His Grace

But one of them, seeing he was healed, returned and, with a loud voice, gave glory to God.  He fell facedown at His feet, thanking him.  And he was a Samaritan. Luke 17:14-16

Hope

Mercy

Grace

These are three words I have been mulling over in my mind for the past several days and weeks.

I need God’s grace each day.

My hope is in Him alone.

His mercies are endless.

I love the mercy that Christ showed the lepers in Luke 17.  Jesus showed he was grace personified.  His power was displayed through the healing of the leper and his horrible affliction/weakness as well as our own weaknesses.  His power is also evident by how he goes before us, this is another gift of his grace.  He knew where the lepers were and chose to take a specific path to meet them on his journey to Jerusalem.

 I see how he has gone before us and met us time and time again on our path, there are too many to list…

Our doctor on call at the hospital the weekend Chris arrived. His grace.

That warmer-than-expected fall that we experienced, again grace.

The appointment that we found that shouldn’t have been available, that was His grace.

That card that came, the friend that was available to hold space, understanding educators, the food that was shared freely, the gift, again His grace.

Getting ready for my MRIs on Friday. This is a near-2 hour process where I get 4 MRIs in a row.
No amount of snow is too little
Luis, Lucas and Emalene are each doing swim team as a club sport this winter!
Lucas is the proud creator of an icy snowball on a school morning.

Yes, I am thankful, but I don’t want to stop there. I also want to look beyond the tangible blessings to the One who gave them out of his grace and mercy for me.  Because of The Giver of mercy and grace we find strength for today and hope for tomorrow in the midst of grief, sorrow, and fear.

Chris has finished 4 of 8 rounds of chemo at Butterworth hospital in Grand Rapids, MI.  His chemo regiment is in-patient and he continues to do well so that he can go home quicker than the typical patient.  The timeline for going home is dependent on how soon he can start treatment (he needs a specific urine pH to protect his kidneys from the chemo) and how soon his body can get rid of the chemo (indicated through a blood draw).

Because this is the midpoint in his treatment, he completed a PET scan this past Thursday and 4 MRIs on Friday.  

Chris and I go to Northwestern tomorrow, Tuesday November 26th, for his lumbar puncture and to meet with Dr. Gordon, an expert in lymphoma and advisor for Chris’s treatment.

We continue to ask for prayers for long-term healing from cancer and pain for Chris.

Thank you for your prayers and love for our family.

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you!

*** The title picture was taken about an hour before my MRI at the lakeshore in Ludington, where I got the MRIs on Friday.

By 38 Comments on His Grace

38 Replies to “His Grace”

  1. Beautifully written. 💜 It is so amazing when you focus on God’s graces how He never leaves our sides and shows up and cares for us in countless ways. We are thinking of you every day and praying big prayers for a positive update tomorrow, relief from pain, and complete healing! We love you all so much!!

    1. So full of Gods grace, love, provision, presence in each of your families lives as the journey unfolds for you each day.

      Written always giving our Lord all the glory.
      Your lives are such a testament of who He is.
      Praying for your each, each day.

  2. We are grateful to be able to pray for you daily. It is an overwhelming truth that people like us can speak directly to Almighty God.
    Not only can we bring to him the joys and the Thanksgiving and the needs for healing in people like yourselves, but also for people all over the world who don’t know of the assurance, love, peace and transforming power that comes to us through the grace of God. To God be the glory, for we know He is doing great things!
    Zechariah 4:6
    Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.

  4. Beautiful rainbow. Praying for you that the God of hope will fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him. May you have a blessed Thanksgiving.

  5. Your blogs are always a blessing to read. The way you are thankful in all things!
    Will be praying that you have safe travels and all tests and scans go well.
    I continue to pray for you and the family.
    Know that you are loved so very much.
    Look forward to having our family together for Thanksgiving.

    Love,
    Aunt Dawn

  6. Your attitude of gratitude is a lesson for me and all of us as we deal with the little inconveniences of life. Thank you for sharing. May God grant your health, strength, and freedom from pain.

  7. Praying all goes well at Northwestern today. Also, for the chemo to do its work and for Chris to be ready for the transplant. We love you guys and think of and pray for you often. Thank you for the updates.

  8. Love that rainbow over your heads in the first picture. God is one who is faithful to His promises. Thanks for savoring the graces He has given to you in the recent past. Recalling His goodness will indeed continue to buoy you and us for the next steps of our journeys!

  9. Praying for you continually and so grateful for God’s grace. Much love and prayers from all of us!

  12. We always look forward to your updates. Thanks for showing us how to *be strong in the Lord and His mighty Power” while going through difficult times. Love the snowball. Lucas we promise there will be many more! Enjoy your life in MI. Love you all and are lifting each one of you up in prayer.

