Halfway point in treatment, and some positive news

Karen had her third round of chemotherapy on Friday the 7th. Because of the chemical burn at the abdominal port, one of the chemicals used has been changed and all the chemotherapy is now being administered through the chest port. Since last Friday she has been very tired and had much joint pain, but she still gets up and around. In fact we went to see "Enchanted" on Saturday. When she's this tired, however, cooking is virtually impossible and the girls are having to 1) eat out; or 2) eat my cooking, which thankfully they don't seem to mind. I'll admit, though, that I'm a far better baker than a cook.

I've been placed into a temporary assignment starting Dec. 19-21 then from January through possibly April, doing legal case analysis for a large insurance carrier here in the Twin Cities. Your prayers have been answered! Under the category of "when it rains it pours", I'm talking to another out of state company about a position I really want where I could work from home and do work I enjoy - this is critical, since the flexibility is necessary at this point in our lives. Please keep this job possibility in prayer. Plus I have an interview with a major insurance broker on Wednesday. I've been out doing real estate work and have good leads to sell one of my listings, but until that happens, we need a reliable source of income. Someday real estate will be that for me once again, but not now.

Many of you have been so kind to offer rides and meals and we appreciate it so much. A few have given us Target gift cards and Whole Foods Market gift cards and this is helping us get through the rough spot right now. Again, we've learned how a cataclysmic event like this really brings out the best in most people, but especially in the Body of Christ.

We look forward to the fundraiser on January 27. Karen even suggested the other day that we write a new song for the occasion. Honestly, the music died in me on August 28, having not written a single song since that day, but who knows what could be revealed to me between now and then. Karen and I are talking about getting out and singing again, maybe even recording again in 2008, once this is over. This is how much we anticipate a victorious end.

I'll close with the verse I read this morning that is our prayer for you - Romans 15:13: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." No matter what is happening in your lives right now, be filled with that hope that comes only from God.