August 31, 2010
Mike has a wonderful job and we are so thankful for the opportunity that God opened up for him. Jon has passed his nine month check up from the bone marrow transplant, still doing great. It has been a good summer, it has been great not to have to go to the hospital every other weekend, which we did last year. We are so thankful for God's hand on Jon and Mike's job.
Psalm 9: 1-2 I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. Praising God should be part of our normal day, in the good times as well as the rough times.
Brooklynn still continues to need our prayers. She recently had a shunt put on the side of her head to allow fluid to drain. This is helping with the headaches and other symptoms she has had. We know that God has His hand on her and ask for a miracle on her behalf.
Start your day with prayer and praise then your day will be filled with His Joy.
Joyfully,
Pattie
June 20, 2010
We have enjoyed a wonderful Father's Day at the Richmond home. Mike starts a new job tomorrow and Jon is feeling better. He tires out some and still has to be careful, but is working full time and the shingles are slowly drying up. Brooklyn still continues to need our prayers. Matt & Heidi have some very difficult decisions to make and we are asking God to give incredible wisdom and strength to them.
Psalm 55:22 says "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. " God has been so faithful to us during the past 22 months while Mike was laid-off. We are so thankful and blessed for this job opportunity.
Whatever you are facing today, cast you cares on the Lord. He is more than able to exceed your need. We have lived it and we have proved it, just like so many down through the ages. God is waiting for your burdens, don't keep him waiting.
Joyfully,
Pattie
May 2, 2010
Jon reached his six month anniversary of the transplant today. Except for a breakout of shingles he continues to do very well. David's granddaughter, Brooklyn, continues to show signs of improvement. Monthly MRI's are done and they are showing no growth of the brain tumor. Jen is doing better with her blood levels and they are in the normal range now. Mike is doing some odd and end jobs, and we continue to pray for a regular full time job for him.
In the middle of all these "circumstances", I still ask God to give me joy every morning. Psalm 90:14, Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. God can and will give us joy in the midst of difficult situation. Some times, when I get tired, I have a hard time finding the joy, but God is so faithful to me and continues to teach me and show me that He is my joy.
Hope you have found the joy and are keeping it - The joy of the Lord is my strength!!
Joyfully,
Pattie
March 14, 2010
We continue to thank God for Jon's progress from the bone marrow transplant. Jon went back to work two weeks ago part time and feels great. He is enjoying being around people and having a normal life. We continue to pray for Jen as she is struggling to get her blood levels back to normal. David's granddaughter, Brooklyn, is still being treated for a brain tumor, we are trusting God for a miracle for her life. Psalm 34:15 says, The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous an his ears are attentive to their cry. I am so thankful that God's eyes are on me down here on this earth and that His ears are listening to my cries and prayers.
In these days that are filled with very difficult things, please be reminded that God's eyes are watching and His ears are hearing your prayers. Even when it seems like He is quiet, He is still with you.
Have a blessed day,
Pattie
January 10, 2010
Happy New Year! I trust your Christmas season was filled with God's peace and joy. The last month around our house had been very busy. Jon came home from Duke on Monday, Dec. 21 and I had foot surgery. Jon is doing extremely well. His blood levels are normal, something that has not happened since he was a child. He has energy and is enjoying doing some things around the house. He should return to work next month, but will continue to stay on medicine and have regular check ups at Duke.
As I shared last time about the verses that God gave me (see below) God told me He was going to do a new thing with Jon and now we have to forget the former things - Jon's illness and thank God for his total healing. We also thank God that Jen was a perfect match to make the transplant go so well.
As you continue to pray for things to happen in your life, as we are with Mike finding work, remember that God is doing a new thing in all of us.
With Christ's love,
Pattie
November 11, 2009
We are praising God tonight for His extreme faithfulness to our family. Jon had his bone marrow transplant on Tuesday, Nov. 2 and we were told that it could take ten to twenty days to see any progress from the treatment. Yesterday, (day eight) Jon had .1 white blood count. Today (day nine) Jon has .3 white blood count. The drs said that he has responded early and we know that is only because God is in the midst of all of this. Sometimes, in the middle of a trial, when the fire's flame is hot and blazing, it is hard to rest and trust God. Several months ago, I was praying for Jon and I asked God for a verse to give me hope when I would feel like I was overwhelmed. Isaiah 43: 18 & 19a Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past, See I am doing a new thing! God reminds me that He is doing a new thing with Jon, creating new blood and cells to make him healthy.
