Here is the quote from the headlines on the WRAL news website this morning.
"Superstorm Sandy slammed into the New Jersey coastline with 80 mph winds Monday night and hurled an unprecedented 13-foot surge of seawater at New York City, flooding its tunnels, subway stations and the electrical system that powers Wall Street. At least 16 U.S. deaths were blamed on the storm, which brought the presidential campaign to a halt a week before Election Day."
"Which brought the presidential campaign to a halt." Sometimes God whispers in our ear. Sometimes God shouts in our faces. Life is more than political junk.
Pray for our neighbors to the north of us. We here in eastern NC know how to cope with these storms. Folks in that area of the country don't go through this as often as we do. They also have some additional challenges. We don't have subways and things like that. In many parts of that area it is flat and below sea level.
Please pray for them. God is still God, especially in the storms.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
Friday, October 26
Diane and I exercised a very special privilege the other day. We voted. We never take this responsibility lightly. It is one of the many things that make this great nation what it is, and we are proud to be North Carolinians and Americans. We respect and are thankful for those who are willing to serve in government in any capacity, from a local to a national office. It is a tough job.
Although I do believe that it is important that we participate in the process, I don't worry too much about the outcome. I believe that God will work all things out. As one old preacher said, "I've read the back of the Book. We win!"
Billy Graham stirred up some controversy the other day when he paid for an ad in the Wall Street Journal, the USA Today, and in other newspapers.
Dr. Graham's picture appears prominently in the ads, next to copy that reads, "As I approach my 94th birthday, I realize this election could be my last." It continues, "I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel. I urge you to vote for those who protect the sanctity of life and support the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman. Vote for biblical values this November 6, and pray with me that America will remain one nation under God."
At 94, I think Dr. Graham still has a handle on what God would have him say.
Have you voted yet?
Although I do believe that it is important that we participate in the process, I don't worry too much about the outcome. I believe that God will work all things out. As one old preacher said, "I've read the back of the Book. We win!"
Billy Graham stirred up some controversy the other day when he paid for an ad in the Wall Street Journal, the USA Today, and in other newspapers.
Dr. Graham's picture appears prominently in the ads, next to copy that reads, "As I approach my 94th birthday, I realize this election could be my last." It continues, "I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel. I urge you to vote for those who protect the sanctity of life and support the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman. Vote for biblical values this November 6, and pray with me that America will remain one nation under God."
At 94, I think Dr. Graham still has a handle on what God would have him say.
Have you voted yet?
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Wednesday, October 24
I have news to share with you. One of the many tests that was done at Anderson in Texas was, of course, the dreaded cancer indicator - ca19-9.
Let me review for you. A normal ca19-9 is 40 or less. In March my number was 20. In June it was 70. In August it was 262. In September it was 480.
The labs in Texas showed my number at 175. They said that the difference could be because their labs might use a different testing technique, so we did not tell you about this number. (and we tried to not get too excited about it). Today we had the test repeated here in Goldsboro. The number today is 180 - basically the same as the Anderson number. Now we are excited! An elevating cancer indicator means that cancer is growing somewhere but is too small to pick up on scans. When I asked Dr. Chang what a decreasing cancer indicator meant, she just smiled and said "I have no idea. Just thank God."
So that is what we are doing. We are thanking God. Of course we thank Him for whatever happens to us, whether it seems good or bad to us. But today we thank Him for sharing encouraging CA19-9 news with us for the first time in 6 months.
Trust him in valleys and on mountaintops! Thank you Lord for the mountaintops.
Let me review for you. A normal ca19-9 is 40 or less. In March my number was 20. In June it was 70. In August it was 262. In September it was 480.
The labs in Texas showed my number at 175. They said that the difference could be because their labs might use a different testing technique, so we did not tell you about this number. (and we tried to not get too excited about it). Today we had the test repeated here in Goldsboro. The number today is 180 - basically the same as the Anderson number. Now we are excited! An elevating cancer indicator means that cancer is growing somewhere but is too small to pick up on scans. When I asked Dr. Chang what a decreasing cancer indicator meant, she just smiled and said "I have no idea. Just thank God."
So that is what we are doing. We are thanking God. Of course we thank Him for whatever happens to us, whether it seems good or bad to us. But today we thank Him for sharing encouraging CA19-9 news with us for the first time in 6 months.
