The Hickman's: May 2008

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

The Word on Wednesday...

Exodus 14:14, "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 23:4, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Isaiah 49:13, "Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones."

2 Corinthians 1:5, "For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows."

Psalm 29:11, "The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace."

Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

Psalm 73:26, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

We've all heard these verses, and even quoted them to our family/friends in their times of pain. We say that we believe them and live by them, but do we really? What if you were diagnosed with a fatal disease and given only 2 months to 2 years to live. Would you remember these verses? Would you, "cast all your anxiety on Him" or ask "Why?!" Would you, "Be still and know that He is God" or be frantic with worry and anxiety? Would you, "shout for joy... rejoice... burst into song, knowing that the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones" or cry, complain, and gripe about your plight? I would really hope that I would trust in my Heavenly Father and continue to give Him glory and praise for the life that He has blessed me with. For it is not my life, but His. I hope that I would have Paul's attitude: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21)

You are probably wondering what in the world brought up this topic? Well, I have a dear friend that I taught with for 3 years who was just diagnosed with extensive small cell lung cancer that has spread to her liver. This is an extremely fast-growing and aggressive cancer, for which there is no cure. Without treatment, the doctor estimated that she would have 30 to 6o days to live. With aggressive treatment, that could possibly be extended to 6 months to 2 years.

I have always thought of her as an incredible woman of God. She is the kind of woman that you think, "I want to be more like her." She always has a smile on her face and sweet, uplifting words on her mouth. In three years of teaching with her, I never saw her lose her temper, say a negative word, or bring anyone down. When all the other teachers were griping about testing, the lack of snow days, trying students, etc, she just smiled and had something encouraging and positive to say. I know that when someone has a fatal illness or has passed away, people always say nice, positive things about that person. But I truly would (and did) say these things a year ago. Now, her light shines more than ever as she continues to give glory to God. She is trusting in Him and being more positive and encouraging than ever. She is truly an inspiration and blessing to those around her.

To read about her journey, visit her blog at: vickidees.blogspot.com
She is the adorable blonde grandma!!
(Be sure to read her profile and testimony on the left side of her blog.)

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Memorial Day Weekend Fun!!

The Maxwell Family went on a camping/float trip for Memorial Day Weekend. We camped two nights and floated the Buffalo River one day- it was such a great weekend!

Our campsites- we had 2 campers, a pop-up and 3 tents that held 14 adults and 8 kids!

Zack and Chris playing football.

Look at those muscles!

The boys playing cars
(Logan, Cole, Phisher, Cayden)

Our camp guard dog, Cotton...

The babies, Kynzie and Zayde

Zayde lovin' the swing!

Volleyball Tournament!

Zayde and Cotton

Zayde took his nap in the swing while we played volleyball. (He slept for over an hour!)

Drew fryin' potatoes for supper.

Mmmmm... We had grilled meats, fried tators, salad and Martha Harp rolls for supper!

Zayde and Mommy

Papa took Zayde for a ride in the stroller around the campsite.

Our camp at night...

A camping trip isn't a camping trip without roasting marshmallows!

Logan making homemade ice cream.

We celebrated Tamara and Cayden's birthdays, Happy Birthday!

Addye and Mia

We did a one day float trip and had a blast! Thanks to Papa and Nana for watching the little ones, so we could all go!

The Hudgens canoe...
Robert, Logan, Cathy