I have been waiting to write a final update until I felt released to do so. Today, I felt that release. All the fabulous specialists at the clinic gave Wesley a surprise party with all the trimmings...cookie cake, streamers, a poster, and gifts. They were celebrating her finishing treatment (apparently all kids get a party-very cool!). We got that ever important report that her bone marrow is clear. For some reason getting the final report released me to share this final entry.
I really feel that since this site was set up to update everyone on Wesley's progress during her treatment that it is not necessary any more. She's finished, done, complete, it's over...there's nothing to report...life goes on. Just like her treatment, this site was for a season, and now we have moved on to another season. We believe the word the Lord gave us back in the beginning, 'cancer will not return to her body'. That's why I think it is important to close everything surrounding the past two and half years. We have to focus on the healthy future ahead of us.
We are awaiting a call from surgery to set up the date for Wesley's port removal. That will be the final step in this process. She will go in for day surgery where they cut exactly on the scar of where they inserted it and remove that foreign object from her body. As much as we are grateful for a port, we are even more grateful to see it go. Our prayer request is that the procedure go smoothly with no complications and with the least amount of pain as possible.
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The following was written on Aug.5th
What have I learned about life, God, and the pursuit of His presence? I think I've learned that God is always present, always faithful, and a bestower of all good things. I'm sitting here on the beach with my journal in hand watching my three children play in the ocean. It always comes back to...'Thank you, Lord, what an awesome and mighty God You are! I could never say, thank you, enough. I could never express in writing, dancing, singing, any source of worship just how magnificent You are, and how glorious this world You created is!'
I have to thank Vivien Hibbert, who last week at dance camp enlightened me to the trials of Job and the response of God. God did not pity Job, pacifying him by patting him on the back for his sufferings. God did not adjust His greatness to Job's plight. Instead, God said plainly...'Were you there when I created the universe?' God goes into two chapters of things He did before Job was ever on the the scene. He stated His greatness and challenged Job to compare his circumstances to the wonders of the world that God rules. Do you know Job's new response was one of repentance and gratitude...'I'm sorry for complaining and thank you for life!'
That's what I've discovered over the past two and half years. Quit complaining and look and behold what the Lord has created and worship Him. Sounds so simple. I have always been grateful to the Lord, but not like I am now.
As soon as Job repented and praised God, God forgave Him and blessed him one hundred fold. Because his friends couldn't share that little truth of asking for forgiveness, they were judged. Which tells me that when any situation arrives that is pushing our buttons whether minute or huge-seeking a pure heart, soul, and mind is the first thing we should be doing. The second is praising Him, simply, for who He is and what He has created.
God responds to someone earnestly and humbly repenting for not recognizing His goodness first. Before giving God our lists or needs and wants, we should present Him with a list of His goodness and greatness. Praising Him for who He is and what He has done already on earth.
What have I learned? God is God, and He can do anything He chooses, but our prayers and repentance can alter the course. He wants our prayers and petitions to alter the courses of our lives, because that would mean we are earnestly pursuing His presence in our lives. Whether I'm marveling at his creation, listening for His voice, giving Him my requests, thanking Him for life and life more abundantly...I'm seeking closeness. I want Him more than I want anything for myself. If my mind is filled with God it has to be emptied of me. That's relentless pursuit.
So, Thank You Lord, for this brief time of life you have given all of us. Thank You for all the beauty of Your Kingdom. Thank you for helping me realize the awesomeness of Your Holinesss. You are truly the King. Thank You for Wesley's life and for the trial she has just gone through. Thank You for making her, saving her, and keeping her close to your heart. We will remember our experience and be grateful for your unending mercy! We so don't deserve the things You have given our family, for that, I am thankful.
Do you need to receive Glory?....No
Do you want the Glory?....Yes
Do things happen so that You will be glorified?...No
Do you want for us to glorify your name through our trials?...Yes
It's in our pursuit of His presence that brightens the Glory that resides in us.
TO GOD, BE ALL GLORY AND HONOR AND POWER FOREVER AND EVER!
Gina
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