I pray that God will do a new thing in your life today.
Pattie
September 10, 2009
Hey! Well, our Jen is now Mrs. William Wesley Hunt. She had a beautiful wedding and they had a great time on their honeymoon. Our son, Jon was at Duke today and found out that he will be having a bone marrow transplant. Jen will be tested as a donor, then if she does not match, we will have to go to the bone marrow donor bank to try to find a match for him. Once this gets started he will have to stay in an apartment in Durham, NC for 4 months. He will have to have someone with him around the clock. We are so thankful that God has given us a plan, we have been praying for this for a long time. We are also thankful that we will be able to visit with him during his stay. We also thank God that He has watched over him these past several months and although Jon has had some very difficult times, God has always been there right by his side. I have to say that during the past several months, I have become tired and frustrated. I have also wondered if God was hearing my prayers, but deep down I know He hears every word I say. Psalms 46:10a, says, Be still, and know that I am God.
What ever your need is today, even though it seems that God is far away, He is not - Just be still and know that He is God and that will be enough.
Blessings,
Pattie
August 10, 2009
Things are very busy at our house today. Eighteen days till Jen's wedding, Jon is at the cancer center every Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays for blood draws. Mike is still trying to find a job and yet in the craziness of our lives right now, I have this incredible peace that only God can give. I still know that we are blessed in every area of our life and God is watching over everything that is going on.
I pray that you are resting in God's great care. No matter what is going on good or bad, God's peace is being offered to you today.
Love and His blessings,
Pattie
July 6, 2009
Happy belated 4th of July. What a blessed nation we live in to have so many freedoms available to us - May God continue to keep His hand on us and protect us.
Our son in back in the hospital struggling with low blood counts and the doctor are trying to prepare him for a bone marrow transplant. The past few months have been a struggle for me. You see, as a Christian woman, I know that God heals, and gives strength for what ever we are going through and yet as a mother, my heart is broken for what my son as to go through. I have asked God many times to give me Jon's illness and heal him completely, but God has chosen Jon to walk this path, a path that will give God glory and praise.
I am reminded of James 1:3-4, Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance, Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. I have to be honest, when I am with Jon, joy is not the first thing I think of, yet I stand amazed on how God's hand is upon him. Jon is on a special medical treatment to destroy the lymphocytes that are destroying his white blood cells. When the doctor put Jon in the hospital last Wednesday, they said he would be there 3 to 6 weeks, Yesterday, the doctor said that it looks very good that Jon will get to go home tomorrow, less that 1 week. That is totally God in the midst of this trial. I am so thankful that even though we are so close to a trial and it's hard to keep our emotions out of the situation, others pray and God is answering.
Jen is busy with her wedding plans - August 28th, will be here very soon and she will walk down the aisle with the man of her dreams. We are so proud of Jen and the Christian woman she has become. We are so blessed that God sent her Wes Hunt, he loves the Lord, he loves music and he is just a joy to be with.
Life is very busy here in the Richmond home, but God is getting us through each and every day.
Am I considering it all pure joy? Probably not like I should, but then again God is still working on me.
Have a blessed day.
Pattie
May 7, 2009
We have just returned from the hospital to see our son, Jon. This has been one long week, Jen had surgery on Monday to repair her deviated septum. Mike received a letter from a lawyer demanding money, a lot of money, for a bill that is connected to his former company. Jon has been on chemo for two weeks and he stared getting sick on Tuesday. Jen did not do well after her surgery, she had some pretty rough days.
