Sunday, December 29

Merry Christmas Blog Friends,
I know. Today is the 29th, that would be four days after Christmas. Christmas is over. Maybe not. In a few days you can go to I-Tunes and listen to today's sermon to hear how I feel about that. So anyway, Merry Christmas.
As for my cancer journey, someone once said that one could tell how I am doing by the length of time between blogs. The problem is, if I go for a long time without blogging, it could mean that I am doing really well, or really bad. I noticed that it has been several days since my last post. In this case, the meaning is at both of the ends of the spectrum. I had a great several days before and during Christmas. I really felt well, and it was good to experience that feeling. However, In just a few short days, I don't have any idea what happened, but I ran into a brick wall. (Which is strange if you think about it, since I don't run) Anyway, the last few days have been as miserable as the previous days were good. I don't know what c--- feels like, but I am pretty sure that I feel like it. I suppose that it goes with the journey.
Tomorrow is chemo day. Everything is subject to change. Pray that it will be a change for the better.
Whatever it is, it will be good because it will be all about HIM.

Thursday, December 19

I have been afforded the opportunity and responsibility of preaching for over 20 years. The good folks at Garris Chapel have been the ears for about 1000 of my sermons. If you ask just about anyone at GC or any other of those places, I would be willing to make you a bet. (Of course, any answer would give me a better chance of winning than being sucked into an "education" lottery) I would be willing to bet that no one can remember a sermon I have ever given on a social issue. Oh, I might use a little sarcastic one liner about politicians or some stupid government policy. But when it comes to individual opinions that amount to just that-opinions, it is not my custom to use God's pulpit to give mine. The truth is, I am probably more moderate and less conservative than some of my folks would like.

But when Phil Roberson of Duck Dynasty fame is not only publicly persecuted, and personally ridiculed, but is expelled from his vocation for answering a question about his belief, it goes beyond opinion giving.

First and foremost, if they didn't want to know, they should not have asked. It is not like you can watch any of the Duck Dynasty shows and not know their opinions on any moral issues. And hello, the show almost always ends with a prayer "in Jesus name." Is anyone surprised at the father of the dynasty's answer and explanation? Frankly, I would have been surprised and disappointed in any other response.

And then there is the issue. Am I talking about the issue of homosexuality? Read Phil's response again. Phil began with "everything is blurred on what's right and what's wrong. . . Sin becomes fine." There, my blog reading friend, is the issue. The issue is sin. And no matter how you spin it, no matter how you rationalize it, and no matter how you excuse it, ol' Phil is right. Don't be deceived. The act of homosexuality is a sin. He could not have said it better or more clearly. It's not right. It's not logical. And they will not inherit the kingdom of God. And for that response, he was persecuted.

By the way, this all started with an article in GQ Magazine written by Drew Magary. When I actually read the article, I was quickly turned off by his writing skills and his style. His writing isn't worth my time. How did he get a job with GQ anyway? Oh that's right. It's GQ.

And one more thing, (I know, this post is getting a bit long) but does nobody not remember that Phil also said in that same interview, "However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different than me. We are all created by the Almighty and like Him, I love all of humanity. We would all be better off if we loved God and loved each other."

Again, Phil Roberson is right.

Saturday, December14

There are as many ways to celebrate Christmas as there are people, I suppose. This year we have had the privilege of celebrating Christmas with some folks to whom God has given much talent. The GC youth and leaders blessed us beyond measure with their rendition of LEON this year. The singing and dancing and all that goes along with that encouraged us. We also attended a very well planned and performed Christmas presentation at GWC church. Again the music was dynamic and inspiring.
Then again, this past week we went to LaGrange where two of my granddaughters help to lead us in a very simple Christmas story. It was the basic story of the birth of Christ retold in a very simple version.
How we tell the true story of Jesus and His birth is not important. The fact that we tell it at all is important. Go tell it on the mountain - Jesus Christ is born!
And let it begin with Jerry

Oh, and one more thing. In all of this busyness, I have a tendency not to take very good care of myself. I am feeling a bit more tired and run down these past days. The doctors are trying to cut back on some meds. It doesn't seem to be working. A little extra prayer would be appreciated.

December 8

Thank you for checking my blog to get the latest info on my cancer journey. Let me explain where I am in my journey this way.
On Friday we joined the MYF for dinner and fellowship. (Check out the pic)
On Saturday we attended breakfast with the younger ones, as well as Santa and friends. (Other pic)
On Sunday I preached the first service, Jon Strother (our DS) preached the second service and then he and Claire (our Asst. To the DS) led us in our annual Charge Conference after a delicious lunch.
To top off the weekend, the GC Kids gave an awesome message and music presentation. I loved every minute of it. Fatigue, yes. Worth it? Absolutely!

Coming up this week, we have a gathering to attend every evening. I'm loving looking forward to each one, I am convinced that God is blessing me. I don't even need to know why. I just give Him thanks.
If you think about it, God is blessing you also. Don't question it. Just give Him thanks. After all, it is all about Him, but I sure do appreciate it when He includes me. Don't you?

And yes, tomorrow is a full day of chemo treatment for me. So I need your prayer. But hey, that is just another part of the journey. God is good!

December 4, 2013

Happy Hump Day even if you are not a camel.
As you know, we have now completed four chemo treatments. This was done for two reasons. One, to relieve some severe pain that I had been experiencing for months. Two, to bring down my tumor marker number (ca19-9).
Compared to the chemo that I had in Jan-Feb of this year, these treatments have been very tolerable. I take a treatment every other Monday, go home with a pump, then go back on Wednesday to return the pump. As I said, so far these treatments have been tolerable. Dr. Chang says that is because I am only taking two of the three drugs that I was taking before, and I am taking a smaller dosage. That's okay with me. I sure feel much better.
So, update: after wearing a pain patch of 150mg for the past several months, we have been able to cut it back to 100, then 75 and now 50. In addition, we formerly were changing the patch every other night, and now we change it every third night. So far, pain is controlled. The chemo seems to be working on the pain.
As far as the numbers are concerned. My liver enzymes were high and now have come down. And my tumor marker has dropped from 2059 to 1667 in just one month. Even though the 'normal' is 40 or less, at least we are trending in the right direction.

Personally, here is some really good news. When I received Dr. Chang's text that my ca19-9 had come down, I returned a text to her that "God is good! Her response was "Yes, God is good!!!

She is my kind of doctor. I am thankful for her, and for all of you who continue to care about me and are praying for me and are looking to see what God has in store for us next. He really is good!!! And it really is All About Him!

Wednesday, November 27

Today is Thanksgiving Eve  - Tomorrow we set aside the one day of the year to give thanks. Don't stop reading. I know what you are thinking. Jerry is going to get on his soapbox about how we should be thankful every day. Relax, while that is true, I am glad that we do take some time, if only a day to be thankful.
What is on my mind this morning is less about being thankful and more about to whom we give our thanks. Everyone, and I mean everyone, has more reasons to be thankful than can be counted. Plus, blessings and things to be thankful for often come in disguises that we only recognize in hindsight, if at all.
During this year's season of thanks, I want to concentrate more on The One from whom all blessings flow. His name is Jesus. I know Him personally. I just thought of something. (Since it is my blog, I can do that)
If you don't know who to thank, why give thanks at all? Hmmm.

November 23, 2013

My family is just like your family or any other family, I am sure. It seems as though we live on a roller coaster. Maybe that is because we all live in a world originally made perfect by a perfect God, but utterly messed up by imperfect humans over the centuries. God made it good. We messed it up. Then God fixes it. Then we mess it up again.(By "we" I am referring to all people who live in His creation.) Sometimes we realize that our own personal imperfections are a direct correlation to the situation, and sometimes things happen that seem to be no direct fault of our own.
My family has been on a roller coaster ride as of late.
Of course you know that I began this battle with cancer with scary low percentages of survival. But I have not only survived, God has made much good come out of it. Lately, even the oncologists are beginning to call my disease chronic instead of terminal. Things began looking better.
Then my dad began taking radiation for prostrate cancer. Things did not look as good. Then dad finished his treatments and all seemed to be better.
Then my brother, Ronnie was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had surgery. The situation was made worse when the doctors discovered that his cancer has spread along a nerve and that he will need to undergo radiation also. Things did not seem so good. Just the other day Ronnie received word that his latest PSA test result was "0." Great news! Things looked better.
Then yesterday afternoon my daddy was taken to Wayne Memorial to monitor what they believe could be some serious heart issues. We are awaiting results.

There is an old short joke that says something like. "Things were looking pretty bad. Someone told me to cheer up, things could be worse. So I cheered up, and sure enough, things got worse."

Well, that is not the way that things are in God's arena. We don't get to choose which way our roller coaster is going - headed up or headed down. But we do get to choose how we react to it. Here is what I know. God is in control. God is good. It is all about Him! Nothing gets by Him. Nothing happens to me that is not filtered through His love. (I think that last one is credited to David Jeremiah)

Which way is your roller coaster headed on this beautiful North Carolina morning? How are you choosing to respond?

Tuesday, November 19

I have never really thought very much about a "pause button" until Robbie Sutton spoke at his grandmother's funeral the other day. He shared that he could not get his family's attention so he reached over and hit the pause button on the television. Suddenly folks stopped what they were doing and began to listen to what he had to say.

During these past days, God has hit the pause button for me. Maybe I need to explain. I cannot think of a day within the past two years that I have not thought about and even talked about cancer. Cancer is a way of life for Diane and me. And, it is often through the conversation of cancer that God gets my attention. But then God called me to be present with families who lost loved ones to the grave - two funerals in four days. It is as though God hit the pause button on my personal cancer journey and allowed me to walk the grief journey with folks that I love.

