Preparations Complete

It's Christmas Eve and I am sitting here catching my breath, holding my breath. Months ago I arranged vacation for the last two weeks of the year--a fortunate circumstance. We truly have spent the week preparing for the Dec 26 surgery:

• Contacting family



• Mobilizing prayer



• Doing medical prep



• Reviewing finances and paying bills



• Straightening up the house



• Laughing, talking, weeping and praying with friends



• Doing last minute Christmas stuff

And, this is to respond to my bride's post yesterday, having some time together as a couple. The wonderful truth is that instead of shaking my love for Nancy HE has used this time to remind of all the reasons why I love her. So, these few weeks have been already gifted us with a revival of love--a revival amidst terror and fear and worry and doubt.

Yesterday Marc Davis preached this wonderful Christmas sermon about Herod. He credited Herod with understanding that the arrival of Jesus changed things forever. But Herod would not let go of his "autonomy." His fight for control led to the slaughter of innocent children. Marc reminded us that embracing the "new" that Jesus offers will necessitate letting go of the status quo. The application was clear: Cancer is bringing us a season of new things--can we let go? Can we believe that this is part of the path destined us to conform us fully to image of Christ?? By HIS grace, granted us in response to your prayers we can, we will, we must.