So many days, I had such a heavy heart. I was praying, but the load was still there. Tuesday night I had a "mommy breakdown". Jen was so sick, Jon was sick and I was sick for them. I prayed and asked God to give them a touch, a little touch anything to help them. Last night, Jon was worse and Jen had a reaction to some medicine, again I went to the Lord and started to say, Where Are You? and before I could get anything out, it's like God said, "Pattie, I've got both of them in the palm of My hand - Trust me with them, I will take care of them. So I brushed away my tears and took in that peace that only comes from above.
I do not know what you are facing today, but I know that God is more than enough to meet what ever you need today. Mike received a call today from the lawyer and the money situation will be just fine - because God was at work all the time.
Psalms 91:1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. One of my favorite scriptures - I truly have lived under the shadow of the Almighty. I would not want to be anywhere else, it truly is the safest place to be.
I pray you are dwelling in the secret place today.
Love,
Pattie
April 7, 2009
It's hard to believe April 15 is around the corner, are you ready? All that work just for David's birthday. That's right Happy Birthday David. A day all of the people of United States looks forward to. (NOT) Poor David, as we were growing up he thought all the hubbub was over his birthday. He was like 18 years old before he figured it out. ha-ha just kidding.
All the work that goes into April 15 blows my mind. I know a lot of CPA's that are covered up over this dreaded day. Not only are we working on personal accounts but also business accounts. A lot of time and effort goes into this day trying to get all we can from Uncle Sam. Reread that last line again "A lot of time and effort goes into this day trying to get all we can from Uncle Sam" What do you think would happen if we (our country) spent all the time and effort that we spend preparing for April 15, on one day for God. What would happen if we tried to get all we can from God? The hours, the man power, the hunting through papers and files trying to find that one receipt that is missing. What would happen if we used the same time and man power looking for God? I think we would see a change this country needs. This country need a Holy Spirit filled Revival. We might not like who is leading the country, But WE NEED TO PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS EVERY DAY. It's time the Christians stand up (kneel down) and pray like we have never prayed before. Lately I have listened to a lot of preachers from all over the country, they are saying the same thing. "We Need A Revival" This revival has to start with us, that's right with us. We need to get ready, what ever it takes. This is God's country and we need to get back to Him.
God Bless,
Mike Richmond
January 27, 2009
It's hard to believe that it's the end of January. Time is going so fast. When I was younger I always heard "As you get older time goes faster" back then I could not see it, but now I can.
Well the big news is our little girl (Jen) is getting married... The date is August 28, 2009... (My little girl getting married.) We have always been a close family and Jen and I are very close, (she is a daddy's girl) and one day I knew this time would come..... Needless to say Pattie and Jen are very busy, we have had several meetings already. During these meeting I sit quietly listening and even find my self tearing up (no it's not about the cost) but trying to keep strong hiding my tears. Lord HELP me when I have to walk her down the aisle...Well I guess this is not about ME and I will get over it (NOT) so I guess I should tell who the lucky guy is.
Allow me to induce Wes Hunt. (He's not as good looking as me, But he will do)
Wes is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina. He attends Garr Memorial Church in Charlotte, He is a great christian man, He loves the Lord and plays on the praise team at his church every Sunday. When Wes talked to me about marrying Jen I asked him "would you give your life for her?" he said "Yes" and I believe him. When Pattie and I prayed for God to bring a mate into our children's life, we wanted God's best for them and Pattie and I feel this has happen with both Jon and now Jen... I see the love in Jen's eyes and this also brings joy to a dad who would also give his life for his little girl....(Lord Help Me)
It seems all we hear any more is how bad the economy is. I lost my job September 1st 2008, since then thousands across the country have lost their jobs, and now the latest news is, our new President is in office, and the US Air flight that landed on the Hudson river is the latest news. Last Sunday Pastor Dewey, reminded us what a great job the pilot did landing the plane on the river. Pastor Dewey also said the next time he fly's he wants the same pilot. I think that a great idea. We were reminded of the old saying "God is our co-pilot". then Pastor went on to say "we need God has our Pilot", His hand on the controls, not ours. How many times do we find ourselves flying the plane, trying to make it happen. It's hard letting go of the wheel, allowing God to take over, trusting Him to land what ever our problem or circumstance is. In my case I'm at the end of my 5th month of being laid off. I look at my ESC pay and how fast it is coming to an end. I have to admit sometimes I want to pull a bag up to my mouth and breath into it. Then I remember what God says... He would never leave or forsake me..... I'm never alone...... He would not put more on me that I can handle..... He would give comfort and peace when I need it...... All these things God talks about are true. The next time you want to pull the bag up to you mouth and breath into it, bring the word of God up to you heart and breath His words, His peace, His love, His comfort. Knowing He is near.... As God gave the Pilot help to land the plane on the river, He will also help you to land your plane. Just let Him have the controls...
