And the greatest of these is …LOVE!

Day by Day. That phrase describes how we are living life these days. For someone who likes to plan and whose work depends on projecting dates into the future, it's been a difficult lesson to learn.

Even with these challenges, it's easy to see the blessings. I'm thankful that my job doesn't require me to be on a strict 8:00-5:00 schedule. That flexibility has allowed me to be here for Jim on those days when he is weak, confused or disoriented.

Lori and I returned to Norman from Houston on Friday, Oct 24; Jim was hospitalized on Sunday (10/26) for three days. Thanks to all those dear friends who stayed at the hospital with Jim—especially Lori and Holly for your overnight shifts. Since I had just had chemo, I was not allowed to be there with him. Although his protein levels were strong and his liver functions were improved, the extra fluids gave him some much needed strength.

His next chemo treatment is today, Monday, Nov 17. Thank you for your prayers for these treatments to eradicate the cancer and shrink his tumors.

As you may remember, I received my first chemo treatment in Houston on October 22. I've been blessed abundantly—have felt great, tolerated the chemo well and had my second treatment this past Thursday with Dr. Aleda Toma in OKC. The side effects have been minimal so I'm praying for that to continue.

Dr. Toma came highly recommended by my medical oncologist at MDA and after meeting her, I can certainly understand why he was so impressed. She is extremely personable and dedicated to her patients. I greatly appreciated her encouragement and know that her positive words will contribute to my healing. It was also assuring to know she has treated two other patients with my same diagnosis. We discovered that we had several mutual friends so that helped us to instantly connect. God continues to bless us with the gift of His presence and His guiding hand.

So these three things continue forever: faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13

Faith
The words on my silver bracelet (thanks, Susie!) say it all: I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

In the difficult times, we may at times begin to doubt. There are no easy answers to the problems we face. Yet, we have a God who is deeply concerned about the trials we face.

I don't think He is a God who inflicts us with trials. I believe He is a compassionate God who cries when we cry and bears our burdens when we suffer. And He uses these trials to mold us into even more compassionate, loving individuals for His purposes.

Faith is the belief that God will do what is right. God says that the more hopeless your circumstances, the more likely, your salvation. The greater your cares, the more genuine your prayers. The darker the room, the greater the need for light.

Hope
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

We are looking forward with hope to the holidays, spending joyful time with our family and friends and resting in the plans and places He has for us in this new season.

We fully believe that if God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.

Love
I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. John 13:34

Our hearts are full of the many expressions of love with which you have blessed us. Your encouraging emails, cards, calls, prayers and hugs give us renewed strength for this journey.

The extraordinary meals that have been so generously shared over the past MANY weeks. Lee Hall, you are a SAINT to have taken on this loving task of coordination.

The love that has extended from our McFarlin Crossroads Class (and Asbury, Bethel, Trinity and others) models the best in Christian community. Thanks for rising above the level of casual Christianity and living for God and those He cares so much about in this broken world. YOU make God smile!

For all your prayers, support, and encouragement, we give thanks to the One from whom all blessings flow. Know that He has used YOU to give us faith, hope and love.

Blessed by the greatest of these, your Love!

Love,

Jim and Karen,

Holly, Heather and Rob

The First Blog

So I have always been a bit, lets say, skeptical, about those who "blogged." Basically for two main reasons...(A) I mean who reads these things? Well, apparently millions of people do, everyday; and my wife is one of them. And (B) what do I have to say, what story do I have to tell?

Ahh, how about the story of a family, struck by cancer, not once, but twice: first the Dad, and then 6 months later, the Mom. How about that family's shock, struggles, and resilience. How about that family's faith and intentionality in giving this cancer a purpose, a purpose that would bring Glory to God.

Do you know how difficult that task can be....at times? But interestingly enough, it also seems to be the most natural response for this family.

This blog promises to be a dialog, or maybe a "diablog," which includes all gammits of emotion. You will laugh, you will cry, (as we will do the same authoring it), but more importantly, you will hopefully be encouraged.

Each of us have situations and circumstances in life that we are unable to control; however, one thing, if the only thing, we can control is our reaction to these challenges. This is the story of our reaction.