Thursday, May 31

I pray this prayer in public often. "Lord, we thank you that you are Lord of the sunshine and Lord of the rain. You know what we need and when we need it."
That is a sincere prayer. Where I live and work, we have experienced a lot of rain lately. This morning everything looks so clear and fresh (including my grass, which is going to get too long before I cut it).
I will admit, as I have in the past, that I don't know why God does what He does, but I do know that no matter what kind of storms come, there will always be that morning when everything will look clear and fresh.

I pray that your day today will be that morning. It will help if you remember that:
It's all about Him!

Tuesday, May 29

Most folks received a welcomed and much deserved break from the daily work schedule yesterday. I took advantage of that and played golf with Gabe, Craig, and Phil. It was a good day. And I suppose that, looking at my golf game, no one could tell that I have been sick. I can hit some ugly shots whether I play every day or twice a year.
What made the day so good was that I was able to spend it with people that I wanted to be with, doing something that I wanted to do. Now, I am sure that I look at that a bit differently than most. But there was a time or two yesterday that the realization came to me how blessed I am just to be alive and to be able to be there. When I think about those times, I thank the Lord for letting it be a little bit about me, remembering that it really is all about Him.

Have you ever had those times?

Sunday - Monday Memorial Day

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.

John McCrae, 1915

Friday, May 25

So far, all of the tests that Dr. West had run have been negative. It took me awhile that this is one time that the word negative is a positive thing.
Yesterday I went to the dentist for my yearly cleaning and check up. For the first time in about 20 years, a cavity was discovered. The doctor filled my cavity. While he had me in the chair, he also fitted me for a crown that I had needed due to a broken tooth.

As bad as experiences like fillings and crowns on my teeth can be, it is really kinda nice to have something that everyone else has - something "normal." And compared to cancer treatments, cavity and broken teeth treatments are a breeze. Going to the dentist is part of life. And I like being part of life.

Gotta go to the dentist? Quit whinning. It could be worse.

Tuesday, May 22

It is kinda weird, but the fevers that I experience happen almost every Monday. They happen other times also, but my wife, Doctor Diane has a theory.
She says that I only have two speeds - stop and wide open. When I go wide open for too long, my body tells me that I need to slow down by giving me a fever. This past week was a great wide open week. As I looked back over the past seven days, we had something going on every day and every evening. But they were all good things. Yesterday was a day that my schedule caught up with me.
Oh well, Diane may be right. She usually is. So I am really trying to rest a few days.
Diane, my mother in law, and some other well-meaning church family members tell me that I need to learn that there is a third speed between stop and wide open.
I don't know if I will ever "get it."

God also teaches us things that are good for us. Maybe if I do a better job at listening to those who love me, especially Him, I will eventually get it.

What do you need to hear today? Are you listening?

Sunday, May 20

What a weekend I have already had!
Friday's Relay for Life gave me a chance to see so many people. Everyone was encouraging. But the best part is that I was able to tell people over and over that it's all about Him. Garris Chapel won best campsite in the church division, thanks to some beautiful princesses, a lot of hard work on the part of a lot of folks and Lynn Crumpler's idea of the theme "Once Upon a Cure."
I continue to be overwhelmed by the love that is shown to me and on my journey. I had 150 luminaries in my honor. The image is awesome!

Saturday night many of my New Hope School classmates met at Sherwin and Becky's house to celebrate all of us turning 60. (I'm not there yet - but I am really close)
This group is so much fun to be around. And when we are together, old relationships are renewed. We need to get together more often.

So this is Sunday morning. I am already just a bit tired. But I am excited to be able to continue to share the message with my GC family today at both services - It's all about Him!

Thursday, May 17

They postponed one of my tests until  next Thursday. I'm okay with that.

Not long ago Miss Frances Creech sent me an article entitled "Don't waste your cancer." What I got from it was that God wants me to use cancer to witness for him. (that is not exactly what the article is about, but that's what I got out of it). I have had the opportunity to tell the story of my journey to several groups, from churches to prayer groups. Yesterday the story of my journey was in the Goldsboro News Argus. The writer did a good job at writing what I said to him.
Tonight I get to pray at the Survivor's Banquet. Tomorrow I get to open the Wayne County Relay for Life with a prayer. I am blessed to be able to share my message with so many people in so many ways.

The message: "It's All About Him!"

Wednesday, May 16

Although for the most part I feel pretty "normal" from day to day, I am still struggling with some issues of stamina. This may be normal for where I am in my journey. But I am also experiencing some fever issues. A low grade fever seems to come and go on a regular basis. So I went to see my doctor who I trust, Dr. West. Thad is the one who took the first steps in discovering my cancer back in November. After we met last Friday, he scheduled a whole bunch of blood labs. He also scheduled some other tests that I go for tomorrow.
When things happen to my body, I always wonder about what is going on. And, of course the word cancer does enter my mind. I don't know if I will ever get over thinking that way.
Here is what I do know. I am more than certain that God knows the cause of these fevers and other issues. However, He may never share that information with the rest of us. That's okay. I trust Him.

I can honestly say that because it is all about Him!