Trust him in valleys and on mountaintops! Thank you Lord for the mountaintops.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Monday, October 22
(I used this as a sermon illustration yesterday, but in a bit of a different way)
It has been awhile since I have flown. In my former life at Southco I had the opportunity to utilize airplane travel much more. This past week Diane and I sat down in our seats. The flight attendant began to speak. I am sure that she has spoken these words thousands of times. Anyone who has ever flown has heard these same words on every flight. "Ladies and gentlemen, please direct your attention to the center aisle as our flight attendant gives you some safety information." He or she then breaks into the same old song. Here is how you fasten and unfasten your seat belts. This is what will happen in the event of a cabin pressure change. Here is how you use the face mask. Your seat cushion will serve as a flotation device. Notice the exit doors. Well, you get the picture.
Same familiar words . . .
The deal is, as I look around the plane, nobody is looking at the attendant. Nobody is listening. Why? I think that it is because of the same familiar words . . .
It is easy to get caught up in life so much that we feel that same way about how God is working in our lives. It's Monday. You go to work. You come home. You have a good family, or maybe even a great family. You watch a little TV, or maybe read or get on Facebook. The next day brings on more familiarity.
That is definitely not the way that it is in my world. If God has taught me one thing during our cancer journey (and He has taught me many things) it is that I can never get caught up in the familiar. Each and every day, God shows up in brand new ways. He does that in my life. He does that in your life also. It could be that cancer has made me more attentive.
Today, instead of listening for the same familiar words from God, listen with a brand new sense of what He is saying and doing in your life. You might be surprised.
After all; it's all about Him!
It has been awhile since I have flown. In my former life at Southco I had the opportunity to utilize airplane travel much more. This past week Diane and I sat down in our seats. The flight attendant began to speak. I am sure that she has spoken these words thousands of times. Anyone who has ever flown has heard these same words on every flight. "Ladies and gentlemen, please direct your attention to the center aisle as our flight attendant gives you some safety information." He or she then breaks into the same old song. Here is how you fasten and unfasten your seat belts. This is what will happen in the event of a cabin pressure change. Here is how you use the face mask. Your seat cushion will serve as a flotation device. Notice the exit doors. Well, you get the picture.
Same familiar words . . .
The deal is, as I look around the plane, nobody is looking at the attendant. Nobody is listening. Why? I think that it is because of the same familiar words . . .
It is easy to get caught up in life so much that we feel that same way about how God is working in our lives. It's Monday. You go to work. You come home. You have a good family, or maybe even a great family. You watch a little TV, or maybe read or get on Facebook. The next day brings on more familiarity.
That is definitely not the way that it is in my world. If God has taught me one thing during our cancer journey (and He has taught me many things) it is that I can never get caught up in the familiar. Each and every day, God shows up in brand new ways. He does that in my life. He does that in your life also. It could be that cancer has made me more attentive.
Today, instead of listening for the same familiar words from God, listen with a brand new sense of what He is saying and doing in your life. You might be surprised.
After all; it's all about Him!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Friday, October 19
This morning we got what we came for from MD Anderson Cancer Center. A second opinion. They agreed with Duke that there are no signs of cancer on my scans. God is good! They also agreed with Duke that our next course of action should be to wait 3 months and do more tests.
When talking to the folks here in Houston, they do not seem to be as concerned about the cancer number (ca19-9) as my other cancer doctors. They indicated that the number could be elevated by something other than cancer, even though it could be caused by cancer that is there but just not visible.
We also got something else that we came for - a time of reflection, just Diane and I. Our conclusion: God is still in control. It's His plan. It's His time. It's all about Him!
When talking to the folks here in Houston, they do not seem to be as concerned about the cancer number (ca19-9) as my other cancer doctors. They indicated that the number could be elevated by something other than cancer, even though it could be caused by cancer that is there but just not visible.
We also got something else that we came for - a time of reflection, just Diane and I. Our conclusion: God is still in control. It's His plan. It's His time. It's all about Him!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Wednesday, October 17
As expected, yesterday was test day. We also met with Dr. Javle. He said that he would meet with his team and let me know what his recommendations are. It might be as late as Friday before I hear from him.
In the 1st chapter of the book of James it says that we should "count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that testing of your faith produces patience." I am convinced that James must have had to wait for tests results at some point in his life. It certainly has produced a lot of patience for me.
While I am quoting Scripture, Matthew, chapter 5 says we should "let your yes be yes and your no be no. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." After watching last night's debate, it looks like the evil one is alive and well in our political system.
In the 1st chapter of the book of James it says that we should "count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that testing of your faith produces patience." I am convinced that James must have had to wait for tests results at some point in his life. It certainly has produced a lot of patience for me.