One family is dealing with the death of a 35 year old who can now sing the song, "My chains are gone. I've been set free. My God my Savior has ransomed me." Another family is dealing with death of an 84 year old who has served in the church for over 70 years. And yet, due to stroke and CHF, she also can sing, "My chains are gone. I've been set free. My God my Savior has ransomed me."

I am thankful that you and I can also sing that song. Because of our God our Savior, we too can be free to be joyful. And listen to even better news; I don't have to depend on a win from any of my Tarheels sports teams (and boy ain't I glad?). Win or lose, they don't give me my joy, and they cannot take my joy away! I don't have to depend upon the bad decisions of those in government, or even the difference in opinion that I might have with religious leaders. I don't have to depend upon the results of scans or tumor marker numbers. And when I do, God might hit my pause button.

Maybe it took God hitting my pause button to remind me of that. Maybe Thanksgiving is a great time for God to hit your pause button.

Think about it.

Friday, November 15

Have you ever experienced a situation where the most important thing in your mind is to simply "get through it?" The events of this past week have seemed that way. And the fact is, we did get through it.  Brent Wiggins' family and friends took huge steps in getting through the funeral and all that goes along with that tradition. Lynn Taylor and the Rouse staff provided much needed guidance in ways in which people don't even know about. I often wonder what we would do if we did not have people who work "behind the scenes" helping us get through life's challenges. There are several folks who fall into that category. During this past week's events, everywhere that I looked, one or more of the members of the GC family was there. Just being there helped us get through it. As I look back, I can see that happening to me during my cancer journey. People were there.
But there is something else that I am discovering each day. Even during those times when I got through it, I find that I still have more journey to travel. I still need those behind the scenes people.

You may wonder if your "small deed" matters. IT DOES! You are needed today and tomorrow and next month and next year. Let me give you a hint. Just be there.

November 11, 201

Wow! What a life God is giving me to live. Yesterday was filled with joy as our Family Life Center was filled with people who shared lunch with me for Pastor Appreciation. I am humbled and thankful for my church family. Yesterday evening we had a very productive Council Meeting. Again, a day filled with joy.
Then - tragedy struck within the church family. As one of the members of that family said, "it's not suppose to be this bad." No, it is not.
Then - this morning a long time friend had a heart cath. I just received word that all is well with his heart and the diagnoses is leaning toward reflux.

All of this, and SO much more, and yet I am wired to a chemo chair all day today. Yet, through the blessing of electronics, I am still able to share joy and sorrow and everything in between with those that God has given me to love. No excuses not to.

Who has God given you to love? No excuses.

Friday, November 8

Whoops, I did it again. It has been almost a week since my last post. I do appreciate those of you who keep checking the blog.
This past week has been a pretty good one. My old friend diarrhea continues to bug me. Because of that, I get easily dehydrated. Last Sunday immediately following worship I went to Wayne Memorial to get some fluids. All in all, these chemo treatments have been extremely better than past ones. We continue to trust in The Lord that He will give Diane and me the direction He wants us to take.

Big deal this week was the celebration of Rev. Billy Graham's 95th birthday. The one thing that strikes me is that Dr Graham has a powerful message that he has been preaching for decades. The message is simple. The message never changed. As the world changed over those years, The Billy Graham crusades used many different genres of music. From George Beverly Shea to Johnny Cash to Michael W Smith to Third Day, the message is the same. From the style of a fist pounding young evangelist to a more gentle orator later years in his ministry, the message was, is, and always will be same. Jesus saves! Jesus is the only way! Accept Jesus now!

We need more Billy Grahams that will preach the message that never changes.
LORD, let it begin with me and you.

Saturday, November 2

Sleep is a wonderful thing. This is especially true when you are sick and rest is hard to come by. So tonight we all get an extra hour of sleep, at least theoretically.
If you are one of those folks who are slightly technologically behind and your clocks don't make the adjustments automatically, don't forget to "fall back" by turning your clocks back one hour. That's how you will get your extra hour of sleep.
But if you really want to get some good rest and sleep, before you go to bed "cast all your cares upon Him, because He cares for you." Stop worrying about tomorrow and meet the One who holds tomorrow. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and remember that It was Jesus Himself who promises, "Peace I leave with you. MY peace I give to you. My peace is not the same peace that the world gives. Let not your hearts be troubled, nor let them be afraid."
Jesus promises. I believe Him.
Sleep well.
See you in church tomorrow, (whatever time you get there).

Tuesday, October 29

This struck me as worth blogging. In fact, this really sheds light on a cultural / social issue that is crucial. Yesterday I had the tv news on. I heard our President, that's right, yours and mine, make this statement. Here is the quote:
OBAMA: "Knowing you can offer your family the security of health care, that's priceless. Now, you can do it for the cost of your cable bill, probably less than your cellphone bill. Think about that, good health insurance for the price of your cellphone bill or less." – Speech in Largo, Md., on Thursday.

Think about it. Americans now have the mindset that cell phones and cable tv rank the same on the importance scale as healthcare. That sounds like no big deal, unless you understand that for me, my cell phone and my cable tv are not even in the same world as my cancer.

(Oh, and by the way, like a majority of words that come from political talking heads, the part of this quote about cost isn't entirely true either.)

Lord help us. God bless America.

Monday, October 28

Update: Today we completed our second chemotherapy treatment. We are home and thanking Jesus that the main side effect right now is simple fatigue, caused by a very common digestive issue. Along with some medication, I can work through this as the days go on. Just as last time, I wear a pump that continues to distribute the chemo for 42 hours. I return the pump on Wednesday. All in all, I am not looking at the drugs associated with chemo as poison, but as healing medications. God uses many ways to heal. I will continue to seek His will and follow whatever path He chooses for me to take to be healed.

One more thing. Of all of the careers who work with people, oncologists, their nurses, and all those who work in that field, are special people. It pretty much takes all day to take a chemo treatment. That means that I have the opportunity to observe these people for many hours. Their attitude of love and care is amazing. They genuinely care for their "patients." I know. I am one. And I can feel it each time I go there. I am thankful for the people of Southeastern Medical Oncology Center.

My latest vision: Because I believe in Philippians 4:13
I will live
   I will love
      I will lead

Saturday, October 26

Okay, so most everyone knows that I am a UNC Tarheel basketball fan. I have pulled for the heels for as long as I can remember. I've pulled for them when they had good players with what I perceived as good morals. And I have pulled for them when ol' Roy recruited what I perceived as a thug. On this year's team the good guy will be James Michael McAdoo. I have met him personally, he is a Christian. The thug will be P.J. Hairston. I have not met him, but according to this summer' antics and the folks he hangs out with, well . . . When basketball season gets really underway, I will still pull for the team dressed in Carolina Blue. And hey, I've still got some football games to pull for and can only hope that the Heels don't find a way to lose.

My first instinct is to wish that Hairston will get removed from the team. (No, really I do) But then again I really do wish that every political thug, every religious thug, every academic thug, and every thug in every facet of our lives would be removed. But that wasn't Jesus' first instinct. Jesus' first instinct was not to kick people off of the team. What He wanted was for thugs to experience a changed heart. "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a thug like me."
Or something like that.

So maybe the better prayer would be for changed hearts. Mine, yours and theirs.

Tuesday, October 22

Update: These last days have continue to be good ones for me. The effects from the first round of chemo last Monday has not been anywhere near as severe as previous times. We will continue to thank God for good days. Next treatment is scheduled for next Monday, October 28th.

Meanwhile, here is one of the many lessons that I have learned from my cancer journey. You never know what the person standing, sitting or driving in the car next to you is going through. Two years ago when we were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, we realized that we wanted to be in this for the long haul. (duh) Diane instantly took over the role as care-giver, doctor, therapist, and especially as pharmacist. Medication makes all of the difference in how we act and react to the side affects of the disease. In order to help her with that, we chose a pharmacy that we thought that would provide help with that. We have been at that pharmacy the entire time, and the sad truth is, they have not been able (or willing)  to provide the help that we needed. There are many instances that prove this out, but the details don't matter.

Today I went into the pharmacy myself. I spoke to them in a very controlled, low tone of voice. I shared our perception of their service, attitude and just plain apathy on behalf of the staff. When I finished, they asked me if there was anything that they could do. As far was we are concerned, we can do business in other places. So as I shared with the folks today, this was for them, not for me.
I reminded them that when folks walk up to their window, that person has a real need. The staff has no way of knowing that this person might be a wife who has left her struggling husband at home in pain just long enough to go get some medication. They don't know if that person is a mama or a daddy who is scared to death concerning something wrong with a child. They don't know if that person himself or herself just received dreaded news from the doctor that very day. They don't know - but no matter what the situation, that person needs to be treated with love, compassion and respect.

The same goes for you and for me. Sometimes there is no way of knowing what a co-worker or a stranger is going through when we have an encounter with him/her. If we did, would we treat that person differently? Maybe.

Lord, let it begin with Jerry

Friday, October 18

Happy Friday Blog family,
I suppose that the best way to describe this week for me, and yes, I just realized that my last post was on Monday, is that this week has been a surprise from God. You might be surprised how good you feel when you feel so much better than you thought you were going to feel. (You might have to read that several times.)
As you may remember, this is my third experience with chemotherapy. The first two made me sick, no other way to say it. In fact, I was slammed. Even the oncologist 'fess up to that. One can imagine then, my expectations for this round. But, as I stated, God has given me an awesome surprise. Due to minimum discomfort, I have felt well enough to spend a lot of energy doing church work things that I love doing. That being said, it is Friday afternoon and my body is reminding me to do a better job pacing myself.
Still, I am most grateful for this week's surprise from God.

