Well, let’s see; where were we? Honey felt like going to - TopicsExpress

Well, let’s see; where were we? Honey felt like going to church yesterday, so we did. We arrived shortly before the service and needed to leave early, so we – especially Honey – didn’t get to see as many people or hug as many necks as we would have liked. Seeing and hugging people is what Honey does best and it does her a world of good. Bright and early Saturday morning after we got the oncologist’s not-so-good news Friday night, doc Donna called with calm, caring words of love and encouragement assuring Honey that she would get right on her new situation and get things moving. And sure enough, shortly after 8 this morning, the gastroenterologist’s office called to set up a procedure Thursday morning next week. We were hoping the procedure would be sooner, but Honey needs to be off of some of her other medications at least seven days. In the meantime, Donna prescribed a pain patch to more effectively ease the almost constant pain Honey has. Hopefully, that will kick into high gear in a day or two. The herd, near and far, is gathering and encircling us with love, concern, and prayer. Last week at a “union meeting” in Dallas, two people I didn’t even know looked me up saying that they have been praying for us and wanted an update. What a blessing! Thank you. Tonight in deacon’s meeting, our friend Tom Hellams shared a devotional thought using four stanzas from Philippians 4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known unto all. The Lord is near. Proceed no further in worry, but in all things by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” It sounds like music in my ear. Joy is a choice believers make – or not – no matter the circumstance. When we choose joy, we realize, more keenly, that the Lord is near. And when we make our requests known to God with genuinely thankful hearts, He gives us peace which we cannot fully understand, but only experience and celebrate. Thanks, Tom, for the fresh reminder. And thanks to all for being the body of Christ to us. With renewed joy, M & H