It's become my life verse in the last two years.  "In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy."  Even when I'm not.  "Please, God, make it true," says the cry of my heart.  And when I take a hard look at the reality of life around me, we are blessed beyond measure, even if our path has taken unexpected turns and twists.  Stage 3B cancer at age 35 with three young children?  Definitely not planned.  Mastectomy, radiation, chemo, no hair, unbelievable exhaustion?  Never in my wildest dreams.  Complications from reconstruction that baffle the medical team?  Just when I thought things were going to "get back to normal," they are taking even stranger roads. 

     How can you homeschool through all this?  Well, I can't even imagine trying to get my kids to school by 7:45 every morning, fed, dressed, organized, and with all their homework and projects done.  No, we decided that if, God forbid, our worst fears came true, and death would eventually come knocking on my door,  the place I want my children right now, is here with me.  Am I a stellar teacher in my current condition?  No, but I know ONE who is.  And He cares more about my children's preparation for the work He has for them to do than I ever could.  So because He led us clearly down this path four years ago, and has not given the word that there's a different way He desires for us to take, we trust in His ability to work ALL things together for good.  And He has blessed immeasurably - the kids are well ahead of where they need to be in spite of me. 

     "Blessings all mine, with 10,000 besides," goes the old hymn.  My husband, Paul, has been remarkable.  Family, friends - I could never in a million years repay the kindnesses and help and prayers they have given in our behalf.  What a witness they have been to my children of what true Christianity is!  Bible studies that have prepared me for this time....I could never have made it through without the hope that is ours in Jesus Christ.  How does an unbeliever survive?  Thank you, Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, Nancy Leigh DeMoss and my precious teachers at Cottage Hill Baptist Church.  You helped me know a God so much bigger and greater than I ever realized.  He's Jehovah Rapha - the Healer, and infinitely more. The list of His attributes is endless.

     So, in response to a few requests to keep folks updated on our progress without having to call all the time, I'll try to keep this current.  And for those of you we don't know, I pray that somehow you would see a God so great, that nothing is out of His control, and that even in tears and pain, we can have true JOY, as long as we know who we are IN HIM.