Good morning, Everyone,

As I've had progressed through my journey, I continue to learn what it means to trust (Proverbs 3:5 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding."), to learn more about belief (John 11:40, Jesus speaking to Martha at Lazarus' tomb, "Jesus said to her, 'Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?,'") and to continue learning about hope (Romans 15:13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.")

I've heard it said that deciding to follow Jesus is not for the faint of heart. Yet, I am also reminded that I didn't choose Him, He chose me. John 15:16, "You did  not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you." .... so in all that I am learning, which includes many things I don't have the space to include, where am I today?

Edward and I proclaim healing every morning during our time of devotions and prayer. Why? Because we know that Isaiah prophesied in chapter 53 that the wounds of the coming Messiah healed us. I don't understand that, but I know I can trust it, because it's written in the Word of God..... and I promise you, I'm ever grateful that needing to understand everything in the Bible is not a prerequisite to living this life in trust and hope.

As you know, after treatment #3 in September, I spent six days extremely ill with acid reflux, nausea, and pain. So, in preparation of #4, which was Oct. 8-9, I asked many to pray for no further reactions concerning acid reflux. I also found out on October 8 that the doctor was concerned, because my neutrophil count had dropped too low (neutrophils are "baby" white blood cells.) The nurse said I would have to return on Monday, October 12th, for a Neulasta injection. This drug forces the body to manufacture extra white blood cells. This takes place in the bone marrow. The side affect is 4-5 days of bone pain.... not an uplifting thought. So.... for the good news.... our prayers were answered! I did not get sick, I had NO burning in my lungs or throat, and I had NO bone pain!!!!! Yay, God!  

As we all speak (every day, I'm sure) about the chaos in our world, one thing I'm acutely aware of is the increase of cancer reports.... a prolific increase, if I may. An unnatural increase. Since 2020 began, six friends have been diagnosed and three family members + me. In the Book of Job, after Job lost everything and was covered in boils, Job's wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die." But Job answered and said, "Should we only accept good things from God and never anything bad?".... I believe this exchange is recorded as further evidence that we live in a fallen world - not that God can't be trusted, but rather that we must trust him. 40 chapters later, after Job survived his illness, and all he had was restored (even doubled), and God is glorified, the book ends by saying, "Job lived 140 years after that, living to see four generations of his children and grandchildren. Then he died, an old man who had lived a long, full life."

That's my prayer, that the God who redeems and restores has already healed, will bring continued healing, and it will be said, "They lived a long, full life!" Yes, I really believe this. :-)

NEXT: On Monday, Nov. 2, I go for CT Scan #4, on Nov. 5-6, I have chemo, then on Mon., Nov 9, I go see the G.I. doctor who did my endoscopy. My final chemo treatment will be Dec. 3-4. Soon after that - maybe mid-December or January, I will have a 5th CT Scan, another endoscopy, and another bone marrow aspiration. These tests must show NO CANCER CELLS! Otherwise, I will need a bone marrow transplant, which as many know is not a quick procedure - it can be a lengthy, involved process. So, that's my next prayer need. No evidence of cancer!

Love to all, and thank you for all your love and support.