We are so honored that there are so many people who love
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Today was the Day
Tammy had the first of many days of coming to terms with what has happened to her. Tears poured for several hours on and off. It is just frustrated
Treasure in Jars of Clay
This weekend I was able to go on a retreat with the ladies group at our church. One of the ladies shared a passage that God was using powerfully in her life. When she finished quoting it, I wanted to jump up and clap! (Of course, being the calm, mature woman that I am...I refrained!) Anyway, I wanted to share it with you before I give you an update.
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. . . 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. 2 Corinthians 4:7-8, 16-17
Baby, that verse'll preach! I may come back and visit it later in the week, so be forewarned. We have been pressed and perplexed. Some may feel we were being persecuted. There were days I felt definitely struck down. But, all of this so that people would know, we are just jars of clay, moulded by the Master Potter's hand for this season, so that the treasure of our faith would be evidence that the all-surpassing power to survive, to have peace, to have victory, to see things change, to do miracles, to save lives, to save souls, to change our world, to change our selves, to be able to sleep, to be able to find rest without sleep . . . THIS all-surpassing power is from God. It is not from Tammy nor from our love for Tammy, not from the dedication of her family nor from the dedicated doctors, not from words on a blog nor the words in our prayer, not from a medicine, not from acting right, not from doing right, not from asking the right questions nor finding the right answers. All these things are key things, important things, good things, but the power comes from God and God alone! And if you doubt, go back to February on this blog and start reading!
Back to Tammy. She has been moved to a different room in CVICU. They have had two transplants in 24-hours, and they needed our isolation room. She is still in isolation, but when you come in, make sure you ask the nurse where to scrub up. She did get the smaller of the two chest tubes taken out on Friday. They removed her from the vent for a few minutes to move her, which was really cool, and her oxygen came up really quick once they reconnected her. However we have to remember, it is easier to maintain for a few minutes while lying prone on the bed. They also have to unhook her occasionally when they change the tubing on her trache. It was still nice to see though. Maybe one day soon she will be on oxygen only. You also need to know our room is smaller, so keep that in mind when you come to visit. We probably ought to adhere better to the "two at a time" rule. Her new room also came with a "defective" remote, so we swapped it out for the one from her old room. Nothing but the best, right? Today has been a better day than some of the last few because she is off morphine. It makes her groggy, so it is nice to see her getting back to herself. She is watching silly movies and teasing her brother, not too far off normal.
I also want to take advantage of this blog to ask you to pray for a personal matter. My grandmother on my father's side is not doing very well. She is over 90 and is having some mental, emotional, and maybe spiritual battles recently. She is more and more confused about what is real and what is not. Unfortunately, she is not slipping into bliss, she is living in fear. She hates being afraid but is unable to imagine anything but the worst. In the interest of protecting her privacy, I will not elaborate, but I am imploring you to please lift her up in prayer this week. I hurt for her, almost physically. She needs a miracle, too, and I don't believe God has run out of them just yet. Thank you for letting me ask.
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. . . 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. 2 Corinthians 4:7-8, 16-17
Baby, that verse'll preach! I may come back and visit it later in the week, so be forewarned. We have been pressed and perplexed. Some may feel we were being persecuted. There were days I felt definitely struck down. But, all of this so that people would know, we are just jars of clay, moulded by the Master Potter's hand for this season, so that the treasure of our faith would be evidence that the all-surpassing power to survive, to have peace, to have victory, to see things change, to do miracles, to save lives, to save souls, to change our world, to change our selves, to be able to sleep, to be able to find rest without sleep . . . THIS all-surpassing power is from God. It is not from Tammy nor from our love for Tammy, not from the dedication of her family nor from the dedicated doctors, not from words on a blog nor the words in our prayer, not from a medicine, not from acting right, not from doing right, not from asking the right questions nor finding the right answers. All these things are key things, important things, good things, but the power comes from God and God alone! And if you doubt, go back to February on this blog and start reading!
