Update...finally

Sorry for the delay again in updating the blog - I had a rough week having eaten some fruit and vegetables (cooked) which seemed to get "stuck" (or so it felt) somewhere between my stomach and small intestine - where the stent is - I was very, very uncomfortable and could only deal with the pain by lying down and trying to sleep through it. I am going to see if I can contact the GI doctor and speak with her about some strategies for eating. The only food that seems to go down without any problem is ice cream - something I shouldn't be eating. Stephen (my son) bought me a smoothie recipe book which I am going to try - perhaps smoothies will go down like ice cream. It is somewhat discouraging to have such discomfort almost every time I eat anything. But overall I am stronger and feel better - which usually happens the last few days before the next round of chemo (which is on Wednesday). I will have another CA 125 blood test on Wednesday and will post that when I get a chance. Please pray for the effective work of the chemo, for some relief from the digestive discomfort and for unveiled fellowship with the Lord. My real need is to behold Him so I can be infused by Him - 2 Cor. 3:18 says: But we all with unveiled face, beholding and reflecting like a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord Spirit.

The footnote for "being transformed" says: When we with unveiled face are beholding and reflecting the glory of the Lord, He infuses us with the elements of what He is and what He has done. Thus we are being transformed metabolically to have His life shape by His life power with His life essence; that is, we are being transfigured, mainly by the renewing of our mind (Rom. 12:2), into His image. Being transformed indicates that we are in the process of transformation.

Romans 12:2 says
And do not be fashioned according to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and well pleasing and perfect.


The footnotes for be transformed says:

Transformation is the inward, metabolic process in which God works to spread His divine life and nature throughout every part of our being, particularly our soul, bringing Christ and His riches into our being as our new element and causing our old, natural element to be gradually discharged. As a result, we will be transformed into His image (2 Cor. 3:18), that is, conformed to the image of the firstborn Son of God as His many brothers (8:29). Thus we will be suitable for the building up of His Body.

So, through all our trials, our real need is to behold Him that we would be transformed into the same image - but this is not the end - the purpose of this transformation is to make us suitable for the building up of His body. It doesn't end with my transformation but with His building. Years ago a dear brother wrote this hymn which was his prayer for transformation. The tune is "More", which was a popular song in the mid-1960's.

1. More of our heart, dear Lord, we'd give You now;
   Even more ground to You, Lord, we'd allow.
   All that distracts us we'd despise,
   All that draws away our eyes—
   Lord, do fill our vision
   'Til the morning star has risen!
   We would count all things loss, but Jesus gain;
   Our inward parts cry out for You to reign.
   Worthy You are our heart to claim—
   Come, engrave on us Your name,
   We would love You, Jesus, more.
   
   
2. Less we would argue, Lord, and go our way;
   More we would say "Amen" to what You say.
   Grant us a walk to You conformed,
   'Til our living is transformed.
   We adore You, Jesus—
   May a pure love for You seize us.
   Any unwillingness, Lord, quickly slay;
   Even by faith we open all the way—
   Rising to heights of love unknown,
   Christ our destiny alone,
   We would love You, Jesus, more!

Oh, Lord, may a pure love for You seize us!

Thank you all for standing with me these days. I apologize for not being so available for phone calls- when I am resting, I try to not answer the phone. But don't give up and please know that I am upheld by your care and prayers.

Love,
Joanne