Made it back home to the kids around 5 this evening. We had a good experience with the Functional MRI at Emory. It was a lengthy and very detailed procedure that lasted almost two hours. They were very careful to get all the needed data, repeating several of the scans in order to make sure they got the best images possible. We now will continue to wait as all the data is compiled and analyzed. We are incredibly thankful for the medical care that we have the privilege to receive, but we do not put our trust in man genius but in God’s goodness. He continues to show us great grace in the midst of the journey He has placed before us.
In an email note to a friend this morning I was reminded of all that God has been teaching me during the last three weeks. This journey with a brain tumor has radically challenged me with my own frailness and mortality and as a result has brought great clarity to life.
For many years now, the passage in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 has served as life verses for me: “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our iner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
These days I am constantly reminded of the urgency of eternity. This has led to three specific areas where I have been growing: 1. to cherish Christ above all else (even more than life itself); 2. to reject the lie of sin and the deceit of this world (this is not my home); 3. to see people as eternal beings to whom I must reflect God’s glory (this is the purpose of life). The adventure continues, may Christ sustain us to the end!
Jonathan
Eyes on the Unseen 
Praying for you and your family and so inspired by your posts. May God’s glory continue to be revealed.
Jonathan,
Your message today show how beautiful your faith and strength is in our Lord and Savior. We are Alan and Cindy Woods, Alan and MaryBeth’s parents.
Hi Jonathan, I have had the privelege of spending time with your parents Brad and Jean Bean during the Missouri State Singles Retreat for the past 3 years. Your mother shared your story this weekend and it was a very heart tugging story. I just wanted to say thank you for living your life with such hope and faith in this time of struggle. My boyfriend, Josh Barlow, had a stroke at the age of 4 which left the entire left side of his body paralyzed. After many years of struggling to come to terms with this he has learned to use what he saw at one point in his life as something completely debalitating and life altering for the bad and has turned it into part of his testimony and is using what God gave him. It amazes me to know people like this that can use what others might view as a disability or life ending to further the Kindgom of God. Please know that I am praying for you and your family and that you and your work and testimony are greatly appreciated to those of us like me who have been blessed not to have any of these issues and still have trouble using what God HAS given us for His greater good.
Jon B! I was talking to Jason Groves the other day and he told me about your diagnosis and your blog. Thank you for you inspirational journey in life, thus far, and your witness through the current chapter of your life. The Lord has already used you, as today you reminded me to keep my life in perspective and to keep the main thing as the Main Thing. I hugged my husband and son tight and thanked the Lord for the blessing of them as I whispered a prayer that he hold you, Karla, and your kids in His peace each day. Strength and Purpose be your companions!
In His Love, Jessie Swan (Settle)
Jonathan,
Thank you for exhibiting grace in the midst of this trial and encouraging me to persevere as well. I am praying for you today.
Steve