Sunday, March 1, 2009

Yet again, mid-day seemed to be the hardest for Brad. He got into another coughing spell that just wouldn't let him rest. It is so difficult for him to cough at this point because his poor lungs just can't seem to get any wind behind them to push anything out. The coughing makes him super dizzy and really tired and then not being able to breathe easily makes him feel very emotional....I just know he must feel so helpless right now.

He is doing better again this evening after a nice, long rest this afternoon. We just finished saying prayers together with Nonnie and Brad very specifically asked God to take his cough away for two days and to also give him enough energy tomorrow to get out of bed to do his treatments and to see his family. He asked for forgiveness during his prayer for struggling to believe that God still could/would heal him. I am so moved by his openess and honesty with the Lord about his struggles and doubt. He is such an amazing man.

This afternoon wee were once again blessed with a personal bedside concert, given by our praise team. As I sat back and listened to this sing, I thought to myself, "yes, this must be a taste of what heaven feels like." Nothing stirs the heart like songs of praise to our Lord.

We love you and thank you for your prayers.

65 comments:

Renee said...

In faith we stand beside you....

In prayer we beseech our Father for better days and healing....

Praying without waiver.

Shannon said...

I pray daily for you and Brad. I cannot fathom what you must be going through. I know God is good all the time. He is good right now and through all of this. And, He promises to work everything together for good. I pray you both have the peace that passes all understanding.

Anonymous said...

I love y'all and pray, pray, pray that God heals Brad

Love you,
Michelle

Anonymous said...

Jenn -- praying for your family constantly. Hugs from across the miles! Love you. Sherry

Camille, Blake, Pierce and baby Asher said...

What an amazing gift your praise team is to you and what an amazing gift you are to us... we are praying.

Anonymous said...

Please know your family has been and will continue to be prayed for everyday. I have added your family to our prayer list at Alliance Methodist here in Keller,Texas as well. We will join Brad in his specific prayer requests. There are so many people you don't even know...like me that are praying with you. I hope there is some peace and comfort for you in knowing that.
-Angie (Tammie's friend)

Anonymous said...

Our prayers are with you... We pray God gives you peace and understanding... God will never let go....His hand will continue to hold you and your family during this time of need...

Love, The Billeaud Family

Lynn said...

Yes indeed.....when we all get to Heaven the singing will be amazing! Your praise team is surely a blessing to you guys now. Sleep tight....and restful.

Anonymous said...

We're standing with you, praying for and believing in God's work and healing on you, Brad.
John and Christina Johnston

Nellie said...

Praying for Brad's relief from the cough, and for him to be able to have more energy tomorrow. I pray, and I believe. Love you all!

I just looked at the letters I have to type for the word verification: praysoit. I will "pray so it" will be as Brad has asked.

Joyce B. said...

I'm praying for better days and for Brad to have energy to be up, out of bed and with you and the kids.

Bobbie Brodsgaard said...

I feel confident that God will answer your prayers today and that Brad will be up enjoying those beautiful children.

kj7 said...

Brad and Jenny,

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed yesterday...I know the Lord was truly in that room. I have been in constant prayer for you and will continue. I love you guys!! My prayer today is for easy breathing, less coughing and true rest.

Kathryn

Diane said...

Know that we are praying for you and your family in the Panhandle! I am Lacie's sister-in-law and have been following along. I truly admire your faith and thank you for sharing so openly, it has been a beautiful lesson in love.

The Uptons said...

Brad and Jenny--we are praying for you guys. The great thing about the body of Christ is that we can carry part of the "weight" of this challenge with you (I just love that part about when one part of the body rejoices, we all rejoice and when one part grieves, we all grieve). Know that we are all standing and believing in faith that the Lord can heal Brad. When you can't believe it, know that we believe it for you and are praying for that. Peace, peace be still and rest in the Lord.

The Upton family

Hope said...

Always praying for your beautiful family! I hope this week is easier than last week.

Anonymous said...

Praying without ceasing for your family. I have been reading your board for a while and am truly inspired by your strength and faith. God will be with you at all times.

Barb Kreinbring (a friend of Lyneil and Andy Beck)

Perks said...

I pray that at this moment that you guys are resting and feeling the love from so many that are thinking of you and lifting you up.

much love to you...

Sarah said...

Praying fervently. We love you guys!

Anonymous said...

Trent and I are praying for the Lord to give you strength, Jenny! Brad fought a good fight & now he is home! We love you guys!

Trent & Kaylynn Wolfford

Nellie said...

Weeping with you in the sadness for our loss of precious Brad, and rejoicing with you in the knowledge that he LIVES with God. Much, much love to all of you!

Jenna said...

We are so very sorry. We are praying for peace and healing for your entire family and friends. Brad's faith, strength, and positive attitude are such an inspiration to me. So very sorry.

Anonymous said...

