The Lane We're Running In

Well yesterday we had some great moments... Terri got up and walked a few steps, less pain meds, she will be on a liquid diet today! Yes more than ice chips great progress.

The challenging moment came when we found out they found 3 lymph nodes that marked cancerous. They recommended chemo. We will be getting more opinions on this. Her chemo is a preventative measure so this is positive. We are not discouraged but encouraged because this is not a sprint--its a marathon. We know what lane we will be running in together.

Please continue to pray we have to heal from surgery to move forward. She is a champion fighter--you would be proud!!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. (Proverbs 5:5-7 NLT)

Love you all!

Today is another positive step. Terri is starting physical therapy. She needs to start moving. This is very painful, but must be done. She is on an ice chip diet, still on iv and pain meds. Her spirits are really good and really just rebuilding, enjoying quiet and rest. She is focused on getting through the pain and taking next steps!

I am watching God do the little things that we take for granted. It reminds me how loving and caring our Lord is, and his hand is on us. "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him..." Ezra 8:22b

Thanks again for the outpouring of love, encouragement and prayer! Have a blessed day!

Stand Strong

Thank you to all that came to the hospital and prayed with us; and for your prayers, texts, emails, and phone calls. It meant so much, each one so faith and hope filled! While Terri and I were waiting in pre-op, she reminded me she expects to be told she is cancer free. As you know the cancer did not spread outside her colon! Our God is awesome, teaching us strength, hope, comfort and peace is in Him. It is a long journey of recovery--major abdominal surgery. She is very sore but we believe she will heal in the divine time table! Please agree with us for a speedy recovery.

She is in ICU for 2 days. Pray for God to strengthen nurses and doctors to complete the journey. We are still waiting for the pathology report, but are believing again it will show no problems. She has no drainage tube, no breathing tube, no nose tube--just oxygen.

Sitting on her tray table is a cross stating, "This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9 NLT) Stand strong! God has a plan.

Surgery Results

Terri came through surgery well. The cancer was contained to the colon, and the surgeon was able to repair the colon. They will also test the lymph nodes to see if there is cancer there, but for now it does not appear to have spread. Terri will be in ICU tonight and will remain in the hospital at least until the weekend. Praise God for this good report!

Today is the Day

Well today is the day. Terri had a really hard time with the prep and was sick most of the night. The little hiccups can cause chaos in our minds but we have to work hard to keep our mind focused on Him. The calls, texts, and prayers have been amazing and full of encouragement. We do not know how people go through stuff like this alone? Well our day looks like this: 8:30 check into the hospital; she will begin a series of preps; and then by 4:00 surgery; and no food or water all day--just iv. Pray for Terri for patience and strength.  Her faith is anchored to John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Today, stand strong and face the day knowing He has a plan and we will do the same. Let’s lock arms and believe we all are marching forward to carry out His plan!

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Faith Is Essential

We had a great Sunday. Thanks for all the prayer and support! Today is one day closer--a little bit apprehensive but confident on the other hand. Today begins the prep. Have to keep a positive attitude and get rest. Our anchor for the day: Faith is essential and faith is built up through the community we share!

Our God says he is mighty and in our midst! For me it’s a reminder that he created the universe, lives inside us and this helps prepare us for the journey ahead. Power is evident when he sustains us when we are weak and makes a correction when something isn't right like only He can do. Our faith is strong because of who He is!

The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

Peace

Today is a day of hope, believing that God is capable of walking with us. He loves his creation! Terri is believing big, studying the Word, breathing in His strength.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

This is Terri's favorite verse in the moment: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Waiting...

Well it’s been 8 days since we were informed of the news “cancer”! That day will be forever etched in our hearts because instantly we’re put in a waiting room of life thinking naturally about everything our mind could imagine: Are you sure? Not really sure? How bad? Is it contained? Wow. Surreal. Just can’t believe this. The fact is we are just not sure how we are supposed to think about it… The one thing we can be thankful for is that God has a plan. We are trusting it and Him. But it does not make the waiting any easier… We just have to process step by step.

Here is a quote and scripture that strengthened us today:

“Waiting with hope is very difficult, but true patience is expressed when we must even wait for hope. I have reached the point of greatest strength once I have learned to wait for hope." George Matheson.

Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:24)

The waiting time is the hardest. Speak peace and rest, believing it shall be done.

Bless You,

A New Challenge in Our Race

Last Thursday, August 15, God's plan for us took an unexpected turn at least from our point of view when Terri's doctor found a mass in her colon. After further tests on Monday, she was diagnosed with colon cancer and told she would need surgery. Surgery has been scheduled for next Tuesday, August 27.

We believe and are certain of God's healing, though the journey will be out of our normal routine for a while. We appreciate your support in prayer for peace and strength and in encouraging scripture as we run this challenging race God has set before us to deepen our understanding of Him and His love.

We love you,