Dear Family, Friends, and Prayer Warriors

February 28 (date in Century Gothic size 14) I awoke quite early and almost immediately felt my heart begin to race, my mind turning toward the biopsies that day and the possibility of having breast cancer. I got up, went to my quiet place and read Psalm 91 aloud. Then I listened to “Yes I Will,” counting on the God who never fails and wanting to lift Him high in the lowest valley and sing for joy when my heart was heavy…to glorify His name, to choose to pray. Next, I listened to the song “Miracles” by Jesus Culture which recounted miracles of Jesus, asking Him to silence my every fear and I believed and trusted in Him, the God of miracles. I then listened to “You Alone” by Lauren Daigle which had lyrics that encouraged me and took away my fear so I could cling to all that God has promised. I could run to Him, my Shelter, where I was safe in His hands. I would not fear for God was with me. I was not alone in these trials; He was holding me fast and faithfully. I will not fear God, You are with me I know You’re near You’ll never leave me I will trust in You alone Next, “None But Jesus” by Hillsong UNITED helped me remember that in the midst of chaos and confusion, the Lord is sovereign and gives grace so that in my weakness, His gives grace so I can do His will, delighting in Him, and Him alone. All my delight, all my hope, all my strength is in Jesus alone. Lastly, “My Life is in Your Hands” No matter what might come my way, with Jesus I could take it. I knew that I could stand because my life was held firmly, tenderly in His hands, close to His heart. My heart became calm, the fears melted away, and I was at peace, ready to face the day, the unknown with the biopsies and potential huge changes for my life. During the biopsies, I was very calm and had no fear or anxiety through it all. God had prepared and covered me with His peace in the early morning and I was so grateful. I felt His presence near. (glyph) March 3-4, 2020 email update (Calibri Light - 16, bold and underlined, then entire email in Handlee 11.5 or another script that looks different from the main text; the email should also be justified left and right so it looks like a letter) Dear ones, I knew you would want to join our family in praying for me, because I know you care about Bob and me as we care about each one of you. I had biopsies of a breast lump and a lymph node that looked suspicious after a follow-up mammogram and ultrasound. When I heard from the radiologist, there was good news that the lymph node was clear, but the lump showed Stage III invasive ductal carcinoma. This is certainly not what we had hoped or expected to hear. I was so stunned I couldn't even think of any questions to ask. And maybe that's for the best. I am having a surgical consult tomorrow at 11:00, and we will be getting the information needed to process and to develop our plan of action without my mind going to all the possible dark places of the unknown. Fear has been knocking at my door, pounding actually, and I am choosing to trust in the One who holds me close and to whom this is not a surprise. The sermon Sunday was perfect for what is happening. The focus was Psalm 121 and where do we look to and find our help. There were four main points for me...God is sovereign. He is in control. He is loving. Do not be anxious (life verses for me from Philippians 4:6-7). Please pray for wisdom and discernment tomorrow, for clear direction on treatment needed, for supernatural peace for us. I want my life and how I live it to bring glory to God. I want to be a testimony of His faithfulness and constant presence. He is my refuge and strength. He is good all the time. Thanks in advance for your prayers. We love each of you dearly, Mary (and Bob) (glyph) A favorite verse which our son, Zach, shared with me, gave such comfort and peace: (verse indented, justified, and italicized) Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. My husband, Bob and I had such a wonderful time of prayer in our home with my dad and dear friends from our Sunday School flock at church. I shared what was happening; they asked questions and gave input. One said, “When there is a shadow as in ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,’ there is a light source, which is Jesus.” Another reminded me that Jesus weeps and grieves with us. Cancer was not part of His plan, but the result of sin and our broken, fallen world. My precious dad shared Psalm 121, and then held my hands, along with Bob as we all prayed. I felt so loved…by those present and by Jesus. I felt comfort and peace. I cried out my heart’s desire to live a very long and full life — to see my children’s lives flourish, to see my grandkids grow up and have children of their own, to grow old with Bob. Psalm 121 (entire Psalm indented, justified and italicized) I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.