My Source of Joy

Just wanted to give everyone an update on my latest visit to the doctor. I saw Dr. Adams, the radiation doctor on Thurs. He was VERY ENCOURAGING, saying that he thinks I am doing well. When the initial diagnosis was given, the doctors were pretty grim, saying I had 6 mos. to 2 years to live. Dr. Adams said Thurs. that they are tracking more patients in the 5+ years range. He said that because I have had no seizures, I have had surgery to remove most (90%) of the tumor, and I am otherwise in good health with a good attitude, he sees not reason why I would not be included in the upper percentage of survivors. I reminded him that I BELIEVE that they (the doctors) do not have the final say in this situation. He responded with, "that kind of attitude will help you too."

I continue to feel well most days. Have had a few when I have been really tired, but otherwise I believe I am doing great. I have even put on a few pounds! My mother's 93 year old brother and his daughter visited us last week. We really enjoyed our time with them. It is the first time they have been here in over 30 years--of course we have seen them in N.C. at the beach every year.

I am participating in a Beth Moore Bible Study on the fruit of the Spirit. It has been very helpful in teaching me how to deal with adversity. Acts 14:22 reminds us that we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. John Stam, speaking to a Moody Bible Institute graduating class said that we are mistaken if we believe that under the Great Commission advances were to be made only if no hardship or self-denial were involved. We should EXPECT tribulation and/or persecution, "but with victory in Christ...It is ours to show, in the salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in personal communion with Him, a joy unspeakable and full of glory that cannot be affected by outside circumstances."

That joy comes from whose we are:
Ps. 27:10--I am always received and never forsaken.
Jn. 1:12----I am God's child.
1 Cor. 6:17-I am united with the Lord and I am one spirit with Him.
1 Cor. 6:19-20--I have been bought with a price. I belong to God.
Eph. 1:5---I have been adopted as God's child.
Eph. 2:18--I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.
Col. 1:22--I am totally accepted by God.
Col. 2:10--I am complete in Christ.

And who we can trust:
Deut. 32:3-4--God is my Rock. His works are perfect.
Ps.23:1--------The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall lack nothing.
Ps. 46:10-----I can be still and know that God is God.
Rom 8:1-2----I am free forever from condemnation.
Rom. 8:28----I am assured that all things work together for good.
2 Tim. 1:7---I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
Heb. 4:16---I can find grace and mercy in time of need!
1 Jn. 5:18----I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me!

This came from a workshop I attended a few years ago by Kathy Koch. She has some wonderful resources that help teach children and young people sound spiritual self concepts. In case you are interested her website is www.celebratekids.com

I think I shared with you all in a previous posting, that my niece and her husband (in their early 30's) have been such and inspiration to me in this time of trial. They (David and Gracie Clark) have lost 4 babies to miscarriage or premature birth. Their last baby was born about 8 weeks early, lived 9 weeks. Their profound faith and trust in God during their adversity has been such an example of strength to me. If their last baby had lived, he would have had multiple special needs. They are in process of adopting some special needs babies. They have established a website to help fund this project. If you are interested, or God prompts your heart, visit this site to see what they are doing. www.teamadriana.com

Thank you for continuing to pray for me, and my family. Everyone should be so fortunate to have such a network of caring people.