Thankful

 I have been in prayer for a friend from high school, whose husband was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM IV) in 2006. I have been praying for them since I learned of his condition two years ago. In 2008, his brain tumor returned and continued growing after another surgery. He was put in a trial study and this past Monday his latest MRI showed growth of his brain tumor plus a new one. His doctors, at Northwestern, have given them 4-8 weeks. They have 3 young boys.

I have followed her blog for awhile and am just amazed by her faith. Her site is filled with scripture:

• Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God. 2 Corinthians 1:9
  
• Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3
  
• I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
  
• I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  Romans 8:18
• Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. Psalm 54:2
  
• I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Romans 15:30
  
• Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
  

and many others. She has an "endless gift list" where each day she lists small (or big) things she is thankful for. The list currently has over 2500 items. Examples range from being thankful for their small group to being thankful for a wheelchair that was delivered to being thankful for kleenex. 

I hope to never have to experience anything like this, but if I have to I hope that I can have just a bit of the grace and strength she has shown. For now, I am feeling overwhelmingly thankful for Mark and our good health. Situations like this make me feel like my complaints in life are pretty insignificant. Please join me in prayer for the Eloe family. 

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In happy news, a certain ray of sunshine turned ONE last week.