May God Bless you
Mike Richmond
November 29, 2008
I trust your Thanksgiving holiday was wonderful. Mike, Jen and I took a real quick trip to Ohio last weekend to see our family. We enjoyed our time with them very much.
Our Christmas decorations are up as we prepare to host the annual Christmas party for our Sunday School class. One of my favorite things in life is to have our home full of friends, food and laughter. It has always been my prayer that everyone who enters our front door will feel love and welcome, and of course that love comes from our hearts that are filled with God's peace and love.
We are like so many other families facing the Christmas holiday with one of us unemployed. Mike's company closed a few months ago and the search for a new job is going very slow. When Mike told me that the company was closing I thought of the upcoming holidays and I began to pray that God would help me to have a "First Christmas" spirit. I want to catch the excitement of the first Christmas. The anticipation that the shepherds had after their visit from the angels. I want to have the faith that Mary had to place in God to carry this child without being married. I want to be obedient like Joseph, as he took Mary as his wife when he did not understand, he just had to believe and obey. Wow, so many things to learn from the first Christmas.
Luke 2:11 - For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Can you feel it? The spirit of the First Christmas - the Savior who was born for you - just for you.
Have a blessed Christmas,
Love,
Pattie
,
October 4, 2008
It seems like I just updated this web site and yet it has been months. Way to long -- Just like everyone else, we are dealing with all the issues in our world right now. Mike is now out of a job and looking for a new position somewhere. We are praying and trusting in this incredible God that we love so much. I know that many people have lost their job and are struggling with financial and physical problems right now - that are very serious. But I am reminded of Psalms 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul.
Isn't it great that God is our Shepherd and I shall not want. He knows each of His sheep by name and knows exactly where each one is at all times. There is nothing that I am going to go through that God will not help me with. I am trusting God to help us and so many others through this difficult financial time in our own personal life and our country.
Please be sure to vote next month. Ask God to lead you to vote for His man. We are at a very critical time in our country and we need someone who will look to God for wisdom to run our country.
During these times of bad news in our land, remember God is the ultimate Promise Keeper and He will keep every promise made to us. He is our Shepherd - He is leading us beside still waters - and He is with us. Rest in Him today.
Love,
Pattie
July 19, 2008
I hope you are enjoying your summer and have had an opportunity to have a restful vacation. Last month, Mike and I took our first cruise, to celebrate being married 30 years this year. We went with a group of about fourteen and I have never had a vacation where I rested so much. We took advantage and slept in a little each day, took at least one nap a day and laid in the sun. I didn't have to clean or cook. I just had to decided what I was going to wear for the day.
It seems like our days are so busy and it's so hard for us to rest anymore. I have been making it a matter of prayer and asking God to help me rest. I am tired of being caught up in this crazy world of run and stress. Our jobs are so stressful, our economy is a mess, people are losing their jobs and marriages and families are under attack. But I am reminded every day of Psalm 23:2 , He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me beside still waters. Sounds like rest to me. I am confident that God wants us to rest and enjoy our life - not rush it by.
If we would just slow down and make sure we are seeking God and doing the things He wants us to do - we would have such a better earthly life. Life is not going to slow down for us, we must ask God for help and be committed to Him to make positive changes in our lives.
Are you ready for change? I am, I am ready for God to show me what He wants me to do today, and what really needs my attention today.
This life is all about the journey on getting us to heaven. What are you doing on the journey? How are you building the kingdom? Are you seeking God daily? Important questions, but the answers are more important.
