"Father, I thank you that you have heard me."

Tomorrow I go back to work. Today I will attempt to accomplish my "what's left to do this summer" list. I think I will need more than one day.
I was able to attend the National Masters Track and Field championships in Oh So Hot Sacramento where the temperature hovered at 100 degrees each day. I placed 4th in shot with my second best throw of the year, 4 in discus with 3 personal records, 5th in hammer and 2nd in javelin. I threw against the American record holder in each event and the world record holder in hammer. Overall I was very pleased. In the process of training it looks like I've torn the meniscus in my right knee. I will have an MRI next week and see what the doctor recommends. Possible surgery once my season is over. I am still able to train and compete with recovery pain after each session but the doctor told me I am not making it worse.
After Nationals we went to Echo Lake for 4 days to vacation with all the girls. What a wonderful, laughter filled time at our favorite place! Time has stood still since this family cabin was built by my grandfather in 1932.
The day after we returned we put Cori on the plane for New York so she can finish her one year staff commitment to Metro Ministries. She is touching the lives of thousands of children each week. Chalese was hired at Christian to teach 10th grade English! She is ecstatic to have a full time job with benefits. She may have also torn her meniscus so she needs to get an MRI soon. It is not an inherited trait!
Taryn leaves in 3 weeks for Taylor University in Upland Indiana. We will fly back to help get her settled into her dorm. She is entering with 26 units of credit from her AP scores, which will enable her to double major in theater and Spanish.
Ashley is cutting hair at a salon near Balboa Park and working 2 other jobs while she builds her clientele. She is very excited to be working at this salon with only 3 other stylists.
Next week I will get a sonogram and mammogram. My blood work looks O.K. I am making an appointment with my nutritionist to read my blood panel. My white blood cell count is a little low. I feel great though.

Today in my devotions I was reading in John Chapter 11. Jesus was at Lazarus's tomb and he had asked the stone to be rolled away. He looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of people standing here, that they may believe you sent me."
Immediately after saying this he commanded Lazarus to come out of his grave. Streams in the Desert says, "The sequence of events in this passage seems strange and unusual. Lazarus was still in the tomb, yet Jesus' thanksgiving preceded the miracle of raising him from the dead. It seems that thanks would only have been lifted up once the great miracle had been accomplished and Lazarus had been restored to life. But Jesus gave thanks for what He was about to receive. His gratitude sprang forth before the blessing had arrived, in an expression of assurance that it was certainly on its way.The song of victory was sung before the battle had been fought. Who ever thinks of announcing a victory song as the army is just heading out to the battlefield? And where do we ever hear a song of gratitude and thanksgiving for an answer that has not yet been received?"
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Hebrews 11:1

Will you be commended by your heavenly Father for being a man or woman of faith? Do you believe and stand on His word no matter what your circumstances tell you? Are your emotions governed by your circumstances or the truth of His promises? God will stretch, strengthen and test your faith in order to help you become more like Him. Cast your cares onto Him because He cares for you. Let your praise precede you into battle. Every battle you engage in is the Lord's. Let Him fight it for you. Run to your giant, not away from it. Arm yourself with His word. Refuse to let the enemy steal your joy, your hope, your trust. He will only take what you give him.
August 29th will mark the end of 3 years since being diagnosed with cancer. I have faced death, depression, despair, loss, pain, and a radical lifestyle change (not to mention all the medical procedures) but I have faced them with a God who loves me. I am grateful to be alive and enjoying good health, and to have ministry from this giant that marched into my life wielding a sword of death and destruction. I did not choose cancer, but God allowed it to choose me. I thank Him for what this journey has done for my faith. It has been a privilege to reflect His image for all to see these past 3 years. I hope I have made him proud.