Jenny, I love you and I Praise God that Brad has been set free from the body that betrayed him. Did you see the amazing sunset tonight? The angels are dancing!!!! I pray that you and the kids can find comfort in God's Grace and Peace.

Anonymous said...

Brad was such an amazing man of God. His life was a true testimony of God's faithfulness and love. We are praying for you & your family.

Brock Paulk said...

My heart's aching for you and the kids, Jenny...I'm so sorry to hear of Brad's passing today.

Rachel said...

Jenny (and family), my heart hurts for you now. Thank you for sharing Brad's life with all of us. I have grown so much just by getting to know you and witnessing your faith. I am also rejoicing because Brad fought a good fight and is now victorious. He is healed!!! God bless you, Wims family. Know that we are all thinking of you, loving on you, and more importantly lifting you up in prayer to the Father. May He grant you peace and comfort during this time.

With love,
Rachel Smith

Anonymous said...

Words are hard to come by right now but we can rest assured that Brad heard the words today "Well done my good and faithful servant, well done."

Laura Ann said...

Praying for all of you this evening. You and your children along with the entire Wims family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Renee said...

We all have been so blessed by the life of this fine young man. May we continue to live by his example and walk in faith and trust in our Lord.

Praying without waiver.

Angela S said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate your husband's life.

Amanda Brooke Kilgore said...

Jenny,
May you feel our love and prayers tonight!
What an amazing man Brad was! He fought a good fight, he finished the race marked out for him, and now we are thankful he is finally able to rest in the arms of the Lord today. Stay strong!
We love you!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear about Brad's passing. He was a lovely man and will be missed by many...

ChristinaJ said...

Jenny, I love you sweet friend. We pray God's peace will fill the hole in your heart.

Lynn said...

Know that in your pain of losing Brad that so many people are standing with you and praying for you to find comfort. Brad is the lucky one. He is pain free, peaceful and in the arms of His Saviour. GOD BLESS YOU ALL as you begin the long journey to heal.

Brooks Inc. said...

Jenny- There are no words...just tears...may the Lord hear each one that falls tonight as a prayer for you and your precious family!

Oh how sorry I am...I love you so!

Kelly said...

Please know that you all are on our hearts tonight. We will cherish the good memories we have of Brad, especially the ones that make us laugh--and there are many.

Shalom,
Kelly and Sara
Davidson

Alicia said...

Jenny - We are here, we are thinking about you and the rest of your family non-stop. We love you and are so very sorry for any pain you are feeling. I pray for peace for you and your family. Your family has been such a HUGE blessing to ours, we are GRATEFUL for all of you!!!! LOTS OF LOVE and LOTS OF HUGS... The LeMaire Family

schmidtboys said...

Jenny-
You are in our prayers today and for the many days to come. I am amazed everyday when I read your blog of your family's faith. You all truly love and worship God. May God place his healing hands on you. You are loved and Brad will be missed by millions!

Anonymous said...

Jenny, I just can't find any words. I know that nothing I could do or say would make anything better. Just know I am praying and praying and praying for you. I'm praying for comfort and peace, for rest and for the happy memories to make their way up through the tears. Love you lots, Joelle (((BIG HUGS)))

Kate said...

Jenny - Please know that you and the kids are constantly in our hearts, minds and prayers. We love you very much.

- Kate & Mike

Anonymous said...

Shannon Simonds is my niece and she mentioned in her blog your wonderful Brad had entered into the nearer presence of the Lord. I am praying for you and your family as the Holy Spirit holds you closer during this time. In his name, Paula

LisaN said...

I heard from Cheryl that Brad passed away today. My heart is breaking for you and your kids while I also rejoice for him. I know you will see him again one day, and it will be glorious... but I can only imagine how hard it is to let him go. May the Lord wrap his arms around you and your family and give you the peace and comfort that only he can.

Anonymous said...

What a testimony of faith Brad and you have been to so many! We are praying for your comfort and peace.

texasinafrica said...

We are so sorry to hear about your loss from a blog friend. The sunset tonight made the whole sky glow. It was so beautiful and so fleeting. May the peace of Christ surround you every minute, even on the worst of days. We're praying for you here.

Libby said...

Praying for much peace and comfort as you walk through these coming days and months. Libby Barowski

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry and sad to hear about Brad. Please know that we are praying for you, your children and the whole family.

Nikki said...

Praying for you and your family as you deal with the loss of Brad. Take comfort in knowing that he is rejoicing with the angels. What a blessing it has been in my life to follow your blog and pray for your sweet family. God is so good...He will take care of you during this time of grief and in the days of healing.

In Christian Love...Nikki

euphrony said...

Jenny, Zeke, and Kaelyn:
May God give you peace in this great sadness. We mourn with you and cry over your loss, I hadn't seen Brad since college, and I will always remember him as he was then - full of life, always excited about his Aggies, and always excited about his God. Now he rejoices in His presence as never before.

Jason and Erin Maxey

Jennifer said...

