Day 106 - September 29 - The end of the alphabet
This turned out to be a pretty good day, all in all. Connor is now out of isolation; his fever has broken; he was really blessed by a song a friend wrote for him; and he felt like the day went well. Our next hurdle is the surgery - Connor is scheduled for surgery first thing Wednesday morning, although we don't yet know what time "first thing" is. As soon as we know, we'll let you know.
Please keep us in your prayers - I know you are, but I also get haunted by the idea that you'll get tired and stop. I'm exhausted, and Cherie and Joelle are too. Connor is too, although he's probably moreso than all of us. I'd probably stop if I were in your place, so I worry even though I know I shouldn't.
Tomorrow is "Z". We decided to let y'all finish this up, so we aren't offering any words tonight. We look forward to praising God with your words.
Good night.
Eric
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posted by Eric Williamson @ 10:29 PM
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43 Comments:
zappy - lively; entertaining
zoetic - living; vital
Wow...sounds like I'm smart...I cheated and looked it up on the internet! LOL!
Where's the SCRABBLE BOARD!!!!!
You all have been in my prayers for 106 days. I have come to know you only through your posts, yet I care for you as though you were family. Rest in the arms of God, knowing my prayers, and the prayers of hundreds of others, will not cease!
Eric,
We understand your fear that people will drop off from reading and praying. Life pushes between things, even when you don't want it to.
This is EVERYDAY for Connor, you, Cherie and Joelle - there is no escape - this is what your life is for now.
We have been where you are and can relate to what you are experiencing. The highs and the very lows. Seems like there just isn't a light at the end of the tunnel...
Our prayers will continue for Connor. We will continue to read the Blog daily. We will not forget.
This is what GOD has placed on our hearts to do.
GOD bless and good night.
~Shayne, Hollister
ZEPHYREAN
A zephyr is a light, gentle breeze.
I learned a song 20+ years ago that spoke of the Holy Spirit in terms of wind or a breeze. I don't remember the song title or who wrote it and I can't even remember much in the way of lyrics. But I *do* remember the line: "You can't see the wind but you know that it's there." (It might have actually been a song from "The Dreamer," come to think of it. Cherie? Does it ring a bell?)
Anyway, the point is that wind cannot be seen or clutched in your hands but the evidence of it is everywhere: treetops swaying, whistling and howling sounds down a canyon, ripples on a pond, the turning of a windmill or weather vane, and the cooling of the skin on a hot day. In the same way, God's Spirit cannot be seen or grasped, but His evidence is everywhere in our lives. The gentle nudging of conscience, the prompting toward compassionate action, the breath of Heaven whispering guidance, and the comfort for anguished souls. The Holy Spirit which God has blessed us with resides within all who believe in and call on the name of Jesus. He is our gentle, still, small voice...our zephyr.
And He's whispered to me to never give up praying for Connor.
Praying without ceasing,
Jenann
Eric, Cherie, Joelle, and CONNOR,
Just so you know with certainty. . . . We're still praying for all of you constantly. Our hearts are there with you day and night. I speak for all of us.
All our love,
Karen
and Savannah, Chase, Sophie, Kate, Addy and. . . . well, Zoe just sits there.
Our Zenith.
We'll not stop, Eric. Don't worry about that.
Eric, take a look at your map and realize just how many people are praying and keeping watch.
You are surrounded by the Lord's Church of believers and all of us stand ready to cheer Connor on and to hold each of you up high to our Lord God. HE will never let you go, and we cling to that promise for Connor, your family, and for each of us as well.
We are very happy for Connor's clearance from isolation; and we are in prayer about the upcoming surgery Wednesday.
We also pray that today Connor and all of your family get some much needed rest. God's Word tells us to put all our cares on Him and rest in Him.
In His Love,
MT
C'ville
ZION - heaven as the final gathering place of true believers.
What more can we ask for then Heaven for us that are true believers...this is my first attempt at the Alphabet game but have been watching and reading daily.
We miss you at Eastside and Cheri, we miss you voice so much.
We love you and pray daily for you Conner...The Fellows Family.
