It is hard to believe that it has been a year since my step-mother, Sandy Weston, and I spent the day constructing this blog. I remember thinking about what I should call this blog, and "Sandy's Journey of Faith" seemed to pop in my head immediately. We started the blog because I was going into major surgery on my neck that Wednesday (May 30th), and Jon needed some way to communicate to everyone and not feel obligated to answer e-mails. None of us could have ever imagined what this blog would turn into, that God had a hand in it from the beginning, and that we were about to embark on an incredible ride!
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask OR IMAGINE, according to His power that is at work within us... Ephesians 3:20
If you look back over the first postings, I think you can see that we had no idea what kind of ministry God had given us. About a month after my surgery, I began to think about how I was going to end the blog because surely nobody would be interested in our thoughts for too much longer. I kept waiting for the posting numbers to die down; and they did a little, but not like I thought. Then I began to pray that God would help me know what to say, and he filled me with his spirit, and I started taking my writings more seriously in that I would seek God's counsel and pray for days about what I was going to post next.
I still pray daily for this blog, and Jon and I take it very seriously. We know that God has blessed us with this ministry, and we are very humbled at the continued response. Jon and I both agree, this was God's design from the start, and we are fortunate to be His tools. We would be nothing without our faith. We would have shriveled up into a corner waiting for death to come knocking if we did not have our faith. So it is with great appreciation and adoration that we give God all the glory on this blog. It has truly been a journey of faith. Thank you for making it work, and for letting God speak through you by encouraging us.
Here are the first postings on the Monday after we started the blog. We sent out an e-mail to all our friends and family on the night of May 27th. We received 18 messages the next day.
Message Number: 18 - Monday, May 28, 2007 22:44:13 PDT
Name: Juliet Albers
Where are you from?: Glenkirk Women's Bible Study, Glendora
Comments: If your girls would like a 17 1/2 year old girl to "babysit" them, accompany them to the movies, or what have you, my daughter is available. Katrina Albers is a junior black belt, a senior girl scout, a cat lover who does volunteer work with the Humane Society, and will be in her senior year at Glendora High School in the Fall. We're also good for bringing a meal or tow now and then if you could use them ! Katrina's e-mail is kat_albers@yahoo.com Mine is juliet_albers@yahoo.com or our home number is 626-914-4513 God be with you !
Message Number: 17 - Monday, May 28, 2007 22:41:39 PDT
Name:
Laurie Strange
Where are you from?: Glendora
Comments: Dear Sandy and Jon, Thank you for sharing your journey with us...Your messages are a beautiful testament of what it means to walk by faith and trust in the God "who never leaves us nor forsakes us..." I will be lifting up my prayers along with the many others on your behalf this Wednesday, and in the days to come.. "THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU, HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE. HE WILL TAKE GREAT DELIGHT IN YOU, HE WILL QUIET YOU WITH HIS LOVE, HE WILL REJOICE OVER YOU WITH HIS SINGING..." God bless you and keep you.
Message Number: 16 - Monday, May 28, 2007 22:39:52 PDT
Name:
Sadie Batt
Where are you from?: Murrieta, CA
Comments: Dear Sandy, I just received your web site from my daughter, Laurie Strange, and I will be honored to be a prayer warrior along with all your other warriors. I am so sorry to hear of all the things you have been going through, but I can see that you and your family are leaving everything in God's hands.........He is so good. Hugs and prayers, Sadie (Laurie's Mom)
Message Number: 15 - Monday, May 28, 2007 21:37:08 PDT
Name:
Steuer Family
Where are you from?: Glendora, CA
Comments: Dear Sandy, There is not a day that goes by that we don't think about you and your family. God still has many plans for your life. Let your strong will and strong faith carry you through these times. You will continually stay in our prayers. Love, Kevin, Rosanne, Sarah & Erica Steuer
Message Number: 14 - Monday, May 28, 2007 20:54:16 PDT
Name:
Jayne & Frank
Where are you from?:
San Dimas
Comments: Sandy and Jon, our prayers are with you. Love, Jayne and Frank
Message Number: 13 - Monday, May 28, 2007 20:52:32 PDT
Name: Dan and Missy Harris
Where are you from?: Bible Study Group
Comments: Always praying for you. You are a beautiful person, and God is glorifying himself in you, even as you are in pain. It seems strange to me to be saying such a thing, but when I hear you speak, I know that this is true. God will NEVER fail you . Walk with him; Trust him; He is not in the "failing" business. -Dan
Message Number: 12 - Monday, May 28, 2007 20:51:14 PDT
Name:
Valerie Fee
Where are you from?: LaVerne
Comments: Hello Jon and Sandy, I just wanted to let you know that I love you both and that I am praying and believing in a miracle. I know you have both been through so much already. You are both amazing people and I feel so blessed to be your friend. I am here for you and will continue to support you in any way you need it. Love, Valerie
Message Number: 11 - Monday, May 28, 2007 20:24:09 PDT
Name:
Leslie Simone
Where are you from?: La Verne
Comments: Sandy, OUr prayers are with you and your entire family today and always. Be still and know that there is God. Leslie Simone
Message Number 10 - Monday, May 28, 2007
Name: Cheryl Powers
Comments: Thanks for providing specific prayer requests. We look forward to seeing God work in a mighty way.