Can you look back and rediscover a surprise from God this past week?

Monday, October 14

Good morning Blog family,
We have all heard this many times. Most of us have said it ourselves. "I hate Mondays."
Well, here I am, even as I am writing this, taking a round of chemotherapy. This ain't my first rodeo. We've been here before. In the past, these things have dang near killed me. But that was the past. This Monday is the present, it is now. This Monday I am at such a peace as I bask in His "glory strength." Prayers have initiated the presence of The Holy Spirit here.

This is the way that I am looking at this Monday. This might be a good time for you to look at this Monday - your Monday.

Saturday, October 12

End of the week musings:
God has given me a good week physically. I was able to get a lot of paperwork and the such finished off this week. I am especially thankful for that, considering that when Monday morning comes and we begin these new rounds of chemotherapy we don't know what to expect regarding how my body will react.
God has given me a good week emotionally. Even though it is a natural thing to be concerned about restarting treatments, my family, church family, and friends have given me encouragement through the many ways that they show their love.
God has given me a good week spiritually. Due to much time and effort on the part of my younger son, Gabe along with many others, we had a great run/walk event at GC today. Yes, an "event" can be spiritual outside of normal worship. And I am so looking forward to tomorrow when we celebrate our annual Homecoming Day at Garris Chapel. I am looking forward to a time, not only of worship, but a time of reflection and a time of anticipation. It will be an extra blessing due to the fact that my older son, Brad will be bringing the message. I'm praying that God will send the people who need to be there. And I would really appreciate any of you who are part of my blog family who will come tomorrow and let me know that you follow me here. That would be such a blessing.

And finally, I would appreciate it if you will take an extra moment during your personal prayer time on Monday to send up an extra prayer that these weeks of chemo treatments will do the job of helping me to heal without kicking my butt so much.

Why not take a moment this evening to consider what God has given you this week. Write them down. You might be surprised what comes up.

Wednesday, October 9

WoHoo Mike, Mike, Mike. Oh, that's right. I'm not a camel either. I might be a donkey, I don't know. But today is Wednesday, which is hump day for many. Rejoice and be glad in it!

As you know, I watch more commercials than I do actual television shows. Part of that is because the quality of good television is almost completely gone - if there really ever was any. I continue to pray for WHFL-TV Christian Television to be strong and steadfast.
Also, I watch more commercials than I watch the news shows. The main reason is that I know that when I watch a commercial that sooner or later they are going to tell me what they are selling. That also applies to the news show. If you watch it long enough you will sooner or later figure out what they are selling. But I have come to the conclusion that I trust the car salesman or the guy that screams out, "but wait, that's not all. If you order today. . ." (you know the ones I am talking about) more than I do the news reporter.
Sadly, even though we live in the greatest country in the world today, it is hard to know what or whom to believe. So we, as Scripture tells us, continue to pray for those in authority.

For several days now I have turned on the news just to see if our government is still shut down, or to see if somehow the common sense fairy has sprinkled some duh huh dust into the eyes of those who will make important decisions. So far, I'm still watching the commercials. And so far, I'm still trusting in the ONE and Only Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. WoHoo!

Saturday, October 5

Saturday morning. The house is quiet. Diane is at a class at the church. I don't know what your Saturdays are like, but this is not the way that they have been at the Mitchell house in a very long time. As a preacher, I always go back over my next day's sermon on Saturday. Sometimes I get an affirmation from that. Sometimes The Holy Spirit completely changes the sermon direction.
I think that for this week's sermon I am pretty much on target. As I sit quietly alone this morning, I am reminded that this cancer journey is mine to walk. However, at the same time, I am reminded that I don't have to walk it alone. If you are reading this blog, you are walking with me, even if I don't know it. (My stats show me how many visits the blog gets, but it does not show who visited).

Most importantly, Jesus walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own. (Remember that precious old song?) I am thankful most of all for Jesus and the many ways that he shows Himself to me through many of you.

Take a minute. Whom have you seen Jesus in lately?

Wednesday, October 2

Finally, word from the medical experts. Dr. Chang in Goldsboro and Dr. Javle in Texas both agree on some very important things. Keep in mind that to Diane and me - this is VERY good news.
In fact, this may be the VERY best news we have received in years.

Here is the deal: I have pancreatic cancer. I was diagnosed in November of 2011. In "normal" people, this means that this is a short-term terminal prognosis. But I am not normal. Here is what the doctors now agree upon.

*My pain is coming from a very small cluster of cancer cells in the region of the original sight. As we know, the cancer numbers have been bouncing all over the place for two years, so this cancer is also where that is coming from.
*Good news. Now we know. That is much better than not knowing.
*Better news. This cancer has probably been there for the entire time. It may be that they could not get it during my surgery, or that it just developed there shortly afterward. Whatever the case, this cancer is very "slow-growing."
*Better news. My oncologist are calling this disease "chronic" instead of "terminal." For those of you who have not had to understand the difference between the two, terminal means that I am supposed to die from the disease. Chronic means that I will probably have to deal with this disease for the rest of my life.
*Best news. Chronic means that this cancer is treatable and that the rest of my life may be "long-term."
*More best news. We have a plan. It does involve more chemotherapy, but on a much lower physical punishment level for me. Since it is long-term, we can make slight changes as we go along to improve my quality of  life while taking it.
*Absolutely best news: God has a plan and I am still a part of it. No matter how long "long-term" is, I am thankful.

Please take a moment to pray a prayer of thanks to Jesus for me. I know that you have been praying for some good news. Now that we have some, please thank Him.

Tuesday, October 1

Well, here it is - another month passed. October is here. I must admit that I have experienced a moment or two in the last 23 months when I wasn't sure that I would live to see the next month.
But alas; here we are.
I have been asked many times about where I get the ability to keep going without knowing what the future holds. While I will admit that cancer does shine a bit more of an urgency light on my life, I would simply ask any of us to get our heads out of the sand and simply look around. From the local to the international community, I have not heard one person who claims to know what the future holds.
So cancer aside, none of us really knows how and when this thing called life will end. However, some of us DO know that one person who does. His name is Jesus. Need more information? Call me. I can't show you answers. I can show you HIM - His name is Jesus. And it's all about HIM!

Oh, and one more thing. The path reports have been read. As mentioned earlier, tomorrow we meet with medical experts for more concrete info and guidance from HIM to them to us.

PEACE

Saturday, September 28

For my many friends who look forward to the weekend, it is here!
You've heard me say before that I might look forward to Sunday for a different reason than others, but  hey Jack, we do have this in common. We all are "looking forward." (Or at least I hope that we all are looking forward)
FYI, we are still looking forward to some concrete plans about how we will treat or handle my physical future. Honestly, you and I both know that the biopsy results are in the hands of some medical expert or experts. I do not have them, however. But I can share with you that we have an appointment with my favorite oncologist, Dr. Chang on Wednesday.

Until then, we continue to enjoy some good days, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And so we will simply praise Him as we look forward to another good day!
God is good. God loves me. And after all, it's all about HIM!

Wednesday, September 25

WoHoo, guess what day it is? That's right! It's Hump Day. Sorry, I still love that commercial and I still want it to end with "That's right! This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us REJOICE and be glad in it!"
Anyway, looking at the stats, many of you have been tuning into the blog to see the latest update. Well, here we go again. We have no updates from Houston yet. Diane and I are taking this to mean that no news is good news. Well, well at least that no news means no really bad news. But hey Jack (sorry, I also still love Duck Dynasty), what this simply means is this. Every day is the day that the Lord has made! What tests show or do not show will have no impact upon that profound fact. The only thing that the biopsy result will tell us is what action we need to take next. I am thinking that the Lord has not given that information to the 'experts' at MD Anderson Cancer Center yet. Whatever it is, it will be good because God is good. That may seem like a very simplistic view to you. But that is the view that we have of an awesome God who loves us more than we know.

Still promising that I will pass on any updates. Until then, "Peace." If you were not able to be at GC worship this past Sunday, get the CD from the church office or go to iTunes to listen to "It's All About Him." The questions are: "What is your definition of peace. Where does it come from? Do you have it?

Hmm

Friday, September 20

Believe it or not - anyway, just believe it please.
We will not hear from my biopsy until next week. Really; we got word from Texas that they will contact me next week. Talk about patience, Diane and mine are wearing pretty thin, not with God. He's got our backs, but with the medical field in Houston.

That is when I am reminded again and again - it's not about any doctor. It's all about Him!

Wednesday, September 18

WoHooooo! What day is this folks? I know you can hear me Julie. Mike, Mike, Mike, what day is this? Lisa, what day is it? "It's Hump Day" WoHoooo! Yes, but that is not all. Today is the day that the Lord has made. Whatever this day brings, it will be given me as compliments of God, as my son Brad used to say.
Sunday was a great day, physically. Monday morning was good. Monday afternoon not so good. Tuesday morning I went into the church office for a few hours. Tuesday afternoon I hit a brick wall. Diane did everything that she knew to do to keep me alive (literally above ground and less pain). About 3 0'clock this morning we considered Wayne Memorial. But we decided to tuff it out through the night. It has worked, somewhat. I am a bit better this morning.

No. we have not heard from Houston yet. We do not know anything from the biopsy last week. This may be the day - or maybe not. Either way - today is more than just hump day to my Christian family and to me. This IS the day that the Lord has made!

