Times

Psalm 31:14-15a

But I trust in you, Lord;

    I say, “You are my God.”

My times are in your hands

Twice this week I heard Ecclesiastes 3 preached. OK Lord, I am listening.

There is a time for everything, yet our times are in his hands…this is what I needed to be reminded of.

This past week has been full, oh so full, of times:

Times in the hospital for Chris’ 2nd round of chemo.

Just like the Chris we all know and love he defied odds and his methotrexate levels dropped so fast that the nurse said, “I didn’t know they could drop that fast”.  We are so thankful he is responding well; and because of the quick drop he only had to be in hospital for 3 days, rather than the usual 4-5 days.  

Times of frustration and disappointment as we adjust to things out of our control.  One example, one of the chemo medications that is important for Chris was not approved by our insurance.  Thankfully, it can be purchased.

Times of sending our kids off to their new school.  They were greeted with smiles and messages of: “Wow, I didn’t know you would be back!” and a loud announcement of “I’ve been waiting for you!!!” as well as a seat at the table promptly opened for one of our kids.  

Times of tears as at times some of our windows of tolerance are quite narrow in light of sudden and numerous changes and the grief still felt.  

Times of fun and laughter as the kids chase turkeys that walk past our home and as we bury each other in fall leaves.

Times of decisions and discernment.

Times of celebration as Chris turned 45!!  We celebrated with good food, family time, and a short bike ride just because we could.

We are holding tight to the One who holds us and all of our times.

Thank you to so many who are holding us up in prayer and providing practical gifts to show His love to us.

The kids came to the hospital on day 2 of Chris’s second round – here we are in the hospital lobby before Chris walked back up to his room. He felt good enough to get out of the room for a bit.

Prayer Points

Chris’s next 3-5 day hospitalization has moved to Monday, Nov 4 so we won’t be in the hospital over the weekend, which is better for our family life.

We thank God that the steroids have reduced Chris’s overall pain to a manageable level that he can walk and bike a few miles. Please pray for discernment as he starts reducing the amount of steroids, prayers for healing both from cancer and nerve pain.

Prayers for discernment as we help the kids continue to adjust to so many changes.

By 34 Comments on Times

34 Replies to “Times”

  1. So glad to hear of the shorter stay. Praying for the details of daily life with changes for your family.

  3. Jeremiah 15:20
    And I will make you to this people
    a fortified wall of bronze;
    they will fight against you,
    but they shall not prevail over you,
    for I am with you
    to save you and deliver you,
    declares the LORD.
    Spurgeon says: “but those who love the doctrines of grace, because they possess the grace of the doctrines, stand like rocks in the midst of raging seas.”
    We keep praying with boldness

  5. So grateful that the inpatient treatments have been moved to weekdays. So happy that Chris walking and biking. Continuing to pray for healing and for managing transitions well. Love you all.

    1. So grateful for the “I’ve been waiting for you!!!” I envision Anne of Green Gables sitting by her window looking out for her bosom buddies. ( and, in the most romantic of romances, Gilbert does the same for her.) May friendships and even romance grow and flourish in this part of your journey. May the windows of each of your tolerances be cracked open a little more everyday as you get much needed rest and grace and the joy of friendships.

      Side note: the recent chance I had to speak with Luis made me realize how beautiful his eyes and eyelashes are! May his eyes not only demonstrate but also perceive the beauty of God’s little graces and big gifts to y’all.

      Another sidenote: if you can see this, hi Grandma Robin!

      1. Thank you Steph. Your prayers mean so much. Prayers for Luis, Lucas and Emalene are appreciated. I echo your same prayer for Luis. May our Lord Jesus continue strong in your life as together we follow Him and trust Him each day. Hugs, Grandma Robin
        (I close my eyes and see your smiling face.)

      2. Having read Becca’s “Times” & prayed for Chris, Becca, Luis, Lucas & Emalene… & sniffling a bit I read your message StephW. I laughed so loud family came running to be included in …. How wonderful to be included in praying for you – & to laugh in joy at how beautiful Luis’ eyes are…(It was so out of the blue for me) I am honored to be able to share, care, pray. Thanks ! And I do love the family photo above !!

  6. Sending love, praising God for his answers & Daily sustaining, & praying on for pain relief & complete healing & for God to be evident in the daily details.