Still watching, praying and praising! Praise for being out of isolation and free of those yellow gowns! Continuing to pray for your daily strength, and for wisdom and courage as you face each new challenge. Praying that you will see God's guidance and keep your eyes on Him throughout each day!
~Amy
Not much for Z words, are we? How about Omega, as in the Alpha and the...
My devotion this a.m. was on Job and specifically Job 42:5, "My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you." After mourning his losses the next thing he did was worship God because he saw God. My prayer for you and your family today is that you will feel and see God work.
I'll leave you with this poem written by Henry Lyte:
When God wants to drill a man
and thrill a man
and skill a man,
to play the noblest part.
When He yearns with all His heart
to create so bold a man
that the entire world will be amazed.
Watch His methods,
watch His ways.
How He ruthlessly perfects
whom He royally elects.
How He hammers him
and hurts him
with mighty blows converts him
into trial shapes of clay
which only God understands.
How He bends but never breaks
those whose good He undertakes.
How He uses what He chooses
and with every purpose fuses him,
to act and by every act induces him
to try His splendor out.
God knows what he's about.
My "Z" word for today is Zealous.
In prayer since Day 1 to whenever!!!!
Dear Eric and Family,
I continue to be blessed by your transparency as you share from the heart. As many who have already stated, your family will continue to be held up to our Lord. Throughout the day, whenever I think of Connor,I say a little prayer for him and although I know that God is constantly watching out for Connor and your family, it is my way of "standing in agreement" with all who lift Connor up for perfect healing. Rest assured that you will not be forgotten! May you each be blessed this day and may you continue to see more miracles.
Like many have already said, we don't plan to stop praying for you.
I really can't believe this, my word for the day is ZEALOUS it looks like the Wrenns beat me to it. Exekiel 39:25b I will be zealous for my holy name. He is also zealous with His love for us.
I was also going to post the poem by Henry Lyte, but guess what? The Wrenn's beat me to it. I was reading it in a devotional this morning and thought that it was so perfect.
I'm praying that you all have a great day, and that you feel God's power in a mighty way.
Oh my goodness, what an awesome poem to share today! Connor is "The Boy," but what a man God is creating, ruthlessly perfecting! How HE is using Connor to perfect us! Eric, God led us to this "ConnorWATCH" blog and we are "Watching God Work!" God has done awesome things already! We can't look away, we can't take our eyes off God's prize, we can't stop praying for Connor!! I'm sure even if this blog ended today, there would be people around the world who would continue to pray for Connor and your family. Bless this week and all that it will bring. God is in control, He will guide the surgeons, He will guide your words. We pray a bubble of protection from the enemy over Connor's emotions and heart this week.
CCC
...still praying and no plans to stop!
I wanted you to know that I always praying for you guys EVERYDAY!!!!!! The Rizzi family is a bunch of prayer warriors for Connor and the rest of you guys. As for Z...this one is a stretch but I think I'll say ZERO because there is nothing that is too much for our great Lord to handle."Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear." Isaiah 59:1. May the Lord keep you all today.
Suzanne Rizzi
Patiently holding Connor and all of you up in prayer and will keep on doing so.
Though this is my first time posting a comment, I have been lifting up heartfelt prayers with you for over 3 months. When I read that you were afraid we would get tired of praying and stop, I wanted to share something God recently opened my eyes to.
I remembered reading a long time ago about Moses standing up on a hill while Joshua led the Israelites in battle down below. As long as Moses held his hands up (which held his staff), the Israelites would be winning, and when he grew tired and his hands lowered, they would start losing. I'd been growing weary praying for a battle going on in my own life. I was grateful that God was allowing me to see the difference prayer was making, but I sometimes found myself struggling with guilt for not always being able to pray with the same devotion. I felt such a responsibility, but couldn't always "keep my hands up". As I shared this with my Pastor, he asked me if I knew the rest of the story. I didn't know there was more to it, so he then told me how Aaron and Hur came along side Moses, one on one side and one on the other, and held his hands up for him when he couldn't hold them up anymore. I can't tell you the weight that was lifted and how comforting and encouraging it was to hear that. (It was from Exodus 17:8-15.)