Can I get a big shout out - AMEN!?! Awe c'mon. Here is a challenge for you. On your break, or wherever you are, walk around shouting WoHooooo! Do you know what day it is? This is the day that the Lord has made!

Friday, September 13

Today is Friday the 13th. Are you superstitious? Really? You don't cross your fingers or knock on wood? We all probably do those sorts of things now and then. We talk about things that pertain to luck, even though we know that there is no such thing. In fact, a few weeks ago we stayed in Houston in a very nice hotel on the 13th floor. I can testify to you today that I believe in something real. Unlike luck, I have something - that is, Someone upon whom I can fully trust.

And that is what we will continue to do. According to the experts at MD Anderson, the biopsy that was taken was a good sample. Now we wait. If it is another malignant tumour, we will decide how to treat it. If it is not cancer, then we will treat my pain accordingly. Whatever the answer, it will not be due to luck. Whatever the future, I am sure that it will be filtered through God's love. ( I think that is a Dr. Jeremiah concept that I have adopted ).

By the way, we will not hear from the results until the middle of next week. Wish me luck? I don't think so. Send up an extra prayer? I'll take that.

Wednesday, September 11

Good morning friends. Today is September 11th. To every American, as well as to many others, today is called nine eleven. All of us who can remember that day will forever remember the terror caused by the attacks in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania that day. But what I distinctly remember is that evening when many Christian churches, including Garris Chapel, were filled with people who were praying.

Today I would like to ask you to pray a prayer for me. I am going to have a biopsy done on a very meticulous spot in my abdominal area. The procedure will be done early this afternoon. Pray for good results.

Prayers were answered on 9/11. They are still being answered today.

Monday, September 2

Well, it is a new day in a new week in a new month. Maybe things will get back to normal. Wait a minute. I just had a question pop into my head. What is "normal?"
Does normal mean explainable? That's not us. Or does normal mean predictable? That's not us either. How about boring? Does normal mean boring? There is nothing boring about a cancer journey.

I think that normal, for me at least, has much less to do with "what" or "when". Normal for me has much more to do with "who." It is looking into the faces and listening to the hearts of those who love me. When that happens, I realize that all of that love comes from Christ. He has more than enough love to give. When Christ allows others to channel His love to me, that's normal.

Anyway, with all of the scans in Houston completed, we will be in conversation with our doctor there via phone or some other e-conversation by late Wednesday or Thursday. I will let you know what he says.

Meanwhile, thanks for making me feel normal.

Friday, August 30

My last blog talked about waiting. Boy have we had to practice that virtue this week. On Tuesday we left Goldsboro right on time to wait at the airport for about 2 hours before take off. Everything has gone as planned. We have waited for taxis, hospital techs, for labs, doctors, and of course at restaurants. What we have been waiting for more than anything else was to hear the doctor say "this is what we are going to do next. We 'sort of' heard that on Thursday. What we do next is to stay an extra day in Houston to get a more detailed scan of a particular area. What we do after that will depend upon a lot of "ifs."

When we try to understand all of those ifs, we can get confused and frustrated. But when we realize that it is not necessary for us to understand the ifs and simply put our faith in the One who does, much of the confusion and frustration turns into peace - His peace that Jesus talked about in the 14th chapter of the gospel of John.

The peace of Christ be with you as you continue to pray for us.

Saturday, August 24

I don't get along too well with doing nothing. Admittedly that mindset gets me in a bit of a quandary now and then. But when that happens, God knows how to handle it. He either makes me be still and know that He is God, or he eventually shows me that no matter which way that I move, it isn't working. Some of you may know what I mean.
So what do you do when you are traveling a cancer journey? Am I supposed to be still and do nothing, or am I supposed to do something, even if it is unproductive? I think that I have finally received an answer to that. Over these past months we have explored every avenue of this thing. Pain / no pain. Nausea / no nausea. Cognition / no cognition. As I said, I don't do well with doing nothing, so we have gone through the gamut of options. We have appreciated and listened intently to the advice of those who care enough to share their thoughts with us.
Here is a lesson to be learned. When we got to where we thought was the end of our options, we stopped and waited. We did not give up. We just stopped and waited. It was then that God has directed us back to MD Anderson in Texas. I am sure of it. Everything has been leading up to this. Isn't God something?
So my prayer request that I ask of you is to continue to remember us as we travel, and as God reveals the answers to us - whether we like it or not.

Maybe you do quite well with doing nothing. That's not a bad thing. Or maybe you feel as though you must do something. That's not a bad thing either. Whichever way that you roll, seek God first.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33. Try it and let me know how it goes.

After all, It's all about Him!

Thursday, August 22

Thank you for your prayers. With the exception of a half day now and then, this has been a good week. My beautiful and intelligent wife / caregiver / nurse has been working hard to find the correct combination of pain meds to do the trick. I was able to work at the church office yesterday. I am asking that you pray that I will be able to preach on Sunday. We will not be going back to Duke, but we do plan to return to MDAnderson Cancer Center in Houston maybe as soon as next week.

Cancer makes you think weird thoughts. Today is Thursday and I am so looking forward to the weekend. Many folks are looking forward to the weekend to travel or to relax. i am looking forward to the weekend so that I can go to God's house and worship. I feel the need to publicly give Him thanks for all that He does for me privately.

You may be looking forward to the weekend also. Why?

Monday, August 19, 2013

As I said in my last post, I have a roller coaster life. After having a good day on Friday, Saturday was not so good. Sunday was a little better, but I was not well enough to preach either of the morning services. Bummer. Today has been a very good day. I was able to go to my Monday breakfast meeting with the preachers, and I have been working on the laptop most of the day. Praying that tomorrow will be another good day so that I can do some work in the church office.

As for my cancer journey, we are thinking that we will not go to Duke this week for the nerve block procedure. Instead, we have been talking to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. We went there last year and had a good experience. There is a good possibility that we will go back there next week. Continue to pray that God will lead us in the right direction, and that we will follow Him.

I do have some great news! My brother, Ronnie is home from his stay at Duke following prostate cancer surgery. We have a lot in common, as I have said before. However, we found out that we have a lot more in common when it comes to handling pain and nausea. I also found out just how much I love him and missed him during his time away.

Do you have someone that is special to you? Don't wait. Go ahead and tell them how special they are now.

Thursday, August 15

I can hardly believe that I have not blogged since Saturday. I do have some thoughts about that though. On Sunday I preached two services. After lunch we traveled to Smithfield for a gathering with the Bishop. On Monday we had planned to leave early for Myrtle Beach. We were not able to leave until late Monday afternoon simply because I could not get going. My pain was almost out of control, but we did get it to a minimum by late in the day, so we went to Myrtle Beach Monday night. (And yes, Diane enjoyed a day at the beach. I never even got beach sand on my shoes. I was in workshops all day on Tuesday. On Wednesday, we finished our sessions by noon and drove back to Goldsboro.

As you can see, it has been an up and down, roller coaster week. I had little opportunity to write. Today, the only time I have left home all day was to go to an appointment with Dr. West. I had planned (there is that word again) to go to Durham today to be with my brother and my family as Ronnie had surgery today for Prostate cancer. We just heard from my sister in law that all went well and that everything looked good. We are waiting for results from Ronnie's lymph nodes tests, but we are confident that God has everything in His hands.

Whatever kind of day I have tomorrow - no matter where it is on the roller coaster, I am thankful for all that God blesses me with. I am guessing that your world is a lot like mine. Every day is different, but you are thankful for each one. Amen?
After all, it IS all about Him!

Saturday, August 10

I am at home on this beautiful Saturday morning. I am looking back over my sermon for tomorrow. It is from the 12th chapter of Luke, beginning at verse 35. I want to talk about being ready for the return  of Jesus. I think that we all need to be reminded of that. But just a few verses earlier Jesus tells us that we should relax and know that it is the Father's good pleasure to give us the kingdom. Now I am wondering what that means.
As for me, I am thankful for whatever that means. I am thankful for a fairly good week with my pain managed. I am also thankful for some time away to reconsider what steps in our cancer journey we will take. I feel God leading us in a different direction than we are headed. Hmmmm.

Have you ever had the "feeling" that you should go in a different?

Wednesday, August 7

I wish that the church could afford whatever advertising agency that Geico Insurance uses. I cannot even get through this morning without thinking of that camel walking around the office with that smirkesh tone saying "what day is this. Mike, Mike, Mike. Woohoo. It's hump day." Of course, the idea of Wednesday being hump day in no way connects my brain to insurance, so I'm not so sure how effective it really is.
So far this week I have tried to disconnect my brain from church. Guess what? It ain't working. Yes, I am enjoying beautiful weather with my wonderful, loving family. And each one of them has done a great job of looking after me in his and her own way. I am blessed way beyond what I deserve. But my electronic tools allow me to be in touch with my GC family. It is hard to disconnect.
It is even harder to disconnect from my cancer journey. Not one person here has mentioned the c word all week. They have done a wonderful job not bringing the journey up in conversations. But even the youngest of the granddaughters notice my lack of energy and stamina.
So even though today is hump day, I will continue to enjoy the blessings of God in whatever form they present themselves. Woohoo!

Saturday, August 3

I have been feeling a bit more like normal, whatever that is, these past days. I am looking forward to being with my GC family tomorrow. I believe that I have a word from The Lord. Pray that 1-it is from The Lord, and 2- that He gives me what I need to deliver it.
I feel your prayers with me every day. Keep praying!

