Sunday August 19

Even though it was a hot and muggy day in LA, acknowledging the worthiness of God and His amazing love for us was at the top of my list. We (Dan, Ashley and her parents, Jess and I) worshipped together at Redeemer Church in La Mirada. It seems when you are in the middle of something hard, worship takes on a different dimension. Every song, every Scripture seems richer and deeper and more alive. Not only that but Dan looks great! He looks stronger and healthier than he has in a long time and we PRAISE GOD for that. He's enjoying being with his buddies at school and church. Chemotherapy is coming up on Friday and we are praying that he will tolerate this round like his first round - a piece of cake. Please pray that as he comes back to dorm life and his classes he will not acquire anything his white cell count cannot handle. Pray for wisdom for our family, the doctors and Dan's friends.

30+ years ago when I first believed in Jesus as my LORD and Savior, I had never read the Bible and I came across this verse Romans 8:28. I thought I was the first one to "discover" this gem and quickly called a friend to share it with. Maybe you have never read this verse. It is truly a great promise to hold in your hand and heart. I am including some of the following verses too. Actually the whole chapter, yes the whole book is definitely worth the read.

Romans 8:28-39
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.

Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died–more than that, who was raised to life–is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;

we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,

neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

THANK YOU again for all your prayers - We are so blessed by your love and encouragement. May the LORD our God lavish His grace upon you.