These Days
We desire for the Lord to encourage everyone through these trials. The last update was very difficult to write to say the least. It would have been impossible without the comfort and peace of God. That mind shattering diagnosis triggered many things in us like: making sense of it all, seeking God’s face, questioning decisions, etcetera. With everything going on Jenna has remained consistent in how she handles situations just being her normal loving self. She has not been angry or challenging but the opposite; comforting and understanding. As we walk this journey with all of you we continue to be led down a path of enlightenment. Knowing when we are truly following God we are only kindergarteners. The journey and grace God bestows on each of us is more amazing than our ability to grasp. He is so loving and faithful. Romans 8:39, Hebrews 10:23
Jenna These Days
We have been home since the last update and Jenna is doing as good as can be expected. Some challenging days for her physically with legs, feet, and stomach. These are the same issues you continue to hear since the beginning. Even with the physical issues she continues to touch in ways words cannot explain. Jenna’s visitors know she doesn’t talk much but somehow lights up the room. To be quite honest we cannot see what God is doing with and through Jenna but somehow she is a light to many. We’re not even sure she knows that her heart is all about comforting others and letting them know God has this in His hands. To think of these things makes me long for the day we get to Heaven. In eternity we will see the impact and how Jenna has taken part in God’s plan. How you touch others without words is beyond me; but she seems to have a knack.
Becky & Brett These Days
Our kids when born required God’s grace ensuring we didn’t mess them up beyond repair. We knew each child truly belonged to God and they were on loan to us for safekeeping. If you stop for a moment and ponder it is a tall order and rather scary. With that knowledge we also prayed: God if you ever want them back we will understand.
Jenna’s diagnoses brought our covenant with God back to mind sharp and vivid. Faith immediately needed to deepen in ways we didn’t know possible. We knew what was required; (Ecclesiastes 5:4-6) although the thought is almost to much to bear. The pain these thoughts bring required us to hold onto the Word of God, everyone reading, and our Jesus. Now as we read and meditate on the Word it has become so much more alive in our trials and struggles. This now demands we live the verses that we so often briefly passed over. We grapple with the deeper meaning of verses to ensure we internalize the truths and live them outwardly. Understanding and accepting verses that before we thought we understood.
Life These Days
15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:15-18)
Paul describes perfectly how Becky and I must now live in 2 Corinthians. These afflictions though they feel heavy are light in the grand purpose. We are sad and hurting but understand these trials are temporal and will pass quickly but what remains will be eternal. Giving Jenna back to the Lord is beyond what words can convey but staying in God’s will is the safest place for everyone. If we could heal Jenna yet be outside the will of God; we wouldn’t. This type of action would put our family and anyone that may find Christ through this trial in danger of an eternal pain. To write that statement pains me to the core of who I am as a daddy but you must understand if we believe one word of the Bible we must believe it all. During good times walking in the Will of God is easy but we cannot veer when difficulties and trials approach. In light of who God is and how He loves us we must stand firm nothing wavering. Genesis 50:20 we see Joseph living this out as he knew better than to contradict God’s protection and so must we.
20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. (Genesis 50:20)
God Bless Everyone and Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
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Hello Jenna & Family-
Not even sure where to start, as I’m still trying to comprehend what I read on Fox News (where I first read your story) then clicking on the blog. As a fellow believer in our lord and savior, Jesus I know that he is the only one that can and is comforting you all!
It’s a semi sunny day, 55 degrees here in Ohio today and reading this made me stop and look through your eyes and your beautiful daughters eyes. I pray for your entire family and pray that Jesus brings you peace that in time will allow you to exhale.
Even though you have learned a lot, I’m very sorry that you all are going through this…I truly can’t comprehend it. Im not sure the public (at least here in Ohio) will get any updates on Jenna, but just know I’m praying for you and look forward to the day when we all will meet in heaven!
Respectfully,
Dan DeLozier and Family
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Thank you for the kind words. You can follow our journey here on this blog or on Facebook: Prayers for Jenna Bodiford and Family. God Bless You All in Ohio.
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Thanks for saying what was in my heart but unable to put in writing
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I came to your website through an article I read about Jenna on Fox News:
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2018/03/31/teen-battling-cancer-crowned-honorary-prom-queen-by-south-carolina-high-school.html .
I have read this March 21, 2018 blog update, as well as the homepage introduction to your website. That is all I have read thus far. I am in absolute tears right now, so happy and thankful for your spiritual efforts here in reaching others with the Gospel and sharing in how Jenna’s cancer and this journey is very much spiritual, it’s all spiritual, really. This has touched my soul deeply.
I want to be a spiritual encouragement to you. Your efforts here on this website are not in vain. The Lord has used just the little bit of spiritual wisdom I have read so far on these 2 webpages to be a true encouragement to me, to give me some perspective on a trial I am currently facing– one having nothing to do with cancer, children, parent-child relationships, etc., but one whose common denominator we all share is our individual walk with our precious Jesus Christ. Thank you for your humility. I am SO thankful to hear, it thrills my soul, to read the wonderful words put forth giving Praise and Glory and Honour to Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of my soul and the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn. 14:6, KJV).
I wonder what church you attend in Barnwell. My husband and I live in Goose Creek.
In Christ,
Rebecca Howell
2 Timothy 2:3
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Thank you for the encouragement it really means a lot to know God is using Jenna’s pain for His glory. It would be heartbreaking to think Jenna died and the only thing that come of it was sorrow. Through Christ there is life and joy and that is what we want to live on. I pray your struggles will be easy and your faith will continue to increase.
Currently we attend Crossroads Aiken. It is off of number 1 in Aiken South Carolina.
God Bless
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Dear Jenna,
Congratulations for being selected homecoming queen! You looked beautiful! I learned about you and your family in a Fox News article. As a result, I came to your Dad’s blog. I want you to know that you are a beautiful, strong, inspiring and special young lady! Reading about you and your journey has touched my heart this Easter Sunday. I can only imagine how many millions of people you and your story have inspired and put their own lives into perspective. Yes, Sweet Jenna, Love IS Powerful and I believe, Love IS Everything! I said a special prayer for you and your family tonight. God’s Special Blessings to all of you during this time of transition.
With love,
Ginny Brumfield
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Thank you for the prayers they do mean the world to us. Your statement about “Love is everything” is one way we are getting through. We decided to get through we must love others as this was the ministry that Jesus did on earth. So in our pain loving others is comforting. Again Thank You.
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Your faith is absolutely amazing. While I can’t imagine what you’re feeling inside, your faith is inspiring beyond words. My prayers are with your beautiful daughter and your entire family. Touching.
Happy Anniversary!
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Thank you please continue to pray and spread the gospel so others will see Christ through Jenna’s journey.