We're Outta Here!

Thursday, 23 Aug 2001

Hi all,

Phil and I (Diane) are heading out of town!! And probably to the best place we could be going considering how this boy loves lobster and crab! We are headed to Boston on Monday, for two weeks! We thank God for medication that improves Phil's energy and appetite. He has gone from very sick, to let's have some fun! Hey, I'm all for that! God has once again blessed us with time to do and see and enjoy, and we are not going to waste it!

My parents travel full time and are in Boston right now. They are in a campsite by the ocean, and right next to Brown's restaurant. Jim and I were there many years ago, and if we remember right, it's a good place to get affordable lobster! We checked the Internet for flights and prices and found tickets for cheap! If you haven't checked out Hotwire.com, DO! Okay, you might have to fly the red-eyes, but just buy some Visine! :) I'll be buying Dramamine too! Yes, I sleep the entire flight! Phil will have to wake me up to change planes in Philadelphia!

We are looking forward to this time with my parents, relaxation, change of scenery, a new ocean, probably another aquarium, a zoo, a large boardwalk and who knows what else! Does it matter!? I think not!! There are enough difficult days, so when the fun ones come along, we will just appreciate every moment even more!

As we ride the roller coaster of life, up and down, up and down, not knowing where the track leads, we just keep going, persevering and growing in all that God would have us learn! He is with us daily, as we saw recently when Phil developed a very bad rash. Not serious, unless it went into his mouth and throat. Having no immunities and being that it was supposed to last 5-8 days, it was time for even more prayer! With prayers answered, it was gone in 2½ days, no problem! One night when Phil was lying in bed, blotted with Calamine lotion over the large spots of rash, and with bruises in between those spots from lack of platelets, I just stood there looking down at him thinking, "the enemy wants your body bad"! He may well get it, but he won't get the spirit inside this boy! That is secure for eternity!

So we're off! On Monday evening we leave and will return on Sunday evening the 9th! As all the other kids go back to school, Phil will be going on vacation. I can't say that he is complaining about that situation! :)

Jim, Jimm and Chris will be here working....somebody has to! :)

Thank you for all your continued prayers for Phil and our family! We have heard from so many of you, and we appreciate your continued support through all these trials! We serve a good God who hears our prayers. Ask and you shall receive, and we have received much, with grateful hearts!

With much love, The Shore Family

P.S. If anyone would like to send Philip a personal message, his email address is: (deleted)

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Matthew 7:7-8
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

Crazy Ride

Your grace is so abundant Lord, if we will only ask
You'll shower us with blessings, it's not a difficult task
If we seek You in the morning, come to You in prayer
Give each day to you Lord, nothing will compare
To all that You will give us, and all the things we'll find
When we knock on Your door, it truly boggles my mind
It's You who watches over us, every step we take
Lighting our way ahead, if we're willing,You will make
The ride a little gentler, with drops that won't cause fear
And the uphill will seem easy, when you're the One who steers
This life can be a crazy ride, with all its twists and turns
But at each and every corner, Your light forever burns
No darkness is found in You, it comes from somewhere else
We never need to fear it, You hear our prayers, all is well

Acts 20:24
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me,
if only I may finish the race and complete the task
the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying
to the gospel of God's grace.