2005 STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPS:
A PURPOSE, WITH HOPE

Last weekend, the 2005 State Champion Throckmorton Greyhounds ran through this sign before the state championship game.

Pretty cool in my book....

The Fort Worth Star had a nice article about the incredible undefeated 2005 greyhound season, its effect on the town of Throckmorton, the 'purple posse' and of course....Brock.

Go HERE for the actual article.

Here is the portion on Brock and Kevin:
'The Greyhounds dedicated their season to 3-year-old Brock Latham, the son of Kevin and Barbara Latham of Abilene. Kevin is one of the Purple Posse; he was a star player on the 1986 team. Brock is in a deadly battle with cancer.

The players say they were impressed with Brock's fight against cancer. They saw his fortitude as an inspiration for their team and they decided that they would keep Brock in their minds and hearts as they played each game. They put his initials on their jerseys and when they ran onto the field in Abilene for the state championship game, they broke through a banner that simply said, "Brock Latham."

After the game in Abilene, Kevin Latham told the Abilene Reporter News: "It means a lot. To know that, in the midst of all that's going on in their lives right now, they'd just stop for a minute and think about Brock's plight ... that's something special."

The folks in Throckmorton think it is special too. The town is full of pride and the angst is gone.'

Note: The football team came to the Burgundy Road concert listed below to show support for the family and Brock. Again.....pretty classy for a bunch of hairy-legged boys. Salute to Coach(Mr.) Hogue, and Coach Davis....on helping to raise young men with character and discipline. Something that is rare but VERY much needed in todays world.

CONCERT TONIGHT (12-05-05)
A local Christian rock band from Abilene, Burgundy Road will get after it tonight at McMurry Radford auditorium, 7:30PM.



Go HERE for Burgundy Road's website

Sunday Night, 11-27-05 (from Kev and Barb)

All is well here at the Latham house. We are very thankful for all the blessings that continue to brighten each and everyday. God is good all the time. Brock is doing good! Everyday he moves a little more. He has gained weight, he weighs 30 pounds. Praise the Lord!!! I think he weighed around 20-22 pounds when we came home. He has opened his eyes several times, doesn't focus on anything but we believe that will come soon. The girls are doing great, staying busy with school and as happy as ever.

We are going to take our first big trip out of Abilene. Kevin, Brock and I are going to Dallas to a conference. It is called Texas Ablaze Unlimited Anointing. We will be gone from Sunday 3PM through Wednesday night. Kevin's mom, Wes and Kacy will stay with the girls. Please keep us in your prayers and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers.
Still Standing on God's Promises,
Kevin, Barbara and Family

11-14-2005 Update on Brock

FROM Kevin and Barbara Latham on 3 yr. old son, Brock:

As you all know Brock's body temperature dropped low and he has been receiving divine rest since that time (10-11-05). Brock's Dr., discovered about that time that his white blood cell count was a bit high which looked like he an infection somewhere. Antibiotics were started and about 6 days later it was discovered that his sodium level was out of wack as well. Out of wack sodium level causes sleep and I guess, that an infection can cause all of it.

With all the associated things, the Dr was going to bring the sodium level to within normal range but was going to do it very slowly. He had several levels high and then had several days that he was just above and just below the normal ranges but November 7th his sodium level was moved into the normal range and it has remained since.
Another exciting thing is the amount of movement. He at first moved one of his feet, later, he added the other with an occasional knee flex and body twist. This progressed to the body twist, shoulder raise and then came the head turn. The head turn started slowly and very infrequently and the first witnesses to this were hardly creditable. (this is my way of confessing to being a Thomas). We have enjoyed seeing all of this now for about a week and yesterday the 9th he moved his left hand. By the way the movements must oppose gravity to be considered legit. Did I mention Thomas?

Anyway, the amount that he is moving around has us very excited. Things that he would not move a couple of months ago are now moving. There have been three occasions now that he was just moving away and I thought that he was fixing to open up his eyes and say something. I still feel the Lord impressing upon me that soon will be the time for him to wake. Not soon enough for this pile of flesh but Gods timing is perfect.

Other happenings- His temperature which has been good for sometime now has become very stable. His tolerance of his feedings is very good. His need for supplemental oxygen has been zero for the last several days. Poop-er and tee-ter working good. Blood work yesterday showed that his production of red blood cells is on the rise. They were alittle on the low side, although not low enough to worry about only low enough to make him appear alittle pale or in need of some sun.
This update has been saved in my draft mail so now I will add the latest developments.

