Today Janni called. She has been writing the blogs lately and I have enjoyed reading them. She has asked me to write this time and so here I am.

Janni was as cheerful as ever. The joyful tone of her voice was so reassuring to me. I am assured of the tender care of the Lord. He is not only caring for Kole but my sister as well. She said Kole had another MRI two days ago, which was a routine check. She had not heard anything and feels it is because there is nothing new for the doctors to report. Both Janni and Steve are thrilled with this "mind stretching" educational program Kole is participating in. Kole is kind of like "Rocky in training". Five days a week he spends most of his day "working out" with physical therapy sessions, "educational" therapy sessions, and the like. On top of all that he also receives a radiation treatment. You could say he has several "trainers" as well. I am a bit exhausted just typing. I can't imagine the "work-out" his little body is facing five days a week. Yet, though he might resist change, he likes competition and challenge. I can sense the kind of discipline and determination he is developing. Janni said Kole's teacher is encouraged with Kole's progress. She feels that Kole is making great improvements and is benefiting by this "educational" program even though it is still being researched. I bet the prayers of you folks out there are the biggest help. You cannot do a scientific research project on the wonderful hand of God. However, my faith leads me to believe, with my whole heart, that Kole is truly in God's hands. I like Corrie Ten Boon. One of her quotes says "there is no safer place than the center of God's will". In her book, THE HIDING PLACE, Corrie also quotes her sister. Corrie's sickly sister confidently believed that "there is no pit so deep that HE is not deeper still" (Betsie Ten Boon).

Lately, Abraham of the Old Testament as been a hot topic for me. My mom, my aunt Jane ,cousin Amanda, and myself have been doing a Bible study on "Believing God" by Beth Moore. The subject is "faith". From studying Hebrews chapter 11, I have learned that it is impossible to please God without having faith. Hebrews chapter 11 lists many biblical people who were known for their great faith and how they acted in faith. Abraham is one of those great godly men, who walked with God and had great faith even when things in his life looked bleak. I guess I have come to believe faith is more than just believing God has the power to heal Kole. Faith is looking to God daily for everything in complete dependence upon him. Faith is believing he loves you and forgives you because his Word says so. Faith is stepping out of your comfort zone to reach out to people God might call you to help. Faith is listening for God's voice and being willing to answer his call. Abraham answered God's call to move, even though in human terms it was a crazy idea for the time period. He believed and God blessed him. God blessed Abraham with a fellowship with him, and also with great provision (Abraham became very well supplied with livestock and the like). When Abraham got stuck with the rocky soil and his nephew Lot greedily grabbed the green pasture of the Jordan Valley, Abraham was not worried. Why? Abraham did not need to trust in the green grass to feed his great flocks. Abraham had grew his faith (not tangible grass) and therefore it did not matter where he was, God would provide (Genesis chapters 12-13 and on).

God will provide for Janni, Steve, Kole, and Jaelle no matter where they are and no matter the circumstance. Above all, they have a walk of faith in God, who is above all (even the doctors and treatment, though he uses it). I can not say this enough... whenever the news from the doctors was not good, Janni faithfully claimed to me that God is good. Amen sister! He is good and we have been blessed to be raised by parents who lived daily depending on the goodness of God. Now, to pass it on.

Hebrews 11:6....for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek him. (NASB)

Hebrews 11:7-19 By faith Abraham....

Jodi

P.S. The basketball magnets have struck again. Kole received a signed picture from one of the country's top college basketball teams. Of coure Kole's "basketball" ignorant Aunt, can only tell you the team is out of the state of Connecticut.

P.P.S. Thankyou for commenting. Your comments are a blessing and are being read. By the way I feel sorry for that teacher out there who has "taken to eating twinkies" (Janni loves them).Whenever, I read that particular comment I have to laugh, though not quite as "loudly" as my dear sister. The other comments are just as precious. I know the Keller's have been encouraged.