Cloudy With A 100% Chance Of Praise

When the storm clouds accumulate suddenly... when you don't have a clear view of the horizon... when the thunder rumbles the depths of your soul... when the warning sirens begin to voice their concern, one should take shelter.  Taking shelter is not simply finding any structure and trusting in it.  Taking shelter requires analysis.  One must seek a place free from flying debris, windows and unsafe structure.  Your life depends on making the best choice possible.

Psalm 121:1-2

"I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from?  My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth."

My help and my shelter come from the Maker of heaven and earth.  How amazing is it that the Maker of the wonderment which surrounds us loves us so intimately that He is there to weather every storm which comes our way with each and every one of us?  Please take the time to read the rest of Psalm 121.  It is such a comforting Psalm.

My storm is forming on the horizon.  I don't have a clear view.  The sirens are begin to sound.  I am seeking my shelter in the Maker.  Maybe this storm will pass on either side of me, and the clouds will quickly dissipate and the rainbow will appear.  I would love to praise the Maker in the beams of sunshine.  Or maybe this will be a very cloudy and dreary season, during which the Maker will carry me and surround me with His provision and peace and I will praise Him in the storm.  Either way, my help comes from the Lord!

My apologies to those friends and family whom are so near and dear to us.  I wish I had the emotional strength to visit with each and every one of you and talk this through, but the reality is I do not... not today.  When I see you or talk to you, please don't be afraid to bring this up.  I'm letting you all know at the same time, in this way, because I don't know how to initiate the following conversation.

You:  "Hey!  How's it going?"

Me:  "Good!  Oh, wait.  I just lied.  Please forgive me.  You know that cancer I had five years ago?  Well, the doctors think there is a small chance it may be rearing its ugly head again.  I have an area of skin which has thickened, has bleed and has an odd appearance.  My oncologist advised we figure out what is going on.  Yesterday, I had an initial consult with a surgeon who says the skin issue could be a dermatitis, or it could be a cancer recurrence.  Both scenarios present exactly the same way.  The surgeon did an immediate biopsy.  I should know by Friday if it is cancer or not."

Yesterday was the fifth biopsy I've ever had.  Three out of my four previous biopsies have come back as cancer.  I've decided biopsies give me anxiety.  Please pray for peace for Jay, our kids and myself. I will let you know the results when we get them.  Thank you!