November 14th.
We had a short stay in the emergency room Friday, that started with events on Thursday. When his physical therapist came to the house, Brock was on the couch. We moved him to the floor so that Sue, his pt, could move around him and put him in different positions. Later that afternoon, I noticed water in his ventilator tubing and I was going to drain it but I forgot. All was fine until I moved him back to the couch and poured the water into his lungs. This happened while we were in the Hospital and we had to wait it out, giving him the oxygen needed while we waited, it took about 24 hours for him to recover. Well, about 1 am Friday morning, we were giving all the oxygen we had at the house, and it was not quite enough. We took him to the hospital were he could get the amount of oxygen needed to keep his oxygen saturations in an acceptable range. The Dr took an x ray and did all the usual blood work to which he responded that he did not think that his blood work had ever looked so good. More tests were then scheduled for 3 pm Friday afternoon and if he was improving we would go home. Those tests looked good but he was still on a good bit of oxygen and that needed to come down prior to our return home. At about 6 pm, Brock needed almost no extra oxygen and the Dr gave the order for us to go home.
Since returning home all is well, he remains on the iv fluids as we increase the amounts of his feedings and should be off that this evening, (Monday night). Brock will continue on antibiotics until Friday or so just in case something is starting because of all the water going into his lungs. He continues to look great and we expect God to wake him soon and to reveal the healing power that our Father has.

Continue to press in on our behalf during your prayer time, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you.
In Him, Kevin and Barbara.

Burgundy Road for Brock

December 5th, a Christian Rock band, Burgundy Road is planning to perform and all profits go to help the family of Brock Latham. Their home page is http://www.burgundyroad.net/home.html

Brock's temperature is back to normal: 10-13-2005

Tuesday Night, around 11:50PM, Brock's temperature dropped to a serious hypothermic level of 89. Brock was asleep and unresponsive so, Kevin, Barbara and I took him to Abilene Regional Hosipital to help warm his body slowly back to 98. We drove back home at 5AM Wednesday morning.

All of Brock's stats are great but he remains unresponsive.

Have mercy on us, O God. According to Your loving kindness. At this time we are weak in thought and heart.......but, we lean on You, Jesus. Be our Strength and Victory!!!!

Brock and Physical Therapy

This morning Brock will start his physical therapy. Its workout time!!! Amazingly, Brock has been off the ventilator two times a day for about 1.5 hour at a time. Kevin(Dad)takes him in a ride in the stroller around the neighborhood. In weakness, may God show Himself strong.
Brock, big sister Keeley and a very shagging Molly

Brock is home !!

After 33 consecutive nights at Meeks Children's Hospital in Abilene,today, he is going home (09/28/05 Wed.).
Our local media covered Brock's story in the Abilene Reporter News, KEAN 105 and KGNZ 88.1 radio stations, yesterday.


Some friends and family welcome Brock home.


Friends at work suprised me wearing Brock T-shirts to show support.
What a great group! Sorry you missed it, Linda. (Friday, 09/30/05)



Go Greyhounds! Win State!

Brock at Meek Children's Hospital PICU

09/26/05 Mon.- Brock is on the ventilator through a trak. He enjoys his mouth and nose being free from all tubes. Hopefully, Brock will be going home this week, with the trak/ventilator helping him breathe.

Yes! Jesus loves me. Yes! Jesus loves me. Yes! Jesus loves me.

09/23/05 Fri.- A trak and feeding button was successfully put into Brock at 6:30PM.
09/20/05 Tues.- The ventilator has been removed 9AM. At 12PM his CO2 was 66 at 2PM it was 71. Normal CO2 is 40-53. At 5PM, his CO2 went down to 58. Back on the ventilator at 7PM.
09/18/05 Sun.- Brock is breathing 21 out of 24 hours on his own! He is not on any sedatives and his IV has been taken out. The vent will be taken out as well by Tuesday (Lord willing) and we'll be home bound by this coming weekend. Thank you Jesus for healing Brock. Brock is smiling more and more everyday. He likes to show his teeth and stick his tongue out.
09/13/05 Tues.- From 9AM-3PM Brock was off the ventilator, on his own. He did great! His heart beat did go up, but slowing settled to normal. Way to go little man! We are thankful for every minute, all the while we continue to petition God for Brock's healing. Several came again to pray for Brock and sing.
09/10/05 Sat. - Brock breathed own his own two times, 45 minutes each today, without the ventilator. His CO2 levels are great. We continue to petition the Lord for complete healing.
09/08-09/09 - Brock breathed three times for 30 minutes each on his own these two days without the ventilator.
09/07/05 Wed. - Even though uncomfortable with the ventilator, Brock slept most of the day and his CO2 level remains normal. Several friends and family came today to sing and pray over Brock. 09/06-05, Tues. - Brock is resting a lot and his blood gases (CO2 levels)are great. The ventilator has been lowered so Brock can breathe over it and gain more strength.
09/04/2005, Sun. - This morning Brock stopped breathing on his own. His CO2 level went up passed 140. Currently (12:30PM), he is on the bag and possibly on the ventilator, later. Kevin and Barb have chosen the ventilator. Tonight, on the ventilator, the CO2 level in his lungs are back to normal. 09/02-09/03/2005 -Brock breathed on his own and his CO2 stayed normal these two days.
09/01/2005, Thurs. - The ventilator has been removed!! Brock is breathing on his own as of 9:50AM. The plan is to watch his progress and go home.
08/30/2005, Tues.- Brock is now at Meek Children in Abilene. This morning his blood gas (CO2) was 123. So, he was put on a breathing ventilator. Since the ventilator, he went to 22. The plan is to stay at Meek and slowly wean him off the ventilator and go home Friday.
08/29/2005, Mon- Brock's blood gas(Co2 level) this morning is 69. It needs to be below 50. At noon it was 53. Looks like another night at Regional is probable. Pray that Jesus would stretch out His hand in mercy and touch Brock in miracle working power and make wrong things right.
8/28/2005, Sunday- Brock is still in Abilene Regional. We were just told he would be spending tonight there as well.........
8/27/2005, Sat- Brock is back in Abilene Regional Hospital .......they will be keeping him under observation tonight ...... Please continue to lift Brock and his family up in prayer (for COMPLETE healing and comfort).

