Clay and I were laying in bed wide awake at 4 am and guess what we were talking about…….you. We were talking about you. You who are reading this story of our life. You friends who have known us and loved us. You strangers who have heard our story and are concerned for us. You family who are in anguish with us. You long time acquaintances who have reunited with us in our time of need. You. All of you are such a blessing to us. You have showered us with love through prayer and visits and the unimaginable amount of texts, calls, posts and messages. We truly feel that you are all around us helping us bear this burden. It is amazing how God made us to love each other. How He gave us companionship in friends and love for our families so we would better understand His love for us.

As Clay and I were talking, we ran out of words for the moment, so he said, “Will you read me some of the messages from Facebook?” So, I began to read him your many messages. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to respond to all of them but I want you to know that we have read every single one. We’ve seen all the updated profile pictures with our faces. After a while, Clay said, “I never really knew what encouragement truly was until now. I never imagined how much I could be encouraged by people’s words and prayers. I understand now.”

Many of you are sending us scriptures and songs. Keep them coming. That’s what we need right now. We need the Word of God, which is Jesus. We are desperate for Him.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. THEN you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus”

It says to thank Him first. Tell Him what you need and thank him. Well, that’s what we are doing. We are thanking Him for all of you. For His great blessings and favor in our lives. For His love that makes us free. For His peace that surpasses worldly understanding.

We could never truly express how we feel. Just know that you have touched us so deeply and we are praying for you as you pray for us. We love you. We are learning more about what it means to love you, to love each other and to love the Lord. And after all, that’s what it all boils down to, isn’t it? Love.

I’ll end with an update: We are in the process of getting an appointment with MD Anderson. I expect to hear something today or tomorrow but the appointments are running 1-2 weeks out. We are praying that it won’t take that long because of the severity of Clays case. So, hopefully, we’ll be heading to Houston next week. We are not doing any treatment until we get our second opinion there. We have received many messages with information on other clinics and trials that are working for people. We have decided that we will go to the experts at MD Anderson. We will bring all this info we are receiving and we will ask them for direction. Our greatest desire is to preserve Clay’s quality of life while doing everything possible to save it. We are believing for a miracle. How awesome would it be if we got there and they couldn’t find a tumor?! God is able. But, no matter what, we will trust Him. No matter what, we will love Him.

Clay is feeling mostly fine. Some mild headaches and nausea and sometimes tired. Right now, as I type this, he’s working. Please come visit us if you desire to see him. Your presence encourages us. Just text and let me know. Our home is open to you.