Next Sunday, March 8th, we would love for everyone to come back to the Oak's Baptist Church at 4PM for another time of celebration. The band from yesterday will be leading us in some music and then the rest of the time will be open-mic share time. Be thinking about what God has done or is doing in your life through this right now. Originally, we had wanted to have a big celebration when Phil came home from the hospital to sit around and sing praises to God and tell Phil all that God did in our lives while he was going through all of this. We still want to sit around and praise God and build the body up by sharing with one another how God has used this in our lives. Please be open and honest as God may want to use what you have learned in someone else's life.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Thank You!!!!
Wow, we continue to be overwhelmed and blown away by all of you and God's grace. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our family. We have been very blessed. We have loved and cherish all of the stories you have shared with us about how God touched your life through Phil. We thank God for allowing us to be apart of such a wonderful celebration service yesterday and graveside service today. What a great time it was of praising God's name through word and song. We also thank Him for the gorgeous weather both days and for how He has been using this in all of our lives. This afternoon Vicki, the florist, came over and we reworked some of the flower arrangements and are headed over to the hospital this evening for shift change. We have an arrangement for the day nurses, night nurses, and chaplain's office. They became like family to us. Many of you were able to meet them as well. Right now everyone is zonked and taking naps before we go tonight.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Celebration/Share Time
I just wanted to let everyone know that next Sunday, March 8th, at 4:00PM, we will be gathering together at the Oaks Baptist Church for a time of worship and sharing. It will be a laid back time of worship through song and open mic time. We want for everyone to have an opportunity to share how God is working in your lives through this or what He has been teaching you. Also, we would love for you to share your favorite memories of Phil. Please plan on joining us for this time of praising God for the life of Phil.
Friday, February 27, 2009
All the Details....
We are truly honored by the letter from the staff on the Oaks Website. Please take time to read it as it truly reveals our hearts in all of this.
http://discovertheoaks.com/wewillmissphil.html
Visitation: Saturday, February 28, 2009, 6-9PM at Jaynes Memorial Chapel in Duncanville. Here is a link to Phil's obituary and the funeral home website.
http://www.jaynesmemorialchapel.com/obituaries.php?PHPSESSID=caa5e9709bfeaf72f99590ee3b19dbaf
Celebration Service: Sunday, March 1, 2009, 3PM at The Oaks Baptist Church, Grand Prairie.
http://discovertheoaks.com/index.html Following the service, we will be staying around to talk with friends and family and enjoy some refreshments together.
Graveside Burial Service: Monday, March 2, 2009, 10AM at Little Bethel Cemetary, Duncanville. All are invited to come, but we understand many have to work.
All are also invited to attend the Oak's worship services Sunday morning. Classic service is at 9AM and Contemporary is 10:45AM.
http://discovertheoaks.com/wewillmissphil.html
Visitation: Saturday, February 28, 2009, 6-9PM at Jaynes Memorial Chapel in Duncanville. Here is a link to Phil's obituary and the funeral home website.
http://www.jaynesmemorialchapel.com/obituaries.php?PHPSESSID=caa5e9709bfeaf72f99590ee3b19dbaf
Celebration Service: Sunday, March 1, 2009, 3PM at The Oaks Baptist Church, Grand Prairie.
http://discovertheoaks.com/index.html Following the service, we will be staying around to talk with friends and family and enjoy some refreshments together.
Graveside Burial Service: Monday, March 2, 2009, 10AM at Little Bethel Cemetary, Duncanville. All are invited to come, but we understand many have to work.
All are also invited to attend the Oak's worship services Sunday morning. Classic service is at 9AM and Contemporary is 10:45AM.
