Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

I'm pretty sure no one's still checking this, considering the last time we posted was at Christmas-time. However, just at the odd chance that one person out there is still reading, we thought we'd add an update. Zac and I are heading to Iowa City in the morning for a five month checkup. We'll be sure to post again tomorrow night...and then I think it's time to wrap up our blog. Although we've been through ups and downs over the past couple years, it's been fun sharing on here what God is doing in our life.

We don't anticipate any changes tomorrow - I've been feeling great - better than I have in a couple of years. I really can't remember the last headache I've had. About a week ago, I started having strange, minor pains in my head one day. I panicked for a slight moment and then remembered the verse that got me through every day of treatment: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:4-7. When I was first diagnosed, I had a friend (through my sister, Angie) who told me that often times she'd get these pains in her head and it was her reminder to pray for me. So when it happened to me last week, after I got rid of the original fear, it reminded me to pray for two special people - one is a 5 year old girl who has a similar brain tumor and was returning last week for a check-up and the other was a friend about my age who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, just month before her wedding day (much like Zac and I). She happened to be starting radiation last week when these pains happened. I turned my prayers from my own irrational fears, to prayers for these two...and by the end of the day, the pain had disappeared and they both are doing well! God is so good!

Thank you so much for YOUR prayers. Like I said, I'll write one last time tomorrow night, sharing news of our appointment, as well as something that's been on my heart the past few months. God bless.

Merry Christmas!

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star from the east and have come to worship him."

Matthew 2:1-2

Zac and I have had a great day - we had nothing to do today except hang out together. Tonight we went to our Christmas Eve service. Just wanted to share what we heard:

The Psalmist asked: Who is this King?

The Angel Gabriel declared: He will be King.

Pilate asked: Are you the King?

The cross declared: This is the King.

The apostle Paul proclaimed Him: King of Kings.

Revelations proclaims: He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

The Magi asked: Where is this King?

They KNEW He had been born, so they asked: Where is He? Not: Is He here? They had no doubt. And they came with one purpose: to worship. Do you have doubt that He has come? If you believe He has come, will you worship Him?

Merry Christmas to all as we worship the King!

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:5

We're back from Iowa City...and once again everything is stable!! The LORD is good!

I started out with the normal bloodwork and then the MRI. We had a small break so we stopped at Hope Lodge again to see if Kim was there. It was the first time we had seen her since treatment and it was so nice to see a familiar face. It made me sad to hear that they are completely full and have a waiting list now...way too many people sick with cancer.

We then met with my oncologist who shared the news that the tumor is stable. He was pleased that I'm feeling so good and pleased with the scans. My radiation oncologist actually showed us the scans and we talked him into showing them side by side with the scans from last November (rather than from July). It was exciting to see the changes. Although the tumor is still there, it has clearly changed - true, not a lot, but enough that we could see the difference! They have to take into consideration how my head is positioned each time, however, my doctor agreed that the tumor has changed slightly over the year!!

Thank you all so much for your prayers. It means so much to us to see God's goodness and faithfulness through your prayers. We look forward to what the upcoming year has in store.

You gave me life and showed me kindness,

and in your providence watched over my spirit.

Job 10:12

Zac and I have recently been reading through the book of Job and last week we read the above verse. Although all of us may not be going through the depth of what Job went through, we can definitely relate. And we are so thankful that through our trials, God continues to show us kindness and He watches over our spirit.

I've been experiencing a bit of writers block in the last few months - as you can tell with the lack of entries (I'm also having formatting problems - sorry for one large paragraph!). I used to love writing on here and sharing what is going on with our journey. Since things are going so well, I know I should still be writing about all the praises in our life. But I think you might get tired if day after day I write "Another great day!" But that is truly what's happening here. I continue to experience one great day after another. I was thinking yesterday how it's been almost 4 years since I was first told about the tumor. And how slowly things seemed to get worse shortly after that. But ever since treatment I have been doing great! I rarely have headaches (which is one of our top praises). Two years ago I started getting horrible shooting pains in my head...which have completely stopped ever since the first day of treatment. So we have lots to be thankful for and therefore lots we could be sharing on here. But instead, we are just enjoying each day and thanking God for his many blessings.

Tomorrow we are heading back to Iowa City for my next 5 month check-up. It will be the same as last time - bloodwork, MRI and visits with my oncologist and radiation oncologist. We're not really anxious for the appointments. We are going there with the faith that everything is fine. I feel outstanding and we are hoping that the MRI shows the same. Please pray for safe travels and for a good report. Our prayer will always be that one day we'll hear the words that the tumor is gone.

The Joy that's Coming

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18

I found this song a few months ago. I thought it was pretty fitting for what's going on in our life, as well as what goes on in everyone's life at some point - hurt and pain. But when we look at the bigger picture and realize that maybe these things are happening to bring a better ending, we're able to press on. If you haven't ever listened to the songs on our website, turn on the speakers, and listen to Before the Morning by Josh Wilson.

Do you wonder why you have to,
feel the things that hurt you,
if there's a God who loves you,
where is He now?

Maybe, there are things you can't see
and all those things are happening
to bring a better ending.
Some day, some how, you'll see, you'll see.

Chorus:
Would you dare, would you dare, to believe,
that you still have a reason to sing
'cause the pain that you've been feeling,
can't compare to the joy that's coming.

So hold on, you got to wait for the light.
Press on, just fight the good fight
'cause the pain that you've been feeling,
it's just the dark before the morning.

My friend, you know how this all ends
and you know where you're going,
you just don't know how you get there.
So say a prayer
and hold on, cause there's good for those who love God.
Life is not a snapshot, it might take a little time,
but you'll see the bigger picture

Chorus

Once you feel the weight of glory,
all your pain will fade to memory.
Once you feel the weight of glory,
all your pain will fade to memory, memory, memory, yeah

Chorus