Update 8/15/2014

Over the last week or two several of you have expressed surprise that I am still in the land of the living!  Put me in that category, too! 

It just goes to show that we are all living in privileged space--my euphemism for God’s mercy and grace, which daily surround us.  Previous to my diagnosis, I did not fully recognize the daily interaction and presence of God. Yes, I would acknowledge seeing the hand of God in extraordinary situations, but I was reticent to make the connection to a Sovereign God, who is always present.

Over the past eleven months, Mary and I have been amazed and encouraged at how God has conformed our path to intersect with people, based upon what can only be attributed to a God who ordains what is best for us. We often ask ourselves "Where did I see God showing up today?"  The answer is usually seen in the people God uses to personally convey His love for us. God’s timing and placement of His saints for our encouragement and His glory have been extraordinary and cannot be rationalized as random events.

Proverbs 16:9  “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

Who knows how much time any of us has left?  As they say, it's beyond our pay grade

and known only by a sovereign God. As I consider what is next and that I likely have weeks or in the best case scenario a few months of time left, I am encouraged by His faithfulness and the strength of His promises.

Romans 8:35, 38-39 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? For I am convinced

that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I am solidly in His hands, as I see the shadow of death looming.  Do I fear death? 

Yes, I fear the specter of separation from my sweet Mary and the loneliness; the unknown of potential pain as I leave this life; the sadness at the end of all my relationships with my dear family and friends.  What I don't fear is where I will spend eternity. It's ironic to think of going to Heaven and being lonely---that is not in keeping with Heaven as perfect and a place of restoration--where there are neither regrets nor tears, where I will be welcomed by a loving and kind Jesus, who paid the debt for my sin by His death and resurrection.

I'd be remiss if I did not again convey my thanks to you for the many ways you have shown your love for us and in so doing have been used by God to encourage Mary and me.

I hope to pass on a few more observations to you. Time will tell.

Grace and peace to you.