Please be careful...

A while back I posted about a fundraiser for Lauren & Lillian from a company called L.R. Beary Fundraising. Well, come to find out, that was a scam. So far, by the grace of God, WE have not been scammed, but Shanna Marsh (via The Layla Grace Children's Cancer Research Foundation), mommy to Layla Grace who passed away from Neuroblastoma on March 9, 2010, is currently being scammed by the woman who is portraying herself as the owner of the bears AND the VP of The Layla Grace Foundation while she actually is not. If you are on FaceBook and are not currently a "fan" of The Layla Grace Children's Cancer Research Foundation, you can be and can keep up with the news and events (not only surrounding this mess) but how you can help the Foundation now or in the future.

I wanted you to know that not only am I very sorry that I promoted this fundraiser, but I hope that no one bought any bears. Lauren never received any funds from this fundraiser so we are not sure if that is because no one bought bears or because of the scam. Also, I wanted you to pray for The Marsh Family as they still grieve their young daughter's death and have to deal with this scam artist.

Neuroblastoma is one of the few cancer types known to secrete hormones. It occurs most often in children, and it is the third most common cancer that occurs in children. Approximately 7.5% of the childhood cancers diagnosed in 2001 were neuroblastomas, affecting one in 80,000 to 100,000 children in the United States. Close to 50% of cases of neuroblastoma occur in children younger than two years old. The disease is sometimes present at birth, but is usually not noticed until later. By the time the disease is diagnosed, it has often spread to the lymph nodes, liver, lungs, bones, or bone marrow. Approximately one-third of neuroblastomas start in the adrenal glands.

If you are in the Cy-Fair area near Houston, TX this Sunday, The Layla Grace Children's Cancer Research Foundation is having its first big fundraising event. Help make a difference in a child's life.

Thank you!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you enjoying your kiddoes today!

To all the Mommies who have lost children - my heart cries with you today. May you know that the little reminders you have today of your baby(ies) are them telling you they love you from Heaven.

To all those who are patiently waiting your turn to become a Mommy - my heart empathizes with you. I know the waiting can be agonizing, but the Lord has not forgotten your longing desire to hold your miracle baby.

Love you all.

Update on Lauren & Lillian Plus a FUNDRAISER for the Mom & Baby (at Missy Prissy's Boutique) Through the Month of May

In case you have not read recently on Lauren's blog, Baby Lillian has been doing very well! Despite the MANY odds stacked against this beautiful miracle child, she was going to go home to be with her momma in her own environment (as opposed to laying in a NICU bed for another however many weeks!) TOMORROW, Thursday, May 6, 2010 - Momma Lauren's 24th Birthday!! But, the crushing news is that after having home health care and other specialists bring machines and supplies to her parents' home this week, Lauren was told just this morning that Lillian's blood pressure is not stable enough and the wrong machine was delivered to the house - so Lillian is NOT going home tomorrow after all.

Lauren is sad. Very sad. She wanted her little nugget to be at home with her - finally - after all they've been through these past 6 weeks, she wanted to take her precious newborn baby home with her. Can I please ask you to pray for my new friend? I know her heart is broken and mine cries out for her. The pain she must be feeling knowing that she was SOOO close to having her baby at home with her. The drive to and from the hospital is an hour (or more with traffic - one way) and she thought that IT would happen ON her birthday. She got her hopes up and now it's NOT happening. I know she wants what's medically best for Lillian, but she also wants to bond with her baby. I don't think I could deal with it - so many other stressors are going on also - child support issues, school issues, her own economic and academic futures are up in the air and she doesn't know why her baby's blood pressure can't stabilize itself (on or off meds). It's just alot to handle for anyone much less a 24 year old! Anyway, I think I'm rambling, but my heartstrings are being pulled for Lauren & Lillian. Please pray.

If you find it in your heart to do more than pray, please make your way over to Missy Prissy's Boutique.

