Either way- it's Praise!

Today we should find out some very significant news; the results of the bone scan and the 2nd biopsy. These results will steer us on an appropriate medical journey. I want to post before I know the results because, Either Way- it's Praise! God has already shown His faithfulness each step of the way and is literally covering us up with His grace and presence! Each of you reflect unique aspects of the Lord and we're seeing Him everywhere! We're safe with the Lord in his house because we're family!

"Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere!"

Lord, you already know the answers you're giving today. You are before us and you get the praise for what you're already doing! Either way- it's praise because You deserve it! I'd rather spend one day with you than thousands without you!

Waiting...

The doctor's office called to say there's no news, yet, from another pathology report or the bone scan. I appreciated that call so much just to let us know... so, I'm passing the same "no word, yet" on to you. You're waiting with us and I want to do my best to keep you up on the latest word, even if that's nothing at the moment. Reminds me of the scirptures about waiting on the Lord, and having renewed strength, and soaring like eagles... we're waiting today, but that's okay.
Love and blessings to all!

Isaiah 43:2

Wow! I know you won't believe that I can be at a loss for words, but that's how I'm feeling right now! I'm just so thankful to my sweet Father for what He's done for us today! First, I was able to get the CAT scan and this afternoon, we've learned the core area of my body is cancer free! PRAISE GOD! We're just so very thankful God answered this way! He didn't have to, but He revealed His mercy through this answer!
Another prayer request facing the day was that we could be with a team of doctors we could feel good about and have full confidence in. God led us to that team. They are focused and co-ordinating a plan of action! Words just really don't do it today... we're ever so thankful for His leading and these gracious answers!
We're facing the coming days with a great deal of hope because God has already seen us to this place. There's still a lot we don't know but He's shown us His presence and that's all we need! Tomorrow morning is the bone scan and we're begging Him, yet again, for this test to show no cancer! One of the scriptures from you that's come to us more than once is Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you." We claim this promise of our Lord!
We're continually amazed by the spiritual "marathon" runners in our lives who've committed to this journey with us! You build us up and we're humbled by your love for us! Cards, emails and texts have poured in and we are encouraged by your words and the words of the Lord you're passing on to us! What blessed people we are to walk life's journey with such people as you!

Mark it Down!

Ever doubted God answering specific prayers on your behalf? The thing I'd tell you is, mark it down, track it & keep record of His faithfulness! Do it on my behalf, but, make certain you do it in your own life, too! Wow! God is at work all around us and for us! Just gotta keep marking it down!
This morning before walking out the door to work, I begged God for 2 things. One, that He would not allow anxiety to rule the day or my heart. I refuse to let Satan keep me anxious! If I live in that state, I'll go crazy, and we don't want that! But, I can't do that on my own. I HAVE to have my Father's peace and calm. The other request today- that God set the appointments with a particular surgeon that's highly recommended but difficult to get in to see and the CAT and Bone scans asap.
My Father is calming my heart (I'll write more, but know He's given me Mike...enough said.)
The events of the day by 2:00pm prove His faithfullness, as I have an appointment with the desired surgeon tomorrow afternoon, the CAT is scheduled for tomorrow morning and the Bone Scan for Wednesday morning! Now, how about that! Do any of you think that's coincidence? Not me! Mark it down, my friends! Mark it down!

Little did I know...

Little did I know last year when I donated to the Susan G Komen 3-day, 60 mile walk, it would effect me so intimately this year! I gave on behalf of my sweet sister-in-law, Juanda, who walked in New York and had more than one friend effected by cancer. I also donated on behalf of my nephew's wonderful wife, Amanda, as she walked after her mom passed-away from her heroic battle!
Now, Jeanne Stone, one of Taylor's best college friends, has contacted me, wanting to walk the 60-miles in my honor! How humbling is that? Jeanne signed up for the walk 4 days before we knew anything! She felt God's calling that this was the thing she needed to do and 4 days later I'm diagnosed with metastatic carsinoma! If you are so called, please go to Jeanne's page and donate. No pressure, as everyone need only do what they can, but please go to her site and read her kind and courageous words! It's http://www.the3day.org/ then you'll type in Jeanne Stone, which will take you to her page. She writes her statement as to why she's walking this walk! She says she is no longer scared to walk or ask for donations, because it's now for me! Wow! I'm forever grateful, Jeanne!

25 Years at Richland Hills!

This is the family photo on the front of the assembly program today marking our 25th anniversary with the Richland Hills Church of Christ! Oh, my goodness! Where has the time gone? How can 25 years pass this quickly? We count our blessings as we serve the Lord with this family of believers! We get to walk and serve with the finest, most godly and humble servants on the planet! To all the elders, present and past, we thank you for your guidance, teaching, confidence in and encouragement to our family! We're also completely filled up with the fabulous preaching of God's word every single week and the time we all spend together in praise of "the One who made it all!"
This past week has been a tough one, no doubt, but we know every family praying for us is also in their own journey of faith and trial. We're not the only ones craving God's presence and power! We're not the only ones in desperate need of God's mercy! So, we walk our journey together and lives our lives deeply in Christ, who provides it all!
Thank you, dear ones, for these 25 years of sharing in your lives and living in the Lord! All glory and praise to the One who deserves it!

Heart Broken for Sweet Friends!

This week some sweet friends had their baby boy go home to Jesus. My heart is broken for you as you say good-bye to a seemingly, much too brief stay on this earth! We're blessed that our families' paths have entertwined these many years and we know the deep love and strong faith you have in our Lord. We're heart broken and grieve deeply with you, but we don't grieve the way the world does! We TRUST we'll see sweet baby Cash again! We BELIEVE he's in the arms of Jesus and is living as we speak! We love you, dear friends!