His Grace is Sufficient
Hello Everyone. I just wanted to thank everyone again for their continued prayers and support. Thank you for being there for us. Last night could not have gone better- surrounded by our brothers and sisters in Christ. It was such a peaceful time. I have to be honest with everyone, I had alway feared having to watch someone close to me dying, and thought it would be a horrible experience, but last night went very peacefully. All of us knew that Phil was not there, and that he had gone on to be with the Lord. Thank you Phil for taking me through this and teaching me more than I could have every learned in medical school- how to be there for families when they go through this same experience with their loved ones. Now when I have to talk with families about making the decisions we had to make, I can speak from experience and can share with them the hope I have because of Jesus Christ. What an awesome time we had the hours before he passed. Many friends and family gathered and we sung around his bed. The nurses closed our door and we worshipped together. God is really working in the lives of the nurses. I looked out the window while we were singing and Tammy and Kendra were crying. You could tell Dr. Ruiz and Dr. Koje were having a hard time with everything as well. I was able to thank them for all they did, and Dr. Ruiz told us about losing his dad to liver cancer. Then Byron came on for the night shift and he did an amazing job of making Phil look so nice and then called us all back in to see him. Dr. Levy even came by and spoke with us. Justin was able to boldly tell him that we have hope in Christ. As they left for the evening, Kendra and Tammy came out crying and hugged our family bye. Then Robert didn't even know what was happening and he walked over from working in another part of the hospital and came and hugged us. He couldn't understand why all of us were thanking him, because he said they lost. That broke our hearts. Continue to pray for the nurses as we are going to be inviting them to the services and celebration time. I told Bryon that he should come and meet the real Phil Childress. Phil wanted us to donate his organs, but they were unable to use them because of his low oxygen state. However, they approached us about doing an autopsy so that they could learn more about Hepatopulmonary Syndrome. We were honored to and know that Phil would hope they could learn from him. It was so awesome to come out of the room and there were around 50 people waiting there. Thank you for being there.
It was hard coming home. Kristin slept with Beth, and Justin and I stayed at the house too with Grandma. It was crazy how so many memories starting popping up one after another. The temporary, earthly things started popping up. Pray that the eternal will be heavy on our hearts, and the temporary things of this world would not be our focus. We all sleeped so, so. Pray that as memories swarm our minds, we would not be filled with bitterness and anger, but with love, praise, and gratitude to God for allowing us to have the gift and blessing of Phil. Justin is really stuggling with this so please pray that Satan will not rob the joy during this time, but that it would be a time of praise to our Father.
This morning we went to the funeral home. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The worst part was the coffin room. Just as Kristin doesn't like hospitals, I don't like the funeral stuff you have to go through. It seems so weird to place so much emphasis on preserving the flesh, when we know He is really in heaven. We then had to go to the cemetary and pick out plots, and the lady was like a used car salesman. We then went to Kitchen's Deli, a family favorite, and were treated by our friends. This was such a blessing to our family. Phil used to always take Grandma there when she would come to visit. We then went to meet with our friend, Vicki, to talk about the flowers. This was the best meeting all day. This is her gift from God, and we are so excited she is worshiping the Lord as she designs the flowers. She is taking off work on Monday and she is going to rework some of the arrangements and we are going to take flowers to the nurses at the hospital.
We then came home and a few friends came by, and we have started to plan the celebration of Phil's life. Sunday is going to be a great day!
Continue to pray that God would be our stronghold through this time, and that He would be our comfort. Pray especially for Beth- that God would overwhelm her with his presence and comfort during this time. Pray for Justin that God would allow all memories with his dad to stir up affections for the Lord and would not stir up anger and bitterness. Please pray that we would remain in communion with the Lord and sensitive to him speaking to us. Pray for Justin and what God would have for him to share at the celebration. Continue to pray that God's name would be made great through this and that the gospel will go out through this- that people will come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ through this.
Please continue to pray and journal and ask the Lord what he wants you to learn or teach you through this journey or anything He has done during this time. Please bare your soul and be vulnerable and honest. We would love it if you would email this to phil@discovertheoaks.com
We want to compile a book to share just a glimpse of what God is doing and has done through this.
It was hard coming home. Kristin slept with Beth, and Justin and I stayed at the house too with Grandma. It was crazy how so many memories starting popping up one after another. The temporary, earthly things started popping up. Pray that the eternal will be heavy on our hearts, and the temporary things of this world would not be our focus. We all sleeped so, so. Pray that as memories swarm our minds, we would not be filled with bitterness and anger, but with love, praise, and gratitude to God for allowing us to have the gift and blessing of Phil. Justin is really stuggling with this so please pray that Satan will not rob the joy during this time, but that it would be a time of praise to our Father.
This morning we went to the funeral home. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The worst part was the coffin room. Just as Kristin doesn't like hospitals, I don't like the funeral stuff you have to go through. It seems so weird to place so much emphasis on preserving the flesh, when we know He is really in heaven. We then had to go to the cemetary and pick out plots, and the lady was like a used car salesman. We then went to Kitchen's Deli, a family favorite, and were treated by our friends. This was such a blessing to our family. Phil used to always take Grandma there when she would come to visit. We then went to meet with our friend, Vicki, to talk about the flowers. This was the best meeting all day. This is her gift from God, and we are so excited she is worshiping the Lord as she designs the flowers. She is taking off work on Monday and she is going to rework some of the arrangements and we are going to take flowers to the nurses at the hospital.
