Saturday, May 29, 2010

Cancer may boast of its wicked pursuit, but the LORD is a Warrior; the LORD is His Name.

The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father's God, and I will exalt Him.
The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is His name.
Pharaoh's chariots and his army He has hurled into the sea.
The best of Pharaoh's officers are drowned in the Red Sea.
The deep waters have covered them; they sank to the depths like a stone.
"Your right hand, O LORD, was majestic in power.
Your right hand, O LORD, shattered the enemy.
In the greatness of Your majesty You threw down those who opposed You.
You unleashed Your burning anger; it consumed them like stubble.
By the blast of Your nostrils the waters piled up. The surging waters stood firm like a wall;
the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea.
"The enemy boasted, 'I will pursue, I will overtake them. I will divide the spoils;
I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword and my hand will destroy them.'
But You blew with Your breath, and the sea covered them.
They sank like lead in the mighty waters.
"Who among the gods is like You, O LORD ? Who is like You—
majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
You stretched out Your right hand and the earth swallowed them.
"In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed.
In Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling.
Exodus 15:2-13

Friday, May 28, 2010

RICK'S JOURNEY

Who knew that just under 4 months ago Rick would go in for routine blood work to discover his relentless fatigue would reveal something far greater than a lack of sleep or an over-actice thyroid?

GOD knew. And this is where we find our peace.

After many weeks of testing, specialists and non-stop prayer, Rick was given a diagnosis of Stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma on April 30th. In the Bible, James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Joy in suffering is not natural. But, by the beautiful and mysterious grace of GOD, we are given joy. We submit to His call.

So, on June 8th Rick's combat course begins. With 5 rounds of hard-core, in-patient chemo and a stem cell transplant, and possibly a blood transfusion or two (no minor battle for any soldier of GOD), we're looking to make this 'badboy' tap out!! Rick is strong in Spirit, mind and health, ready for what lies ahead- ALL FOR THE GLORY OF CHRIST JESUS.

Deepest thanks to each of you for your love, encouragement, and prayers on behalf of Rick, healing, and our family.
GOD be with you.