Lauren's good friend Tara Dornak Gates (known as Aunt Tara to Baby Lillian!) and owner of Missy Prissy's Boutique has announced the start of a fundraiser over at Missy Prissy Boutique that will go on through the month of May! 50% of all profits made will be donated to Lauren & Lillian. Please stop by and take a look at all the gorgeous things talented Tara can make for your children (Hair Bows, Headbands, Tutus/Pettiskirts, Custom Clothing, Car Seat Canopy Covers, Pacifier Holders, Rhinestone Avent Pacifiers, Burp Cloths, Custom Embroidery, AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!)

Thank you for your love and support of LouLou and Lilli Bug!!

P.S. If you're reading this and want to do something to cheer up Lauren TOMORROW (Thursday, May 6th), please send her a quick email (or e-card) to laurenandlillian@gmail.com wishing her a happy 24th birthday! That would be so awesome if she received a bunch of cards and/or emails, wouldn't it??!! Thanks, Friends! Love ya!!

FUNDRAISER for Lauren & Lillian (through L.R. Beary)

Please note that there is a fundraiser going on NOW at http://www.lrbearyfundraising.com/ for Lauren & Lillian. The sweet owner, Laura, let me know that for as long as we want the fundraiser to run, it will and for each order that is placed that mentions "Lauren & Lillian" at check-out, she will donate 50% of the profits to our sweeties LouLou & Lilli Bug!! http://www.lrbearyfundraising.com/LaurenLillian.html

Thank you to everyone who has begun to follow, has read Lauren & Lillian's blog, donated, prayed, sent her an email, posted a comment or even thought good thoughts for the ladies. You will never know how grateful they truly are!

Love,
Amanda
http://www.laurenandlillian.blogspot.com/

P.S. Please let us know how we can pray for you!

Please pray for my friend Lauren and her tiny baby Lillian

My sweet friend and coworker Teresa Dornak recently asked me to come with her to visit her daughter, Tara's friend Lauren who had just had a baby who was suffering in the Texas Children's NICU. She thought I might be able to comfort her in some way. I was so blessed by that comment and honored to go and tried to be of what comfort I could although I'm not sure I really was during that first visit to TCH. I brought Lauren a Bible and some songs to listen to that have helped me through some hard times before. I prayed with her and Teresa but all I really wanted her to know is that she is not alone - the Lord loves her and her baby and that people are praying for her. Lillian Rachelle was born on March 22, 2010 with several conditions. She's already had one surgery to correct her diaphragmatic hernia (on April 7, 2010) but will continue to struggle with Turner Syndrome and Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum. The birth and infection / hemorrhage of Lauren's C-Section almost killed Lauren. Both Lillian and Lauren were very sick at one time. Luckily mommy Lauren is healing and able to visit her baby everyday in the Level III NICU at TCH. Lauren is trying to be strong for her baby with the support of her family, friends and God. Lillian's father is not in her life. Lauren is a college student. She's such a sweet girl, from what I've learned about her and from being around her, and all I want is the best for her and her baby.

If you can, please visit her blog at: http://laurenandlillian.blogspot.com/ and follow Lauren's and Lillian's journey. It's going to be a fight. We don't know what's in store for this precious family of two, but I hope to continue to be able to get to know them both and help them in any way I can. Please cover them in prayer and encourage Lauren with comments. She says it gets very lonely up there in the NICU sometimes. If you have any fundraising ideas or donations you'd like to make or give to Lauren and Lillian, please let me know or contact Lauren at laurenandlillian@gmail.com.

Thank you for listening, reading, praying and supporting!
Love ya'll!



Amanda

New Page on FaceBook

Hi to all of our loyal "Before His Throne" prayer blog followers!

So sorry I've been sporadic about updating the prayer blog. Having a newborn and a kindergartner (along with a full time job and a sick hubby) has not been easy! And, I know with Debbi's CF and Melanie's tough pregnancy and husband who has been deployed, it's not been easy on them either.

We have been praying :) And, remember, the Lord does not forget you. If we've missed posting your requests or your praises, the Lord has remembered many times over.

Please note that we will not abandon this blog but for now, We will mostly be posting requests as we can on FaceBook.

