Rejoice!

Today is my Mom's birthday and I celebrate her. Happy Birthday Mom! She is a very sweet lady and is also the most wonderful mother. I love her very much! She and my Dad will be here for a visit and I cannot wait to see her. They should arrive before bed-time tonight. It's extra special to see her today since it's her birthday. I've also not seen her in a couple of months. They live in Ft. Lauderdale, a four-hour drive but with the hike in gas prices we've all cut back on our traveling there and here.

As I am preparing the house for my parents, my thoughts are far away. My cousin's husband is in surgery today to remove his neck tumor. Once the doctors remove the tumor they can do a biopsy. They are thousands of miles away and I am so worried for them. I know that God can reach everyone no matter the distance. We've all been praying for her and him but we are still awaiting an update. There is a 6 hour time difference between our countries so we are patiently waiting for news about his progress. Thanks to all of you who have been praying for them. We really appreciate it.
While my thoughts drifted back and forth to my cousin and her husband, I am also praying and this scripture has been on my mind:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7).

I will also add 1Peter 1:6-9 to encourage anyone going through a difficult time too.
6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Blessings to you all!