Thank you so much for your prayers. Throughout the day yesterday, I would check your comments and cry when I read your words of encouragement and assurance of prayer.
Last night the doctor called. Not the nurse or the receptionist. The doctor. After office hours.
That wasn't a good sign. And he began by apologizing that he was telling me this news over the phone, but he felt that the seriousness led to immediate action.
The MRI shows a growth on Ed's brain. We know little else without further tests but with the escalation of Ed's symptoms the last few days, cancer is a strong possibility. We will be meeting with a neurologist as soon as possible.
Please continue to pray for us all. I'm not falling apart - which may be due to shock, denial, or numbness - but I choose to believe prayers are holding us up.
God's grace is sufficient even in this.
Thursday, May 11, 2017
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This is not what I wanted to hear.
ReplyDeleteWe prayed for you at church last eve. Someone read this verse (not in relation to Ed's need for prayer):
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.Romans 14:8
I've been thinking a lot about suffering over the past few months, and this verse was a reminder to me that God is my Father, and my life, in His hands, is in a safe place. God be with you, my friend. "BE STRONG and of a good COURAGE, be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
Another truth to hold onto: "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You." -Psalm 9:10. We're praying - Suz
ReplyDeleteGod's grace is sufficient, yes. This I know without a doubt. But the human part of me weeps for you and the road that you are walking. May God's presence and His never-ending grace sustain you, no matter where this road takes you. Praying,
ReplyDeleteStephanie
My prayers are with you. May you know His special nearness in this time of going through a valley. He is faithful!
ReplyDeleteYou have prayers coming from Utah, stay strong, prayer works, miracles happen.
ReplyDeleteDear Father we thank You that You hold Ed in the palm of Your hand, and no weapon formed against him shall prosper. We thank You that cradle Gina and children in your loving arms, to comfort and counsel. "Be strong and of good courage, be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goes"
ReplyDeleteWill put Ed and family on our church prayer list, and on my personal daily prayer list that is shared with a friend.
So sorry for your upsetting news. I am praying for you all...
ReplyDeletePraying you feel God near!!
ReplyDeletePlease know that my family will continue to pray. Also, you are so right..Gods grace is sufficient.
ReplyDeletePraying you feel God near!!
ReplyDeleteI don't know you, Gina, but your need is heavy on my mind and heart today. Praying for grace for Today for each of you!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear this. We will continue to pray for healing for Ed, your family, and the doctors.
ReplyDeleteOh Gina! I prayed for you yesterday and will keep praying! God be with you!
ReplyDeleteFather, I come to You on behalf of Ed and ask for Your healing touch on his body. This has taken his family by surprise, but we know that nothing takes You by surprise and that Ed's days were numbered before even one came to be. You spoke the heavens and the earth to existence with just a Word, therefore nothing is too difficult for Thee Lord Jesus! I pray that you will give Ed's family hope, peace, and strength through this trial. Even though we often don’t understand Your ways, Your Word says that you work ALL things for good to those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. Thank-you Lord for your promise that you will never leave us nor forsake us and that You renew the strength of those who wait on You. Thank-You for being our Stronghold and Anchor during times of trouble. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
ReplyDeleteMay you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. Colossians 1:11
He Giveth More Grace
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
"Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me, and I am His child."
Amen. Beautifully said.
DeleteI don't really have any words but I am praying. That doesn't feel like nearly enough but I know He is the only one who can give strength and wisdom and grace; I'm asking that He give them in abundance!
ReplyDeletePraying God's healing hand over your husband. May his peace surround your family as you wait for answers.
ReplyDeleteI am so shocked and sorry to hear this, Gina! I will pray for all of you - for grace to bear whatever the diagnosis is, and for healing for Ed. May God bless you and hold you close.
ReplyDeleteMary Beth Martin
I am so sorry that this was not the news you had hoped to receive. Keeping you in my thoughts as you face the days ahead. I know that your faith will sustain you and that your family and friends are surrounding both of you, aa well as your children, with unbounded love and support.
ReplyDeletePraying from Maine, and so sorry to hear this hard news! Praying for grace, wisdom for the drs, and above all...His peace! We love you! ~Randy & Eunice
ReplyDeletePlease know that I feel your pain. We are praying...
ReplyDeleteWhat more can be said - so many have already shared pertinent Scriptures and assurance of God's presence with you even in this difficult situation. My mind goes to the words of a song that were my stronghold during our 2-1/2 year battle with cancer with our daughter, Chelsea. Here is a link to it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KEeQ8OWIm8
ReplyDeleteEven today, more than 12 years later, I still can clearly remember how my stomach went into knots as we pulled into the hospital parking lot for Chelsea's first hem/onc appointment. I just sang the first verse and chorus of this song over and over and over to claim His grace for each moment of the day. Yes, His grace is real. And, even if you are in shock, I firmly believe that shock is an amazing part of God's grace to us, so that we can slowly come to grips with some of the difficult realities of life.