If you are not on FaceBook, don't worry. As I said, we will not stop posting here, but I did want to let you know where you can find us on FB.

We are on the Page: In Prayer; Before His Throne or you can click on the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/In-Prayer-Before-His-Throne/109395479090560?ref=ts#!/pages/In-Prayer-Before-His-Throne/109395479090560?ref=ts

I just wanted to remind you also to rejoice this weekend - for He Has Risen! Not only did Christ die for our sins but he LOVES us and cherishes us. We have a true friend in Jesus.

Love to you all,
Amanda

Pray for Alan's surgery today

Alan Henley is having surgery today and surgery is always extra high-risk for him. Please pray for him and also for his wife, who is trying to trust God but understandably very nervous about it.

Click here for their latest CaringBridge page.

3 Urgent Prayer Requests

I've been praying for these families for a week or so but have just now gotten a free moment to post on here. Please pray when you have a chance. Thank you!

Please pray for peace and comfort for 2 year old Layla Grace. She is at home with her family and hospice. She has had Neuroblastoma for 10 months. Please also pray for strength and peace for her mommy, daddy and family.



Name Unknown (rec'd email from a coworker today): Please ask the group to pray for my assistant's daughter-in-law. She is pregnant, due in April, but she has developed some problems and they are planning to deliver the baby tomorrow. They think the baby is close to 4 pounds. Please pray that everything goes well and the baby is OK. They lost one at about 24 weeks a couple years ago.

Anne Bullock Baize's newborn son Daniel died suddenly at 16 days old on February 9th. Please keep this mommy and her family in your prayers.

9 Requests and 2 Praises!

Hi Prayer Friends,
I'm so sorry I've been unable to post lately - I've had a list going for a few weeks and each day it seems the Lord lays a new request or praise upon my heart. Unfortunately my life lately has not allowed me much computer time to update here, but luckily, the Lord knows each request by heart and has been protecting all of those in need along the way. Thank you all who continue to pray for others. It is such a blessing to know that there are "strangers" out there who care for each of us and can "carry some of our burdens" when we need help the most.
Each of these requests/praises deserve their own posts, but I just do not have the time. Again, the Lord does and will make sure each is protected and loved on. Thank you for lifting the below up in prayer as your time allows you.
Hugs and prayers,
Amanda

Prayer Requests
1. Pamela - 26 weeks pregnant with her first Baby Girl - possible hypertension
2. Allison - pregnant with miracle IVF twins - she also has rheumatoid arthritis - please pray for these babies and their momma
3. Matthew - is 5 years old - his parents got divorced only about 4 months ago and both have already gotten remarried - he is very confused
4. Melanie - 24 weeks pregnant with her second Baby (Elanie) (lost Nehemiah in 2008 to early miscarriage) and her growth is showing 2 weeks behind - doctors just changed the due date to June 5 instead of May 24 - also she has partial placenta previa and is on home bed rest - Ralph, Melanie's husband, also just got orders to deploy to Afghanistan in about 1 week! The deployment could last up to 1 year! Melanie will move back to TX to be near family while he is away. Melanie is beside herself with worry. Please pray for this entire family.
5. Debbi's dad - had prostate surgery and then complications
6. Debbi's health - currently she is on IVs due to an infection - she has CF
7. Cyndi - had gall bladder surgery last week
8. PaPa (my grandpa) - has prostate surgery this week - he also has Parkinson's and lives in a home (he also has some dementia)
9. Rachel's grandpa - has been taken to the Hospice Center so that they could find the right medicine to manage his symptoms. He's not resting well due to discomfort and anxiety. Please pray for peace for him (and her grandmother who's not resting well either).

Praises
1. Daniel - is cancer free!
2. Phillips Phamily Mama is pregnant with Baby C!