Thursday, August 1

Happy August blog friends,
On the cancer journey, here is the latest. We are going to return to Duke to attempt a nerve block. If you are thinking that you remember that I have already been there and done that, you are partially correct. This block is "different" than that one, although I'm not exactly sure how. As of now, the procedure is scheduled for August 21st. If an earlier date becomes available we will take advantage of it.
Until whatever date we do this thing, we will continue to use medication. The challenge is to take enough meds to keep the pain under control without using so much that it leads to cognitive issues.

This journey has taken much longer than we first anticipated, but as my friend Dr. West reminded us, every day that we survive is another day that someone somewhere will figure out the solution. Until that time we will continue to trust God to be as real to us as He has been in the past. After all - it's all about HIM!

Monday, July 29

Tired. Long day. We saw my oncologist this morning. His message was not too encouraging. His take was that we need to decide whether we should continue taking more and stronger meds or agree to take more chemo. We saw my surgeon this afternoon. His message was a bit more encouraging. He is setting me up for another type of a pain block. This should allow me to get better sooner. And this should allow us more time to decide if and when we need to take chemo again.

I am more convinced than ever that It's all about Him.

Thursday, July 25

When you are traveling the cancer journey, every day is special, every person is special, and every thing is special. That being said, when you are traveling the cancer journal, your wedding anniversary is special, your love mate is special, and the fact that God has allowed 42 years of being together is special. Yes, today is my anniversary.
I realize just how much Diane loves me. There is no way that she could stick by me as she has if she did not. I often wish that I could show my love for her as much as she shows me.

God put us together for sure. There is no way that I could make it without her. So, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Diane. I love you.

If you have someone that you need to say "I love you," don't wait. Do it now.

Tuesday, July 23

"What day is this?" I can't even count the times that I have asked Diane this question these past days. Over the course of  my journey I have asked this question of Diane more times than I can remember, but these past days have really been more of a blur than I have experienced. I entered a blog post about our visit last week. But then after staying home for a few days, last Thursday we returned to Wayne Memorial. What I do remember very clearly is that on Thursday morning I began to have pain like I have never experienced in my entire life. On that famous scale "how would you rate your pain on a scale from one to ten, ten being the worst," my answer was a twenty. After being admitted, it took several days to manage the pain. Finally, late Sunday evening we all agreed that I could go home with meds and wait until we see the surgeon at Duke next Monday. So that is where we find ourselves now.
A lot has happened between then and now. It is all a part of the journey. I am on too many meds to actually get out of the house and motivate, but through the magic of technology, I am able to do some things from home. I am even trying to work on a sermon for next Sunday. I really do want to preach, but with a backup preacher (although he does not think that he is a preacher) like Gabe, I know that my flock is in good hands on Sunday mornings. I also know that the various teams that work on the many GC ministries are more than capable of doing God's work without me.

What day is this? This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! So how about you? What day is this for you?

Wednesday, July 17

So here is a God-thing. I posted a need for your prayer yesterday. Today I received a phone call to inform me that I have an appointment at Duke with both my oncologist and my surgeon who did my procedure. The appointments are not until July 29th - but hey Jack - at least I feel like we are going forward.
Thank you for being you! (You know who you are)

Tuesday, July 16

Since last Friday's blog I have not recovered from my hospital visit as well as I have in the past. I was    able to preach both services on Sunday. It was a real struggle, but I am hoping that those in attendance were not distracted by that fact.
Feeling a need to update you who are so faithful in keeping up with me via this blog, I asked Diane what I should write. Her instant response was "tell them to pray." Sometimes it is difficult to determine what to pray for. Today I ask you pray for her strength. When a caregiver has done all that she can and nothing seems to help, it can get frustrating for her.

We both know that this "story" is "His" story. We never want to stray from His will. Through your prayers and His grace, we will not stray. We will stay strong and be thankful and amazed at how He makes all things well. After all - it is all about Him!

Friday, July 12

Happy Friday Blog friends,

As you probably know, I have three of the most fantastic granddaughters in the world. Today, July 12th, is my middle granddaughter Kelli's birthday. Being the middle child, she often gets overlooked. That makes perfect sense when you think about the cuteness of her 5 year old cousin, Sally Ann, and the wit and charisma of her older sister Maia.

But the truth is, Kelli is not overlooked. She is indeed a special child in her own right, especially to her "Pa." I'm thinking that is the way that God must feel - millions of times stronger- that no child of His is overlooked. Each one of us is special to Him.

As for my cancer journey; I left the hospital with increased pain meds. The result of which means that I get a little "loopy." (Diane's word for me when I am not thinking clearly) As I mentioned in my last post, before we left the hospital we had some more scans done, since we were going to do them in a few weeks anyway. Again, the scans are very inconclusive. They really don't show anything new. On the one hand of course, we are thankful for that. On the other hand, we continue to struggle with digestive and pain issues. Our plan at this point in time is to get back to cutting the medications. The journey continues.

One thing Iknow for sure. I have not been overlooked by God. No matter how many children that He has, I will always be special to Him. And guess what? So will you. Just like Kelli, I am loved. And guess what? So are you!

July 9

Today is Tuesday. As I looked back at my posts, it looks like my last post was almost a week ago. If that is true, then I have been much more slack than I thought.
Over the past week or so my butt has been dragging. We are thinking that the cause of the lack of energy and digestive issues is pain. We just simply cannot keep it under control. When the pain level gets too high and stays too long, we go to Wayne Memorial Hospital. That's what we did after church on Sunday.
Things seem to be better today. We were scheduled to have scans done in a week or so anyway, so we went ahead and got them done today.
Meanwhile we just wait (Isaiah 40:31) upon The Lord.
I don't know about you, but I'm not very good with this waiting stuff.  But I am getting much better at it. As the Scripture says "the weaker I am, the stronger He is.

Keep waiting and keep trusting. I will update on the blog soon. After all, it's all about Him!

Wednesday, July 3

Just in case I don't post tomorrow, Happy Independence Day friends.
I am thankful that I live in a country that does not have a perfect form of government, but it is the very best form of government on the planet.
When Jesus walked on the earth, the Romans were in power. The government was corrupt and it corrupted others along with it. I don't recall that Jesus ever tried to influence who was going to govern or how they governed. I do recall that Jesus did try to influence each individual heart so that each person would make the right decision, regardless of the cost.
And just because something is "legal" does not make it "right."

Many things are legal, according to our laws, but they are not necessarily in line with God's teaching.
No government has to tell me how I should feel about abortion.
No government has to tell me how I should feel about same gender marriage.
No government has to tell me how I should feel about exploitation and enabling of the poor.
No government has to tell me how I should feel about how we should take care of the widows and orphans.
No government has to tell me how I should feel about how I should treat my fellow man or woman.
No government has to tell me how I should feel about every branch of the government, Executive, Legislative and Judicial, (President, congress / senate, and judges) overstepping their bounds even to the point of tyranny.
No government has to tell me when and where I can pray.
No government has to tell me whether I should like socialism over democracy.
No government has to tell me how to be dad or a pa or a husband or a neighbor or a friend or a pastor or a . . . 
I could go on, but I think that you get the point. We don't need more government. We need more Jesus.

Now on to my update regarding my cancer journey. As you know, I am scheduled to get more scans done in a few weeks. In the meantime, I have been struggling with off and on pain as well as off and on digestive issues. After talking with Dr. West yesterday, we are praying that God will lead Dr. West to get us to the right place at the right time. We are considering going back to Duke or going back to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Texas.
In case you are wondering, let me be clear - I am still convinced that God has a plan for us and a plan for my life. He isn't finished with me yet. We just continue to follow Him daily. God is good, and It's all about Him!

Happy July 4th - celebrate this great country by doing what is right in God's eyes, forget about what "they" think.

Monday, July 1

Happy "July" Blog friends,
I had an "interesting" weekend. Not many folks at the church know about this, so I will share it with you. After having an awesome weekend last weekend, the painless days continued into the first of the week. I am not sure exactly what happened, but on Wednesday I hit a brick wall. I began to have some intense pain, so I took some intense pain meds. The more pain that I experienced, the more meds that I took.
So on Friday I felt washed out, of course. We went to SMOC to receive some fluids, hoping that it would help with my energy level. I think that it helped because I was able to preach both services and make a short appearance at a wonderful GC outreach project at Kirkwood Retirement Center. BUT, due to all of the pain meds, I became "full of it," as we like to call it. Folks - if you have never had a Grandma's Molasses enema at Wayne Memorial Hospital then you just don't know what a relief it is.

So anyway, here is the lesson that I learned. Everything that we do has a "side effect." For instance, the more pain meds, the more likely you are to get stopped up. There are many more illustrations that make my case, but I think that you get the point. But this little rule is not always a bad one. Think about it. You may have come to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior because you wanted to make it into Heaven. And the fact is, the only way to get to Heaven when you die is to have Jesus as Lord of all you. But, can you think of all of the side effects that comes from following Christ? Jesus said that He had a peace that only He could give. So some of the side effects might be a happier, more content life, the ability to sleep at night knowing all is well, and many more.

Sometimes, the side effects, like Grandma's Molasses and the peace of Christ are well worth it!

Wednesday, June 26

 Over the past few weeks we have experienced good ol' North Carolina weather. It has been cool and raining, hot and sticky, stormy and sunny. But I have found that is the way that life really is.
One year ago today, on June 26th, my brother in law Craig Capps died from cancer. I was diagnosed in November of 2011 and he was diagnosed in December of that same year. We all thought that I would be the first "to go." God had other plans.