We then came home and a few friends came by, and we have started to plan the celebration of Phil's life. Sunday is going to be a great day!
Continue to pray that God would be our stronghold through this time, and that He would be our comfort. Pray especially for Beth- that God would overwhelm her with his presence and comfort during this time. Pray for Justin that God would allow all memories with his dad to stir up affections for the Lord and would not stir up anger and bitterness. Please pray that we would remain in communion with the Lord and sensitive to him speaking to us. Pray for Justin and what God would have for him to share at the celebration. Continue to pray that God's name would be made great through this and that the gospel will go out through this- that people will come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ through this.
Please continue to pray and journal and ask the Lord what he wants you to learn or teach you through this journey or anything He has done during this time. Please bare your soul and be vulnerable and honest. We would love it if you would email this to phil@discovertheoaks.com
We want to compile a book to share just a glimpse of what God is doing and has done through this.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Phil is Home!
Psalm 116:15 - "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."
Phil went Home around 8:00pm this evening. He was surrounded by family and many friends in his final moments. God was gracious and took him Home very peacefully.
A Celebration Service is scheduled for Sunday, at 3:00pm at The Oaks Baptist Church in Grand Praire. A graveside service will be held sometime Monday - final arrangements will be posted as soon as they are made. If you would like to give a gift in Phil's memory, you can give in one of the following ways:
-Phil's passion was to do mission work in Kenya. One of his driving forces for receiving a new liver was for his health to be such that it would allow him to travel to Kenya. To give to Buckner Kenya in his memory, please make your check payable to The Oaks Baptist Church and notate Buckner Kenya in the memo line. You can give your check at the church, personally, or mail it to 801 E-I-20, Grand Prairie, TX 75052.
-If you would like to give to the liver fund, please do so as posted in a previous blog. These funds will be used towards any outstanding medical bills, funeral expenses, or flights for family.
-If you would like to give flowers, please contact Special Occasions by Vicki at (972) 296-5587.
Above all, may God's name continue to be made great - continue to seek Him fervently as He continues His work in us. The thing that will honor Phil's memory the most is for all of us to draw closer to God and recognize His work in all of this. We would love to hear from you as to how God is moving and working in you - we ask you to share deep from your heart and to not be afraid to empty yourself before Him and allow Him to stir you deeply. If you are willing to share, please send it in an email to phil@discovertheoaks.com.
In closing, please pray over this verse and remember Phil in a prayer of celebration, as He is now Home with his Heavenly Father and wholly healed.
I Thess 4:13-18- "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words."
Phil went Home around 8:00pm this evening. He was surrounded by family and many friends in his final moments. God was gracious and took him Home very peacefully.
A Celebration Service is scheduled for Sunday, at 3:00pm at The Oaks Baptist Church in Grand Praire. A graveside service will be held sometime Monday - final arrangements will be posted as soon as they are made. If you would like to give a gift in Phil's memory, you can give in one of the following ways:
-Phil's passion was to do mission work in Kenya. One of his driving forces for receiving a new liver was for his health to be such that it would allow him to travel to Kenya. To give to Buckner Kenya in his memory, please make your check payable to The Oaks Baptist Church and notate Buckner Kenya in the memo line. You can give your check at the church, personally, or mail it to 801 E-I-20, Grand Prairie, TX 75052.
-If you would like to give to the liver fund, please do so as posted in a previous blog. These funds will be used towards any outstanding medical bills, funeral expenses, or flights for family.
-If you would like to give flowers, please contact Special Occasions by Vicki at (972) 296-5587.
Above all, may God's name continue to be made great - continue to seek Him fervently as He continues His work in us. The thing that will honor Phil's memory the most is for all of us to draw closer to God and recognize His work in all of this. We would love to hear from you as to how God is moving and working in you - we ask you to share deep from your heart and to not be afraid to empty yourself before Him and allow Him to stir you deeply. If you are willing to share, please send it in an email to phil@discovertheoaks.com.
In closing, please pray over this verse and remember Phil in a prayer of celebration, as He is now Home with his Heavenly Father and wholly healed.
I Thess 4:13-18- "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words."
Apart from God's intervention, Phil is headed Home...
There's not much medical news at this point, but we wanted to keep everyone updated and so that you are able to pray specifically. Phil's PA02 has continued to decrease and they are keeping his blood pressure stable with medicine. The doctors have not been encouraging at this point, so we are just waiting.
