VISIT WITH BERT

Many of you pray regularly for my big brother, Bert Tippett, who has terminal cancer. Awhile back he wrote two guest blogs for me, sharing the lessons cancer has taught him.

http://kathyhenderson.blogspot.com/2009/09/bert-my-big-brother-shares-his-recent.html

http://kathyhenderson.blogspot.com/2009/09/ten-things-cancer-has-shown-me-by-bert.html

The journey and the lessons continue, not only for Bert, but for all of us as a family.

Doug and I visited him last week in the hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. We NEEDED to see each other!

This week he will finish up 10 more rounds of radiation and go home Thursday. My younger brother, Ricky, will go to Nashville tomorrow with his wife, Gwen, to visit our big brother.

We've always been close as brothers and sister and never moreso than now. Through his pain and weakness, Bert's smile still reflects his joy in the Lord. What a model of facing trials with peace that only comes from a close relationship with Jesus!

I couldn't stop kissing Bert. He couldn't stop caressing my hand. He practically raised me, being 7 years older than I.

No one is loving life abundantly more than Bert right now. He lives fully in "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done ON EARTH. . ."

Our visit was precious, tears mingled with joy and raucous laughter. Bert's wife, Dianne, their son, Brian and grandson, Mitchell, joined in the noisy reunion!

Then God topped it off with a blessing I'll call my cherry on top. Yes, Jack, that's a cliché and you DID teach me better. But a man I love like a brother walked into that hospital room unexpectedly. Jack Williams is my friend and mentor.

Bert had no choice. God placed us in the same family so he has to claim me. Jack, on the other hand, CHOSE me as his little sister. As he said, "I helped raise her. Bled lots of red ink over her writing!"

I was doubly blessed last week!

"Moses went on and addressed these words to all Israel. . .I can't get about as I used to. . .Be strong. Take courage. . .your God is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you." Deut. 31 (The Message)

"Even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it and I will carry you; and I will bear you and I will deliver you. Isa. 46:4 (The Message)

Bert appreciates your continued prayers for less pain and more strength and mobility. We talked about a keen awareness of God's moving through this process. His peace and encouragement flow freely as He uses the people He placed in our lives, both friends and family, to deliver His love to us all daily!

In His Hands,

Our whole family