(Proverbs 17:22)
A cheerful heart?
How can that even be possible?
My diagnosis is not good, the treatments don’t sound like fun, I’m not the bravest person in the world, I don’t even like shots (37 years ago the hardest part about getting married was the blood test). How is it possible to be cheerful during a time like this?
It is only possible for our family because of our faith. God has promised that He will never leave us. He is in control and He is good – all the time.
Very early in this journey, Patra and I knew that we would need to laugh as much as possible. Laughter doesn’t minimize the problem. We understand the severity of the situation. Laughter and a cheerful heart help you get through the difficult situations – yes, I am learning that a cheerful heart really is good medicine.
You may not be facing a bad medical diagnosis. Your “circumstance” may be financial, emotional, relational. Remember, “a cheerful heart is good medicine.”
We have been blessed with many friends who are supporting us. At any given moment, we know that some are standing with us while others are on their knees praying for us. (We are encouraging them to change positions often so they don’t grow weary.) We could never express how much your thoughts and prayers mean. They cheer our hearts!
We hope this blog will keep you up to date on what’s happening. Friends have told us that they appreciate being able to pray specifically. But we really do also hope that it will be an encouragement and blessing to those who read it. I am convinced that God wants to use this time to teach me new things – maybe I can pass some of those lessons on vicariously.
Bob
A cheerful heart?
How can that even be possible?
My diagnosis is not good, the treatments don’t sound like fun, I’m not the bravest person in the world, I don’t even like shots (37 years ago the hardest part about getting married was the blood test). How is it possible to be cheerful during a time like this?
It is only possible for our family because of our faith. God has promised that He will never leave us. He is in control and He is good – all the time.
Very early in this journey, Patra and I knew that we would need to laugh as much as possible. Laughter doesn’t minimize the problem. We understand the severity of the situation. Laughter and a cheerful heart help you get through the difficult situations – yes, I am learning that a cheerful heart really is good medicine.
You may not be facing a bad medical diagnosis. Your “circumstance” may be financial, emotional, relational. Remember, “a cheerful heart is good medicine.”
We have been blessed with many friends who are supporting us. At any given moment, we know that some are standing with us while others are on their knees praying for us. (We are encouraging them to change positions often so they don’t grow weary.) We could never express how much your thoughts and prayers mean. They cheer our hearts!
We hope this blog will keep you up to date on what’s happening. Friends have told us that they appreciate being able to pray specifically. But we really do also hope that it will be an encouragement and blessing to those who read it. I am convinced that God wants to use this time to teach me new things – maybe I can pass some of those lessons on vicariously.
Bob
Comments
Emily is a very dear friend to me and ever since she shared of your news we have been lifting you up. I am so glad that you have begun a blogging journey too, so we can stand beside your precious family in prayer. We're close to Moffitt, so while you're in the area, we are available to help out in any way. Emily knows the way to reach us- we would be honored.
Trusting God to do great things in and through you.
Blessings,
Annie
Our family is praying for you and yours, and trusting in God's faithfulness with you.
With love,
Sarah
(Thom's daughter)
Bob & Janice Adams
We love you both.
Lex and Linda
God Bless - Steven, Linda, Shay and Spencer
You have both been in my prayers. May God bring healing in your body, as well as strength, wisdom, and joy to your hearts. You are such special and dear people. I'm glad for this way to stay in touch.
Shalah
With love and prayers,
Janet Kuntz
Lord bless...
Dorothy and Bobby Deason
You are touching and teaching so many through your walk.
My parents are Larry and Mary Cunningham, and I know first hand that you are and have been speaking "life" unto them. Thank you for letting God's glory shine through.
I am praying for you and your family.
Isaiah 58:8
Your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Because of Him,
Aimee Horstman
For His Glory!
Pat Murphy Findlan
Who knew you were such a creative writer and a computer guru too? :-)
Your outlook is wonderful and it, along with your family and faith, will get you through this difficult time.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol
Jacque Serra
Blessings,
Kimberly
I am a friend of Emily! She amazes me every day! I am so lucky to get to share life with her!! I think she might just have gotten some of that spunky, faith-filled amazingness from you! Been praying for you and will continue to join you guys on this journey! Thanks for sharing with us!!
Karen
The CBS men's Bible Study is praying for both of you as you go through this journey with "the body". You have been our spiritual leader for the past 11 years and we miss you and can't wait hear about how God is using this in both your life and ours. Please know that your witness has been the glue that has held our group together and we are grateful for all your time and prayers for us over all these years. We know that you will continue to pray for us as we do for you. Patra, Bob is so blessed to have you with him during this time. Your life is also an encouragement to all who know you and the Jesus you represent. Thanks for doing this blog so we can let you know how you are progressing. You are a blessing to all of us!!!
Pat from CBS
I want you to know you are in my prayers daily. I have appreciated your teaching and sharing of yourself. You and Patra have meant so much to all of us. I'm excited to see what God now has planed for your future. I know that God is good and He has a very special purpose for you.
Al
You rescued me out of the top of your tree in your backyard many years ago. Thank You! I just wanted you to know that I am praying for you and thinking of you and your family. And I do so much appreciate having access to your blog, Emily, and Jenny's blog as all of you are so thoughtful in your writing and this helps me to reflect on my own experiences and ways of thinking. I hope this journey for all of you gives wisdom and peace. My mother has you in her thoughts as well.
Alicia Montgomery (formerly Gasperin)
You looked so wonderful at the reunion (as you still do...LOL) this came as a shock. Your pictures and your diary are wonderful. Being a writer I do agree that it is extremely theraputic..helpful to you and helpful to others as well.
My son Adam has three girls 5,3 1/2, and 1. I know what a joy they are and great for comic relief. You and Patra are in my thoughts and prayers. I will keep following the posts. (You write so well). Perhaps next will be a book.
Linda Fisher Potash
I can't tell you what a blessing it is to check up on you in this way. You are such special friends and you can be sure that with every read and in between your names are lifted up before our heavenly Father.
We miss seeing you, but can now visualize some of what is going on and in the case of Bob's messages, smile and laugh with you as God has shown your gift of humor. We are indeed "cheered" even as serious events unfold.
Mary C.