Glory to God!

Home Again.

Brock is back in Abilene at home again with his sisters and dog, Molly.

We are still holding to God's promises. Please continue to ask God to reach out his hand in mercy and heal our little Brock.

Brock back at Cook Childrens Hospital: 'Stand by us, Oh Lord Jesus'

08/20/05, Sat., 10AM - Abilene here we come! It appears we will be heading home soon.
08/19/05, Friday, 5PM - Brock painted today for over an hour with friends Preston and Ryan. Currently, he is sitting up in a chair without oxygen or an IV by HIMSELF. We are happy. Praise God! The grandma's bought him a 'carebear' balloon. Can you believe it? We then, went out and got him a real mans balloon....a monster fire truck which he loves. Ha! Ha!
08/17/05, Wed., 11:30PM- They have moved Brock from PICU into a room tonight and his breathing continues to improve. Wow! Mom and Dad should get some sleep tonight, hopefully. Both grandmothers(Nickie and Valene) are still with them.
08/16/05,Tues., 11PM- What a great day! Brock stood up today and we had many friends and family bring encouraging words and food. Many laid hands on him and prayed for his healing. Brock is continuing to desire his pizza and blue kool aid jello.
08/15/05, Mon., 5PM - Brocks lungs and breathing have improved greatly so far since we have been here. This with very little intervention on the medical side of this battle. Prayers are being answered.
08/14/05, Sun., 11PM -They flew Brock from Abilene Regional Hospital to Cook Children's Hospital. After another MRI Sunday night at Cook Children's, the doctors once again have said they can do nothing to help Brock's condition. Show us Your Glory Lord Jesus.

Petitioning the Lord: Healing for Brock Latham.

24/7HEALING PRAYER VIGIL SIGN-UP BLOG:

After surgery, radiation, chemo, and the 'experimental' pill have failed, it's time to CRY OUT TO CHRIST FOR VICTORY.

WHAT?:We are asking for at least 48 people to pray in 30 minute intervals, every day.

WHO?:People committed to praying every day during their 30 minute time. One timers are welcome to post a prayer or email me. Remember to post your name and email address.

HOW LONG?: Until Brock is completely restored and victory has come. Extreme times require extreme measures. WE HOPE TO KEEP THIS GOING UNTIL GOD RELEASES US. In other words, 30 minute intervals means a person takes 5-5:30AM every morning. Several people have signed-up for one time, one day, 30 minute slots and that's great...keep it going! However,please sign-up, only if you are committed to pray your 30 minute slot everyday.

OPEN TIMES:

Updated Tuesday, 01/10/06, 4PM


How to sign-up:
1)click on, comments, below
2)Choose anonymous identity
3)your name(s)
4)your 30 minute time, AM and PM
5)your email address
6)click on Login and Publish

PRAYING PROBLEMS: If 30 minutes of praying seems hard for you, don't beat yourself up...no biggie... put on a worship CD, get on your knees and close your eyes and go 30 seconds, it doesn't matter. Click: Need help to pray? for a little jumpstarter. Before you know it, you'll have gone way over 30 seconds to 1 minute. Build off of that... but take it slow at first and be happy. God enjoys u. Jump in to the river of God's delight.

And may we see and savor the glory of God!

To email the family click < here >
Brock's main website: www.brocklatham.com For more detailed information on the entire battle go there.