  13. You are in our daily love and prayers as you walk through this difficult journey.

    So glad to hear that the kids can participate in a winter sport! God is watching over them for sure.
    In Christ.

    Judie Rudolph

  14. Thank you so much for your encouragement this morning. We’re praying for you. Thanking God for you and asking Him for healing, strength, hope, grace, and mercy. Love the pictures!

  16. Thank you for sharing this message of grace. Yesterday I also was in Luke 17. Jesus goes out of his way to meet them. And us. I like that.
    Praying for you in the lumbar puncture procedure and in learning what the MRIs can tell. And for healing and much more grace. To him who has, more shall be given.

  17. Chris and Rebecca, we continue to pray for you both in these uncertain times.

    Bob and Judy Otte

  18. Prayers for good results and news today with Dr. Gordon. May He continue to build you up, with not only His grace, but with healing and strength. Both Chris and Becca’s faith, hope and love are a true blessing, shown to us all. I hope you all can have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. God bless.

  20. Prayers continue!
    I love Ludington State Park. You’re looking great, Chris and Rebecca!

  21. When I see your names come across my inbox, I do not groan as might be “natural” to do. This is because I KNOW that your message will be infused with Hope and Trust in your LORD, no matter what your current circumstances. We with hundreds of your friends yearn to hear that you are “free of this nasty lymphoma” and ready to take bike rides with your family. If we don’t get that verdict you will still be FREE for that is one of the precious parts of your inheritance in Christ.
    Cheering you on, dear Chris and Rebecca.

  22. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you continue this tough journey. Your family is precious to God and to us.

  23. Thank you, Becca, for your sharing of Hope, Mercy & Grace, really spoke to me this morning.🙏. And now I am praying for your travels, testing at Northwestern & visit with Dr. Gordon. Happy that the sunshine is welcoming you to Chicago.👍. My love & prayers for Chris’ perfect healing & freedom from pain are with you daily. I’m sure more snow is ahead for Luis, Lucas & Emalene.🎶.

  24. Thanks so much for keeping us in the loop. This is another chapter of such a beautiful story unfolding. Messy, but beautiful. It is beautiful because you keep pointing to Christ. Chris you surely are bearing the name of Christ well, as his name means “Christ bearer”, I think Christopher is your given name right? An your family, and the family of God around you also are shining like the precious jewels that they are. Praying for you brother! Love you and your family so much. And thanks so much for sharing your journey with us all.

  26. Your photos, insights, and updates are so appreciated! We join others in praying for your every need. You are indeed amazing Christ followers.

  27. Dear Chris, Becca and kids,
    We are on our knees for you and all of your family. God’s grace for us is so amazing. Such a comfort to know we can rest in him. Your faith, hope and perseverance under trial is a wonderful testimony and an encouragement and reminder of God’s love for us.
    ” The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Philip. 4:7
    Much love,
    Rob & Chris Perrin

  28. It really is great comfort to be able to sit in his grace. I sometimes think back to the time before I became a Christian and when problems came up then it was all dependent on me – now that really was hard! “His grace is sufficient for us” works in what ever situation we find ourselves. God bless.

  30. We are grateful for these updates which help us pray specifically. We are eager to hear the results of the diagnostic tests and a summary of the conversation with the specialist. May our Triune God continue to uphold you with HIs grace, mercy and peace.

  31. Grace abounding–we so appreciate your good communications, and letting us come alongside your family as you walk this path. Praying daily for you all! And sending a big hug!

  32. A beautiful reminder of hope, mercy and grace – thank you for sharing your insights. I continue to pray for all of you.

  33. Praying each and every morning during our prayer sessions for you, Chris and you, Becca ! We do not leave out your precious children, Luis, Lucas & Emalene.! Hoping (believing !) you are having a wonderful & meaningful Thanksgiving.!! We all have so very much to be thankful for…
    Thank you for your reflective words and the verse(s) from Luke. We are presently reading from the books of Daniel and John – but you have inspired us to start on the book of Luke for our Christmas readings this year. You both are appreciated as your blogs here are truly touching our hearts (mine & my husband, Michael), And our prayers for complete healing continue, Chris as well as safety & health & spiritual peace (growth too ; ) for each of you.

  34. Hi Becca and Chris,
    I love your photo with the rainbow reminder of God’s faithful mercies!!
    Way to keep your eyes on Him!! Hang in there!!
    With out prayers,
    Wendy and Craig

  36. God’s grace to you & Peace! Praying on for you ! Thanks for sharing! Thankful for you & God’s faithfulness! May you continue to see His hand of grace & faithfulness in your lives during this Advent season. We wait with you!
    Maryann & Dick

  37. God’s grace to you & Peace! Praying on for you ! Thanks for sharing! Thankful for you & God’s faithfulness! May you continue to see His hand of grace & faithfulness in your lives during this Advent season. We wait with you!
    Maryann & Dick

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