Funny thing....I automatically picked purple for my text color this morning. Then I realized I wanted to blog this morning about my father-in-law who has cancer. Purple is the color for cancer. Different types of cancer each have their own color....leukemia's is clear. However, purple represents all of those who are affected by this terrible disease. My father-in-law has AML which is acute myeloid or myelocytic leukemia. He is in the hospital right now...as I am writing this. My husband's mom called him this morning early - about 12:30 am to see if he could come and help with his care for a while. So of course, this morning my father-in-law is on my heart and in my prayers. Cancer is so devastating to those it affects and to their families. Having worked as a nurse in an oncology clinic for seveal years, I know this first hand. Independence, hopes, dreams, plans....they all seemed to be ripped away in a moment. Fear wants to take hold of the lives of those cancer affects. However, I know ONE who has conquered cancer. I know ONE who gives eternal life. I know ONE who brings healing. His name is Jesus. He has overcome the world....HE tells us do not be afraid. I love the following poem..by an unknown author. So beautiful and so true. I first saw it in the lab room where patients I used to care for came and got their blood drawn. I saw more than a person walk into that room and sit down in a chair to get their blood drawn. I saw fighters, conquerers, winners, people with joy and happiness, people with hope, mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, daughters, sons....I saw people who were survivors. I saw those who were cared for by a Savior who loves us so much he gave HIS life for us. I saw people with eternal souls that cancer had no power against. This morning....I am thankful for that.

WHAT CANCER CANNOT DO

Cancer is so limited
It cannot cripple love
It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode faith
It cannot destroy peace
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot suppress memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul
It cannot steal eternal life
It cannot conquer the spirit.