restoring it. This past month though I told the Lord I really want to live again. Really LIVE...be who He created me to be. For Daneille that is bubbly, free spirited, creative, driven and always laughing and making others laugh. In that...REACHING OUT even during this 'pain' is helping me to live again. It's not hard to have people over, write them, send a note or whatever! Just reach out...in the store, doctors office; ask people how are they doing. Look in their eyes and get this now: LISTEN! Live the Life of Jesus before others!

Tightening the Grip on family; Friends are wonderful and essential and I am grateful to be surrounded by some wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ who are great friends. Yet, the most important people in our lives are our family. Your spouse is numero uno, REALLY! The children come to a whoppin dos. Then the extended family must follow after. We have our meals together, my son does attend college and works. Yet, for the most part...we are together. We play together, work together, as home schoolers we school together, study God's Word together! Most importantly...we do PRAY together. Remember that old quote: "A family that prays together, stays together." Guess what...it's true!

So, I know I am not alone facing the most difficult trial I have ever faced. I will be quite honest with you my friend...when my eyes gets focused on this storm I get scared. I do not want God to take my young 47 yr. old husband home. Then, I feel those arms of my loving Saviour again...instantly at that moment;  my eyes roll right back up to His Sweet Face. 

I have said this so many times...it's my earthly father's theme for his life and I stoled it: "ALL IS WELL, When Placed in Jesus' Hands!" Gotta keep it there. [The vision statement for a Christian's life.]

If you have a need or want to share with me what is happening in your life...feel free to do so. I would absolutely love to hear from you.

Pray for us: Healing, Open Doors of More Ministry (& supply for those doors), Ravens of Supply (we do need it not having any income...but God is so faithful), Strength and Favor.

Lord bless,

Daneille Le Anna Gray Snowden

God Leads Us Along Day by Day Danniebelle.wmv