Jenny, I know you don't know me, but I was given your family's story by Carrie Berger about 2 years ago. God placed it on my heart the last 2 days that I really needed to be praying for y'all. Yesterday my prayer was for peace for Brad and then this morning God placed it on my heart that I needed to pray for you, without me knowing what had happened yesterday. Know that in your pain we are still praying for you.

Aunt Pam said...

Jenny, We love you and the kids so much. Brad fought so hard against this terrible disease. The two of have been an inspiration to many in so many ways over the last two years. We will continue to pray for you as you deal with the difficult days ahead. We love you. Aunt Pam and Uncle Don

brandiandjason said...

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You have been on my heart lately and I was not sure why, now I know. Your family will be in our daily prayers.

Brandi

Anonymous said...

Jenny, I am at a loss for words. I am in shock that Brad is gone, but comforted knowing that he is in heaven with our Lord. Your journey has been such a tribute to faith, marriage, and motherhood. You are an inspiration. Please rely on others this week to surround you with comfort and love just as you did for your sweet husband - you have been such a warrior. My thoughts are with all of you this week.....God Bless.

McFarland Family said...

Jenny,
I am so sorry to hear about Brads passing. I know there are no words that I can say to make this any easier but please know that you and the kids will always be in our thoughts a prayers. You are an amazing wife and mom....God will gide you give you strength through this time.

JJB said...

Jenny,

Justin and I have kept up with your blog each day for as long as I can remember, and we have come to greatly love and admire your beautiful family. We first heard of you all when we were at A&M Church in the AFC. You are such a great example of a Godly woman with a heart that truly is fixed on the Father. Brad was a great example to so many, including us, and we spent each night before bed in prayer, lifting him up. We have not met you, but we love you as our family in Christ. We loved Brad as a brother in Christ, and we pray for you now during this time. Our hearts grieve with you but rejoice in the promise of an everlasting life we can only imagine...

In Christ Alone,

Julie & Justin Brymer

Anonymous said...

I am praying for you and the kids, Jenny. May you all be surrounded by God's peace.
Mike Stephenson

Anonymous said...

Jenny, I heard a song by Chris Tomlin on the radio yesterday and thought about Brad. Here is part of the song:

'There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when
He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of
many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of
every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"'

I'm praying for God to give you and your family peace today. I hope you find comfort in knowing that Brad has found peace and is singing with angels today.

ae

daddyOandHoney said...

Am just now hearing of Brad's victory in Christ but of course i sit here at the computer tearful for your and the children's loss. God will hear your sorrow without you having to verbalize it and will comfort you as a nursing mom. You will be able to depend on Him as the days and years pass. We thank you for the witness you have been. Your family shines like stars in a dark world. thank you!!

Tracey said...

I have been following your journey when a friend posted a link to this blog and kept coming back since you were such an honest and open writer about your relationship with the Lord. I'm deeply sorry for your loss and pray for peace and rest for your families and all your friends and the lives you have touched.

OUR WILD ZOO! said...

Just wanted to know that you have a sister in Christ that is praying for your family as you walk through the challenges since Brad's passing. I think your family is amazing and your blog such a testimony to what great people/parents you are. God bless you and I will continue to lift you in prayer.

Jessica said...

Jenny,
You have been in our prayers. And will continue to be in our prayers to stay strong with the lord like you have been by Brad side. Brad is in a wonderful place looking down on you while breathing smoothly, smiling big, and surrounded by comfort. You are an amazing Christian woman, who has a beautiful journey ahead of her. Praying for peace and comfort! Jess Healey (family of Lisa Starr)

Anonymous said...

Jenny and family,
Our hearts ache with you. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God's love flood you with comfort.

Chad and Cassandra Massie
New Braunfels

Anonymous said...

Jenny,

It is hard to try to find any words that can be of comfort. You can and have been writing the book on faith, love, loyatly and how our Father wraps his arms around us in hard times. I'm sure Brad is looking down on you with love and graditude for a beautiful job you did in loving and caring for him. I have cried tears today for you and for Zeke and Kaelyn when I heard of Brad's passing. I can not imagine your emotions, but I am praying hard that you will continue to have an enormous amount of love and friendship surround you. May you be blessed in unimaginable ways in your near future. I know Brad is free and enjoying all that Heaven has to offer.

Love to the Wims family,

Jennifer Gordon

Anonymous said...

Jenny,

I just want to thank you for being such an inspiration as a woman, wife, and mother. You mean so much to many people you have never met.

Dear God,

Please hold Jenny and Zeke and Kaelyn in your arms tonight. Give them the strength only You can give. Brad will be missed, but I know he is breathing easy now.

Lianna Knight said...

Praying for your Jenny....

Anonymous said...

TO Jenny, I am so sorry to hear that Brad has passed. Please know I am filled with sorrow for you and the kids. You have so much strength, and your faith is so strong I know you are going to get through this. Please let me know if I can do anything for you. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Jennifer Michna and family