Updates

In case you are out-of-the-loop, my dad has cancer (c. August).

A recent PET scan showed the cancer is still active. However, one good thing is my dad can finally sit up for short periods of time. Due to a botched spinal tap, my dad was in a great deal of neck & back pain and couldn't sit up for the past month. Seems to be improving slowly...he was able to sit up and eat Thanksgiving dinner a few weeks ago. We're trying to fatten him up! :) He's in good spirits as always, despite a never-ending string of infections and illnesses. His awesome attitude has been an incredible example to me. His post-Thanksgiving hospitalization had to be delayed a week because his blood counts were too low. However, the neat thing about this is that he'll probably be hospitalized over New Year's instead of Christmas :)

Let me just say, Thanksgiving was an amazing time for our family. We're all pretty close anyway and thoroughly enjoy each other's company, but even more so this year. Before cancer and any of this happened, I didn't think I could love those 4 people any more than I already did! Not the case. I've learned that love is limitless and depthless and is most beautiful and most developed while enduring hard times together. It's been priceless to see how the relationships between each member of our family are ever-strengthening for this.

A few other things have happened recently that have been "good news" and have lifted our spirits: I passed the R.D. exam awhile back. Then last month, I was *finally* accepted into a teaching certification program for "Home Ec" (Family & Consumer Sciences). That means I get to stay in my current job that I love so much and that is a source of much joy for me. Both are definite answers to prayer. Going through a long slump like I have helps you see more clearly every little blessing God brings into your life- the "minor details".

I've been reflecting on the experience here and there. Lately I'm able to see good things from it, particularly growth in each member of our family and in myself. I think it has caused me to become more selfless, gentle and calm with others, especially my middle schoolers. There is not much in life worth getting worked up over.

I appreciate your prayers, encouragement, and love! I also hope you are as excited about Christmas as I am. One of my favorite things about the Biblical account of Christmas is God's fulfillment of a 2,000 year promise, how long the Israelites waited for the Messiah. (Sadly, some are still waiting.) He makes us wait for the good things. "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (Ja. 1:17)