Back to Tammy. She has been moved to a different room in CVICU. They have had two transplants in 24-hours, and they needed our isolation room. She is still in isolation, but when you come in, make sure you ask the nurse where to scrub up. She did get the smaller of the two chest tubes taken out on Friday. They removed her from the vent for a few minutes to move her, which was really cool, and her oxygen came up really quick once they reconnected her. However we have to remember, it is easier to maintain for a few minutes while lying prone on the bed. They also have to unhook her occasionally when they change the tubing on her trache. It was still nice to see though. Maybe one day soon she will be on oxygen only. You also need to know our room is smaller, so keep that in mind when you come to visit. We probably ought to adhere better to the "two at a time" rule. Her new room also came with a "defective" remote, so we swapped it out for the one from her old room. Nothing but the best, right? Today has been a better day than some of the last few because she is off morphine. It makes her groggy, so it is nice to see her getting back to herself. She is watching silly movies and teasing her brother, not too far off normal.
I also want to take advantage of this blog to ask you to pray for a personal matter. My grandmother on my father's side is not doing very well. She is over 90 and is having some mental, emotional, and maybe spiritual battles recently. She is more and more confused about what is real and what is not. Unfortunately, she is not slipping into bliss, she is living in fear. She hates being afraid but is unable to imagine anything but the worst. In the interest of protecting her privacy, I will not elaborate, but I am imploring you to please lift her up in prayer this week. I hurt for her, almost physically. She needs a miracle, too, and I don't believe God has run out of them just yet. Thank you for letting me ask.
Jars of Clay
Ok, I am just going to start out being honest. This is my second time to write this entry. I hit the spellcheck button, only to watch the screen disappear before my eyes. And, at some point, my computer disconnected from the wi-fi session. I need you to know that I am praying that God will remind me of all that I wrote before so that I do not miss anything He intended me to say, and that I will be sensitive enough to eliminate whatever He wanted me to omit.
This weekend at the women's retreat that I attended, an friend of mine shared a passage of scripture with us that God has been using in her life in a powerful way recently. I knew the passage, but had not come across it recently, and when she finished I wanted to stand up and shout! Of course, being the reserved, calm, mature church lady that I am (HA!), I refrained from the impulse. However, I will not resist the urge to share these words with you.
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. 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.
2 Corinthians 4:7-8, 16-17
My friends, we have been pressed and perplexed. I am not sure about persecuted, but I assure Tammy's body was definitely struck down. But we are not crushed, nor are we in dispair. We were never abandoned, and no matter what we will never be destroyed. We are all painfully aware that our bodies are really only jars of clay: formed for a purpose, yet fragile, able to be cracked and then repaired, but not without a scar. And why? To show that the all-surpassing power to heal, to alter situations, to have peace, to be strong, to persevere, to save a soul, to tranform a life, to move on, to press on, to give more, to do more, to survive more - this power comes from God. It is important to remember, it doesn't come from Tammy nor from the love of Tammy, not from her family nor their dedication, not from the doctors nor their medications, not from reason, nor chance, nor coincidence, nor karma - it comes from our God! There is no God but our God. I encourage you
Not Saving this for Last
The other day I came across this verse, and I thought that it would be great for the last post to the blog. Today, though I am convinced that it was for the "now" not for the "later" that He showed it to me. Then, I will tell you about Tammy. Then
8We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our[a] behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
To Serve and Protect
"Each year the Euless Police Department selects an outstanding civilian employee as the recipient of the "Bill Harvell" Civilian of the Year Award. This award is presented to honor the memory of Lieutenant Bill Harvell who passed away in 1975. At the time of his death, Lieutenant Harvell commanded the civilian services of the Euless Police Department. The recipient of this year's award has been chosen because she exemplifies the high standards set by Lieutenant Harvell. She is recognized by all as someone who is always willing to go the extra mile to improve the work environment and assist those in need. Her own personal needs routinely take a back seat to the needs of those she serves... her police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, and citizens.
For her outstanding service and performance, Tammy Barnes has been selected as the 2008 recipient of the Bill Harvell Award.
