Fragile Peace

This month at church, our pastor has been taking us through Isaiah in preparation for Christmas. It is always amazing to think back to how Christ’s birth was prophesied so many hundreds of years earlier.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
Isaiah 9:6-7

Yesterday we continued a little further into the book and considered another side of this story. Dean mentioned that he had a friend that didn’t like Christmas music because it lacked internal conflict. It was always basically “holly jolly.” Then he reminded us of the reality of the circumstances surrounding the Christmas story. A teenage mom, a hesitant husband who at first was ready to divorce his bride because of the embarrassing situation, and a young family who would soon be escaping to Egypt as refugees. Doesn’t sound so holly jolly when you put it that way, does it?!

During this time of year, many of us are moved by the remembrance of Christ’s birth, the joy of family, the opportunity of giving, the wonderful smells of holiday baking, and the sounds of laughter and music filling the air. But there are many, probably more than any of us can imagine, who struggle with at least some aspect of pain during the Christmas season. There are broken relationships, families who struggle with the mere thought of getting together, people who have no family at all, those who have lost loved ones and want to avoid the holidays altogether. There are those who are struggling financially and cannot afford to buy their loved ones the gift their hearts want to give. There are many who live far away from their loved ones. There are those who are ill and biggest wish would just be for strength and healing…and to see another year. There are those who are searching for the true meaning not only of Christmas but of life itself. As Dean shared, we are vulnerable. Our peace…fragile.

There are so many hurts. We dress it up with tinsel and lights and the hope that there will be “peace on earth, good will toward men.” How do we help? What do we do?

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body
you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness.”
Galatians 5:22

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy;
without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace
and to mutual edification.”
Romans 14:19

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life."
John 8:12

He has given us His Word and His Spirit. May we look within and to those close to us to see how fragile our peace might be this season. Let us invite this Christ Child to mend hearts, restore relationships, renew minds, heal bodies, and give the peace that only He can give.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27

Give Jesus.

The Climb Continues

Yesterday, my PA from MDA called to let me know she had gotten the results back from my flow cytometry test. For those who have managed to hang with me during this journey and actually remember what all these various tests are, the flow cytometry test is the blood version of my bone marrow biopsy (BMB). Much less invasive! At one point, the two tests were delivering very similar results, so they decided to spare my backside the pain and suffering of the frequent BMB’s and rely more on the blood draws.

Over the last year plus, my flow cytometry has shown that my CLL has grown from 2-3% to 6% to 12.5% to 18% with some questionable aspects that could only be measured by a BMB. That particular bone marrow test counted it back at 12%, but with the 17p deletion. We were very confused but grateful that my white blood count was holding.

Yesterday, my results came back from this month’s blood test, and it has now jumped from 18% to 27%! That’s a scary number. When this all started, my doctor said that as long as it stayed under 10% we didn’t need to worry. Well, we passed 10% a long time ago! Now the focus seems to be on my white blood count and platelets. As long as they hold, we can hold off on treatment. But to watch my CLL percentage jump exponentially with every draw is a bit disconcerting.

So, this is just to update and ask that you continue to pray with us. I am still working diligently to recover from my knee surgery, and we are little by little trying to enjoy a few things on our bucket list. God alone knows the number of our days. But we plan to live and love to His glory for as long as possible.


“Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.”
Isaiah 40:4

“And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light,
the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do,
and I do not forsake them.”
Isaiah 42:16