#anewkidneyforbrent, Day 1; Update, Praise, Prayer & Reflection

If you are reading this then you are just one of the people who have shown us your concern, your thoughts and most importantly your prayers.  We are overwhelmed by your love and care for us.  My phone was blowing up yesterday with some many asking for updates or letting me know that you are praying for us.  Sending "thank you" in a text back seems insufficient to convey our gratitude yet is was I could send back in order to keep up with all of your well wishes.  Thank you all for loving us so well and interceding your prayers on for us. (1 Tim. 2:1 Rom. 8:26-27)

For a great sermon on 1 Tim 2:1 listen for Kent Dresdow's sermon. 
http://www.northcreek.org/resources/media/sunday-sermons/message/good-and-pleasing-peace-and-quite

Brent's new kidney is working very well!  He did not get a good nights sleep partly because of the drugs in his system and partly because of nurses that need to keep checking in on him.  Today he should be able to go on oral pain meds that should give him longer lasting relief from pain as well as begin to eat some solid foods.  His creatinine levels have gone from a 9 just last week to pre-surgery levels at  7.1 to a 3.21 this morning.  He should be close to normal (.6-1.2) before he leaves to go home from the hospital on Sunday or Monday. We just take it hour by hour, listen to everything the staff has to say and try to give him quiet time to rest.

PRAISE

1. God is always faithful to hear our every prayer and ordains our days before they were even made (Psalm 139:13-16)
2. Kidney transplant was successful
3. Brent and Derek are both doing very well and healing nicely
4. Wonderful team of doctors, and nurses that are skilled and so knowledgeable at what they do and do it so well.  We cannot say enough about them.
5. God continues to provide for us in so many ways all because of the body of Christ.  

PRAYER:

1. Both Brent and Derek would continue to heal good and well and that they would have minimal side effects from the medications.
2. The Tinder and Moutier families would know how to best support Brent and Derek as they heal and adjust to new normals physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually; Derek with one kidney and Brent with three kidneys.
3. Brent's new kidney would not reject and work for a good and long time.  Surgeon says his kidney would likely last 20-25 years.  That would make Brent 62-65 years old!  Amazing!!!!

The last few days have been a whirl wind of emotions, prayers, concerns, to say the least.  I heard a song recently on the radio called "Still" by Hillary Scott & the Scott Family.  The song served as a great reminder to me how God has moved mountains and parted the water making a way for his purposes.  I feel just that way.  God has moved in people's hearts and made his way through our lives for His glory, for His purposes.  Even last night checking into our hotel I was able to tell the gentleman checking us in that we are praising God for his work today and what He continues to do, that we otherwise wouldn't of had the opportunity to do so.  We thank God to share of His work, For His Purposes, For His Glory!

"I bring my praise before I bring my need

'Cause there's no fear You've not already seen
I rest my heart on all Your promises
'Cause I have seen and know Your faithfulness"
-Still by Hillary Scott & the Scott Family