Romans 5:3 (RSV) says, "We rejoice in our sufferings..." and I Thess 5:16 (NAS) commands "Rejoice always". There is no one I know who has lived these verses out more powerfully than my younger cousin, Melinda. In 2007, she was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Since then, she has had 2 surgeries, with a 3rd surgery coming up on Monday, Feb. 1. 

However, ifyou read Melinda's most recent journal post (Jan 27, 10), you will not find someone who is petrified, but someone who is bubbling over with thankfulness, literally in every paragraph. Melinda spends more time praising her surgeon and asking people to pray for God to bless him, than she does asking for prayer for her own surgery. Wow - what an example for us all.  The next time I start to complain about something, I need to shut my mouth, re-read this post, be thankful, and pray for Melinda (and yes, Melinda, I will pray for Dr. Madden too).