Our prayers are with you all.
We will continue to pray, Gina. Here are a couple of Scriptures that have blessed me in times of trial:
ReplyDelete"In the multitude of my thoughts within me Thy comforts delight my soul." (Psalm 94:19)
"The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7)
Thanks so much for taking time to keep us updated.
Oh Sweetie I'm sorry for this unexpected news. I prayed for Ed and the rest of you in my prayer closet. I will definitely continue to pray. Sending hugs your way!
ReplyDeleteA woman at our church had very similar symptoms. The mass turned out not to be cancer, was operable and she is fine now. God is a Healing God. There is hope in Him.
ReplyDeletePraying for you all. May God's grace surround you and uphold you at this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteYour sister in Christ, Kim
Prayers from Texas. I knew a woman whose daughter broke her arm. The mother kept repeating, "Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord." The doctor watched through an X-ray viewer as the broken bone re-joined before his eyes. Miracles do happen. Praise the Lord. In all things, at all times, Praise the Lord. Remain strong in Faith. God's Will be done.
ReplyDeleteDear, sweet Gina, Know that we are sending prayers to the Father for you, Ed, and your babes. May God hold you close thru this very hard time, and may you feel HIM holding you up.
ReplyDeleteYou and your family are in my prayers daily. I know your faith is strong, and you have the love and support of many during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteWhat shocking and horrible news. May the Father miraculously sustain you and give you strength to get through, moment by moment, wisdom for decisions, and a clear mind to keep caring for your children. May He surround you with support.
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for you and your family, especially Ed of course, but also for peace and strength for you.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you received this news! I will definitely be praying for you, your family, and husband.
ReplyDeleteWhen you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2
I will share Ed's and your story with my friend who is known as a "prayer warrior." And I shall continue to lift you all in prayers. Thank you for the update.
ReplyDelete(Bonny)
May God grant you courage, peace, and sweet times together as you step forward into the unknown. He has already been there & knows what lies ahead.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry Gina.
ReplyDeleteI know we don't know each other personally, but please know that your family is in my prayers and that G-d's will be done for your husband. Whenever I faced my hardest trial about 2 years ago, the words "Have you considered my servant, Job?" kept coming to mind. "HE will not bring you to it if HE won't bring you through it" is my cousin's favorite quote. And that is the truth. He will bring you through whatever He brings you to as long as you hold on to Him. G-d bless you all.
ReplyDeletePraying for you here, too...
ReplyDeleteWe are sending you so much love and continued prayers! All things are possible with God!
ReplyDeleteKeeping you and your family in prayer as you face this unexpected journey. May God's grace be your strength as you rest in His peace.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with you for swift healing, grace and strength for all of you.
ReplyDeletePraying in Virginia.....we serve a mighty God
ReplyDelete"Underneath are the Everlasting Arms" God comfort you and grant you His grace, strength, and peace. Praying.
ReplyDeleteMy Dear Gina,
ReplyDeleteWhat shocking news you have received but don't be dismayed. God is still the same yesterday, today and forever and His word states His will for healing over and over. Remember, Jesus never REFUSED to heal anyone (although there were people in His hometown He couldn't heal because of their unbelief). Never give up - NEVER! Psalm 23:4 says we may walk through the valley of the SHADOW of death and we have been told since childhood that we shouldn't be afraid of shadows!
Hang on, just hang on. Take God's hand and walk confidently through that valley.
Our prayers continue for Ed's rapid healing!
Praying for you all.
ReplyDeleteThank you for thinking to update us, I have been praying.
ReplyDeleteI do know that the Lord knows the answer. We can only take each moment as it comes. Allow his help and grace to renew daily, or hourly. He will supply your needs.
I keep thinking of the Psalm "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God is ever faithful and will continue to uphold you during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteGina, my husband had a brain aneurysm 7 years ago and it was a very frightening time but God in his grace and mercy got us through. I am praying for you and your family as you walk through this trial.
ReplyDeleteI don't know you personally, but I know your pain, and I'm praying for your husband, you and all your family and that you feel God's presence.
ReplyDeletePraying for you and your family. Miracles happen everyday. I pray you find one along with strength, courage and peace. Much love to your family.
ReplyDelete"What time I am afraid, I will trust in the Lord my God.
ReplyDeleteIn GOD I will praise his word, in GOD I have put my trust.; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Psalm 56: 3,4
Praying...
