“The Journey Has Become More Difficult”
An Update on My Karen February 22, 2017

Karen and I are on a journey together. The thing about journeys is that often the road traveled is unfamiliar and contains sudden twists and turns. Over two years ago Karen was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. Yesterday we sat in the examining room of the leading pulmonologist in our area. He looked at Karen and said, “Never smoked. Never.” I added, “She’s never even been around secondhand smoke.” Of all the people in America who would be likely candidates for cancer, Karen is not one of them. These two years have been marked by God’s amazing grace and help as well as the encouragement of many friends, and of course, our family.

The last month or so Karen has worsened, and the challenges have grown. As you know, the cancer has spread from the lung to the lining of her peritoneum. Her breathing has become so labored and her oxygen levels are lowering, so beginning yesterday she is now on oxygen 24/7. Bless her heart. She has such a sweet spirit. This is a major adjustment for her. She now has green tubing that reaches pretty much throughout our home. Tomorrow she has a major test which is a CT scan of her chest. The doctors need to know if the cancer has traveled anywhere else. We so appreciate your prayers.

Here are some things that we know to be true:
1. The Lord is sovereign.
2. The Lord’s grace is sufficient.
3. The Lord’s presence is sweet.

“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

Right now, that’s all we need to know. Come to think of it, that is true for you right now as well, isn’t it?