  7. Great to hear a few voices on the phone and have Juni get the tour of your new home! We were all like “looks soooo nice!” Thankful God has provided a space for you guys. Missing you across the pond, literally the KW pond, and the big pond of the ocean too. Love you guys.

  8. Great to hear a few voices on the phone and have Juni get the tour of your new home!

    We were all like “looks soooo nice!” Thankful God has provided a space for you guys.

    Missing you across the pond, literally the KW pond, and the big pond of the ocean too. Love you guys.

  9. The entire team at Christian Healthcare Centers has been praying together each morning for Chris and your family.

  11. Thank you for these updates. We continue to pray for healing for Chris and encouragement for your hearts.

  12. Praying for you from OKC! Praising Him for the way He’s allowing you to thrive in the middle if it all!🚵🚵🚵‍♂️🚴🏻‍♀️🚴‍♀️☀️❤️

  13. So glad to get the update from you. Keep looking to Jesus to clear your mind.
    Praying ! Praying! Praying! For miracles. Big and small.
    Love The Steensmas

  14. Good to hear about the children’s return to school.
    Praying you simply put one foot in front of the other in your adventure of life with all its surprises.
    Thanking Our Lord for all He has sent to walk along with you and help you Lift High the Cross wherever you go. Praying for you

  16. Dear Rebecca and Chris, Marc and I have been praying for all of you. Thanks for the updates. We trust that the Lord has all in control.
    You have a beautiful family. The kids are so grownup. It is a blessing to see how the Lord is providing for all that they need in your return. We are together in prayer.
    Love, Marc and Teres

  17. Grateful for the moments your family has with Chris during this journey. Many thanks for sharing your journey with us. I think of Chris often and pray for him, though I haven’t spoken to you all since you arrived here. May our Lord hold your family close to Him in this journey and strengthen and heal Chris.

  19. Continued thoughts and prayers for positive results. It is ALL in His hands.
    God’s blessings.

  20. It is always so good to hear how He reminds you of His faithfulness through His word. Indeed He is Faithful and making a way for you through this journey.
    Our family continues to uplift you all in prayer.

  21. Happy belated 45th birthday, Chris!!!! How wonderful that your family was with you to celebrate! In fact, you look so much brighter with all of them standing beside you in this picture. What a beautiful family you have!
    Rebecca, I really appreciate the theme of “Time” that you went with in this installment. Makes me think of how quickly changes happen; nothing stays THE SAME….except
    Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

  22. Chris and Rebecca
    So encouraging to hear how God is walking along side you in every way,evidenced by His faithfulness,grace
    ,goodness and love.
    Lifting you up in prayer.
    Nikki🙏🫶

  23. One of my favorite phrases in the Bible is “But God….”
    Your family is walking through what could be a desert experience, BUT GOD…. walks before you in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to lead you on the way He has prepared for you (Exodus 13). Your souls get weary and your spirits near exhaustion, BUT GOD provides manna in the form of encouragement and sustenance and warm welcomes for your kids, who are growing in grace as they see how Jehovah-Jireh provides all that He knows they need. Lymphoma and the needed treatments sap energy and endurance, BUT GOD provides renewed strength and energy so Chris can walk out of his room to spend precious family time with all of you, and EVEN (and I loved this!) go on a bike ride with the family. Discouragement and disruption threaten to topple you, BUT GOD provides hope in the night with His Word reassuring all of you that your times, your futures, and your lives are all safe in His hands of love. What a mighty God we serve!
    Holding each one of you up in my prayers, and thanking God for ALL of His provisions for you.
    –Laurie

  24. Praying with you all. We all need practice discerning the times we are in and seeing God’s hand, guidance and presence. May He be a real and clear strength for each of you. I praise him with you for what you have shared.

  25. So thankful for your updates and continuing to pray for you all, trusting God to hold you tenderly close and uphold you with his righteous right hand.

  26. Thank you for this update and excellent reminders shared – God is at work. Also, the line, “…. “I’ve been waiting for you!!!”” in this update was so very beautiful! I will continue to pray for all of you.

  27. Amid the evident challenges, good to hear the encouraging words as well–and see the nice family picture, even in the hospital! We continue to lift you up in prayer–and ultimately for God’s healing in Chris’s body!
    Dennis & Mary Lynn

  29. Thanks for the update, Praying for you and thanking God with you that Chris could be home over the weekend.

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