Love holds all good things.

11.23.10
We know we are being held in the palm of His hand. We are reminded, daily, that He cares for us. The LORD, in His lofty, most heavenly throne room, is not too far away. He reaches His arm down, and with
His compassion and mercy, carries us when we can not walk.
Everyday gets a little better. Rick, in his struggles and challenges continues to press on! God is most gracious. His numbers continue to grow, making the doctors not only pleased, but surprised. No fevers
since Friday, and the rash has dissipated. He is eating food again--this is a great thing. This makes everyone happy! Soon he will be able to get off the liquid meat & potatoes... Rick is staying true, as a good soldier does, in spite of the stones in the road.
Saturday morn about 2 am Rick's double lumen PICC line literally fell out of his arm! What a crazy trip! No explanation. He was told the "PICC line" nurses don't work weekends. This through us into a panic.
He was given IV to continue fluids and antibiotics, but, what about transfusions, blood draws, etc?!?! This was unacceptable! Phone calls were made to try to bring someone in. We weren't going to wait till
Monday! The warriors prayed hard! Ginny, God's servant/picc line nurse, shows up to do business within an hour or so! Thank You, Lord!! She immediately went to work. Sterilized room, ultrasound machine and the Spirit of God completed the job! Rick's joy filled face makes eye contact through the thick paned glass, "She's a believer! We've been talking about the Lord! " Her eyes were of light shining through polished specs. Her smile was aglow behind surgical mask. Yes, God answered our cry for help, and he sent us His love! She opened the door with excitement and joy. We hugged as family and rejoiced in the victory. As we prayed together and praised God for his work in her life, tears of gladness filled her eyes. "Why did this happen, Ginny? What did you find?" With no practical explanation, she replied, "It happened...to meet all of you! "

What Devine appointments God has for us all...be watchful, be amazed, He is our Immanuel, "God with us"; He is near.
So, Rick, back in business, exhausted, yet content, took rest.
Each day has been a mountain climb, mentally and physically. However, the Lord's mercies really are new every morning. His white cells are increasing, building good immune for his recovery. Praying for
continued restoration, strength to be patient, to wait and be still. The Lord is good to the four of us in our yearning, homesick hearts; His peace and His love fill the empty corners of our hearts and our
home.
As Rick continues to grow stronger in his recovery, our hope is he is now through some of the deepest valleys. Thank you, thank you, for prayers, for love. Thank you for walking this journey with us.
HAPPIEST THANKGIVING!!!!

With grateful hearts abounding,
Dana, Rick, Skyler & Kyra