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!
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
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!
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, 2013
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!
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, 2013
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.
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, 2013
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.
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, 2013
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!
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, 2013
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.
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, 2013
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?
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?
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
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.
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.
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