While I am quoting Scripture, Matthew, chapter 5 says we should "let your yes be yes and your no be no. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." After watching last night's debate, it looks like the evil one is alive and well in our political system.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Monday, October 15
God just keeps on doing "God-things." He gave us an awesome GC Homecoming weekend. The GC Worship Team and David Steele led a worshipful service on Friday. Our 4th annual Run for Christ / Stroke Awareness 5K / 1mile fun run was the best ever. We had about 100 runners/walkers. We had some great sponsors. God gave us some beautiful cool weather. On Sunday we enjoyed a full house for worship and a full stomach for lunch.
We arrived in Houston late this afternoon. I had made reservations at one of the hotels here in Houston, but the hotel in person did not look anything like the hotel on the Internet (if you know what I mean). After a little discussion, (I didn't get ugly. It doesn't pay to get ugly while a God-thing is happening) the very nice man at the desk allowed us to cancel our reservations at that hotel and recommended another one. This other hotel is a God-thing. While we were checking in we met a lady right there in the lobby who is going to Anderson for cancer treatments. She was very encouraging.
By the way, if you ever go to Houston, a taxi ride from the Airport to downtown is $70.00. As my friend Greg Larimore said, "I'm not in North Carolina anymore." Oh, another God-thing. On Sunday somebody gave us enough money to cover the cab fare and more.
Can't wait to see what other God-things I will discover.
God-things can happen right where you are too. Are you watching?
We arrived in Houston late this afternoon. I had made reservations at one of the hotels here in Houston, but the hotel in person did not look anything like the hotel on the Internet (if you know what I mean). After a little discussion, (I didn't get ugly. It doesn't pay to get ugly while a God-thing is happening) the very nice man at the desk allowed us to cancel our reservations at that hotel and recommended another one. This other hotel is a God-thing. While we were checking in we met a lady right there in the lobby who is going to Anderson for cancer treatments. She was very encouraging.
By the way, if you ever go to Houston, a taxi ride from the Airport to downtown is $70.00. As my friend Greg Larimore said, "I'm not in North Carolina anymore." Oh, another God-thing. On Sunday somebody gave us enough money to cover the cab fare and more.
Can't wait to see what other God-things I will discover.
God-things can happen right where you are too. Are you watching?
Friday, October 12, 2012
Friday, October 12
Our sons have grown to be two terrific young men of whom I am so proud. Now, I understand that Diane and I didn't do everything politically correct according to all of those child rearing books. I can remember a time when they were small and they would occasionally like to have a "pity party." Nowadays I suppose that is called a "lack of self esteem." I guess that we could have been more compassionate, but many times when one of them wanted to whine about how life was treating them we would sing the song, "everybody hates me, nobody likes me, think I'll go eat worms." I know, that doesn't sound very warm and fuzzy, more sarcastic than anything else, but it certainly got our point across for Brad and Gabe to look at things differently.
Over these past months a pity party from lack of friends has not been necessary on our part. People from all walks of life have shown us so much support in so many ways. During these past days since we shared our news that our cancer journey is taking us to Houston Texas many people again have stepped up with words of encouragement, reminders that they are praying for us, and offers to help us in other ways. There are never enough words to express how much love we feel from other people.
It won't be necessary for us to go eat worms. We are blessed!
Over these past months a pity party from lack of friends has not been necessary on our part. People from all walks of life have shown us so much support in so many ways. During these past days since we shared our news that our cancer journey is taking us to Houston Texas many people again have stepped up with words of encouragement, reminders that they are praying for us, and offers to help us in other ways. There are never enough words to express how much love we feel from other people.
It won't be necessary for us to go eat worms. We are blessed!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Wednesday, October 10
A few blogs ago I shared an old story about God sending two boats and a helicopter to a drowning man. Well, those boats and that helicopter was not a 'coincidence.' I don't really believe in luck or happenstance. I think that it was David Jeremiah who said that there are no accidents in God's arena.
A few weeks ago Dr. West asked me to consider checking into some clinical trials at a hospital in Houston, Texas. As it turns out, MD Anderson is the number one hospital in the country for GI Cancer. (which is what I have) I made contract with a good friend who has some experience at MD Anderson. He gave me a name. That person gave me another name. They asked to see my records. Then God-things began to happen. As a result, Diane and I will be traveling to Houston next week. We are not really sure what will happen after that. But we are real sure who does know, and we trust Him.
As I look back over my cancer journey, I can tell you with a firm conviction that I have never caused a door to open. But I can tell you that I surely have walked through many doors that God has opened. It looks to us as though God has opened another door. We are excited!
One note: We had a blessed time sharing my story with the fine folks at New Hope Friends church last night. I think that they heard the message loud and clear. Everybody has as story. Your story and my story is this: It's all about Him!
Think back. Has God ever opened a door for you to walk through? The result?
Have you ever tried to walk through a closed door? How did that work out for you?
