First, I want to share our beautiful Christmas cards this year. I was so thankful that a dear friend of mine came in from Katy to take pictures for us once again- she always does such a fabulous job!
Dad just finished another round of chemo and his second Avastin treatment. The chemo hit him pretty hard, but he handled it all so very well. We continue to pray the chemo and Avastin are working to stop any tumor growth, and we are especially hopeful for a good MRI next week.
As I look at these pictures for our Christmas card, I can't help but be so incredibly blessed for these last 2 years we've had with Dad. These have been extremely challenging, but also so incredibly rewarding. We've become so much closer as a family, and appreciate life so much more- especially the holiday season.
In a time where everything is so JOYFUL- Thanksgiving, Christmas, the New Year- sometimes we tend to get down on news that is far from joyful. But if there's anything I've learned over the last 2 years is to never question God's plan. To never think I can comprehend something that God has planned for us. I would have never imagined that my life would be filled with so much suffering, but I'm so thankful that I'm reminded that it's exactly what God has promised for us:
"Be prepared to suffer for Me, in My Name. All suffering has meaning in My kingdom. Pain and problems are opportunities to demonstrate your trust in Me. Bearing your circumstances bravely- even thanking Me for them- is one of the highest forms of praise. This sacrifice of thanksgiving rings golden-toned bells of Joy throughout heavenly realms. On earth also, your patient suffering sends out ripples of good tiding in ever-widening circles. When suffering strikes, remember that I am sovereign and that I can bring good out of everything. Do not try to run from pain or hide from problems. Instead, accept adversity in My Name, offering it up to Me for My purpose. Thus your suffering gains meaning and draws you closer to Me. Joy emerges from the ashes of adversity through your trust and thankfulness." James 1: 2-4; Psalm 107: 21-22
Oh how Joy has truly emerged from our ashes of adversity. We are on this incredible path. Some days smile and joy beam through us, and other days we are discouraged and filled with fear of the future. But, we are reminded that this path was so perfectly created for us.
We are unsure what Dad's MRI will show. We are unsure what the future holds for Dad's cancer treatment. But what we are sure of, is that we will be having a wonderful Christmas season- filled with family, friends and hope.
We continue to ask for prayers as we face another MRI and pray that it's God's will to help heal my Dad. Thank you all for the love and support, and from our family to yours, we wish you a wonderful Christmas season and a Happy New Year.
Continue the prayers, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
