It's hard to believe...

...another year is almost gone. Although it probably can't be proved scientifically, I often have wondered if God's design for man somehow includes a provision whereby our perception of time is progressively accelerated from birth to death. I have never met anyone who has stated that each year that passes is slower than the one before. It seems to be a part of the common human experience. Could it be another aspect of God's grace? Most of us will admit that as we age, life gets more difficult. Is it possible that God graciously makes life more bearable for us by speeding up the process? I don't know. Just something I've wondered for a long time. I'm not being negative about this life...I love the life God has blessed me with.

Regardless, it's a fact that this year has flown by! Life has been somewhat of a roller coaster. We have gone through hard times--Dad passed away this summer; we have lost several friends to cancer; we have made somewhere around twenty-five medical trips to San Antonio, including trips for two lung surgeries; it has been a hard year at work. The blessings, however, have been too numerous to count...far out-weighing the rough stuff. Dad has gone to heaven to be with his Savior and many friends; we have been able to make twenty-five medical trips to San Antonio; I have had two successful lung surgeries which likely have prolonged my life; I am still physically able to work. We have been blessed with good health in spite of everything. We have been blessed by the support and love of our many friends and family. And to top it off, God has moved in Stefani's and Shandria's lives like never before. We are closer as a family than ever. We have been so blessed this year. God is so good.

Briefly, because I haven't updated about the past two visits: Our appointment early in December to begin my 20th cycle on this drug was fairly typical. It did include a DEXA Scan (bone density scan), which occurs every six months with my drug. We were very blessed to have both girls go with us on the next trip. We spent a couple of days with Helen's sister's family in Austin, thoroughly enjoying ourselves before driving down to San Antonio. My scan results from last time revealed what they referred to as some "significant bone loss;" however, not to the degree that anything medically should be done other than making better dietary choices and taking daily supplements of calcium and vitamin D. There is a possibility that it is linked to the drug, but it is not certain. Our next appointment includes CT Scans...

God's goodness to his people cannot be denied. We are so blessed...

Happy New Year to all...