Had Craig lived these past months, what would his life had been like? We have no idea. Only God knows, and God chose to not allow Craig to experience it. God has allowed me to experience life with cancer. It is like the North Carolina weather. This week has continued to be beautiful days for me. I have been able to do some serious work as pastor. I have visited, planned for the future, attended meetings, preached some heart-felt sermons and have made some hard decisions. BUT, I have been able to do this without being side-tracked by pain. I continue to have some issues with endurance, but only short day to day endurance. With God's help, I will continue to endure until God calls me home.

What short term endurance are you dealing with today? What long-term endurance are you facing? Philippians 4:13 - look it up.

Saturday, June 22

I have to share this with you blog family.

As I awoke this morning, gave Diane a kiss, and prepared to have my morning talk with Jesus, I realized something that has not happened to me in a very long time. I realized that I woke up completely pain free! Seriously, I cannot remember the last time that happened! You know what immediately happened next? Before I could even pray, the feeling of "wonder how long it will be before the pain returns?" came to mind.

Then I named it. It is called "doubt." It is the oldest weapon in Satin's arsenal. I did not fall for it. Instead, I used the oldest and waaaay more powerful weapon in my arsenal. I prayed! Not only did I use my weapon, but I also called in for backup. I called Diane to my prayer closet and we prayed together. What an awesome beginning to my birthday celebration!

What "doubt" do you have that you need to get rid of today? You have the weapon. Use it!

Friday, June 21

Welcome Summer! In case you missed the sunrise this morning, today is the first day of the summer season. Personally, I like summer weather. I would rather sweat than to freeze. (Like the preacher is going to sweat - lol)

I remember last year about this time very well. I was almost completely recovered from the symptoms of chemo and radiation. I had gained almost all of my weight back. All of my scans showed no sign of cancer. Our family was excited about planning our annual vacation in August. I went fishing with my friends several times. I got up early in the morning to walk. After the walk I would make my way to my back yard and catch a fish or two. I remember well just how good I was feeling at the time. You remember those times really well when those times are gone.

This year I am not as strong as I was last year. I am still quite a few pounds less than I need to be. I haven't been fishing, even in my own back yard. One of the most difficult aspects is that I am still having some issues with pain. The good news is that my digestive challenges have gotten much better - thank you Jesus!

So, here is the deal. I can look back at one year ago to measure how bad I am doing today. Or, I can look back at one year ago and remember that God did it then, and God can do it again! I think that I like the latter. It sounds more like me. And besides, tomorrow is my birthday. And since it is God who gives us our birthdays, I will trust Him with many more. After all, it's all about Him.

So maybe on this first day of a brand new season we should simply glance back at last season and then focus on this season.

Lord, let it begin with Jerry! - and . . .

Tuesday June 18

Hi KIT family,
Believe it or not Diane and I actually took some time away for a day or so. We have precious friends, George and Kaye who offered us a chance to be away longer and further, bur Diane decided that would not be wise. We also have church family who have graciously offered beach homes. Anyway we are relaxing today after a great week at UMC Annual Conference and a wonderful weekend at church.
The bad thing is that wi-fi is limited here. The good thing is that wi-fi is limited here.
 So I don't have a lot of media communication, except for my smart phone, and I will be able to spend more uninterrupted time with Diane and with Jesus.

Maybe you should try turning off your i-stuff for a short time.

Wednesday, June 12

Although the scans may show that there is possibly some cancer is in my body, I refuse to lay down and act like someone with cancer. On Saturday we went to a high school graduation, followed by two graduation parties. On Sunday we preached two services, went to another graduation party, had two meetings and said the opening prayer at Vacation Bible School. Today I am leaving for the UMC Annual Conference in Greenville. I will be driving there each day, Wednesday through Saturday. Now, all of the above has been fun, God stuff. From my experience, Annual Conference is not fun. Pray with me that it will be God stuff.

How do you feel today? Are you going to lay down, or are you going to do God stuff?

Friday, June 7

I am sure that you remember watching television and your program was interrupted by that irritating noise and the message that said, "This is a test of the emergency broadcast system." Well, that is how we feel every time was have a scan. It has been three months since we have had one of those "tests."

Today you may have received another type of message on your television, radio, or device. It was that same irritating noise, but this time the message was, "This is a flood warning concerning your area from the emergency broadcast system." That means that even though nothing is happening in your back yard right now, there is a possibility that you will be affected by the floods.

When we have scans, whether it has been three months or one month, we understand that it is part of traveling the cancer journey. Each test is just that. "This is a test."
Today we received the second type of warning. Some spots were found that could be cancer, but they were extremely small and we are not even sure that they are disease (as Dr. Chang calls it). So, that is the update. The tests were inconclusive. In thirty days we will have another scan to compare and see if these spots are due to infection, or if we need to consider these another step in the cancer journey.

When I think about my journey, I know that I am simply walking down a path that my Lord has prepared for me. I pray that no matter what happens to you, that you will fill the same way.

Thank you for being concerned enough to read the blog. I feel as though I have a blog family. I love you all.

Thursday, June 6

We will not know the results of the scans until tomorrow afternoon.Thank you for your continued prayers

Monday, June 3

I want to thank those of you who see me in person or email me to say how much you enjoy reading this blog. It makes me feel as though God has allowed me to accomplish something by writing it.

I cannot believe that I have a son that will be 38 years old tomorrow. Brad is a special person. We are so thankful that God has used him. He works a full time job, he is a bi-vocational pastor, he gives back his time to the community, and he is a faithful husband and a loving and caring father. And besides that, he does weird things like run ultra marathons and is training to participate in triathlons. (see the crazybrad link to his blog below) It is a God-thing that he turned out so well. His mama did a great job in raising him. And I tried to be a good dad. But the truth is, he has always been his own person. No one could ever tell him anything. But I guess that God did get through to him. I am glad that he listened. He is another reason why I am one blessed dad.

This week has turned out to be just a bit more than I should have scheduled. In addition to other duties, I have scheduled two appointments with Dr. Hamm, an appointment with my nutritionist doctor in Greenville, and a very special appointment on Wednesday to take our quarterly scans. Thank you for your prayers for me - especially on Wednesday.

Do you have a reason to say that you are blessed? Well then, have you actually told anyone?

Saturday, June 1

Wow! June 1st. Where has the year gone? Actually, I don't even remember much of February and March. As I look back over these past months that I can remember, I can see God's hand in everything that has happened to me. Some of these events I can see why things happened the way that they did, and some of the events have yet to be clear as to their purpose. But I do know that everything has a purpose. As my life verse says, wherever I am, He is with me.

Here is the latest. On Tuesday morning, as my last post stated, I went to Dr. Hamm for my back adjustment. As I was waiting for him to see me I noticed some literature about acupuncture in his office. I discovered that he was certified in that field. As we talked about how it might be effective with controlling my pain, I was a little hesitant about someone sticking 14 needles in my body. Dr. Hamm told me to check with my other doctors and he would just wait for my decision. I asked Dr. West and Dr. Chang about it. Both of them recommended that I try it. So on Wednesday and again on Friday I had the treatments. They were painless and actually very relaxing. Whether or not they help with my pain is yet to be determined. I will let you know.

Was the fact that my back went out and I saw Dr. Hamm have anything to do with whether or not I would have ever taken acupuncture treatments? Absolutely. Is it a God-thing. I don't know.
But I do know this: It's all about Him!

Thursday, May 30

Happy Thursday:
Have you ever heard the old joke that goes like this? "Someone said to me, cheer up, things could be worse. So I cheered up and sure enough, things got worse." How about the old saying that reminds us that "when it rains, it pours?" Well, on Monday afternoon my back went out on me. It almost completely shut me down. It doesn't happen often, but this isn't the first time that my back has gone out, so I knew exactly what to do. I was sitting on my back doctor's front door step first thing Tuesday morning. He gave me an adjustment and it was instantly better. While I am on a roll with jokes, I am reminded of the old man who said, "I am so old, my back goes out more than I do."

Just as I knew where to turn for my back adjustment, I also know where to turn when I need a spiritual adjustment. When that happens I find myself sitting on the front door of my Lord's house in prayer. Just like my back doctor, He knows exactly what I need. (and I don't have a $40 co-pay)

When you have an issue, do you know where to go? As the song says, "Try Jesus."
It's all about Him!

A blessed Memorial Day to my blog family. Spend this day appreciating those who died so that we might have a free country to enjoy a holiday. But also spend some time today thanking God for sending His Son, Jesus to die so that we might have a free soul and one day spend eternity with Him.

I apologize for not blogging since last Monday. And I appreciate several of you mentioning this to me yesterday.
If I go for a few days without blogging it usually means that either there is nothing new going on in my cancer journey, or that I feel too sick to blog. This past week though, I suppose that the reason that I have not posted is that indeed I have nothing new to report - but it is extremely frustrating to Diane and to me. I know that we should be grateful that nothing new in the cancer world is going, and believe me, we thank Jesus every day for my healing. But the frustrating part comes in when I go to the scales and have not gained any weight, and when I get physically worn out just riding the lawn mower for a couple of hours, and when I have that same pain in my stomach that I have had for a long time. But this I do know. We have not lost our faith, and He has not forgotten us for one second. He has His plan for my life and it will happen in His time.

I do have one exciting thing to report today. As of last Saturday, May 26th, I have survived cancer for one and one half years. (18 months). The significance of this number comes from the fact that the two milestones for a pancreatic cancer patient is 18 months, and 5 years. After 18 months the odds go from 4% to 25% survival rate. That might not sound like much to you, but it is a big deal to me.

