"I know the plans I have for you, and they are good." Dad Update 1/20/2016

I have to admit, I've been terrible about updating Dad's blog when things seem to be stable - so I apologize. But the good news is, when I don't update often, there is a GOOD chance that it means things are going well. And right now, that couldn't be more accurate. 

After Dad's MRI in November, we were all thrown into this state of confusion, worry and sadness. We were concerned for the next treatment options, praying for Dad to feel better, and right back into the sadness that so many in the fight against cancer feel. We reached out for prayers. We asked anyone and everyone to pray for Dad. To pray for healing and comfort. 

And the power of prayer took over. I can't explain WHY Dad's last MRI appeared better than his one in November, but what I can explain to others is the number of people thinking, praying and lifting us up during this time. When medically something can't be explained, it's always pretty easy for me to find where the real source of healing came from- prayers and a pretty amazing Man watching out for us. 

So it seemed all too perfect today when I pulled out my devotional, which by the way looks as though it's been through a lot- pages are bent, the binding is coming apart, and the edges are worn- which is a pretty good way to describe the path we've been on these last 2 years. We've weathered the storm, but not without a few bruises and bumps along the way- but like they say "Maybe life isn't about avoiding the bruises. Maybe it's about collecting the scars to prove we showed up for it." And I think my scars would prove just that.

But as I pulled out my devotional, it was wonderful to read:

"Approach this day with awareness of who is Boss. As you make plans for the day, remember that it is I who orchestrates the events of your life. On days when things go smoothly, according to your plans, you may be unaware of My sovereign Presence. On days when your plans are thwarted, be on the lookout for Me! I may be doing something important in your life, something quite different from what you expected...Don't try to figure out what is happening. Simply trust Me and thank Me in advance for the good that will come out of it all. I know the plans I have for you, and they are good."

As Dad faces another round of chemotherapy and Avastin treatment next week, we continue to hope and pray that it is God's will for Dad to continue to BEAT this cancer. We continue to hope and pray that Dad is able to manage the treatment side effects and is able to have QUALITY of life throughout his fight. We continue to hope and pray that God grants us many more years of QUALITY time with Dad. 

It always astonishes me the number of people who ask me about Dad- many who have known Dad for years, some who have never met "Lar" but know all too well the many stories I've told of him over the years. It makes my heart so incredibly full to know that so many people are thinking and praying for him- we've beat the statistics placed in our hands that day in October 2013, and I continue to pray that we continue to beat these statistics for many more months to come. 

We are not sure what Dad's next MRI will look like, but after spending another holiday season with him, one that we weren't sure we would get to experience, I have to think that everything now is just icing on the cake. Such sweet, sweet time I get to spend with my Dad- and truly appreciate every minute, every birthday, every random Saturday, with the best Dad in the world- a man that I've been lucky enough to have loved my entire life. 

Asking for continued prayers during Dad's next round of treatment- as we pray he continues to feel well and continues to BEAT this disease. And prayers for a good MRI in February. 

Thank you all for your love and support, and thanks for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!

*Run For The Rose is approaching in April, and we would love to have each of you join us on such a special day for our entire family! Please consider joining our team, or making a donation to the foundation which supports so many families just like mine. 
http://drmarnierosefoundation.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer

If you have any questions about the event, please feel free to email me (glenzwhitney@gmail.com) and I would love to answer any questions you may have!