Packing our Bags

Diane and I are so ready to return home! It was wonderful to spend the night together at the Hope Lodge. Today's Doctor's appointment went fine with the removal of half the staples. The other half will be removed by a doctor back home. We will need to return to Cincinnati at the end of April for a CT scan. The scan will be used as a base line to assure no new tumor growth. Diane will also need to find a oncologist back home to have routine cancer markers completed. Dr. Sussman who practiced at the UofM Hospital will refer us to an oncologist in our area. Diane and I will continue to pray that God will bring full healing and no further treatment will be needed.
As the apostle Paul had a thorn in his side, we have one in our side. We have asked God to remove that thorn, but rely and trust in God to take care of us and use us for his glory despite this or any thorn. Most of us, if not all have asked why does God allow people to suffer with disease and death? A clear understanding of that question may not be known on this side of eternity. I do know God created us in his image for his pleasure. Sin that came into this world separated us from God and broke our relationship with him. That is why Jesus was sent to earth as a perfect sacrifice for our sin. It was a gift of mercy and grace that would restore our relationship to God. However that gift would need to be accepted by us, a gift not opened is of no use. In order to accept that gift we need to confess we are sinners and that we can do nothing in our own power to be good enough to restore our relationship with God. It is only through Jesus and his death and resurrection that we have hope. Most of us celebrate Christmas (the birth of Jesus) and Easter (the resurrection of Jesus) but do we fully understand the impact these two holidays have? If we truly understand the meaning, then we would want to live a life that serves and brings glory to God. How do you show your thankfulness for God's gift to the world? The first step is to confess that you are a sinner and in need of a savior. Then simply ask Jesus to forgive you of your sin, and to be Lord of your life. Admit you are powerless in your own strength, and that you need God to fill you with the Holy Spirit so he may guide and empower you. You must give Jesus the honor he deserves for the love he has freely given. Ask yourself how was the world created? what is my purpose for living? What will happen to me after death on earth? what will I tell God when he asks, why should you be aloud into Heaven? The answer to all those questions can be found in Jesus, as revealed in the Bible and by the Holy Spirit. Just as we have packed our bags to leave the Hope Lodge, Diane and I are prepared to leave this earth and travel to a place that God has prepared for us for eternity. Are you prepared to pass from this life into eternity? I pray that you are. The only travel agent qualified to prepare you for your trip is Jesus! This will be the last daily blog, I will update it from time to time. Thank you for your love and support you have already, and will continue to give.

Love Jeff & Diane