Thank you for reading my blog. Sometimes it helps just to write stuff down and know that someone is reading. You might want to try starting a journal. Just writing your thoughts down can be healing.

And remember; it's all about Him!

Monday, May 20

Happy Monday blog friends,
After making those pain med adjustments that I talked about in my last blog, I am feeling much better. Since the pain came back when we lowered the dosage, we are disappointed that the nerve block did not work. But at least we know of one more thing that is not the problem. I have an appointment scheduled for a couple of weeks from now with a nutritionist. My first thought was, "that's just what I need, another doctor." But, then again, this might be a key to my answers about pain and digestive issues. Who knows? Oh yes, that's right. God knows!
It would impossible to keep my head on and not be completely frustrated if I did not have confidence that; one, God is in Control, and two, everything that happens to me has something in it that I can learn from.

Make it a point this week to learn something that God is trying to teach you.
After all, It's all about Him!

Wednesday, May 15

I believe that the Lord speaks to us through other people. Sometimes those other people know that they are delivering God's message and sometimes they don't have a clue. My friend and church member Tommy Beamon is a man of God. He is struggling with some breathing issues and possibly some heart issues. The fact is, the medical experts don't exactly know at this point. Whatever it is, Mr. Tommy said yesterday, it is "one of God's mysteries." I don't know if I have ever heard it put quite that way before, but I like it.
As you know, over the past days we have been trying to cut back on some of my pain meds and make some adjustments on some others. I have been doing extremely well until yesterday. Somehow the train kind of ran off of the track and I began to have some intense pain. (now remember, I am a wus, so intense pain for me might not be intense to someone else.) Anyway, I really hurt yesterday and am continuing feeling that pain today. Why? Maybe it's just one of God's mysteries.

Tommy and I agreed that if we had a God small enough for us to understand, then we would not have a very big God. Our God is much greater than that. How big is your God? Just wondering.

Saturday, May 11

As I walked my "15 minutes of fame" last night as the adult honorary chair at the Wayne County Relay for Life, I realized - again - just how blessed I am. Rev. Cole opened the event with a prayer and the Scripture that reminds us that there is "a great cloud of witnesses." It reminded me of the great cloud of witnesses that have helped get me through the cancer journey so far. My wife and the rest of my family, my church family, my many friends and community neighbors, the many folks who prayed for me from all over the world, and many more.
Tomorrow is Mother's Day. On the one hand, I wish my mama were here. Folks who knew her come up to me and tell me how proud she would be of me. To a "mama's boy" like me, that is an ultimate compliment. On the other hand, my mama was a big baby and a worrier. I am glad that she is in Heaven with Jesus instead of down here worrying about me.
I will see her soon enough. Until then, I've still got a lot of living to do. God still has a purpose for my life. Pray with me that I will listen to Him and do it.

Have ever prayed and then actually sat there and taken time to listen to Him? Try it. I dare you.

Thursday, May 9

Good morning!
Report from my two tests yesterday - all clear. No cancer found! God is good!
Now if we can just figure out where that pain is coming from and get my digestive system working regularly.
Whatever it is, God already knows.

When we are troubled, we are often quick to go to God. We should be even quicker to go to God when we have a praise.

Challenge for today: No matter what or where you find yourself today, give God praise. He alone is worthy. After all, it IS all about Him!

Tuesday, May 7

Ever heard the term TMI (Too Much Information)? Well, as I write this post I am preparing for my endoscopy and colonoscopy early tomorrow morning. If I were to go into any more detail, it would be TMI. Hopefully we will find out something tomorrow, but I am guessing that it might be several days before we get the final results. Pray that the tests will not reveal any new cancer.

Most folks who know me know that I have been a fan of the NY Yankees since I was a kid. In fact, I was only nine years old when my heroes were the 1961 Yankees, possibly the greatest team of all time. Last evening I was invited to attend a banquet for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The speaker was Bobby Richardson, who played second base for the Yankees from 1955 to 1966. He was obviously one of my heroes. If you are not familiar with him, Bobby was the one Christian on a team of party lovers, womanizers, and heavy drinkers. My favorite of all time Yankee was Mickey Mantle. As I got older, I realized that Mickey was not a good role model. I have often thought about, and was saddened, about how #7 lived his life.
Last night Bobby Richardson told the very personal true story about Mickey Mantle accepting Jesus as his Lord and Savior before he died. Awesome! Thank the Lord for Bobby Richardson.

It often takes many years to lead a close friend to Christ. Maybe you know what I mean. Don't give up on him or her. Bobby never gave up on Mickey. Now, when I get to Heaven (many years from now, I hope) I will get to see my favorite Yankees baseball player.

Saturday, May 4

May the fourth be with you my friends. :-)

Thank you so much for your prayers this week. I have accomplished more (2 funerals, 2 speaking engagements, meetings with prospective GC family members, and I'm not sure what else) this week than I have in many months. I am tired, but it is a "good tired," if you know what I mean.

I have been saying for almost 18 months since I began this cancer journey that "It's All About Him." It always has been. It always will be. But on Wednesday evening I was informed that I will be receiving the Harry Denman award for Evangelism at the NCCUMC Annual Conference next month. This is one of the highest awards anyone can be honored to receive in that category. I was absolutely surprised and extremely humbled by this recognition. As I told Diane, this just means that I will be able to talk to more people about Jesus, which is what Harry Denman was all about. So I have a renewed resolve to share Jesus with everyone.

Do you know Jesus? If you want to get to know Him better, contact me. If you want to share Him with others, don't wait for an award. Now is the time.

So;
How many people have you personally led to the saving grace of our Lord?
When is the last time you shared Jesus with someone?

May 1, 2013

Blessed May Day to you!
Great news! Last week we cut my pain patch from 75mg to 50mg. No problem. On Monday we cut the dosage to a 25mg patch. Again, no problem. To put this in perspective, we tried cutting back on the pain patch a few months ago. Within hours after we put the 25 on, I was begging Diane to put, not my 50, but my 75 back on me. I was experiencing intense pain.
As I just reported, since Monday I have only had the 25mg patch. No pain! No nausea! Does this mean that the last procedure worked, which means that most of my pain has been coming from the nerves that were blocked two weeks ago today? I have no idea. :-) I just know that it is great news.

One of the purposes of this journey is so that I can share it with others. Please pray for me, as I have a busier schedule this week doing that than I had intended. I am looking forward to being with my GC family on Sunday, but the next two days are very busy days, so please pray for me.

Do you ever get overextended? Is it for the right purpose? If so, God will be with you! I promise - no, He promises.

Monday, April 29

Happy Monday!
I had an extremely blessed weekend. I took advantage of the opportunity to worship without preaching yesterday. We had recording artist Eric Horner lead worship. He is certainly a man of God, and his message and his music witness to that.

Today we cut the pain meds back another 25 mg. We have gone from 75mg to 50 mg and now 25 mg. I should know by Wednesday, when I call Dr. Gray back, if the procedure is being effective.

Also today we went to see our family doctor, Dr. West. He gave us advice on what to do as we cut back on our meds. He is setting up an appointment with another GI specialist. (That's right. I get to see another doctor). Now I know why they call it "practicing medicine." There are so many great minds who have specialized categories. I am thankful for each one. But I know who the great physician is. Fortunately, Dr. West also understands that.

We all know that any talent that any doctor possesses comes from God. In that same thinking, any talent that any of us possess comes from God. I will quote Dr. Atkins. "Death is not the enemy. Living your entire life and not fulfilling the purpose that God put you here on earth to do is the enemy."

Have you used your talent for God today?

Wednesday, April 24

As I said last week, Dr. Gray at Duke instructed me to call her in one week. (that would be today). I talked to her a few minutes ago. Her next instructions are that I will begin cutting back on any pain meds beginning today. We will know more about the effect this procedure has had. So that is the deal. Each and every day will tell us more and more. I can share with you - honestly and truthfully - that I have physically felt better these past days than I have in months. I pray that we are on the right track, that this nerve issue is not cancer related, and that God will continue to guide Diane and me - oh, and that we will continue to listen to Him and do as He says.

On another personal note: Last night we went to Seven Springs and met a group of about 20 people who are Kayaking down the river from Raleigh to New Bern for Cancer research and awareness through Relay for Life. As it was getting dark, some of our GC folks gathered in a circle to share in a special ritual that they do. These folks are inspirational. What they do for an entire week and 120 plus miles on a Kayak is a very big deal.

However, here is something that I want to share. As I walked up to the area, someone had brought me a chair to sit in. Many folks were standing, but someone remembered that I struggle with standing for a long time. It was a little deed to them, but a big deed to me. Then, as the sun went down the temperature dropped. I was getting cold when I looked up and someone had gone to their vehicle and brought me a blanket to wrap up in. What a blessing! A little deed to them maybe, but a big deed to me.

I don't know if you are the type of person who thinks that you cannot do anything big, so you don't do anything at all. But let me ASSURE you that when you do things for others, there are no little deeds. I believe that in the heart of our Lord, and certainly in the heart of those you help, it's all very special.

So today, think of something little that you can do for someone. It may take some work on your part, as you have to pay attention. But I think that it will be worth it.