CLEAR MRI FOR BROCK.....SAFE TRIP TO HOUSTON

Please pray for my nephew Brock Latham. Kevin (Brock's Dad), Barb (Brock's Mom) are taking Brock to Houston for an MRI on Friday.

God, show up, and may the MRI be totally clear. Show us Your Glory! Amen

www.brocklatham.com

Catfish anyone? How about 9 feet 646lbs of Catfish?

My hot wife! I love this woman.

Throckmorton Greyhounds Preseason #1

After almost beating the state champs last year, the Throckmorton (Texas) Greyhound sixman football team are 2005 preseason #1. Click above for proof.

I was in the class of 1993....the last 11 man playoff team from T-rock.

Keana Point (Westernmost tip of Oahu) Leaping Place of Souls and LOST location. On our 8 day trip to Hawaii, my wife and I hiked to Keana Point, back in March 2005. HERE IS KACY VIDEO OF THIS BEAUTIFUL SITE

Awesome site for us west texans.

North Shore Oahu

After Pearl Harbor and snorkeling Hanama Bay.....go to the North Shore if staying on Oahu.

What's your world view? Click below and take the test.

Worldview quiz

Some questions are hard to answer due to the questionnaires own bias. According to my score, I am a 'Reformed Evangelical'. Go figure.

Spurs or Pistons? Tonight is game seven?

I got to go with the Spurs in a close one.
See here for results.

A word from J.Piper on the legacy of Fatherhood.

Looking for a new church?

What vision!! Click on picture for close up.

A house divided against itself.

Sean and Melissa Davidson of Statesboro, Ga., were confused but definitely passionate about The Passion of the Christ. They left the theater on March 11 arguing about the nature of God the Father (reportedly whether He was human or symbolic), and when they arrived home the debate turned violent—to the point that they both called the police.

Both were mistaken about God (He is a Spirit and He is real); both suffered injuries (Mrs. Davidson to her arm and face and Mr. Davidson to his hand, with a stab wound from scissors); and both were placed under arrest for simple battery.

"Really, it was kind of a pitiful thing, to go to a movie like that and fight about it," said Gene McDaniel, chief sheriff's deputy. "I think they missed the point."

Juneteenth and texas

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.

Need a little help in how to pray?

Your mind wander when you pray? Can't seem to stay focused? Here are some little hints that help me in individual prayer/worship.

Posture:1)kneel on both knees and sway back and forth with your hands. 2)Walk back and forth with your hands raised. 3)Get in shape....run or go walking and pray with your eyes wide open.

Scripture:1)open your Bible and read it outloud as you walk. 2)Get Worship music that are 'scripture' based songs...and pray sing them. 3)Buy the 'praying the Bible' CD series and do the stuff here's a sample 3)Memorize OT and NT prayers in the Bible and then pray it. Grab a Bible and turn to the book of Psalms. Personalize the prayers in Psalms. Learn and pray the 'Lords Prayer'. 4)Buy the Bible on CD (ESV Listeners Bible) and get a CD walkman or ipod and take off.....sometimes pause it after a scripture speaks to you.

Method:1)Begin and end with worshipping God....'God, you are Holy, Awesome, Worthy, Gracious, full of Justice, Everlasting, Lamb of God....'. Study God's attributes to help in this area. 2)Thank him for sparing you and showing you his mercy. 3)Confess your sins.....and receive His forgiveness with a grateful heart.4)After quoting His forgiveness and owning that you having been forgiven, come to God boldly asking Him to make wrong things right....Intercede, in other words....remember to ask the Holy Spirit to give you His gifts. 5) Linger long over a verse in the Bible that seems to stick out to you. Say it over and over, outloud. 6) And last but not least, invite the Holy Spirit to come and help you pray.

Prayer groups also aid individual prayer times so get in as many as you can and see your heart soar.

Start slowly. Don't beat yourself up for falling asleep. Make a goal of 5 minutes and pray/worship longer only as your hunger to stay in prayer increases. Make delight in prayer overrule your duty to pray. Follow this plan and see your TV watching time vanish, in time. Everything will fight against your praying/worship time. Even ministry. Be brave and keep at it and may we find 'joy in the house of prayer'.

Some links to help:
1)Mike Bickles apostolic prayer guide
2)God attributes study for worship
3)More ideas
4)Praying the Bible CDs warning this one could set you on fire!

Smile for Uncle Wes

Three amigos.

Prayer for God to heal my nephew Brock Latham

Father , I come to you now in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not by my goodness or by my strength do I come to you but solely on the merit of the Lord Jesus. Heal Brock Latham right now in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. May all disease BE GONE from Brock Latham in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. May the Lord bless you, Brock. May He keep you. May He cause His face to shine upon you and give you peace, and healing, and long life. Amen.

www.brocklatham.com