Dustin return to the doctor yesterday (Friday) to check to see if the skin graft on his finger had taken. They thought it looked really good! Dustin will continue to wear the splint to keep the finger from moving for another 12 days to allow for more healing. Praise the Lord for the healing! 

Please continue to pray with us for complete healing of the middle finger, pray against infection and pray for the phantom pain that continues in the fingers that were amputated. Thank you for your prayers. 

I want to share this picture with you, a nugget of sweetness in the midsts of the struggle (thanks @janaemariephotoks). Dustin & Ashley’s family picture looks a little different this year.  The picture represents God’s divine plan that is full of grace and mercy. 

Even just at a glance of this picture one can’t help but notice the joy written all over Dustin’s face. He is joyful because he is surrounded by his loving wife and kids. But, this photo also illustrates the strength that Dustin has found through this trial. It is “the joy of the Lord” that is his strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) His circumstances don’t change the source of his confidence. The evening these pictures were taken was a hard evening. Dustin was scheduled for surgery the next day and two doctors had told him the previous day that his middle finger appeared to be dying and would likely have to be amputated. It didn’t feel very hopeful. Those were hard days. But Dustin’s face could still radiate joy because he knows the source of his joy. He knows that no matter what comes his way, the Lord would provide the strength and peace to endure it. So for the Lord’s glory, Dustin’s face shines. And will continue to shine with His joy. 

We know there are so many who read this and all of you have (or will) face dark days, many darker than what Dustin and Ashley have experienced. But we want to offer you hope in those times and share what the Lord has been teaching us. Dustin (or any of our family) would love to talk with you about this hope he has in Christ. Dustin’s confidence in Christ is stronger than ever before.