Endurance is Overrated (6/27/2007)

Hello to All,

We had a very encouraging trip back to the Midwest. Thanks to all for praying. It was nice to see corn fields instead of parking lots, real trees instead of power lines, and grain elevators instead of office buildings.

In Missouri we saw family and friends on Thursday evening and enjoyed the Yarnell (Ann's dad) family reunion on Friday and Saturday. A couple of trips to her dad's grave, though hard, were a necessary part of the grieving process.

In Iowa the elders of the church publicly prayed for Ann's complete healing. I spoke on Hebrews 12:1-2 and hopefully encouraged many to persevere in their own struggles, to run their race with endurance. We spent some good time with old friends and young aunts. Most importantly, we found time to indulge at the Machine Shed and Hickory Park.

We were greatly encouraged by the love, faith and concern shown by all of our family and friends. Two items are worth a special note:

• A cousin told Ann that he has prayed more for her than he has anyone in his life. We hate cancer, but we are thankful that God is using it to draw people to prayer.
• We had an honest discussion with Pastor Charles about healing and suffering. I respect his integrity with the Scriptures and his understanding of the realities of life. We took heart when he counseled us to keep on praying and trusting Jesus Christ for healing.

The return to Dallas was rather discouraging. Back to traffic. Back to the daily grind. Back to chemo. Round 2 of this regimen was several degrees of difficulty greater than Round 1. Physically, Ann felt like she was hit by a truck for about the last five days. It could have been a lot worse, but is still wasn't much fun. Emotionally, we both ran into a wall. It's tough for Ann to remain hopeful when she feels cruddy. I think I'm just out of gas. I know it should be expected, but it's frustrating nonetheless. Quite frankly we are both tired of the race we have been asked to run. I take comfort knowing that the Psalmists and the prophets often asked, "How long, O Lord?"

We head to Houston in the morning for another round of tests. We meet with the oncologist Friday morning to find out if the new chemo regimen is working.

Prayer Requests:

• That the test results would show that the cancer has stopped growing, that it is once again "stable."
• That we would find his strength in our weakness (2 Cor 12:9) so that we can keep running this race.
• That patience and forgiveness would characterize our relationships (parents to children and children to parents) rather than anger and arguing.
• That God would heal Ann in his time and way so that our grandchildren can know her love and faith.
  

Hebrews 12:1-2:
Therefore, since we have such great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us,
by throwing off every impediment and the sin that entangles us,
let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,
who account of the joy set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame,
and he has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Thanks for praying and caring for us.

Love,
Howard & Ann