Message Number: 9 - Monday, May 28, 2007 18:43:46 PDT
Name:
Barbara Ott
Where are you from?:
I attend Glenkirk but live in La VerneComments: I do not know you and you do not know me but we both know Jesus and my family has walked thru cancer as you are walking now. You, you husband & kids as well as your extended family will continue to be in my prayers. God is faithful and He will give you strength to deal with each and every day....and with cancer sometimes each and every day is different. Warmly, Barbara Ott
Message Number: 8 - Monday, May 28, 2007 15:05:13 PDT
Name:
Bruce BeckerComments: Jon, letme know if there are any nights you want to play BB and I'll try to get gym. Playing BB is good therapy for you. Jeri and I will say a pray for Sandy and hpe that Wednesday is successful. Bruce
Message Number: 7 - Monday, May 28, 2007 13:17:35 PDT
Name:
Valerie Sedor
Where are you from?: La Verne, CA
Comments: Dearest Sandy and Jon, Wednesday will be a very empowering day for you both. You will cross the line from being cancer victims to cancer fighters. Your grace and dignity during this extreme challenge have so profoundly affected everyone around you. We are all learning so much from both of you. I am in awe. You are beautiful people, and I love you. Valerie
Message Number: 6 - Monday, May 28, 2007 11:09:02 PDT
Name:
Your Mom
Where are you from?: Wildomar, CA
Comments: I picture you as the woman in Mark 5:27, who, When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in a crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately, her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once, Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "who touched my clothes?" "You see the people crowding against you" His disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, 'who touched me?' But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you, go in peace and be freed from your suffering." Go in peace, my precious daughter, your faith has made you whole. Amen! Love, Mom
Message Number: 5 - Monday, May 28, 2007 10:55:51 PDT
Name:
Michelle Yount
Where are you from?: La Verne
Comments: Praying for your surgery and never forgetting who God is. Nothing is impossible for the Lord! Jeremiah 32:17 "Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you." Love you!
Message Number: 4 - Monday, May 28, 2007 10:52:51 PDT
Name:
Donna Earle
Where are you from?: Oregon
Comments: Sandy- You are such an inspiration to others. Your continued grace and ability to give this to God is a blessing to all who know you. I firmly believe in miracles, you and God. He will support you and bring you through this. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers, especially on Wednesday. Good luck and God Bless. Love in Christ. Donna
Message Number: 3 - Monday, May 28, 2007 10:52:08 PDT
Name: Marlene Custer
Comments: I love and support you. Marlene
Message Number: 2 - Monday, May 28, 2007 08:44:55 PDT
Name: John Gibson
Where are you from?: Hacienda Heights, CA
Comments: I guess I'm old, when I need to ask questions like "how's a blog work?". We'll see. I'd like to add people to the prayer list. Can I suggest other e-mail addresses for the "updates?" It's a nice web page, that I perceive received help from Sandy Weston. John Gibson
Message Number: 1 - Monday, May 28, 2007 08:32:22 PDT
Name:
Peter and Chris JacksonComments: Jon and Sandy~ Thank you for keeping us updated. Know that we are here if you need us day or night. We are riding a similar roller coaster ride with my dad right now and know that everyday is a new turn. We will be on our knees on Wednesday morning as you head into surgery, recover and the waiting period. Love, Chris and Peter
Thank you all for being part of something bigger than us! We look forward to what He has planned this next year!
Love,
Sandy