A few weeks ago Dr. West asked me to consider checking into some clinical trials at a hospital in Houston, Texas. As it turns out, MD Anderson is the number one hospital in the country for GI Cancer. (which is what I have) I made contract with a good friend who has some experience at MD Anderson. He gave me a name. That person gave me another name. They asked to see my records. Then God-things began to happen. As a result, Diane and I will be traveling to Houston next week. We are not really sure what will happen after that. But we are real sure who does know, and we trust Him.
As I look back over my cancer journey, I can tell you with a firm conviction that I have never caused a door to open. But I can tell you that I surely have walked through many doors that God has opened. It looks to us as though God has opened another door. We are excited!
One note: We had a blessed time sharing my story with the fine folks at New Hope Friends church last night. I think that they heard the message loud and clear. Everybody has as story. Your story and my story is this: It's all about Him!
Think back. Has God ever opened a door for you to walk through? The result?
Have you ever tried to walk through a closed door? How did that work out for you?
Friday, October 5, 2012
Friday, October 5
Diane will tell you that I love it when I have a full schedule of ministry to do. I will admit that now and then I tend to get a bit overwhelmed by not having enough time to do all that I think that I need to do. Most of the time I can remind myself that God has everything in His plan in His time.
On that note, I need a few extra prayers for stamina over the next week or so. Because it is that time of the Methodist year, I have multiple meetings scheduled over the next 10 days. That means that I have multiple reports to fill out. It's our UMC connectional way of doing things. I have the awesome honor of preaching for the fine folks at New Hope Friends Church on Tuesday (October 9). I really am looking forward to that. I get to give my personal insight on my cancer journey as I have seen God through all of this. Wednesday is our Xtreme group. Thursday is our Beacons men's gathering. Beginning on Friday we have a full weekend of activities scheduled for our Garris Chapel Homecoming celebration October 12, 13, 14. Friday night is a night of worship with our Worship Team. Saturday is our fourth annual Run for Christ 5K. Sunday is a full day of worship, food and fellowship on Homecoming Sunday. As I have said, a little extra prayer for me would be good.
One last thing. I am sure that you watched the debates this past week - or not. If you are still struggling over whom you should vote for, or what issues are important, continue to pray about that. We are at a crossroads in our country, I believe. But remember this one thing. I have read the back of the book (the Bible) and we win! It's all about Him!
On that note, I need a few extra prayers for stamina over the next week or so. Because it is that time of the Methodist year, I have multiple meetings scheduled over the next 10 days. That means that I have multiple reports to fill out. It's our UMC connectional way of doing things. I have the awesome honor of preaching for the fine folks at New Hope Friends Church on Tuesday (October 9). I really am looking forward to that. I get to give my personal insight on my cancer journey as I have seen God through all of this. Wednesday is our Xtreme group. Thursday is our Beacons men's gathering. Beginning on Friday we have a full weekend of activities scheduled for our Garris Chapel Homecoming celebration October 12, 13, 14. Friday night is a night of worship with our Worship Team. Saturday is our fourth annual Run for Christ 5K. Sunday is a full day of worship, food and fellowship on Homecoming Sunday. As I have said, a little extra prayer for me would be good.
One last thing. I am sure that you watched the debates this past week - or not. If you are still struggling over whom you should vote for, or what issues are important, continue to pray about that. We are at a crossroads in our country, I believe. But remember this one thing. I have read the back of the book (the Bible) and we win! It's all about Him!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Wednesday, October 3
Childhood memories are good. My family didn't have a lot of extra spending money, so I don't remember going to a lot of places and doing a lot of things. But I do have one memory of going to the Wayne County fair one year. I really don't remember much of the fair. But I do remember riding in the back seat of the car and looking out the window as we approached the fairgrounds. There was this giant multicolored Farris wheel that could be seen for what seemed like miles away.
For years Diane and I have had the privilege of taking our two oldest granddaughters to that same fair. They both learned early on that we don't get hustled by the gamers. We visit the animals and the exhibits. We eat and we ride and we eat and we ride. We just have fun. This year we even had our youngest with us. My prayer is that, to the girls, this will be one of those special times with Papa and Minga that they will remember for a very long time. Oh, and I still watch for that Farris wheel.
Making memories. Have you done that with someone you love lately?
For years Diane and I have had the privilege of taking our two oldest granddaughters to that same fair. They both learned early on that we don't get hustled by the gamers. We visit the animals and the exhibits. We eat and we ride and we eat and we ride. We just have fun. This year we even had our youngest with us. My prayer is that, to the girls, this will be one of those special times with Papa and Minga that they will remember for a very long time. Oh, and I still watch for that Farris wheel.
Making memories. Have you done that with someone you love lately?
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