Thankful and blessed!
Jerry

Saturday, April 20

Happy Saturday blog family,
I need to update you on how I feel since the procedure on Wednesday. Basically Dr. Gray was correct. It will be a few more days until I can tell any difference. I do seem to feel a bit sore inside where the needles went, but soreness is not a big deal. I am still on the pain patch and I am still taking anti-nausea meds.
As for my physical strength, Diane and I try to walk some each week. I think that it helps. I was able to go to North Lenoir High School last night to see my favorite new star actress (Sally Ann) in the Wizard of Oz. She is a five year old ham - and I love it! The entire show was worth the effort.
Also, I am reminded that today is my oldest granddaughter, Maia's birthday. I can hardly believe that she is 13, a teenager. She is very special. She has always been a challenging child. I've got a feeling that, now that she is a teenager, it is only going to get more adventurous in our family.

But listen to me as I rattle on about 'my girls.' God is so good to me. He has given me more than enough motivation to continue and not give up. My friend Lynn Taylor sent me this saying from Rod Gilbert. "Losers visualize the penalties of failure, but winners visualize the rewards of success." I am visualizing and experiencing God's rewards to me already! I am a winner!

In your personal journey, what motivates you to be a winner?

Wednesday, April 17 (Bonus Edition)

We just got back from Durham. Things went so well that we stopped and ate dinner in Raleigh. That's right, I feel just fine. The procedure that I had was a very simple one. It is very similar to a cortisone shot that you might have had or heard of. The difference is that there were two shots. Each one had to be CT Scan controlled and hitting just the right spot.
Those of you who know me might find it hard to believe that I was awake and watching the monitor the entire time.

It will take a week to 10 days before we get any indication that, 1) this was what was causing the pain. 2) If this works at all.

So, I need more patience. I know that the Lord has some more for me to get from Him. He and I can handle it. Have you ever found yourself in a situation that required more patience?

Wednesday, April 17

Happy Middle of the week day, also known as hump day, blog family,
As you know, this afternoon we will be traveling to Durham to have a nerve block procedure done at Duke Medical Center. Many have asked what this is all about. To tell you the truth, I am not entirely sure. Here is what I do know. Several months ago I began having pains and nausea. The pain was in my abdominal area where my tumor and some other things were removed. Doctors speculate that the pain might be coming from scar tissue around a cluster of nerves in that area. So today, we are going to have a "nerve block" done.
I am not sure how this procedure works. I am not sure what effect, if any, the procedure will have. I do know who does know. (sounds confusing - I do know who does know - but I am sure that you understand) I personally know the One who designed this entire body and knows ALL things.

As I think about it, it is pretty cool to know the One who holds everything in His hands. I am, of all people, most blessed. After all:
It's all about Him!

Do you "personally" know the One? Really?

Monday, April 15th Two blogs for the price of one

Good morning again blog family,
It is not that I woke up this morning with this burst of energy and burning desire to write. It is just that I thought that I should mention April 15th. So I published a blog a few minutes ago. On this one, I want to get off of my soapbox of blasting those poor ignorant politicians.
I want to share with you that I have continued to have some really good days this past week. We did preach both services yesterday. On Saturday, we were able to go to Durham to attend "Bible Drill," which is a Baptist program for young people so that they can learn more about the Bible, how to treat it, and what is in it. It is an awesome program. My granddaughter, Kelli participated and did a great job. We are all proud of her.
When we returned from Durham, we went to Wayne Memorial Drive to participate in "Cures for Colors," which is an outreach of Southeastern Medical Oncology to help fund those who are traveling the cancer journey. We participated in a 100 mile walk/run. We did it as a team with each member completing 5,2 miles. I am so excited that Diane, Gabe, (pushing Sally Ann in a stroller) and I walked the entire loop. Our GC team actually walked/ran 134 miles!

Trust me, I would not have been able to do that just a few short weeks ago. God continues to hear your prayers. Keep praying. I am healed because "It's all about Him!"

Monday, April 15

Happy Monday blog friends,

Today is April 15th - Tax Day. Here is the good news! Jesus Christ is alive and well. Here is the bad news. When Jesus walked on this earth He taught us to render unto Caeser what is Caeser's, and to render unto God what is God's. The reason that this is bad news is that we don't like rendering unto anyone. But what I pray happens is this: We give to God because we love Him. We give to the IRS because we have to. Either way, we can go to sleep at night knowing that we have done what God would have us to do.
One other thing. Think of it this way. If you are not getting a tax refund, then you can know that you were able to keep your money all year. If you are getting a tax refund, then you can know that it was your money in the first place. They are just giving you back what you loaned tem this year. If you are having to pay, then you can know that you have used their money for the past year.

Either way, as stupid and careless as our political leaders are when it comes to spending, I can know that I am blessed to live in the greatest country in the world, and that I support the USA. I will give unto the USA what belongs to the USA. I will tithe to God through the church. And I will pray for both the church and the government to do the right thing with my resources.

But remember: It's all about Him!

Wednesday, April 10

In the gastrointestinal cancer arena there is a 'cancer indicator number' that you may remember I have talked about in the past (ca19-9). To put this number in perspective, sometimes the oncologists think that this is the most important number known to man. Others put less stock in the indicator accuracy. To put this into perspective, let me give you my ca19-9 history.
A normal number is 40 or less. Three months after surgery, March 2012 , my number was 20. Three months later, June 2012 my number was 70. Now, 70 isn't below 40, but the doctors were not all that concern. In September my number had jumped to over 200, then over 600. In January of this year the number was 1500. After these past three rounds of chemo, from the test a few days ago my number is 94. Ninety-four is still above the "normal." But I have not had a ca19-9 below 100 in over a year! In other words, God is continuing to work in the world of miracles and medication. (I am sure that would make a good sermon title one day - "Miracles and Medication." :-)
Anyway, since this year I have been chosen to serve as adult honorary chair for Wayne County Relay for Life Cancer Awareness. I am honored indeed. But it also gives me the opportunity to spread the gospel - the good news of healing through miracles and medication.
I will be speaking tonight at Daniels Memorial UMC. I will try to keep you informed of upcoming dates.
Loving my '94 because:
It's all about Him.

Monday, April 8

Happy Monday! That salutation may sound a bit strange to folks who hate Mondays and look forward to Fridays. I am sure that I have, in years gone by, felt that same way. But lately I have been careful to thank God for every day. And what is more, I am thanking God not just for the day, but I am thanking Him for this good day.
We have experienced nausea free days lately. (That is a big deal in my world) We also have my pain patch adjusted to the rate that does not make me sick, but masks my pain. This combination, no pain and no nausea, is so refreshing to me that it is hard to explain. I am sure that as time goes by and we get all of my health issues solved, I will once again take days for granted. But for right now . . .
Happy Monday Blog family.
May the Lord share His sunshine with you, both inside and outside, so that you can share His sunshine with others.

Friday, April 5

Happy Friday Blog friends,
As I sit in my study writing this blog, I can see overcast skies outside of my window. BUT, I have heard and read the meteorologists reports that, after today, the skies are going to be clear and we are going to have some beautiful weather for a few days. I suppose that the positive predictions of the experts make cloudy days seem tolerable. Isn't the human mind amazing?
Yesterday we went to our scheduled appointment with Dr. West. He has some thoughts that maybe some of my nausea is coming from the pain meds that I am taking. He made a few adjustments. He is also thinking that my pain is coming from scar tissue wrapped around a cluster of nerves in my abdominal area. So, on Wednesday, April 17th we are going to Duke to have a procedure done to block those nerves.
So, as I sit in my office writing this blog, I still have some discomfort, and I am still taking medication for pain and for nausea. BUT the possibility of a positive, "relatively simple," solution to whatever ails me (and maybe some emotional and mental, as well as physical sunshine, makes the pain and nausea (like cloudy skies) more tolerable.

The deal is - I have hope - and so do you! Read the Bible,  pray, listen for God's voice, or talk to someone you believe to be an 'expert.' Whatever you have to do to realize that you too have hope - do it!

Monday, April 1

Happy Easter Monday Blog friends:
Also, happy "Atheist Day." I don't know if it is official or not, but since the Bible clearly states that "a fool says in his heart that there is no God." (Psalm 14 and Psalm 53), and since today is April Fool's day, I figure that this must be Atheist day. After all, everyone needs a day to celebrate.

This weekend at GC was awesome. I was able to get up and preach Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m., but it may have been the biggest struggle we have had in a long time. God also allowed me to preach the morning service. He is so good to me! We had a wonderful lunch with family/friends. Then Diane and I came home and crashed into nap time.

The prayer for this week is that I will find out exactly what is causing my digestive system to malfunction. I still have nausea every day, I throw up most days, and my bm is not normal. I am ready to get past this stuff.
Whatever it is, God already knows. I trust Him to take care of me.

Wednesday, March 27

So, I was watching Fox and Friends this morning. I saw and heard this with my own eyes and ears. There is a public school in Alabama (yes, in the South), that is not allowing children to talk about Easter eggs or the Easter bunny because they want to make sure that religion, specifically Christianity, is kept out of the schools.
Think about it. People now believe that rabbits and eggs are Christian symbols that come from the Bible.
Sad . . .

Tuesday, March 26

Happy Tuesday Blog family,
So far this week has been one of mystery. I was able to preach both services on Sunday (thank you for your prayers). Yesterday I took my birthday girl, Diane out to lunch. I also went to breakfast with a bunch of preachers and visited some very special friends at the Hospice Center. All of that was good. The mystery part of this week has been the fact that my stomach has just not felt well. I don't know any other way to describe it.
(Disclaimer: if you are weak of stomach, just skip this next sentence). I still have nausea and soft stool. And everything that comes out of me, either end, smells unbelievably rotten.
(Okay, you can resume reading here). I am not sure what our next step is, but I am sure that I am ready for springtime, ready for resurrection Sunday, ready for new life!

Are you ready?