Hi!

Has it really been almost three months since I've updated my blog? Yes it has and I apologize for that. It's sort of like watching the first half of a movie and then having to return it to the video store.

I haven't written again because I've been waiting to be able to share some really good news. I feel like I've built this whole situation up, just waiting for a grand slam announcement of miraculous healing and it hasn't happened, yet. I am a woman of extremes, I suppose, and maybe God is directing me toward the middle of the road for a while. I cannot yet say that the tumor is gone, but it still hasn't grown. That in itself is a testimony of God's care for me. I bless His name for it.

But, I still live in this fleshly body so I never stop wanting more. When this adventure started, I looked at it in black and white. I figured I was going to heaven any day, or I was going to get news that the tumor was gone when the radiation was over. God has other plans. I know that the promises of God are yes and so be it. I do not doubt, not even for a blink of an eye, that He can heal me instantly. What I do believe is that He plans on using this situation for his glory. His strength is perfected in my weakness. Gosh is He strong in my life!

So, I am learning that there may be nuances to my healing. I may have to live, for however long, with the effects of this tumor affecting me. That is not my first choice. I am tired of being tired, tired of limping, tired of thinking about how my family will get on without me. I want things to be like they were before. I had more (a little at least) energy, more patience, then. My husband didn't need to babysit me as he does now. I could take all the kids to Walmart, the grocery store and clean the house in one day.

But God can use this. I think of the tumor as my "thorn in the side". His grace is sufficient for me. His strength is made perfect in my weakness. Do I really understand all the ramifications of these words? No. Not yet. But I know I am on the road to understanding and applying these verses in my life.

What is exciting to me is the anticipation of the day when I can use this experience to help someone else. To come along side someone and being their Aaron; holding their arms up when they can no longer go it alone. Others have been that for me and I an excited to be able to do that for even one other person. If I can use this experience to help just one other person meet Jesus - isn't it all worth it! What a treasure to store up in heaven!

For now, I feel like I am the fourth plane on the runway. Waiting. My job is to stay in touch with the tower because they can see what I can't.

The tumor still hasn't grown but I have had to go back on the steroids because of a nasty headache that could be caused by swelling around the tumor, or it could be my head healing from the radiation. I consider that a setback and I am anxious for the time when I won't have to think about steroids.

Please pray for me to handle my down days with grace. I want to use all of this experience for the encouragement of the body of Christ and as a witness of how much God loves us. I want to write about and speak about this experience.

Please pray that God would lead us to a way to earn an income without DH having to be out of the house 40+ hours a week. We are looking for a home business to begin that will use our talents.

Please pray that God would continue to be the friend who sticks closer than a brother to our children.

God is to be praised. He has blessed us with rich relationships and examples of faith in the people around us. We are rich in so many ways, especially the Love of God.

I hope to update again sooner than last time.

Please keep in touch with us. It means so much to hear from everyone.

Love,

Elyse