Precious Times

May God bless all of you faithful friends!

We are grateful for your labor in prayer for us. The Lord has blessed us every hour with His closeness. He encourages us in the deep recesses of the heart as only He can. We imagine ourselves on our faces, hunkered down behind a rock at the foot of the cross; sharing our burdens with the Lord who faithfully bears them, and protects us and keeps us sheltered in His tender care. We are constantly thanking Him for His grace. Every moment we have is provided by the grace of the Almighty.

Jody and I have been given the time to talk about everything that is important to us. It always starts out with our love for Christ and all that He has accomplished. We rehearse our love for each other and talk about favorite memories. We talk about "living today only" - taking one day at a time and trusting God to lead and guide us as he has for two decades. We talk about practical matters too. It has been such a stripped down, honest time. I am told by my dear friend and Pastor John Zimmer that very few ever get the chance to express the things we are expressing to each other - because illness and death can so often be so unexpected and arrive so quickly that there is no opportunity. Some never get the chance. So we see this time as a gift from God and are soaking in every precious second we can. I'll be so bold as to suggest that you do the same with your loved ones as soon as you can.

James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

As for an update on my bride, here are some key points. Thank you for praying for us - it is such a precious gift.

• Even though Jody is short of breath - she is building a small measure of stamina. She is more alert overall for longer periods of time and for that we are so grateful. We have not got her out of bed into a chair yet - but she has sat up several times on the edge of her bed. Baby steps!
• She is eating a little better! Even had a dream about food last night! Good sign! :-)
• We've learned that while the visible tumors are shrinking, unseen cancer (too small for scans) is irritating her heart and both lungs. We are being advised to begin stronger chemo and must trust the Lord to help Jody decide if she wants this. It is the hardest decision we have ever faced - but we trust the Lord and know He will faithfully guide us.

Jody sends her most heartfelt love and appreciation to all of you. She especially enjoys receiving mail and blog posts - and is so grateful for them. It is a great way for us to enter in to praise to God as we read. Although Jody has not been able to have visitors, we are so blessed that many friends and family come to the surgery waiting room (at St. Joseph Medical Center Burbank) and fellowship with each other there. I derive so much strength from seeing these dear ones - who wait for endless hours just to get an update from me. For help finding this waiting room, call our dear friend Don Carr and he will assist you. (818-970-1753)

Psa. 18:2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.