Thursday, February 28

Good morning blog family, The good news is that I seem to have tolerated this week's chemo treatment better than past treatments. Some things are better, and some things I have just learned to cope with. Either way, I know that God is getting me through this part of the journey. I so apppreciate "better days." As for visits, feel free to give me a call. I will be honest with you about how I feel and if I can handle a visit.
Last Sunday I preached about how the devil wants to take away our ability to trust. He doesn't want us to trust those around us. But he especially does not want us to trust God. The devil did not give me cancer, but he sure would like to use it to cause me not to trust.
Well, cancer can take a lot of things away from me. But it cannot take away my trust. I think about that every time Diane walks up to me with a handful of meds and says "it's time for you to take these. I trust her to know and do what is best for me. And I trust God to make everything come together for my good and His glory.
After all - It's all about Him!

Monday February 25

Update: We had another treatment today. Some new side effects. So far, so good. Waiting to see how I feel over the coming days. And waiting to see what God has in store for me and what He wants to show me. Another update: I was able to preach both services this past Sunday. I don't know if anyone else received a blessing, but I know that I certainly did. But after all - it's all about him. I will try to post again in the next few days when some of the meds wear off.

Saturday, February 23

Keep praying. It is working. I seem to be stronger these last days. I would like to ask for you to pray specifically. (As I learned that we should do during last Wednesday evening's Xtreme Prayer study.) Pray specifically that God would give me strength to preach tomorrow. I know that is my desire. And I know that He has called me to preach. So just pray for physical strength.
And thank you for your cards, calls, visits and prayers. We ain't done yet. It is still all about Him.

Thursday, February 21

I am happy to report that I was able to attend the Wednesday night prayer study at GC last night. Terry Johnson and those who put this thing together have done an excellent job at bringing out the importance of prayer. They have made it a personal thing, which is the way that prayer should be.
Each and every day that I struggle with these rounds of chemo I become more aware that my prayers are personal prayers. It's me and God. But I am also aware that even though my prayers are personal, they are not private. They are to be shared. I want to share with each of you that God hears us when we pray. Last night there were several instances where, when we looked back, we saw the Hand of God in the answer to a prayer.
Try this. The next time you see evidence of your answered prayer, share it with someone. You might be surprised to know that they need to hear it.
And always remember; it's all about Him!

Monday, February 18

Spent the weekend in the hospital. I am home now. The plan is for me to stay home and continue to gain strength, and then take another chemo treatment next Monday. Pray for some good days ahead.
I welcome any cards, calls or visits during the week.
So many people have done so much to make this journey easier to travel. Thanks to each one.

Thursday, February 14

Many people are celebrating"Valentine's Day" today. It is the day that "love" is celebrated. But many people seem to mistake true love with something much less. Some equate how their everyday lives are going to how much God loves them. Others equate people's love for us to God's love for us. Both are a serious mistake. God's love goes way beyond our comprehension. God's love is unconditional. God's love is unmeasurable. As the book of Corinthians says, "Love never ends." If you don't "feel" loved today, let me encourage you. You are loved. For God so loved you so much that He gave His only Son to die so that you would have eternal life. Bask in that love.
As for me, so far this has been a better week for me physically. I am overcoming the effects of chemo slowly. I am confident that God is working in all of this. I was able to get out last evening and hear Gabe's powerful message before participating in the dispensation of the ashes for Ash Wednesday.
I am thankful for the love of so many people who have showed loved on my behalf. Today I will focus on how much God loves me and wants me to be healed, and how much Diane loves me and is working hard doing everything that she can to do God's will.
After all, as Gabe shared, "It's a heart thing." It's all about Him."

Tuesday, February 12

Every day is a brand new day in the Lord. Some days are better than others, but every day is a gift for which I am thankful. To update, I am looking forward to feeling physically better. This is supposed to be the week that I feel better before taking another chemo treatment next Monday.
I am so thankful for all that God supplies. Diane is hanging in there with me, of course. My family and my church family are stepping up to the plate among what seems like an endless line of  challenges.
In every challenge there is a victory. When God's people pray, things happen. Keep praying.
And never ever forget: It's all about Him.

Februrary 10, 2013

As I look around my world tonight, I see struggle. My Granddauaghter still needs a prayer to complete a program that is so important to her health. My closest Aunt (Aunt Christine) was laid to rest this afternoon. She made me promise that I would preach her funeral when the time came.. Unfortutunately for me, I am way too sick to complete such a tast. Fortunately for her, she has a loving faithful preacher at her churh to preside over the funeral.
Tonight I have several GC famly requests.We have one in ICU and several more that is being checked out for serious physical conditions.
One of my brothers' in Christ has suggested that we wrestle with what the Scripture calls "Spiritual Warfar." I think that he might be right. And if so, then we are ready. For Scripture tells us to resist the devil and he will flee from us. We win!!!
I can't wait to hear all about the victories as they happen.

As for me, I am slowly gaining strength and looking forward to many days ahead.I am thankul for all thoughts and prayers during this time.

Saturday, February 2

Happy Saturday blog family.
I am feeling so much better today than I have in what seems to be forever. In fact, it seems like forever since I have even known what day it is. Just between you and me, time appears to all run together when I am sick. I have to constantly ask Diane, "what day is this?" Today I realize that I need to ask Diane "what month is this?". Wow! Where did January go?
Well, another month is indeed here. I will approach February with even more resolve to do His will and to continue to gain strength to do His work. After all, it IS all about Him.
Thank you once again for your calls, your short visits, your cards, and especially your prayers.