It is not God's plan or desire for you to do this alone; God is with you and so are we. We are called and privileged to come along side of you - to be and to carry your "side arms". There are so many of us here with you that even if you can't see it, even if Connor can't feel it, your hands will always be held up high.
You in my heart and my prayers.
We will not stop praying. I offer this quote below.
Even if I should be locked up in a narrow cell and a cloud should drift past my small barred window, then I shall bring you that cloud ,Oh God, while there is still the strength inme to do so.
Etty Hillesum
Peace to you all,
Jane Renz Schleich
Still holding each of you up in prayer...
I think several people beat me to my word this morning, Zealous. This is the way the back of my Bible defines it,
Zealous: devoted; filled with earnestness, enthusiasm, or passion.
It is incredible to think that the God who put the universe into motion is passionate, earnest, and devoted in His love and care toward us.
Hey there Eric, I was going to post ZEAL, but Kim Wrenn beat me with ZEALOUS.
After reading the posts, however, I decided I like ZION that the Fellows posted. Remember that when we get to heaven there will be no more worry and stress, no more body limitations. Just sweet fellowship with our Lord, and all these wonderful new friends you have here on the "Connor Blog".
We're here lifting you and the family up in daily prayer. Hoping to help shoulder your burdens and make your load lighter.
Eric, Cherie & Joelle - Since meeting you in the waiting room at Fresno Community Hosp. there has not been a day that my wife and have not prayed for your "boy" and for you guys!
The challenge is to get online and write to ya!
But our routine is set everyday - "What is Eric's update on ConnorWatch!?"
We love you guys and are soo drawn to believe with YOU that God has sooo much more to glorify Himself in the everyday stuff of Connor's current season. AND YES we too join you, in praying for him to walk!
Lord, may You continue to "be" the Williamson's peace and life! By Your Holy Spirit fill them with the words and un-words that you can use, the surgery's attention, the new things to come, the life lived IN You. Amen and amen
Paul & Debbie Belt, Visalia CA
Zoe for Life! Jesus is life, abundant life! Continuing to hold you up in prayer!
Aya, Minnesota
Will NEVER stop thinking about you and wishing you the best, whatever the "best" may be at that moment. Fingers crossed that all goes well with the surgery. I'll have to look up the post again as I can't remember what it was for. Very happy Connor is out of isolation - I'm sure that really means alot as it's been a looong time without the pleasure of a physical skin-on-skin touch from a loved one. Thinking of you always.
Lisa S.
After Hurricane Ike, I wasn't able to get on as much, so I haven't posted in awhile, but I want all of you to know that just because I couldn't read the blog, I never stopped praying. We just happened to have 16 days without power, and we still do not have internet at home. So many are praying for you, and just because we may not post, never means you are forgotten. Your family has touched so many lives, and will continue to do us up until the day that Connor is up and going again...and even then the prayers will continue. Our God is good....all the time!! Love you all!
Hoping you might consider sending us to numbers, now that the alphabet is used up! How about challenging us to search Scripture for "One"? (As in, our God is One"!) Just a thought...
Anonymous (2:56pm) - I was kind of hoping that Eric would just start over again with "A"! There are attributes we haven't come up with, and new ways to apply the ones we have... But the number idea is a good one, too.
I'm looking forward to sharing my "Z" word, but it will have to wait till this evening when I have time...
We pray continually, we are out here and we praise God for your triumphs and cry for your agonies. We check the website several times a day so never feel you are alone. We are here, but more importantly, God is here with you and hears all the groanings of your hearts. Blessings, The Hijas
Zoe!
God is Zoe!
Someone beat me to it but here is the verse to support it
John 1:4 NIV
In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
Our first granddaughter was named Zoe after this verse. Really cool it's Hebrew and means LIFE!
He is life (zoe) and that life (zoe) was the light of men. And He IS our life and light.
Focus on The "Zoe" giver
Williamson family and know that we will continue to stand in the gap for y'all!