Keep praying,
Pattie
June 2, 2008
It's a Monday and I am still rejoicing from the wonderful service we had at our home church yesterday. Our Pastor has been doing an outstanding job preaching God's word and the music has been so worshipful. It was a great day, but even before the services started, I had a since of "awe" for the Lord. He has done some incredible miracles for our church. He has helped our son through a very difficult surgery, he is touching a baby who was born very prematurely, and the list could go on. I was reading in Psalms 41, 1 & 2, it says, "Clap your hands, all you nations: shout to God with cries of joy. How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth!" I am just overwhelmed by His love and greatness. In the midst of dark days filled with evil and fear, our Great God is continuing to heal and restore His Children. He is helping Christians have faith in difficult economic time and that's because He is the King over all the earth. I'm so glad that this great King is my Heavenly Father and He is watching over me every minute of every day.
Are miracles happening in your life? Your church? Oh, they can be - you just have to pray and believe. But remember, just because God doesn't answer the way that you want Him to - doesn't mean He is not listening. He just knows what's best for you.
The answer is found in the PRAISE!!!
Love,
Pattie
May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day!!! I know that Mother's Day can be a great day for some, but a very difficult day for others. This is my third Mother's Day without my mom, I guess no matter how much time passes by, I miss her.
We recently experienced one of the greatest miracles for our family. Our son, Jon had to undergo surgery on Friday, 2nd. His spleen, which was about five times the normal size and was giving him so much trouble. His blood count was seriously low. It was a little scary for us - since we were told by a doctor when he was a child that we should never have his spleen removed or he would die.
Our church began to pray, as well as other churches. Mike and I had a wonderful peace about the surgery, but yet knew that it could be rough for Jon. Well the day came and he was in surgery for about four hours. Then we met with the doctor. He said that the surgery went better than expected. As soon as the spleen was removed, his blood count starting going up. We are so thankful to our heavenly Father for hearing our prayers. It feels so good to know that not only did God protect Jon during the surgery, He also helped the doctor and everything went better than expected.
No matter what you are praying for - don't give up. God is doing miracles everyday. Your miracle could be one prayer away.
Keep trusting,
Pattie
April 8, 2008
It's a quiet night here at our house. We are getting used to Jon not living with us and Jen is busy studying for her nursing board next week. Today is the second anniversary of my mom's home-going. For the first time since her death, I listened to a copy of her service. I had so many mixed feelings as I listened. I felt sadness because I missed her so much. Then I felt so thankful to be part of such a wonderful Christian family that was so loved and respected. I felt peace, because God gives that so freely. I also felt a hope because I will see my parents again. They are enjoying all of Heaven's greatest gifts and bowing in the Throne Room daily.
As I listened to the sermon that Rev. Jim Davis shared at my mom's funeral, he was talking about champions. He talked about David and he talked about David's death. He mentioned from I Kings 2:1 Now the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged Solomon his son, saying, I go the way of all the earth, be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses.
My mind went back to the last few days with my mom. Her breathing was labored and it was hard for her to speak sometimes. I have often thought, if you could plan your very last sentence - what would it be? David chose to remind Solomon that he needed to make God the center of his life. One day we will all say our last sentence, I pray mine is of value.
Have a great day - and let's continue to pray for revival!
Pattie
March 16, 2008
Happy Easter!! Jon is now married and we are getting used to life being normal again, well normal for us I guess. I have my first book signing next Saturday. I'm a little nervous and excited all at the same time. I'm sure once I get the first one over with, I will enjoy the rest of them.
As we focus on the cross at this very special time of year, I trust that you are thankful for the blood. I hope that in your busy life, you are taking time to remember what Christ has forgiven you for and what a perfect future awaits you as a Child of the King. I know that it seems like our world today is full of evil. The news reporters have so many sad stories to tell us and our economy is in a mess. But, my Father is my provide and He is my protector. Math. 28:20b Jesus says, Lo I am with you always , even unto the end of the world, Amen. There it is! He will not forsake us - even when our situation seems hopeless, He is with us.
I pray your Easter is filled with the resurrection Power, the Power that our Heavenly Father gives us.
Keep trusting,
Pattie