Dear friends of the Knowles family,
Please pray for my mother-in-law, Ann Knowles. As many of you know, she was diagnosed with her second case of lung cancer just before Christmas, and has been undergoing a strenuous outpatient treatment program since then. Yesterday morning, Thad called an ambulance when his mom showed signs of respiratory distress. She is in the cancer hospital, and will likely stay there for a while. I'm not at liberty to share details right now, but the prognosis is not at all good. At Ann's request, Thad did not tell the children the full extent of the problem. If you have children who personally know any of my children, please be very discrete about sharing this prayer request with them. Another kink in the story is that four of our children are recovering from strep throat, and I am feeling a wee bit under the weather too.
I am thankful more than ever that Thad has not worked full-time since late last year, and that we only live seven blocks away from his mother. Thad's role as caregiver and patient advocate is crucial. All activities, including a local real estate appraisal class for Thad, are subject to postponement or cancellation. If you have something planned with any of us next week, please call ahead to make sure we are still on.
My six year old son, Andrew, has been working to memorize the hymn "May the Mind of Christ My Savior" with me for the past few weeks at bedtime. It is a prayer that is becoming more and more appropriate each day, especially verses 3 and 6. Here it is for your edification:
May the Mind of Christ My Savior
by Kate B. Wilkinson
(1)
May the mind of Christ my Savior live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling all I do and say.
(2)
May the Word of God dwell richly in my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph only through His power.
(3)
May the peace of God my Father rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort sick and sorrowing.
(4)
May the love of Jesus fill me, as the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing, this is victory.
(5)
May I run the race before me, strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus as I onward go.
(6)
May His beauty rest upon me as I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel seeing only Him.
A few weeks ago, as I drove Ann home from her treatments, I reminded her of all your prayers. She appreciates them very much, though she said she is not much of one to pray herself. Please pray that God will touch both her body and her spirit. Thank you for taking the time to read this and pray for our family during these trying days.
Blessings,
Virginia Knowles