Signed Michael G. Brown, Chief of Police"
Last Friday night, we attended the awards dinner for the EPD. Danny and Tracie accepted the award on Tammy's behalf, and my 7 year old nephew (a.k.a., Tracie's and Billy's son), Colt, kept us rolling on the floor laughing as he helped with the awarding of door prizes. Actually, Colt started out drawing numbers out of the jar, but two tickets into it, the show was all his. He had the microphone, ran the commentary, and even heckled his Papaw and the Chief and Assistant Chiefs of Police. His future is so bright it burns my eyes, however, I have digressed from my original purpose for writing today. I will only say one more thing, and it is entirely unbiased. Tammy has two crazy-amazing nephews and one phenomenal niece.
The evening was lovely and there were more than just tears of laughter that were shed that night. It is funny that we often think of recognition is something we earn with numbers that back our success or from achieving a goal. We live in a world of "Best Sellers" and "Box Office Hits" and "Top Sellers." So much emphasis on measurable success, so little on the substance between the pages of the book or the merit of the movie or the character of the salesman. But Friday, about halfway through the evening, I realize the awards were not for those who had achieved a status. Those who were recognized were those that exemplified service, placing the needs of the department, their coworkers, and their city, before their own needs. From a reserve officer, retiring after decades of serving as a volunteer officer, to an officer who continued to work though undergoing chemotherapy, it was their hearts, their character, their dedication, their tenacity, their selflessness which has earned them the respect and honors for which they recognized Friday evening.
All around us, at every table, were officers and civilians, volunteer and career, who take very seriously their motto of protect and serve. Their job is more than a job, it really is a calling. And their co-workers are more than people they work with. They are family, deep and true. As the officers lay their lives on the line for our protection, they exemplify ultimate service to each of us. From the dispatchers to the records keepers, to the jailers to the myriad of other jobs that I am clueless about, they stand together, it support of each other and the citizens of the city they serve. Never doubt that many of America's finest may live just a few doors down from you. Never neglect an opportunity to say thank you. They don't just deserve it, they have earned it 10,000 ways every few days.
I am humbled at the examples that God has placed before me, people that I can see and touch and even hug. But today, our pastor reminded me that there was One who showed me the heart of service, not in healing Tammy or even in saving me for eternity, but by washing feet. Christ, during the last meeting He was ever to have with all twelve of His disciples, did something that would forever shake the definition of what it means to be "greatest among men." While His disciples were arguing about who would be the greatest in God's coming Kingdom, the true ruler of that kingdom, lowered Himself, physically and in status, to serve their need - their feet were dirty, and they needed to be clean. The creator of all creation, in human form, knelt on the ground, and washed the feet of His closest companions. It is easy for us to imagine doing a humiliating and humble things for a friend, but Christ did it for the very person who would turn Him over to the ones who wanted Him dead. He got down on His knees with a bowl of water, picked up the dirty filthy foot of Judas, held it as He washed the filth of the road off of Judas' feet. Sweet friend, please realise, no matter where you have set yourself in the relationship with Jesus, no matter what you've done, no matter what you will do, Jesus would have done the same for you that night. What is He wanting to do for you now?
For her outstanding service and performance, Tammy Barnes has been selected as the 2008 recipient of the Bill Harvell Award.
Signed Michael G. Brown, Chief of Police"
Last Friday night, we attended the awards dinner for the EPD. Danny and Tracie accepted the award on Tammy's behalf, and my 7 year old nephew (a.k.a., Tracie's and Billy's son), Colt, kept us rolling on the floor laughing as he helped with the awarding of door prizes. Actually, Colt started out drawing numbers out of the jar, but two tickets into it, the show was all his. He had the microphone, ran the commentary, and even heckled his Papaw and the Chief and Assistant Chiefs of Police. His future is so bright it burns my eyes, however, I have digressed from my original purpose for writing today. I will only say one more thing, and it is entirely unbiased. Tammy has two crazy-amazing nephews and one phenomenal niece.
The evening was lovely and there were more than just tears of laughter that were shed that night. It is funny that we often think of recognition is something we earn with numbers that back our success or from achieving a goal. We live in a world of "Best Sellers" and "Box Office Hits" and "Top Sellers." So much emphasis on measurable success, so little on the substance between the pages of the book or the merit of the movie or the character of the salesman. But Friday, about halfway through the evening, I realize the awards were not for those who had achieved a status. Those who were recognized were those that exemplified service, placing the needs of the department, their coworkers, and their city, before their own needs. From a reserve officer, retiring after decades of serving as a volunteer officer, to an officer who continued to work though undergoing chemotherapy, it was their hearts, their character, their dedication, their tenacity, their selflessness which has earned them the respect and honors for which they recognized Friday evening.