Shine On!
The Shipe Family
Note: "apply" in my comment from 3:03pm isn't the right word... "View" is more what I was looking for. And by that I mean "different ways to understand God's attributes" - followed, of course, by new praises to offer up to Him because of new ways of viewing those attributes. Not that repeating the same attributes is wrong - the remarkable creatures described below (which hark back to Isaiah 6) endlessly repeat the same glorious phrase - this most assuredly is not "vain repetition":
Revelation 4:6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!"
Wow.
We at the Trapp home, which includes Sonya Jessica for a time :o), voted on Zealous today as well.
IF all your prayer warriors were to stop praying for you (knowing we have all reassured you that we are with you through the end of this trial) I don't believe it would change anything with God or God’s answers to your prayers for Connor ~ it would change us all in a huge & negative way but God is unchanging and He is faithful and God loves YOU and has a perfect plan in place for Connor regarding his healing. No, we are the ones that lose if we stop praying.
I realize it is much more complex than that simple statement; we know how much you benefit from our prayers, and that prayer does change things, but my point is that God is answering YOUR prayers.
We love you guys and will continue to pray for you to the end and to be there for you always.
Love,
Tim and Patty :o)
Williamson Family,
In some way it seems fitting we have finished the alphabet on the eve of Connors BIG surgery. Tommorrow brings a new day with new joys and celebrations. Yes, to set a new goal for us all would be fun, perhaps finding ways to bless others and to "pay it forward" in Connors name. As everyday we check your blog countless times and gather around the screen to hear the latest. We will NEVER stop praying or be able to help you understand what an impact your family has had on many. Such a ministry you have been given.
Hmmmmm Z word, perhaps shall we say God through Connor has given us Zeal (strong urgent feeling) to be drawn back to him. Perhaps we can say God is our Zenith (the point in the sky directly above us) where our focus has been brought because of this families situation, or perhaps God is our Zephyr (a light, gentle breeze) which blows over us as a reminder in the dark moments that He still waits for us and to hear our prayers. God is our Zest (keen enjoyment) and we are His Zest as He watches us here on earth. Like a father rejoices over his children.
We will be anxiously waiting to hear how surgery goes along with all the new and exciting things this means for Connor. Always remember you are prayed for and untill Connor has the healing God intends we will wear our Connor braclet with honor...even to the Oscars and White House (We wish!)
Many hugs from the Myers Family
Morgan Hill Ca.
Thank you Lord for negative cultures and an end to isolation!
Eric, are you kidding? Would we forget you all and forget to pray for you all??? No way! I check the blog first thing in the AM and last thing at night and a couple times in between. I print off the fresh news and keep them until I see Barb Slagle (yes that's Don and Laura Slagles Mom/mom in law!
We rejoice with the good news that comes and just pray harder for better news when it isn't so good.
I am so sorry for the anxiety and fear that Connor feels and pray for him every time the Spirit prompts me. We trust Him to lift that spirit of fear, Connor and to give you the peace that only He can gives! My reading this AM from"Today in the Word" from Moody Bible Institute (I graduated from there way back in 1948) reads as follows:"True peace is only possible because the Lord is with us. The world defines peace as the absence of conflict, but the peace that is from God isn't dependant upon outward circumstances. Just the opposite--God's peace occurs in the midst of our circumstances.
reflect today on Philippians 4:6-7."Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus". He's got it covered, Connor, so rest in Him. I know...it ain't easy, but it works.
Love you like you are my grandson!!!
I like the Zoe word!
Much love from Barb and Shirley
EVER PRAYING AND MINDFUL OF YOU ALL..GOD GIVE YOU PEACE AND COMFORT AS YOU FACE TOMORROW'S SURGERY. LOVE TO YOU ALL.
AUNT KAYE VON
Althought I don't know her, it looks like I am with your Cousin Belinda down here in Houston...8 days without power after Ike, and still no internet at home, but have found ways to track Connor's progress. As far as prayer goes, I was in temple today celebrating the Jewish new year, Rosh Hashana. I sent some Jewish prayers up for Connor. Hey, it can't hurt, right? :-)
I'm so excited that Connor is out of isolation. You go Connor!!! I will never stop praying for all of you!
