The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners; to comfort all who mourn, to grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:1, 3

The Lord has spoken the truth of this passage in Isaiah into my life countless times over the last eight months, but particularly during these last four weeks while I’ve been living in Houston and undergoing radiation treatment. I began my radiation the week before Thanksgiving. Those who know me know that being a wife and mother is the joy and work of my life, and that I’m big on traditions, particularly during the holidays. This holiday season many of those that I love most have been far away, and the things that I normally do to celebrate this time of year have not been possible, and my weekdays have all begun with the daunting prospect of another radiation treatment. Yet the Lord has not left me brokenhearted during this time. Rather, He has been a loving father, giving this daughter provision and protection, and numerous reasons to praise Him.

Steve and the kids drove down to Houston for Thanksgiving. We enjoyed being together in the Sapp’s beautiful home and celebrated the day with Bev and her family. I’ve heard it said that sometimes the Lord gives us a “somber joy”. This was the case for all of us here at Bev’s house, as the 21 year old son of our dear new friends, The Talbot family, died early Thanksgiving Day. That morning, Josh Talbot was given liberty and freedom as he joined his savior. Getting to know Josh’s family has been such a blessing.

Steve and the kids returned to Ponca after Thanksgiving. By every rights that should have been a time of mourning for me, but time and again, God brought gladness instead, in the form of friends, new and old, who came along side me and filled my days with memorable events and loving fellowship. I’ve met so many of God’s people here who have loved me in “deed and truth”.

At Bev’s house I’ve seen and been a part of an amazing work of the Holy Spirit, as strangers facing a medical crisis are brought together, and begin to “look not only to their own interests, but also to the interests of one another.” Philippians 2:3-4. How wonderful it is to have opportunities to feel useful and needed during a time when illness renders us weak and needy.

My radiation time has usually coincided with that of about five other women. I’ve been blessed and encouraged by so many conversations with these women as we each wait for our treatment. Waiting room conversations at MDA are seldom frivolous.

I am so thankful that the Lord gave me an abundance of strength and energy to both work and play this last month. I know that it is another gift from Him since radiation often leaves people feeling tired. Many of you know that I love to cook, and I’ve been blessed to be able to make many dinners here at Bev’s house for new friends. In addition, Haley spent two weeks with me, and her dear friend, Grace, joined us for a long weekend of cookie baking, shopping, and site-seeing.

Steve is flying to Houston this afternoon. We will drive back to Ponca City on Monday after I finish my last radiation treatment. From seed to sapling, the Lord has planted and grown my faith through this trial. This Christmas I am so thankful for the present of Jesus in my life. “So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”