Pre-Wedding Thoughts

We arrived in Polson, MT - finally! It was a full two day trip from Colorado. We nearly ran out of gas in a section of Wyomong that I am sure has been used for science fiction movies that try to show the moon or Mars. Desolate does not begin to describe this enormous stretch of territory. Were we glad to finally see a gas station sign only 10 miles away. We practically coasted into the station and filled up.

James and Bethany are in the final steps toward tying the knot. They got their marriage license today so that is one more thing they were able to check off. They have to drive to Spokane, WA to pick up some of the wedding party. They hope to get back tonight sometime.

We went to Costco today and there we picked up fixings for the rehearsal dinner, where there will be about 50 people between the wedding party and other out of town guests. The Ronan Alliance Church has graciously allowed us to use their fellowship hall for this simple dinner. We are so thankful for the Alliance sense of family.

We are staying with a family from the church and they are even letting us use a vehicle of their for the few days we are here. God is so good. The man is even going to drive us to Spokane EARLY Sunday morning for us to catch our flight to Pittsburgh.

As I think of James and Bethany starting out, I can't help but think about Sharon and my wedding 28 years ago. We got married in Nyack, a neutral site for us. It POURED that night too. But we were so in love it did not matter.

I am so thankful to God for such a good son and am praying for God's best for him and his new bride. Thanks for your support for him too.

Thankfully,

Trent

Forgive Me Father For I Have Sinned

Now that my mom has gone through her cancer surgery, I have had a moment or two to reflect on what is happening. She has had had several cancerous tumors removed from her body. It was a painful process. But necessary. In order for her to even have a chance at recovery and growth she had to have the surgery.

Aren't there times when our lives get so full of sin that the simple "Forgive me Father for I have sinned" just doesn't cut it? We need to take a more radical approach, like surgery?

Today, as I go through the last full day of the Missionary Home Assignment Seminar I am going to reflect on what might need radical surgery in my life. I confess I don't really want to do this, but feel compelled to do so. How about you?

Trent

Mom's Update

My mom has come through very difficult surgery that removed tumors in her abdomen as well as a bowel reconstruction. The doctor was unsure if she would survive the immediate hours after the operation. She has since come through that for which I am extremely thankful.

The biopsy reports will not come back for a couple days, though the only doubt is which kind of cancer it truly is. Infection is a real possibility and I would appreciate your prayers to that end.

As I have been apart from her during these difficult days, I have been reminded of how fragile life is. I am so thankful for a mother that loves me and provided a great example of what a Godly mother should look like. I know the prognosis is not good, but am trusting God for the eventual outcome. Her final destination is known, but the time of arrival is not.

Pray with me for God to give her many more months and years of the journey.

Thanks.

Trent

Cancer...Now What?

No! I do not have cancer. But my mom does. This is not an easy thing to hear. Much less to endure personally. Her situation is complicated by early stages of dementia. Meaning that a decision she made yesterday will likely be forgotten about today. She is scheduled for surgery and then chemotherapy in mid July. But recently, she indicated to a family member that she is ready to be with Jesus. She is 84 and has always been a constant encouragement to me and all around her.

Pray with me for wisdom in knowing how best to proceed.

Thanks.

Trent