Andrea: The last time I went through 2 Cor. was when I was teaching it in a class. Right from the beginning you hear Paul talking about hardship and suffering, and yet, not complaining. As you go through it, look for the reasons that Paul (inspired by the Holy Spirit) gives for the suffering. As I recall in chapter 1 he talks about comfort and the ability that we have to comfort others when we ourselves have been what they are going through. Does that not sound like what Daily Strength is all about? But that is just one -- as you go through you will see several others. Go ahead and mark up your bible so you can come back to them easily. I am so glad that you have discovered this source of inspiration -- dave

Cliff:

I take it you mean that it applies in the sense that you have questioned why bad things happen to good people. But we all do that at times. As far as the answer is concerned, that applies to all of us equally ... man sinned, God cursed that ground and from the point forward we have all kinds of pain and pain-causing diseases. It is a matter of faith that God has something better for us, and thus, there is a reason to all of these terrible things we see around us and at times have to experience ourselves.

All do not suffer equally, but all humans will suffer at some time or another. For example, I can think of a man (and I would supposed you can too) who has profited off of the lust of others, has caused to downfall of many a young man, and has himself lived a life that is totally immoral. One might ask, where is the justice? Well, even if we ignore the heaven and hell possibility, think of how this man is going to feel on his deathbed knowing that he will soon have to give an accounting ... or perhaps he has convinced himself that there is no God, in which case he has to leave it all behind. Either way, that cannot be a pleasant feeing. It has to be at least a piece of hell -- dave

The scoop.
My transplant as a myeloablative haplo is on in 4 weeks! My younger sister is being worked up as the half match and apparently meets one more marker making her closer to a related 7/10 donor, but the workup will be identical to that used in half match transplants.
The immunostains showed I am just over 5% blasts and the trial protocol will allow me to go to the higher dose for the weeks leading in. The bonus? Christmas morning with my husband, children and German shepherd like it is every year!
I have been very anxious. Having a timeline is very helpful for me. I have been going back and forth all day between the book of Job and Corinthians. Fascinating. My son downloaded a bible onto my IPad . It is like a book on tape, so when I don't feel like reading, but only listening, I have that option.
Peace, love and hope for all of us.
Andrea

Andrea:

Keep going, and stay positive -- your looking ahead to Christmas is the best medicine you could possibly have, in addition to your studies, Please consider ...Ps 19:7-10
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Take care -- dave