Greetings In Jesus!

Well–everything has been set for my medical issues.

I will be in Seattle this Thursday–doctors appointments Friday and Saturday with the surgeon as well as an endocrinologist (Thyroid specialist). We will be discussing alternatives to surgery on Friday, and I have yet another ultrasound on Saturday. My surgery is set for Tuesday, Aug. 19th, but that may change (I hope!).

I will be 41 on the 22nd of this month–I may even be in a hospital bed on my birthday–that would suck! It seems that every year that I increase in age I become pensive and take stock of my life. I know it is a goal for many to leave their mark on the world; however, I don’t share that goal. My goal is to leave Jesus’ mark on the world as much as I possibly can. I believe I am doing that, and I believe that God has so much more for me to do. And I am excited about it! I have known for years now that I would be a publisher for Him–I had to wait for His time–which was years later than my time (Isn’t that how it always is?). And while He was training me for my future position He kept impressing on me that my most important position that He gave me was as a Mother, Mom, Mommy He continues to remind me of that, and that my family and home come first.

That is why I work from home. I do run off to the library every now and then to work in PEACE, but for the most part I am always here for my kids and my husband. Now I am not going to be for awhile, and I know they are concerned and are dealing with all of this “medical stuff” as best they can.

I am trying to do my best to make it fun for them, so they don’t worry about me when I am south. I am sending our two teens, Zack & Cristina, on vacation for two weeks to visit Nick (Our 21-year-old) in Juneau, and our 11-year-old, Chris Jr., is going commercial fishing with Dad until the first week or so in September. I will be homeschooling him (at his urgent request) for sixth grade (help!!!) so he does not need to be back at the end of the month like the other two.

They are all going to have a ton of fun and forget all about me and my tumor. At least I know Zack & Cristina will not think of me, until they run out of spending money! :>) Christerpher will probably have a harder time with this. Not only does he get motion sickness (ugh!), but he and I are prayer partners on a daily basis. We will both miss that. I am sure I will miss them a lot more than they will miss me. That is a good thing–I want them to enjoy their vacations. And I will enjoy mine ; )

I am officially on medical leave until September 1st. Thank you for your prayers during this difficult time for me and my family. God is good, and He will work this out for the good–because we love Him!

The September/October issue of The Fit Christian Magazine will not be published as scheduled, but will be out by September 15th.

Thank you for understanding.

Angela