Thanks

This post has been on my mind for a few weeks now, but I am just now getting around to writing it. At least I picked an appropriate day. Four weeks ago today, Missy had her liver transplant. This month has been a blur, and it doesn't really seem like today is Thanksgiving. We do have so much to be thankful for, and I would like to list some of them here. Missy and I have been completely overwhelmed by the love, support, and encouragement of so many. I'm sure that I will miss something or someone, and for that, I sincerely apologize. Items are listed in no particular order.

I am thankful for an awesome God who loves us and supports us through all circumstances.
I am thankful for an amazing wife who inspires me more each day.
I am thankful for a beautiful daughter who always gives me more reasons to smile.
I am thankful for numerous family and friends who have encouraged us so much over the last several months. It's amazing how much a simple "I'm praying for you" can mean to us.
I am thankful for the outstanding staff at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. Each doctor, nurse, and staff person has been extremely friendly, courteous, helpful, and encouraging.
I am thankful for the Arizona Transplant House and their atmosphere that promotes healing and recovery.
I am thankful for our neighbors at the Transplant House and the family that they have become.
I am thankful for the Kerr family in inviting us to spend Thanksgiving with them today.
I am thankful for all of those who contributed to our fundraising efforts so that this transplant could be possible.
I am thankful for Bobbie and Dan Diaz in the sacrifice of part of her liver so that Missy might live. Bobbie sure picked a big one for her first surgery.
I am thankful for Tim and Kathy Williams in their sacrifice to be a donor and their willingness to do whatever was needed.
I am thankful for a wonderful pastor who flew out to be with us in July and October. His shepherding heart truly is an inspiration and encouragement to us.
I am thankful for all organ donors who help meet the medical needs of so many people that could not be done in any other way.
I am thankful for Facebook, this blog, and the texting feature of my phone that allows us to stay connected with so many people all over the world. Missy and I have never felt alone through any of this.
I am thankful for the power of prayer and the faithful saints who have prayed so fervently for Missy.
I am thankful for the Pickard family in their care of Joy while we are gone. It is so comforting to know that she is happy and in good hands.
I am thankful for Ani in watching over our house and dog. We especially appreciate her efforts in keeping snakes from coming in the door. That is something you will have to ask her about.
I am thankful for jobs and sick leave that allow us to come to Arizona for treatment.
I am thankful for the beauty of the desert that we have seen in Phoenix.
I am thankful that I learned enough cooking skills somewhere along the way to keep Missy, and sometimes others, well fed.
I am thankful for Netflix in helping keep us entertained through long waits for appointments and infusions.
I am thankful that all the people I neglected to mention will forgive me. You will do that, won't you?

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

How Big Is Your God?

We have had an interesting stay at the Arizona Transplant House so far. We were very blessed to be able to stay here after only one night in a hotel. It is much cheaper, and it is an excellent place to heal and recover. Each "casita" can house up to six patients and their caregivers. We have been blessed with an excellent group with which to share our stay.

Bobbie and Dan were able to move in to the same casita on their second day in Arizona. It was good to be able to share a lot of time with them. Phil is a very interesting character. He was released after only three days in the hospital. He was released to go home a few weeks ago, but he hung around the Mayo Clinic to get some other things checked out before he left for New Mexico. Hal and Linda are former pastors and their story will take up a soon-to-be-coming blog. They are an amazing source of support and encouragement. Scott and Denise are a miracle in the making. The details of their story will also be coming shortly to a blog near you. Ed and Jan are the most recent arrivals, but they are already fitting in nicely.

This evening, Hal and Linda invited us to take part in a Bible study along with Denise and a couple staying in another casita. Jim and Tamara are here dealing with some cancer issues. The Bible study is the source of inspiration for this particular blog post.

The study goes along with a book, Torn, by Jud Wilhite. Jud is the senior pastor for Central Christian Church in Las Vegas. The subtitle for the book is "Trusting God When Life Leaves You in Pieces". Hal thought it might be appropriate for what all of us are presently going through. Imagine that. The key thought from the first segment is "the size of your God determines the size of your trust". The key verses are from Isaiah 40:25-31. It was indeed very appropriate for our situation, and for the situation that several of my friends are currently in.

Our God is an awesome God. Hey, that would make a great song, wouldn't it? He has created a universe beyond what we could ever comprehend. We can't even begin to understand the number of stars that He has put into place, yet He knows each one by name. He also knows each tiny detail of our everyday lives. He knows what each of us is going through and struggling with. He knows about the brain tumors in Missy's former youth pastor, my college friend, and a senior at Missy's school. He knows about the teenage daughter of my high school friend who is battling cancer. He knows about another high school friend whose husband has been out of work for several months. He knows about the high school secretary who just lost her young grandson. He knows about Missy's liver transplant. He knows all about many other struggles that are too numerous to mention here. God knows.

It is God who gives strength and power to those who are weary, weak, and struggling. He never grows tired or weary, and those that hope in Him will renew their strength. We often ask God, "Why?" Why did You allow this to happen? Why do good people struggle so much? Why does this young, innocent life have to suffer? Why are You leading us through all of this?

In this study, Pastor Wilhite admits that "Why?" is a good and legitimate question. But it is not the most important question. The more important question is "Who?" Who do you put your trust in? Who is the source of your strength? Who is going to get you through whatever it is you are going through? God often does not answer our "Why?" questions, at least not the way that we think He should. Many times, His answer wouldn't satisfy us anyway.

The important part for us is not to know why life happens the way it does. The important part is to know who our trust and faith and hope are in. Once we know that the God of the universe, the omnipotent Holy One, is on our side, that He knows each anxious thought and concern,  and that He is more than capable of handling anything that comes our way, we can rest assured that He will see us through it. Their may be some pain along the way, but one day, the torn pieces will be put back together.

Missy and I needed to hear that tonight, and I have a feeling that maybe some of you did, too. Oh, and I'm sure the friends I mentioned in this post would appreciate your prayers, too.