In a few days, JR has his surgery.  Needless to say, we have been delighting in these days...working around the house and yard, and just being together. We have always enjoyed our time together, no matter what we're doing, but the last several weeks have been particularly important to us.  And do you want to know the best part? We've been able to laugh and talk and be silly. You may wonder how that's possible when we are living with the fact that JR has cancer.

Can I tell you that it is because of our honest, steadfast, dependent faith in God? Would you believe that it's possible?  Truly, I cannot think of how we could find such joy when facing a crisis like this. I've wondered if it's plain old denial, but really, I have to say, it's plain old faith. God gives us the protection and peace we need...surrounding us, going before us, gathering us under His wing, and holding us as we fall asleep and wake each day....and He does that through the people in our lives, and the comfort of scripture and prayer.  We honestly do consider this trial a joy. We know without a doubt that because of it, we will be different and better with each other, our families and our ministry. We cannot help but feel the presence of God when we so desperately seek Him and see Him daily.  And being in the presence of God makes us know how big and great He is,and we are  humbled by the fact that so great a God  cares so much for us. 

Just last week, someone gave us an article from the Buffalo News about the surgery that JR is having. His surgeon, Dr. Guru, was quoted as saying....“God has put three or four organs in there and surrounded it with lots of blood vessels and fatty tissue,” which to us, was such a cool thing to read!  JR's  surgeon very publicly acknowledged that God has designed us....one of those little affirmations that are gifted to us on a daily basis, along with the encouragement and prayers of so many friends, family and acquaintances, doctors, nurses and neighbors.

We are thankful today because so far, there is no cancer in JR's major organs, and though we don't have the results of the bone scan, at this point, no news is good news. So we are anticipating Wednesday not with dread, but with joy. Knowing without a doubt that if faith sustained us this far, it will in the days and years ahead.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

 

Comments

[lynda]

It's the best story in the world, because it's true. I'll be praying :o)

[Angie]

Please know that you and your husband are in the thoughts and prayers of many.

[Nancy]

Amen!!!

[Marisol]

Amen to that! God knows your hearts and he will see both through this:) If you step out by faith God will meet you for sure and take care of you with that pure fullfilling love that only he knows how to give.

I will continue to lift you both up Lynne!

[Denise]

AWSOME!!!

[Mary]

As always, you've said it so well....know that you both continue to be in my prayers.

[Zonda]

Will be thinking of you and JR!! Being positive helps so much! It's helped us a lot when hubby went through it almost 3 yrs ago. Sounds like he's in great hands! :) Take care both of you!

[Dorothy]

And a good story it is. You are in my prayers this week. God is blessing you in such a wonderful way and there is not reason to believe He will not continue to do so!

[Carole]

Faith can be truly tested in difficult times. It sounds as though you are passing the test with flying colors. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

[Estella]

Lynne,
You both will be in my prayers. Last fall when I had surgery my mom told me that on the day of the operation I would be very calm. She attributed it to the fact that I would know God was with me and with the surgeons and I would feel his peace. She was so right...may you both continue to feel that peace.

[deb]

I am houlding you both in my heart and my prayers.

[kathy b]

You are blessed with Grace and you cultivate it Lynne. And JR. Prayers continue for JR's complete recovery . What are you knitting during the surgery?

[Teyani]

what wonderful news to know that there is no cancer in any of JR's major organs. My prayers will be that the rest of your news will be "all clear" as well - and that it can quickly be contained by the surgery.
You're on my prayer list to dear ones.

[Cathy]

I believe as you do and will keep you and your husband in my thoughts and prayers continually. I was given the worst possible diagnosis (malignant sarcoma that had spread to the femer and hip) and no one will EVER convince me that it was something other than prayer that changed that terrifying news.

God's love and comfort will continue to surround you, I am sure of it!

[Wanda]

I'll continue to keep you in my prayers.

[janejane]

I'll be thinking and praying for you all week...especially Wednesday. Jane

[Emily]

Amen. I'll have y'all on my mind all this week.

PS It makes me smile that the surgeon's name is Dr. Guru.

PPS I just read the article - what they can't do these days!

[Abigail]

Amen! I truly understand where you are at. It is better to have faith mixed with peace and enjoy the days you are given than to be without and walk in pure fear.

God is faithful to those who choose to walk with him.

We will be praying for the both of you:D

[Cindy Ericsson]

Have you heard "I Will Praise You in This Storm" by Casting Crowns? That song is constantly on my lips during difficult times. It helps me see the big picture.

Thanks for sharing this on your blog, for letting others who may be struggling see where they may gain strength and peace in their circumstances. Your family remains in my prayers.

[Elizabeth]

Lynne, You and JR are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through yet another trying time. All my best wishes to JR for a speedy recovery. I have known several men who have gone through this surgery and seem to be doing great now. Hugs to you both.

[Karen]

That is wonderful news that there is no cancer in JR's major organs. I be thinking of both of you this week.

[marti]

What a wonderfully inspirational post. Your faith is a marvelous thing to behold. I know when my husband had cancer it brought me so close to the Lord. My situation was different, it was lung cancer and we knew it was terminal from the day of diagnosis. I had 3 children 11,4 and 1 years of age. I will continue to pray for you and JR.

[Snowbird]

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus". Philippians 3:12. My prayers are that you both will be granted God's peace and a quick recovery for JR.

[Cybèle]

I know what you mean about laughter - I think it's the best medicine... I remember sitting in the waiting room with mum when we'd been called back unexpectedly early to hospital. We knew we were going to be called in to be told that she had cancer, and she was still very relaxed. I told her a funny story I'd heard on the radio a few weeks ago and she cracked up with laughter.
I'll be thinking of you both tomorrow. Keep us posted. (and have been meaning to say, your last FO is fab).

[Sue]

Lynne ~ God's blessings and peace be yours now and always. It makes my heart sing to hear you speak the words of wisdom regarding redemptive suffering. So many misunderstand and tend to say "why me?" instead of accepting whatever He gives us with grace and the knowledge that He is with us always. I am praying for you, too.