Update 1/18/24: Unnatural

Isaiah 43:1-2 “But now this says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you by name, you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.’”

We are currently studying the book of Genesis in life groups at church. There is so much beauty and truth about God tucked in just those first two chapters of Genesis. Since most of the ladies in my class have heard the creation story many times, I am taking the approach to teach the class from the perspective of learning more about God’s names and character. Knowing who God is provides the foundation and anchor when life is hard and you experience suffering. Here is a sample of the gems we have gleaned from Genesis about God:

- Elohim    - Infinite         - Life      - Immortal

- Eternal    - Unchanging  - Creator - Order

- Omnipotent  - Omniscient  - Sovereign 

- Provider   - Protector  - Personable  - Holy

- Redeemer - Relational  - Accessible - Perfect 

- Righteous  - Kind  - Just  - Merciful  - Love

- Grace   - Promise Maker  - Good Father

Along with studying Genesis, I am continuing to read Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering. Something Tim Keller wrote in chapter 5 that struck me, especially after studying creation again was this statement, “Even a peaceful death at the age of ninety years old is not the way things were meant to be. We were not meant for mortality, evil and death were not God's plan.” Death feels so unnatural to us because it is unnatural.

Update Wayne: Nothing has changed much for Wayne. We are waiting on a swallow study and for PT to start back up. 

Wayne sporting Naomi’s hat.

I got Wayne to try a healthy soup I made him. You can see he wasn’t so sure about it, but he ate it. He said he didn’t hate it, but he wouldn’t want it again. 

Update Rebecca: I have finished three days of radiation. Although the doctor said the first two weeks are supposed to be the easiest, I have experienced some not so pleasant side effects. I can tell that I am growing weary of all these medical appointments and procedures. I am in awe of those who have endured many more months and years of treatment and how they persevere.

This week has been a mental battle. As they send me into the tube to have a current x-ray before my radiation starts, I have to cling to Jesus. Trying to lay still while scary thoughts run through your brain as a machine swirls around you making terrible noises shooting you with radiation is hard. I keep reminding myself at least I don’t have to have an IV for this part of treatment, but it’s still not fun. Some fatigue and nausea are my two side effects. 

I decided to wear the shirt my friend Stephanie made for our whole family. They have a cancer ribbon with half grey for Wayne and half peach for me. It helped me get through treatment today. 

Joella all dressed to enjoy the snow we are having in KY. I’m glad kids enjoy the snow, because I don’t.

Sophia and I hit the gym this week. It is slow going with my body feeling weak, but little by little, I’m improving.

Grace's Life Action team sent her sweet notes with her favorite snacks. She felt very loved by them. She missed her team.

Micaela had to finish up her science fair project this week. We were hoping it would be over, but weather delayed her actual science fair for two weeks. She studied cleaning supplies effects on plants. She discovered that most plant based cleaners did not negatively affect the plants, but traditional cleaners killed the plants in less then two weeks.

Please continue praying with us for amazing family memories, for our health, and that God gives me the strength to persevere.

*** I’m still collecting stories, memories, or anything you’d love to share about Wayne with our kids.***