All around us, at every table, were officers and civilians, volunteer and career, who take very seriously their motto of protect and serve. Their job is more than a job, it really is a calling. And their co-workers are more than people they work with. They are family, deep and true. As the officers lay their lives on the line for our protection, they exemplify ultimate service to each of us. From the dispatchers to the records keepers, to the jailers to the myriad of other jobs that I am clueless about, they stand together, it support of each other and the citizens of the city they serve. Never doubt that many of America's finest may live just a few doors down from you. Never neglect an opportunity to say thank you. They don't just deserve it, they have earned it 10,000 ways every few days.
I am humbled at the examples that God has placed before me, people that I can see and touch and even hug. But today, our pastor reminded me that there was One who showed me the heart of service, not in healing Tammy or even in saving me for eternity, but by washing feet. Christ, during the last meeting He was ever to have with all twelve of His disciples, did something that would forever shake the definition of what it means to be "greatest among men." While His disciples were arguing about who would be the greatest in God's coming Kingdom, the true ruler of that kingdom, lowered Himself, physically and in status, to serve their need - their feet were dirty, and they needed to be clean. The creator of all creation, in human form, knelt on the ground, and washed the feet of His closest companions. It is easy for us to imagine doing a humiliating and humble things for a friend, but Christ did it for the very person who would turn Him over to the ones who wanted Him dead. He got down on His knees with a bowl of water, picked up the dirty filthy foot of Judas, held it as He washed the filth of the road off of Judas' feet. Sweet friend, please realise, no matter where you have set yourself in the relationship with Jesus, no matter what you've done, no matter what you will do, Jesus would have done the same for you that night. What is He wanting to do for you now?
Quick Prayer Request
Tammy has been really nauseated the last few days. It is possible that the medication they were giving her for a headache could be causing the nausea because it is also causing her to have bad dreams. Pray that the doctors can determine what the real problem is quickly so she can
Great Lazy Weekend
Today was really the first day of our week. We were purposely, absolutely and completely lazy this weekend! I took some time off to spend Saturday with my mom and sister and then on Sunday went to see my Dad, while Tammy's dad came over and cooked his own Father's Day dinner! See! I told you we were lazy!
Raring to Go!
November is upon us already. I thought I would start this season of Thanksgiving off with sharing some of the things we are thankful for in the Barnes' house.
Tammy is ready and raring to get back to life as normal. Can you believe it? Her last stay in the hospital was crazy for a few reasons. First of all, the "nodules" were definitely a result of her reflux causing her to aspirate food into her lungs. It was growing bacteria that was causing a pneumonia. Here is the crazy thing... the pneumonia, which is gone by the way, did not trigger a rejection. So we are 5 months out without a single "significant" rejection of these new lungs. There has been some inflammation, but that has more to do with getting the medicine levels right, than with a systematic rejection. Yay!
Because the pneumonia was limiting her breathing capacity, she was getting out of shape again, so they sent her home with oxygen. She only has to use it when she is doing more strenuous activities like the stairs or grocery shopping. However, she is moving so muchqu
Tammy is ready and raring to get back to life as normal. Can you believe it? Her last stay in the hospital was crazy for a few reasons. First of all, the "nodules" were definitely a result of her reflux causing her to aspirate food into her lungs. It was growing bacteria that was causing a pneumonia. Here is the crazy thing... the pneumonia, which is gone by the way, did not trigger a rejection. So we are 5 months out without a single "significant" rejection of these new lungs. There has been some inflammation, but that has more to do with getting the medicine levels right, than with a systematic rejection. Yay!
Because the pneumonia was limiting her breathing capacity, she was getting out of shape again, so they sent her home with oxygen. She only has to use it when she is doing more strenuous activities like the stairs or grocery shopping. However, she is moving so muchqu
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