Merry Christmas and more

The Greatest Gift:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6-7 May you receive this amazing gift from the LORD- salvation and eternal life in the Person of Jesus the Messiah.
I just read my blog from a year ago. It is good to look back and remember where we have been and the faithfulness of the LORD our God. Especially as Dan and Ashley, the 4 1/2 month newlyweds, are heading for Stanford tomorrow for a PET/CT scan, followed up by 2 doctor appointments on Tuesday. (Update will follow.)
From the bottom of my heart I thank you for your prayers. God is good forever, trustworthy, merciful, gracious, our Redeemer, our Savior, Almighty, and gives us peace in the midst of all our storms.

A note written by Ashley on her new blog:
"Please be in prayer that the news is encouraging. Since the last 3 months have been "wait and see" months, we are hoping to see no dramatic changes...at least bad dramatic changes. The liver was hammered with radiation back in June, so we're hoping to see some very dead tumors--or non-existent tumors. As for the pancreas, we're hoping for a very tiny and non-growing tumor. Pray for the doctors to see what they need to see and to have wisdom to recommend the next steps. Again, it would be wonderful to avoid more chemo (hair for graduation would be great, don't you think?), but that is only possible if the tumor growth has been minimal or none.
Pray for peace and encouragement and hope. Let this season be one of rejoicing in God's further healing in Dan's body. May the news on Tuesday leave us just plain old exuberant."