Dear Friends,

I had hoped to post a new blog at least once a week, however last week I found myself recovering from oral surgery and was a bit out of commission. I am greatly improved!

Paul, our son, safely arrived in Ireland a week ago for his semester abroad. Thank you for your prayers.

Cliff saw his oncologist last week and his blood work was perfect! His doctor was pleased with his progress. The only side effect has been hair loss, and he is still a very handsome man without hair. He has been wearing a knit cap "stitched with prayer" from my cousin and an FBI cap from my brother. His new hats have been such an encouragement to him.

We understand there are lessons we can only learn "in the shadow" of God's hand. As we walk this dark path, we understand that God is holding us even closer. Here is an exerpt from a devotional that was especially encouraging to us last week:

"In the shadow of his hand He hid me; He made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver." (Isaiah 49:2) In some realms of nature, shadows or darkness are the places of greatest growth. The beautiful Indian corn never grows more rapidly than in the darkness of a warm summer night. The starry beauty of the sky cannot be seen at its peak until the shadows of night slip over the sky. Lands with fog, clouds, and shade are lush with greenery. And there are beautiful flowers that bloom in the shade that will never bloom in the sun. The evening primrose will not open in the noonday sun but only reveals its beauty as the shadows of the evening grow longer.

The author concluded that the quiver is always tied to the warrior and is within easy reach of his hand. How thankful we are that during the tough times, God keeps us close.

Again, we are blessed by your prayers, meals, cards, emails, phone calls, and visits. Thank you for loving our family!

Love,
Beth