I keep trying to get on here and textualize* my thoughts about the last week and a half. (*is that a word?) It is proving to be very difficult. 

There are a lot of things I would love to blog about but the biggest thing that keeps a smile on my face is that my Dad does not have cancer. After a chest x-ray and a CT scan they were pretty sure he had Lymphoma. Then he had the biopsy and even the surgeon was pretty sure he was dealing with cancer. But when the pathology report came back the cancer doctor said he had to look everything over again because he was shocked that it reported the tumor to be completely benign. And here's the thing: that biopsy wasn't just a clipping of a piece of tissue. They took a full tumor out to test so there is not really the possibility that they could have missed something. - My mom called after the appointment to tell me and said that the cancer doc was extremely happy to be able to report that he would not be able to help my dad because he doesn't have cancer. - What a day that was!!

My dad still doesn't feel good. The symptoms that caused him to go to the doctor are still there so they will approach the illness from a different angle. - And you know what, even if things change and for some reason he is diagnosed with Lymphoma or something else after all, I find myself resting in the assurance that God knows what is happening... that even if he ends up dealing with something more severe than an infection we will find hope, peace and strength in the Lord as powerfully as we rejoice in his mercy now. He is faithful in all things.

Praise the Lord!

      For he has heard my cry for mercy.

The Lord is my strength and shield.

      I trust him with all my heart.

   He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.

      I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

Psalm 28: 6&7