Dear Gina, it sounds as if you have a caring and thoughtful doctor. We'll continue to pray for peace and strength for all of you and healing of your husband.
ReplyDeleteHolding all of you in my prayers as you go through this. May you keep firm in the Lord and lean on Him for strength.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is saddened to hear this news but thankful that God is in control! We don't understand why but He loves us and knows what He is doing! May He strengthen you all through this time! I found your blog while recipe searching several years ago and have followed along! My husband was diagnosed with cancer in July 2015. He is currently still treating. We have three daughters (6, 4, & 2). We have to take one day at a time. His grace is sufficient! Praying for you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry! Will continue to pray for the days ahead, your family, and the drs! (in the spring of 2005, 20 years old, I was diagnosed with a benign tumor right below my brain. Those uncertain days were hard and scary, but it sure showed the strength of prayers!)rosene
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are for you & your family, Gina, and also for God's healing touch on Ed and all of you. Stand strong on your faith that God is in control and He will give you the peace you will need to get through this. I love you all!
ReplyDeleteI don't know you personally, but I have been following your blog for several years now. I'm so very sorry you are facing this journey. May God be very close to you. Prayers for all of you.
ReplyDeleteDear dear Gina,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about you dear husband! I'm praying for you all from here in Australia...praying the Lord's perfect will would be done and that you will know that underneath your family are surely the everlasting arms!
Dear Gina, I have been a long time reader, but rare commentor. I have just added Ed to my prayer list & will pray for Him & yourself & your family as well. May God hold you close through this time of uncertainty. ((hugs)) Renata.
ReplyDeleteContinuing to pray for Ed, you and your children.May God give u grace n strength for each moment.
ReplyDelete-a reader from TN
So sorry Gina, we will be praying for Ed and you and your children!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to read this update. You are all in our prayers!! May the LORD Jesus touch your husband with His healing!!
ReplyDeleteGina, I am sorry that you need to walk this road. As a mother of 5 young children, I well know how much you depend on your husband. I pray that God will give you strength for the journey.
ReplyDeleteGina,
ReplyDeleteSometimes life takes us by surprise but it never does our Lord! He knows all about this need and that's a great comfort.
Keeping Ed and you and the family in our prayers.
God bless,
Carrie Sargent... a faithful reader
You don't know me, but I have been following your blog for years now-ever since we were missionaries in Mozambique. My deepest and heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family during this time. Joshua 1:9 comes to mind now, and I hope it will encourage you..."Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
ReplyDeleteMany prayers and thoughts for your entire family. ((Hugs))
ReplyDeleteGina, I have been a nurse for many years and I want you to know that a "growth" does not always mean cancer. There are other conditions that can appear this way. Pray Psalm 91 for your family, and we are praying also...
ReplyDeleteOur family is praying for yours!
ReplyDeleteOh Gina! My heart hurts for you. My husband had a cancer diagnosis in April and is now undergoing chemo. Even though his is not brain-related, I do somewhat understand what you are going through in the process of waiting to find out. A comfort to me has been that this did not take God by surprise and we have felt such peace even though the process itself is not easy. I will be praying for you and your family during this time. God will give you the strength and wisdom needed!
ReplyDeletePraying in Tennessee. My thoughts have been with you since your last post, and I will continue to pray. God bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteHi Gina,
ReplyDeleteI've been away from the computer for days and just now saw these last two posts. Ed, you and y'alls family will be prayed for by us daily. We will pray for peace, comfort, wisdom and faith for all of you and wisdom for your medical community.
In Christ,
Mrs.B
We continue to pray here in Bastrop Texas. If there were perfect words I would give them, but there just isn't. But there is perfect peace and surrender with Christ our Savior. May God's grace be sufficient during this trying time.
ReplyDeleteOh Gina, I am so sorry. We will pray.
ReplyDeletedear Gina, I will pray for you all. I am so sorry to hear this news about Ed. My heart goes out to you in this strange time that came unexpectedly. May God bless you and keep you, may the very face of God shine on you and be gracious to you. May God's presence embrace you and give you peace.
ReplyDeleteLike so many others.. I checked in for a possible book recommendation. My heart aches with this news. But we know God is faithful. I keep repeating that to myself .. God is faithful. You have touched so many, Gina. I pray all of us prayerfully hold you up as you walk this unknown path. Prayers for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteMay the good Lord surround your family with His Ministering Angels. You will be in our daily prayers for healing and peace throughout this journey.
ReplyDeleteCancer Survivor
Manitoba, Canada
Lord, as the song tells us, You're already there, and you were 'here' in past days as our prayers went up to You for Ed. You hold all things in your hand, and nothing is a surprise. You are Holy, and always, always good.
