Keeping On

Wow! I knew it had been a long time since I posted, but I was pretty shocked to see that my last post was July 1! That was one day before my birthday. My poor parents forgot my birthday and I made the unfortunate choice to ask them a few days later if they had anything to say to me? Like, "Happy Birthday." I felt just terrible that I made them cry! I really just wanted to hear them say, "Happy Birthday," but when I thought about it, I would cry too if I forgot my childrens birthday! Oh my. Sorry, mom and dad.

Lots is going on in our home; some great, some good, some a little iffy.

John - The very great news is that John took the doctor's instructions to heart and started walking. It has made a tremendous difference in his stamina and strength and he has lost about 10 lbs. He continues to insist on cutting the lawn, although that is almost done for the year. He still has bad days where he feels weak and tired and moves somewhat slowly. It is hard when we have tasks and I'm in the go-go-go mode but mostly we just enjoy being together.

The somewhat disappointing news is that his tumor marker has been rising just a little with each check-up. Still, it was super low when chemo ended last winter and is still just 3.2. However, with the last little rise, he said it really took the wind out of his sails and several times a day he feels over-whelmed about the prospect of the possibility of additional treatment. He will have a PET scan next week. Please continue to pray for John: that his tumor marker doesn't budge again, his PET scan is totally clear, and he continues to walk and gain strength. Heck, while you're at it just pray that he has total, 100% restoration. I know God can do it!

Other great news is that our son, John (JR) is getting married this Sat, Oct. 10, to a lovely young woman, Mindy, and we're happy for both of them! We've been busy with wedding preparations, which have probably been a little more than normal for the groom's parents, because we're traveling to KY for the festivities and hosting a group of about 60-65 for a riverboat cruise prior to a barbecue and bonfire. Should be fun!

Also, our son was able to gain employment at a good job that he loves at his alma mater, Asbury College, in Wilmore, KY.

Daughter Audrey continues to plug away at school and be very involved in our church. She is looking forward to finishing her undergrad and is trying to decide where to continue her education. She was fortunate to travel to England for a week this summer and was given the "royal" treatment by her cousin, Anna, and her husband, Justin. THANKS ANNA AND JUSTIN!

Here is some other great news! God continues to teach us and enrich our lives beyond what we can measure and we're so looking forward to what he has to teach us in the future. I'm thrilled to tell you I received healing at church during our bible study! I feel like the past few years, I've requested prayer a lot and decided to just chill and not ask. We have about 30 minutes of prayer at the end of bible study and our teacher, the Prophetic Ministries pastor, asked if anyone felt God was working on their heart. I raised my hand because I just had to, and he asked several ladies to pray for me. I immediately felt like I was having a low blood sugar episode, where I get heat radiating through my body and feel like I'm going to pass out. I can also get dizzy and disoriented but wasn't this time. After a few moments, I realized this was not blood sugar but the Holy Spirit, and was concerned I would fall over backwards so I fell forward across the table and began to weep as they prayed. The feeling is pretty indescribable, and afterwards, I was wiped out. One of the ladies, who is on the church's prayer ministry team, said she felt God was really working on me. You see, for many months, in spite of taking anti-anxiety meds daily, I was really struggling with fear and my fear was growing. My crying and worry was affecting the family and my ability to function well. I felt real calm and peace following the prayer time. I knew the Lord had touched me! I had been praying for a long time for the Lord to manifest his power in a real way and he answered my prayer. Praise His Name! Since that time, I have weaned myself off my anxiety meds totally and am doing great!

Lord Jesus, do not forget your son, John, who loves you very much. Amen.

Grace and Peace to you.

Pam