Well, guys, it's time to update this finally.  Not sure where to start, other than to first ask for your prayers this week for my family...

I'll try to make a fairly long story short...and just want to let you all (all 2 or 3 of you...our extended Luminous family) know that God has decided to increase the Van Clan in heaven by one more.  On Sunday Renee started having some bleeding and through much blood drawn, a couple ultrasounds and several days time it was determined our baby had never developed much beyond a few weeks old. 

The day we told the kids we our church family to pray as we weren't sure how they would take it; and figured it would be an easy time for Satan to put doubt in their minds about God and His love for us. When we told the kids Lukie started crying (he's the more tender/emotional one kind of like his dad), but Katie stayed fairly calm. She then told us that it's really ok, because in youth group last Wednesday night they learned how God's plan is best for us. They learned an acronym (MAPLIPS) to remember seven truths about His plan and how it is the best plan. She then proceeded to list them off for us! It was so cool to see her put something she learned at youth group into practical use even if it wasn't the greatest of circumstances.

Through this time; the passage at the end of  Job chapther one,  that Matt Redman put into song has been ministering to us: "He gives and takes away, He gives and takes away, My heart will choose to say, Blessed be your name." We know that God is sovereign and He knows best. We sure don't claim to understand His ways, but really are choosing to trust Him.

So, yesterday Renee had a D and C to clear the womb and in the process the dr. perforated the uterus with one of the tools. I guess it's not that uncommon, but it required the dr to make 2 small incisions in her stomach to check it out. It will heal on it's own but necessitated an overnight stay for Renee in the hospita.

I just was able to bring her home a few hours ago and she is resting on our couch. Please pray for God's continued healing in her body, and that she will regain her strength quickly in preparation for our friend coming to stay with us next week and our trip to Saipan in just 10 days.

Mark

Yeehaw! As Bo and Luke used to say. My God is so good to me! I have been selected to get promoted! I just want to say thanks to the Lord, and thanks to my family for putting up with me studying so much for this. Thank you Lord...

You know; sometimes it's the simple things God does for me that I am the most "wowed" by. For example: I was at our men's Bible study tonight and Tim our houseguest was downtown Tokyo with a friend.  He can't come back on base by himself; we have to sign him back in. And we were unsure of the timing of me getting done and him getting back.

So, I figured I'd get back home and have to kill some time waiting for him to call. We finished our Bible study/prayer time around 2210, but I stayed talking to Michael for about another 30 minutes or so. By the time I left I still hadn't heard from Tim, so figured I'd have time to go home, take a shower and wait for his call (and all the time hoping it'd be soon after I get there, 'cuz I have to get up in the morning for work). 

Well, as God would have it (in His infinite wisdom), as I'm crossing Route 16 (the main road that actually bisects our base) to go to my side, Tim is walking up to the gate guard as I am crossing the road.

I love how God gives us cool little gifts (even answers to unprayed prayers) just to show us His love. Thank you Lord for your timing tonight, for just simple little surprises that actually mean a lot.