Monday, May 14

I was reminded of the difference between worshiping the Creator and worshiping His creation this weekend. On Saturday we had the privilege of officiating the wedding of two special people, Ben and Lisa. We were at the beach. The scenery was breathtaking. The weather was perfect. The joy was obvious. God ordained marriage from the very beginning of creation. Everything went exactly as planned. It was His creation. Some would say that we worshiped. I agree. The Holy Spirit was there and we had a worship service at the beach.
Thank you Lord for your blessings. But my prayer is that I would never forget that the One who created all things good is the One whom we truly worship.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Lord, let it begin with Jerry.

Saturday, May 12

Tomorrow is Mother's Day. My mama went to be with the Lord over three years ago. Sometimes it seems like only yesterday. Sometimes it seems like forever.
Mama grew up in an era where you obeyed your husband and nurtured your children. She cooked supper (or dinner if you are a cultured person) every evening. Daddy would come home from work and mama, daddy, my two brothers and I would all sit down and eat together. There were no activities that came first. We did not have to go through the drive through on the way to a ball game. We did not have a lot of money, although I did not even know that we were poor until much later in life.
In those days, fathers did not cater to their children's every wants; or at least mine did not. Maybe that is why I became such a mama's boy. Yep, I said it and I am proud of it.
One of my fondest memories is at the age of 16, I called the prettiest girl in the 10th grade. Her name was Diane. Mama listened as I asked Diane out for a Sunday afternoon date. Diane said yes and mama celebrated my joy almost as much as I did. I don't know how she knew that Diane was going to be the perfect wife for me and the perfect mama for our sons - but somehow she did.
During my benefit a few weeks ago, one of my cousins said that, during my cancer journey, my mama would be proud of me.

I sure hope so.

Wednesday, May 9

Last night I was privileged to officiate my first funeral since my cancer journey began last November. It was an honor to be a part of the service for GC family member Bill Brieske.
It was not until I was on my way to do the service that I realized that I had not preached a funeral in six months. To be honest with you, I was apprehensive about my readiness for the task.

And then I was reminded that I am not in control. (One would think that I would know that by now) I am thankful for the Holy Spirit whose strength He shares just when I need it most.

Got a task ahead? Is it something that God wants you to do?
Then rely on His Power. He can do some awesome stuff in your life if you allow him to.

Tuesday, May 8

No matter what happens today, I am so glad that God will still be in control. The primary elections and the vote on Amendment One has been getting a lot of attention these past weeks.

I am thankful that people are concerned enough to discuss and debate these issues. But what gets me is that many of those same people who argue and complain don't actually take the time to vote. That is simply being a hypocrite. If you don't vote, then don't be whining and complaining when things don't go your way.

In fact, that should be the same in every other facet of our lives. If there is a situation in your life that you feel strongly about, then do something to change it or stop complaining about it. To give just a few examples; If you need to change physically, eat right and exercise. If you are struggling with your marriage, seek a good counselor. If you are not where you want to be spiritually, pray and read your Bible.

If you want to make a difference in your world, then vote.
"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.” John Quincy Adams

Saturday, May 5

This has been a week of returning.

Yesterday I tested some waters that I had not been in for about six months. I went to the golf course with two of my favorite preacher buddies. It definitely wore me out, physically. But it was good to be outside with friends. And it was especially good to return to familiar territory.

On Tuesday, I returned to another duty that was very familiar to me. This one was entirely different from Friday. I was present with my friend and fellow church member Bill Brieske and his family as he was removed from life support following a massive stroke a few days earlier. This scene is never fun, but it is always rewarding. That is because every time I have ever been in this situation God has been there. Tuesday was no exception. God was surely there. I was reminded again that it was good to be in familiar territory. It is where God is. It is where God put me. And I am grateful for the opportunity to serve.

Bill went to be with the Lord early this morning. In a couple of days I will be in another situation that I have not been in for several months. I will be leading the funeral of this dear man. Please pray that I will continue (physically, spiritually, emotionally) to be able to return to where God wants me to be.

Where does God want you to be today?

Thursday, May 3

When someone walks up to me, as hundreds of people did on Monday night, and say to me "I've been praying for you," my answer is always "keep it up. Prayer works!" I believe that statement with all of my heart. God hears the prayers of his people. He always has, from Old Testament times until even today.
Today is the official National Day of Prayer. I am leading the prayer at Spring Creek Elementary School this morning. What an honor.

President Obama said yesterday that "Prayer has always been apart of the American story, and today countless Americans rely on prayer for comfort, direction, and strength, praying not only for themselves, but for their communities, their country, and the world."

If ever we needed prayer - it is now!

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray , and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Tuesday May 1

Overwhelmed! That is just one word that I can think of to describe our feelings about last night’s benefit. We could not believe the hundreds of people who came and supported Diane and me. There were folks from all over the community, as well as people from other counties.

There are some other words that come to mind.

We are humbled at the thought of accepting this love and financial support from so many people.

We are thankful that God has put so many loving people in our lives.

We appreciate the outstanding job that Bob Ivey Smith and the Men’s Beacon Ministry did in putting this huge project together. (We are also aware that the men received much support from the ladies – but I don’t want to “start anything.” J )

And we are so proud to be a part of the Garris Chapel family. So many people worked so hard to make the benefit possible.

One word that does not come to mind when we consider all that was accomplished last night. That word is surprised. We were not surprised that everything was so well done. The GC family always does everything to the fullest. Jesus gave us His best, and the GC family always gives their best.

I do not know what the final dollar figure is right now, but I do know that the financial department at Duke Hospital will be pleased. We will be sure to write on the bottom of the check:

It’s All About Him!