We are GODSTRONG!: Luke's 5th Birthday and Port Removal

Happy Birthday to my baby boy Luke who turned 5 yesterday. He is such a super special boy and loves the Lord with all his heart and wants everyone else to also! He is a true miracle and gift from God. Although we did not get to see him until 7PM last night, he had a "perfect day." My sister and her girls helped him celebrate and did an awesome job. My mom made him a cake we had last night. It was so good to hug him when we got home from Indy and tell him his birth story. He was born at 9:21PM so it was perfect that we told it at that very time. He always loves hearing it.

Also, we feel some closure. Jon got his port out today (Friday). He is officially finished with all his treatments. His scans are clear and bloodwork looks fantastic. And now the last piece of the puzzle was the port removal(doodles--as my children refer to them). The nurse taking care of him today even remembers him from back in February! She remembered what room he was in and had told us we would party when he got it out. So today the nurse was doing the party dance!!

Please do not stop praying. When Jon comes to your mind please remember to pray for protection over his body. Pray that the cancer will not come back. Pray that he will have no other complications from all the high dose chemo he received. Pray he will get his hearing back. Pray his neuropathy will get better. And most importantly pray that God will continue to use him to tell his story to others. God has done a mighty work in our lives and we do not want that to stop. Jon uses every opportunity to tell his story to individuals and groups. Pray that God will use it to expand his kingdom. Pray that others will be encouraged to tell their story to point others to Christ and his goodness, grace, love, mercy and sacrifice for us.

Philippians 4:4-9

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

Now we are headed back to Hilton Head and Jon, Luke and I are heading to Duke University on Sunday to be at the Men's basketball game on Monday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium. What a special, special moment. Jon absolutely cannot wait and we are excited to go along for the ride. I will definitely update the blog with pictures! So watch the game Monday night at 7PM against Virginia!!!