Justin is driving back from Houston and Kristin is flying in from Nashville. Please pray for safe trips as they head home to see their dad.
Thanks to everyone for your faithfulness in prayers and just seeking God's face - we trust God's sovereignty and am thankful for His peace that passes all understanding in the hearts and minds of those who love Him.
Is 55:8-9 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Continue to seek God as you feel led and may His name be glorified in everything.
Justin is driving back from Houston and Kristin is flying in from Nashville. Please pray for safe trips as they head home to see their dad.
Thanks to everyone for your faithfulness in prayers and just seeking God's face - we trust God's sovereignty and am thankful for His peace that passes all understanding in the hearts and minds of those who love Him.
Is 55:8-9 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Continue to seek God as you feel led and may His name be glorified in everything.
"You are on our side"
Kristin, Phil's daughter, just sent me this and I wanted to share with everyone.
As I was thinking and praying this morning, I was listening to this Bethany Dillon song called
"You are On Our Side" Here are the lyrics:
The orphan clings to Your hand
Singing the song of how he was found
The widow rejoices
For her oppressors are silenced now
You sit at the table with the wounded and the poor
You laugh and share stories with the thief and the whore
When You could just be silent and leave us here to die
Still, You sent Your Son for us
You are on our side
The runaway falls at Your feet
You are what he has searched for
The rich man is broken
When he stands beneath a sky full of stars
You sit at the table with the wounded and the poor
You laugh and share stories with the thief and the whore
When You could just be silent and leave us here to die
Still, You sent Your Son for us
You are on our side
You sit at the table with the wounded and the poor
You laugh and share stories with the thief and the whore
When You could just be silent and leave us here to die
Still, You sent Your Son for us
You are on our side
Still, You sent Your Son for us
You are on our side
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alRVFA_IrMA
Last night, God just reminded me how this is all such a supernatural battle. And just now, in thinking how much we have prayed and pleaded with the Lord, I just felt God say, "Kristin, I am fighting for him. I love him so much more than you do. I am fighting for him!"
Just wanted to share that will yall. -Kristin
Psalm 57:1-3 "Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge;in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me."
I also wanted to share a comment with everyone from Jana Vick,
We can agree in prayer from Psalm 41:1-3, as we lift up Phil: How blessed is he who considers the helpless;The Lord will deliver him (Phil) in a day of trouble.The Lord will protect him (Phil) and keep him alive.And he (Phil) shall be called blessed upon the earth;The Lord will sustain him (Phil) upon his sickbed;In his (Phil's) illness, You will restore him (Phil) to health.Joining many others in focused prayer for each blood cell in Phil's body to open and receive the gift of LIFE - oxygen.
As I was thinking and praying this morning, I was listening to this Bethany Dillon song called
"You are On Our Side" Here are the lyrics:
The orphan clings to Your hand
Singing the song of how he was found
The widow rejoices
For her oppressors are silenced now
You sit at the table with the wounded and the poor
You laugh and share stories with the thief and the whore
When You could just be silent and leave us here to die
Still, You sent Your Son for us
You are on our side
The runaway falls at Your feet
You are what he has searched for
The rich man is broken
When he stands beneath a sky full of stars
You sit at the table with the wounded and the poor
You laugh and share stories with the thief and the whore
When You could just be silent and leave us here to die
Still, You sent Your Son for us
You are on our side
You sit at the table with the wounded and the poor
You laugh and share stories with the thief and the whore
When You could just be silent and leave us here to die
Still, You sent Your Son for us
You are on our side
Still, You sent Your Son for us
You are on our side
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alRVFA_IrMA
Last night, God just reminded me how this is all such a supernatural battle. And just now, in thinking how much we have prayed and pleaded with the Lord, I just felt God say, "Kristin, I am fighting for him. I love him so much more than you do. I am fighting for him!"
Just wanted to share that will yall. -Kristin
Psalm 57:1-3 "Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge;in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me."
I also wanted to share a comment with everyone from Jana Vick,
We can agree in prayer from Psalm 41:1-3, as we lift up Phil: How blessed is he who considers the helpless;The Lord will deliver him (Phil) in a day of trouble.The Lord will protect him (Phil) and keep him alive.And he (Phil) shall be called blessed upon the earth;The Lord will sustain him (Phil) upon his sickbed;In his (Phil's) illness, You will restore him (Phil) to health.Joining many others in focused prayer for each blood cell in Phil's body to open and receive the gift of LIFE - oxygen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
