Update

It’s been a while since I’ve posted. Things have been a little hectic around our house. Tuesday afternoon, Eric received a call from his dad’s doctor. He told Eric there is nothing more they can do for his dad. They are going to continue the radiation through the end of the week, and then they will stop treatment. Eric asked for a timeline, and he said he’s a bad judge on that, but he would guess anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. They have put him on morphine for the pain and hospice is going by the house a few times a week to check on him. Eric talked to his dad that same night, and Bill said he was ready to go home. He’s ready, but no one else is. We will continue to praise the Lord in the good times and the sad. He is good all the time.

I’m so thankful he was able to be a part of our wedding, and I’m thankful I had the opportunity to get to know him. This past weekend when we were in Goldthwaite, I was able to see so much of Eric in his dad – his humor, his personality, his love of music, his eye for detail and other little things.

Eric and I are going to Goldthwaite every weekend until he passes, so we’re able to spend as much time as possible with him. Please continue to pray for peace and comfort. And please also pray for wisdom in the many decisions Eric and his mom will need to make in the weeks ahead. Thank you.

Update and Some Great News

Eric’s dad went to the radiologist yesterday. She seemed optimistic which we’re really happy about. He’ll start treatments soon. Eric and I are going up there this weekend and next to visit. I think it’ll be good for all of us to spend time together.

And now some really great news from the other side of the family: My sister-in-law is five weeks pregnant! We’re so excited!!! They asked Boston (my nephew) what he wanted the baby’s name to be. His response? “Daddy”. They explained that they cannot name the baby “daddy”, so now he wants to name him/her “Baby Jack”. Jack is the name of our cat. Boston loves Jack and chases him around the house; hopefully he’ll be gentler with his baby brother or sister. I’ve nicknamed Matt and Steph’s baby “Jack”, but surely they won’t take Boston’s advice and name the baby that. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with Jack, but the baby can’t possibly be named after our cat. :)

Anyway, thank you for all your prayers for Eric’s dad. Please also pray for a healthy baby for Matt and Stephanie. I’ll keep you all updated.

Please Pray...

As many of you already know, Eric’s dad, Bill, has had cancer for the past year and a half. The particular cancer he has is very aggressive; the longest it’s been in remission is three months and every time it comes back worse. Eric’s mom called Saturday. Bill has a tumor growing in his abdomen. The tumor is deterring circulation in his right leg causing it to swell and it is also pressing on his bladder and bowels. Unfortunately, the doctors are unable to remove the tumor. If they do, it will cause the cancer cells to rapidly spread. They are hoping radiation will work. If it doesn’t help, then they’ve run out of options.

Please pray for healing. I don’t know if it’s selfish of me to pray that God will heal him here on earth rather than take him to heaven right away. I want to get to know my father-in-law better. I want him to know his future grandchildren. My heart especially goes out to Donna and Eric. Joel, Eric’s brother, passed away eight years ago of cancer. Their family has been through so much. How much more can they take?

I think of this and I’m reminded that we do not go through difficulties alone. In times like these God is able to show His glory and strength in the midst of sorrow. So I guess my prayer is God’s perfect healing whether in heaven or on earth. And for peace, comfort and strength for all of us. I’m not going to act tough; it’s hard on everyone. Thank you for praying.

“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

My Ministry

For the past few days I’ve really been struggling with the fact that I am unable to go on a mission trip this year. I used all my vacation time for the wedding and the honeymoon. I cannot tell you how much I have missed going to Panama. I really miss mission work. I miss teaching Vacation Bible School, loving and playing with the kids, sharing Christ with people that have never heard His name. I even miss sleeping in a hammock in a grass hut, the sweltering heat of the islands, bucket showers, and other “rough” living conditions of jungle and island living. I was even beginning to wonder if I was doing the right thing by keeping a steady job instead of doing mission work full time.

Yesterday as I brought this before the Lord, He reminded me that there is a season for everything. He assured me that right now my season is learning to be a wife. If I were as busy as I was last year at this time, then I would not be a good wife to Eric. During this season, I need to focus on Christ and being a Godly wife to Eric. Although I do not believe that God wants me to take a break from mission work permanently, I feel that at this time it’s what He wants. So in the mean time, I will serve God at the place He has me. I will seek to serve Him as I become the most effective wife I can be with His help, mercy and grace.

By the way: Please don’t think that God doesn’t want me to be a witness to Him in my everyday life, we are all called to do this. :)

Happy Two Months to Us!

Eric and I went to Bath and Body Works the other day. One of the girls working there asked if we were dating. I told her we were married and she said we were an adorable couple. I have to agree. :)

Today is our two month anniversary. About this time two months ago I was getting ready and anxiously awaiting the “I dos”. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier than I was on that day.

I still have people asking me how married life is. My reply? I LOVE IT! I love being able to come home to my best friend every day. I love snuggling on the couch with Eric and watching a movie. I love going to bed with him by my side. I love living every day life with Eric.

He is such a gift from the Lord. I fall more in love with him every day. I am continually amazed by Eric. He is above and beyond everything I’ve ever prayed for in a husband. Thank you Lord for not allowing me to settle for less than your best for me.

24 Cycling

I joined 24 Hour Fitness Saturday. Eric and I thought it was time to go back to the gym now that things have settled from the wedding. I didn’t realize how out of shape I had gotten over the past few months. I’ve been feeling good after all the workouts until last night. I was really excited about the cycling class they offered. Eric and I and Gilley and Melani tried it out last night. It was an hour of the most intense work out I’ve had. Not only to you peddle as hard and fast as you can, but there were several intervals where you had to lift your bottom off the seat and peddle while squatting. That’s the part that got me. I wanted to quit so bad, but I’m stubborn. I think what made it worse was looking over at Eric and watching him do the work out without a problem. He looked like a pro and I felt like an idiot. He kept telling me how proud he was of me, but I think I may have to work out a bit longer before I try that class again. Needless to say, I can hardly move today and going up the stairs is next to impossible. I’m making every effort not to go to the second floor today! I called Eric this morning to see if he was sore; he said yes – it made me feel better that he was in pain too. Is that bad?