ReplyDeleteI ask that Ed be healed of this growth, whether by Your own intervention, or through that of medical treatments, that he may live a long, full, life in glory to You.
We thank You now for what You have done, and what You WILL do. We are comforted knowing that You are with us always....always. For Your glory, Amen.
Meant to add: Song mentioned by me above is 'Already There' by Casting Crowns.
ReplyDeletePraying for peace, in this turbulent time. Hugs.
My husband and I are praying for you and your husband and we specifically prayed for both of you and your entire family at our Bible study tonight. I pray that you will feel God's presence and peace tonight and in the coming days, whatever the diagnosis may be.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
Praying for you here in England. Liz x
ReplyDeleteGina, Your blog has been a blessing to me and I was saddened to read this. You and your family are in my prayers...may you feel Him near as you go through the coming days!
ReplyDeletePraying!!!!
ReplyDeleteJoining you in prayer in Guatemala...
ReplyDeleteMy heart so often travels the few miles between my house and yours. Praying, hurting with you, sister. One of my favorite songs in hard times....
ReplyDeletePrince of Peace, control my will;
Bid this anxious heart be still.
Bid my fears and doubtings ceased
Hush my spirit into peace.
Oh Gina- praying for Ed, you and your family. I am a neurology nurse so I have a sliver of a perspective. Thinking of all of you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear this. Prayers from Florida. I pray healing for Ed, peace and comfort for all your family (especially through this time of waiting), and wisdom and guidance for the doctor.
ReplyDeleteI was so sorry to hear this! It sounds like you have a compassionate doctor. And I pray that all the medical personnel you will be meeting in the next while, will also have this... and believe in our great God. Praying for you all
ReplyDeleteDear Gina,
ReplyDeleteJust saw these posts about Ed this morning. So sorry to hear the news!...I haven't had an ill husband, but have been ill myself and I know what it means to have a spouse who really cares and drops everything to be there for me and it has drawn us closer...May you feel His strong arms beneath you. A favorite verse "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with Thee and the rivers shall not over flow thee"...My love and prayers, Lucinda
I'm sad to hear this diagnosis. We will be praying. His grace is sufficient and though we know this at times it's hard to cling to that. We will pray for strength for all of you.
ReplyDeleteOur blessed Lord is faithful and His mercies are new every day. I pray you can continue to press into Him in this challenging and difficult time. Lord bless you and comfort and your precious children, and surround you with His Holy Spirit!
ReplyDeleteI am praying for you and your family. God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteGina, prayers are being said for your husband for strength and healing, for guidance of all of the medical people involved and for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteOh, Gina, the bottom dropped out of my heart when I saw this.
ReplyDeleteGod sees and He understands. His arms are around you. We are praying right now.
-Wendy, for the Weavers
Gina,
ReplyDeleteYou and your family are in my prayers. It's amazing how readers can fall in love with a website and feel so connected to the writer. My heart aches for you and what you are experiencing. God Bless.
Praying for your family! May God wrap His loving arms around you all during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteDear Gina,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that you are having to go through such difficult times- you are in my prayers.
Gina, we are in Ghana praying for you and Ed and the children (which means we can pray when it is in the wee hours of your morning). May God's grace be so poured out on you that you continue to feel carried through the unknowns and beyond.
ReplyDeletePraying for you and your dear family. So hard to deal with such news and to be able to say "thy will be done"
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I are praying for all of you from Washington State. "Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD." Psalm 27:14
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry, Gina. You don't know me but my thoughts and prayers are for you too...
ReplyDeleteI just started to read this blog today. I will pray for your husbands healing in the name of Yeshua, our Healer.
ReplyDelete"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." "By his stripes we are healed"
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for you in Alabama. We are so sorry for this to happen. We will continue to pray for you and your family. Clay and Amanda
ReplyDeleteI live clear across the country, but love to read about your family of faith. I too have family of six children, and I went through a cancer battle when my youngest was one. I know that anguish and trauma that can bring upon a family, and I also know the strength that we all came out of it with. You are in our prayers!
ReplyDeleteThis is hard to learn about. I am so sorry. Although I don't know you in person, I feel as if I do in heart. I've learned to love your little family. My heart literally hurts for you all. I wish you much courage and strength for this difficult journey you are starting. Know that you have a HUGE support and prayer team. Praying....
ReplyDeleteWe are praying here in Nebraska.
ReplyDeleteMay God give you both and your families abundant grace. Our times are certainly in the hands of a Wise Creator. May He grant you many years of good times to come and peace in the valleys.
ReplyDeleteEd is in my thoughts as are you and the children. Stay strong, Gina. Hope and faith get us through the darkest times and bring us back to the light.
ReplyDelete