December 7th, 1941

65 years ago yesterday, at 0600, a fleet of 33 Japanese ships, including 6 aircraft carriers, launched an air attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet anchored in Pearl Harbor, Oahu. 2,388 U.S. military service men and women lost their lives on that day.

It is good to remember and honor their sacrifice. They are the reason we live in a great nation today.

Val and Paul went to USC Norris for Chemotherapy yesterday. Her blood numbers were improved from the last test done on 11/20. Hemo. 9.2, Bili. 3.1, AST 50, ALT 41, platelets 181, and alkaline phosphate 197. She is feeling pretty good, just tired from trying to keep up the pace of her family. Albumin is too low. She needs more protein intake.

One of our biggest concerns is abdominal fluid retention, that may or may not be Ascites. She is taking a diuretic. Dr. Lenz wants her back to USC next week if it doesn't improve. They will take a sample for analysis. Please pray that this fluid will subside on it's own.

HIDDEN IN CHRIST

In Colossians 3:3, Paul reminds us, "you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." According to II Corinthians 4:7, "we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."

On this earth, we are the veiled repository of God's treasures. When the Lord Jesus comes at the end of time, He will reveal to the world not only His glory but the glory of those who have hoped in Him. Colossians 3:4 reveals this truth; when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

"Beloved," wrote the Apostle John in I John 3:2, "now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when he is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."

Immediately after John and Paul explain the Christian's hope of glory, they take us to the practical application to our lives. John says, "And everyone who has this hope in himself purifies himself, just as he is pure." Paul says, "Therefore put to death...fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness.

While we wait the final revelation of glory, we are to live an inner life of holiness, without which "no one will see the Lord," according to Hebrews 12:14.

Thus it has always been. The hidden lives of the saints. Their communion with God, their obedience is concealed. But the Good Shepherd knows them. He calls them by name.

Godspeed