We're dreaming of a warm Christmas...

Yesterday I awoke around 4:45am with a load of anxiety on my mind. I felt that the delay between surgery and radiation was going to be too long, I didn't know where we were to go, I didn't know where we would stay when we got there or how we'd get around, and the price of rentals for such an extended period was shocking! Philippians 4:6-7 came to mind, which says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." So I prayed for Biz's health, and every detail of this venture...and I was still anxious. So I prayed about it again...and again...and I was still anxious. So I prayed about that Scripture saying, "Lord, you said that if I came to you about these concerns you'd give me peace beyond understanding, and I'm not feeling very peaceful." Hearing no voice and feeling no change, I got up.
I left for work with a plan. I was going get online and email churches in Boston and in Houston, explaining our situation and waiting to see what the Lord brought about. When I sat down at my desk I opened my computer and before I could do anything further, the phone rang. It was from a couple in Houston (the Pogues), friends of a friend, who just wanted to let us know that they have two extra bedrooms upstairs, with a private bath and living room, and they would like to offer them for our use...more than that, they also have an extra car for us to use...more than that, he was able to get us airfare with Continental Airlines...
This morning, at 5:45am, the phone rang. It was MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. They want to see Elizabeth on Monday.

Today I realized that Philippians 4:6-7 never stipulates how or when the Lord would bring his peace, but I want you to know that my anxiety is gone. The Lord is so faithful, and will answer every prayer...at just the time we need.

Please pray for our travel plans. Lord willing, Deb and I plan to "tag team" this trip...she'll stay with Biz for a couple of weeks, then I will, then she will. We plan to take the whole family down for Christmas. I think I'll bring some shorts, just for fun. Pray also for Biz. In many ways, this is the most dangerous part of her cancer treatment, with risks of short-term, long-term, and lifelong side-effects should radiation damage certain tissues (like her retina, optic nerve, tear ducts, and/or pituitary gland). Pray for God's protection of these important body parts, and the destruction of any remaining cancer cells. Pray also that he would both sustain and strengthen our family. It's a long time to be apart, and the kids will likely have to eat my cooking. Most of all, help me fulfill one stipulation from Philippians 4, "with thanksgiving." The Lord continues to bless us and answer our prayers more abundantly than we could ask or imagine.