Update to this post (8/14/22): Thank you for your faithful prayers on my behalf. I have known the presence and comfort of the Lord. My lumpectomy went well, and my prognosis is exceedingly good. I will receive low-dose radiation for five days only (August 15-19) to reduce the chance of recurrence even more. I am grateful for Jesus, for the wonderful medical community around me, and my loving and devoted family.

Today’s cuppa is a strong one called Yunnan Noir. It comes from a part of China where tea is believed to have originated. The taste is full, with peppery notes and a hint of caramel. What is your cuppa today?

My intention with this writing was to share about my recent health journey in greater detail and ask you to pray before my upcoming lumpectomy on June 17. A small cancer was found during a yearly mammogram a few weeks ago. We will know more about the path forward after surgery. Thank you for prayers for my healing and full restoration.

Yesterday I had the joy of hosting my seven-year-old granddaughter, Eve. We baked cookies, watched a movie and played tic-tac-toe over and over. She brought the sewing kit Jim and I gave her on her last birthday and we had our first sewing class. It was a peaceful and intimate time, deeply satisfying to me as I realized I was forming a memory in Eve’s life of holding a needle, attempting straight stitches and learning that a stitch you don’t like can easily be removed and done again. As I praised her progress, our hearts were joined in a stronger connection across the generations, linking us to my grandmothers who taught me the basics of sewing. I thank God for my 67 years and for the privilege of this day.

Today I am grieving for the families in Uvalde, Texas whose children were murdered in their school classroom. Life will never be the same for these parents, siblings and extended families. My heart is reflecting on two passages of scripture as I wrestle with this and other tragedies gripping my own nation.

This is what the Lord says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.

Jeremiah 6:16

If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

As followers of Jesus Christ, may we take time to ponder these verses and respond as the Holy Spirit gives us intercessory prayers and direction for action. The healing of our nation depends upon it.