November 19, 2006 - Erik's pushing forward

Dear all: Erik made it through surgery fine this morning. They placed a central line allowing him to receive strong antibiotic therapy for 8-12 weeks. We are praying that this will be the last of his numerous hospitalizations! What a great day it will be to know that we have spent our last night in the hospital! Yesterday's bible reading presented the following passage that we wanted to share with each of you. The past several months have been really difficult for our family and in particular for Erik. Many times people ask us how we are making it through. First of all - we don't have a choice and God has shown us that the good things that take place along the road greatly outweigh any difficulties we have faced. We have each grown and matured in so many ways as parents, as a family, and in Christ. This passage touched us because we do know that God's purpose for Erik and our family is manifesting through all of the challenges we have faced. He is changing us through each event as we continue to rely on Him for strength. We also have seen God allow us to share our faith with each of you which is an extension of His work in our lives and allows us to be faithful witnesses for Him. Please pray for Erik to become and remain infection free and for the surgery sites to quickly heal. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you . . . Erik's Family Passage 1: Peter 4:12-19: Glory Just Around the Corner "12 -13 Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. 14 -16 If you're abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It's the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they're on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that's a different matter. But if it's because you're a Christian, don't give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name 17 -19 It's judgment time for God's own family. We're first in line. If it starts with us, think what it's going to be like for those who refuse God's Message! If good people barely make it, What's in store for the bad? So if you find life difficult because you're doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he's doing, and he'll keep on doing it." END.