As you can see from the responses....there are a LOT of people praying for Connor. It's not going to stop. Will be praying tomorrow morning for Connor and the surgery....and for all of you. God bless you as you continue to share this journey with us in this blog and allow us to help in our small way of encouragement and prayer.
Family,
We continue praying for you! Pray for God's comfort and peace for you all. That he guides the hands of the Dr. and Connor, the Dr. and ya'll get a night of rest.
Love,hugs and prayer,
Praying4theWilliamson's
We've been away a few days for our anniversary, but we never stopped talking about you all, or praying for you. How could we ever stop thinking and praying for our family member. We are all family in the Lord, and we want to come along side those who are hurting, fearing, suffering, and to encourage, understand, and uphold each other in prayer.
Even though we're on the letter Z doesn't mean we're finished with you, or more than anything, God is not finished with you! God never ends, He is with you and all of us always!!
We will continue to be praying for you all, and for you to be able to see "the mighty hand of God."
Love you all!
Kim & Ken
Kim and Ken...
Happy Anniversary!
Thank you Jenann! Our 30th!! Hard to believe!
Ok - so here's my word (or name, actually): ZERUBBABEL
I could say Zerubbabelean, or like Zerubbabel, but in actuality, Zerubbabel was a type of Christ (figure in the Old Testament who is a picture of Christ). In fact, he is a direct ancestor of Christ - see the genealogy in Matthew 1.
So how does this fit with our exercise? Well, you'll have to follow a little closely here, but it's good, trust me! It's not a coincidence that I just "happened" to come across this as I was doing my read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year reading this morning in the book of Zechariah (I kid you not). There is a lot of language here that should be familiar to you if you've read the book of Revelation, as well as a lot of prophecy which you can see fulfilled in the life of Christ - though we don't need to get into all of that here (though I'll include the context for the verses I want to highlight since there's so much there):
Zechariah 4:1 Now the angel who talked with me came back and wakened me, as a man who is wakened out of his sleep. 2 And he said to me, “What do you see?” So I said, “I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. 3 Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.” 4 So I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, “What are these, my lord?” 5 Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” 6 So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts. 7 ‘Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”’” 8 Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying: 9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; His hands shall also finish it. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you. 10 For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the LORD, which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.” (NKJV, emphasis added)
Ok, so like I said, it's complicated -- prophetic books always are, at least for me. Christ is both the One before Whom the way was made level and straight (by John the Baptist - see Luke 3, quoting from Isaiah 40), and the One Who makes it possible to endure all things with contentment (Philippians 4:11-13). Christ is also the capstone, or cornerstone (Matthew 21:42). Also, Christ (1) showed us the example of submission to His Father's will and authority which we are to follow, (2) promised (and delivered on that promise) to send the Holy Spirit ("another comforter") after He left - and it is only by the Holy Spirit that we are enabled to do anything at all (too many references in the Gospel of John to list...) And, finally, Jesus Christ, in his perfect life and then sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, is obviously the means by which God showers His grace upon us.
So, Connor, as I was reading this passage this morning and was struck by "‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts", I recalled what Carolyn so eloquently wrote yesterday (the first comment for the "Day 106 - September 29 - One step forward..." post) about you being forced to live what we are called to - absolute submission to God's lordship - and I just want to encourage you in that journey of submission with that verse - which bears repeating yet again: "‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts". Amen, and let it be so in all of our lives.
Lee
P.S. Jude 24-25
Hi Williamson's...
Just couldn't go to sleep until i let you know that you are always on my mind..We are lifting you up to our God who does hear..see..feel.. and gets us all the time... WE are believing God for success in the surgury and strength for all of you to walk through this.. May God's love sustain you and bring you supernatural peace.. May He bless you guys so much... Your incredible people..we love you dearly.. We are gone for approx l0 days.. but will be checking with our family for updates..We will be praying and trusting..
with lots of love..
The MacPhail's
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