My dad

Please pray for my dad, Bob Utter. He had prostrate surgery yesterday and they've kept him at the hospital longer because he became very disoriented. They thot it was due to low sodium and he was getting somewhat better today, then tonight took a turn for the worse. He doesn't know where he is or what year it is, he's trying to get out of bed to go to bed! Last I heard my mom was waiting for the dr. to check on things and talk to her. She and my husband don't want me going in. I was in to visit earlier, but since I'm on IV's and the hospital is such a germy place, they are limiting my going there. I'm feeling very frustrated about that. We moved here to be nearby for times like this and everyone is tip-toeing around my health now, but I want to be there.

Anyway, thanks for your prayers for my parents.

Kristine and Jim (and twin babies)

Please keep Kristine & Jim (and their twin unborn babies) in your prayers. Kristine is 8 weeks pregnant with the babies and has had 2 previous (early) miscarriages. I am sure she is tickled pink to be carrying these precious miracles but is also scared and hopeful that all will turn out alright this time! Please also keep Kristine's mom, Kathy, (my coworker) in your prayers. She is so excited but scared and hopeful as well.

Please pray for healthy babies and a healthy momma!

Thank you!

Chris Hoyt

Please keep my husband, Chris, in your prayers, if you can. He has severe degeneration and arthritis in is neck and disc issues in his back. He is in constant pain. He is currently seeing a doctor and going to physical therapy. They want to do traction therapy next. Hope it helps because so far what they're doing isn't doing a bit of good! He's very against the idea of surgery. I just want him to be out of pain and able to play with our kiddoes...

Thank you!

Chris Peters

Please pray for Chris Peters. On New Year's Eve 2009/2010, he was assaulted and received head injuries. He was just married to Megan in October 2009. Please see attached (hope you can read it!) regarding a blood drive being held for him. Also, his wife is trying to get pages to a scrapbook completed by Jan. 31 as a surprise to Chris.

Megan is an extended family friend.

For more info:
http://inyourhands.org/whocandonate.php
http://www.redcrossblood.org/
http://inyourhands.org/cbc.php
email: megansembera@gmail.com

Madeline

Please pray for young Madeline (daughter of Rebecca). She currently is experiencing a severe allergic reaction. She has sores from the hives and is about to travel on a 2 day journey in a car. Please pray for no pain for Madeline and patience for mommy.

Jessica and her baby boy

Please pray for Jessica's baby boy to turn face down. She is close to delivering her sweet baby boy but he is head down and face up! She's trying to do doctor ordered exercises to get him to turn.

Devin and her Peanut

Please pray for Devin (and her family) and Peanut as she is induced this morning!!

Michelle and her baby girl

Please pray for Michelle. She is 32 weeks pregnant and doctors think she has pneumonia.

Fay, Hector & Family

Please keep Fay, her husband Hector and their entire family in your prayers as Hector arrives home from Iraq tomorrow at 2pm! He's been there since last February (if my memory serves me correctly).

Please remember to keep all of the military in your prayers.

Emerson

Please keep up the prayers for little Emerson. She's still fighting the good fight in Omaha and hopes to make a Make A Wish trip in February if she's well enough. Currently she has a clot and issues with her heart (along with her other post (2) transplant issues). Read her mommy's blog here.

Prayer for Valerie

Hello Prayer Warriors,

My friend, Valerie, was just told over the holidays that her husband, Frank, is not happy in their marriage and wants to call it quits. She is Catholic and he is a non-believer. They have been married for 3 years but have only lived together for 1 year due to the military. She has 4 children from her previous marriage and they are hurt as well as they look up to him as a father. She recently miscarried last year so she is dealing with a loss as well.

Please pray for the Padur family. Thank you all so much. I told her to hang on and to pray over him, over her house, go to church and im giving her my Power of a Praying Wife book and also praying for her salvation and also his.

God bless,
Melanie

Melanie's Abuela

Please pray for Melanie's Abuela. She had a mild heart attack on Dec. 29th and is still in the ICU.

Baby Keaton

Please pray for 2 week old Keaton. He is critically ill and needs heart surgery, but they can't do it until he's stronger and healthier. Pray for his parents and 2 brothers (one is his twin and the other isn't quite 5 years old) as well.

This prayer request is from our friend Kahla. Keaton is the son of an internet friend of hers.