10/16/2014

My thoughts from a sermon by Dr. Voddie Baucham (look him up on YouTube)

Why do we accept mediocrity in the church?  What I mean is that we accept mediocrity in our personal relationship with Christ.  We aren’t confident enough in our own personal relationship to help lead someone else in their walk with Christ.  Nowhere else is this acceptable.  I mean, we claim to have been a Christian, actively involved in a church for 15, 20, 25+ years and we still can’t lead someone in their walk with Christ.  Think about it this way.  Let’s say a new believer comes to you and says, “Hey, you’ve been a Christian most of your life, you’ve been a faithful member of the church for years, can you walk with me as I seek a deeper relationship with Him?”  Our response, “I ain’t no preacher.  I can’t do that.  Maybe I can call the Pastor for you, he/she will be able to help you.”  Now flip that into a secular career.  Let’s say you’ve been a brick mason for 15-20 years.  A new aspiring brick mason comes to you and asks, “Can you show me all you know about brick laying and lead me as I learn this trade.”  What would you say?  “I don’t know nothin’ about bricks…”  Absolutely not, if you’ve been laying brick for 15-20 years you are a master brick mason.  It would be unacceptable to claim you know nothing about laying bricks if you have been doing this for 15-20 years, yet it’s totally accepted in the church.  The world tells us that we are not good enough, we are not smart enough, we aren’t worthy to lead someone else in their relationship with Christ.  And here’s the kicker…we listen and believe that we aren’t good enough.  Let’s look at who Christ chose to lead others in The Way!  He chose several fishermen, a tax collector and just plain old regular folks.  Jesus didn’t call the equipped, he equipped the called. 

So, are you feeling inadequate? Get into God’s Word.  Are you feeling insecure?  Talk to God about that and ask Him to release you from that fear.  On the funny side: Stuart Smalley from Saturday Night Live always said, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.”  More than that…God loves you and has called you to make disciples of Jesus Christ.  How will you answer His call? How will you use the time that God has given you today to encourage another child of God?  May we NEVER forget that it’s not about us, It’s All About Him!

10/7/14 Worried?

This is Gabe, Jerry's son.  For some reason, God is leading me to post this today.  

I just had a conversation with a fellow Christian Co-Worker. We were discussing ISIS & the violence that seems to be ever present in the world we live.  Right after we talked, I open up social media to see a post from a good friend.  She shared her devotion from Jesus Calling.  I believe this is not a coincidence, it is the answer. As Christians we are called to surrender to Christ and allow Him to lead. Are you worried about something?  Are you having a hard time hearing His voice? Focus on Him first and He will guide your actions.  

It's not about us, It's All About Him!

October 7

In order to hear My voice, you must release all your worries into My care. Entrust to Me everything that concerns you. This clears the way for you to seek My Face unhindered. Let Me free you from fear that is hiding deep inside you. Sit quietly in My Presence, allowing My Light to soak into you and drive out any darkness lodged within you.

Accept each day just as it comes to you, remembering that I am sovereign over your life. Rejoice in this day that I have made, trusting that I am abundantly present in it. Instead of regretting or resenting the way things are, thank Me in all circumstances. Trust Me and don’t be fearful; thank Me and rest in My sovereignty. -Jesus Calling

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
—1 Peter 5:6–7
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
—Psalm 118:24
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
—1 Thessalonians 5:18

Totally Surrendered to HIM!

-Gabe

Jerry's ultimate journey

I have had several people say I need to do a final post to Jerry's blog.  On May 12 Jerry went home to be with Jesus.  That was his ultimate goal.  While he was here on earth, his goal was to show Jesus to others.  His greatest wish was that each one of you would have a personal relationship with your Lord and Savior and that you would pass that on.  Live as though you are meeting your God face to face tomorrow and love each other every day.  He loved us all and is waiting for us to meet him in Heaven.  After all, it is all about Him!  God bless you all.

Thursday 1,2014

May Day May Day! I am alive! Today is National Day of Prayer. But I want to thank all my family and friends who believe that every day is a day of prayer.  I am most blessed to have my support system at work when I am unable to fulfill all my duties. If I do all that Dr. Chang wants me to do today which includes walking and breathing treatments we can go home tomorrow. God is so good. Thanks for praying without ceasing.

Tuesday, April 22

Update: we had our chemo treatment yesterday (Monday). To my surprise, I have done extremely well this time. I did some work today. I have felt really well. Next week we will take tests and scans to decide what we will do next.
Thank you for your prayers and your support. It works. Keep 'me going.

Thursday, April 17

In my world, numbers mean things. That said, we did not get good news from my tumor marker. It went in the wrong direction - from 600 to 900. We were planning a break from chemo, but now we are not sure. We will take our Monday treatment next week, and then do some scans the next week.

We are disappointed, of course. But we are still confident in another number. That number is the number 3. We know that Jesus was crucified, died and was buried. But we also know that Jesus arose from the grave on the third day. Why is that number important? As the song (and even more importantly Scripture ) says, "because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, I will live also!"

Every day is a gift from God. Every Sunday is Easter. Happy Easter!

Monday, April 14

We went to our appointment with Dr. Chang today. Diane and I respect her professional opinion, as well as her plan of care for me. That being said, we did blood tests today. Dr. CHANG will analyse the results and together we will decide what to do next. Next Monday will be chemo treatment number twelve this year. If the test numbers are stable, we will suspend any more treatments until the end of the summer. If the tests are not good, we will do scans to decide how many more treatments, if any, will be necessary.
We are excited (though admittedly a bit anxious) about the possibility of more relaxed, pain free, nausea free, energetic, months, and maybe even years, than we have had in a very long time. We are reminded that Jesus promised us abundant life. As abundantly blessed as my life is, I am looking forward to feeling as good physically as I do spiritually.
Do I trust what Jesus promised? I do for sure!

Friday, April 11

What a much better week I have experienced this week! Why? Cause God said so, that's why. You see, God led Dr. Chang to postpone any chemo until after Easter. She is a brilliant doctor who looks and listens to her patients. She realizes that these last treatments have been tough on my body. This little break has given me some positive energy.
Funny thing is, the Capital Disrict D.S. Jon the Methodist, has been doing a lot of talking about how we Christians ought to be doing more listening before we start programming. Put another way, we should listen to the needs of those to whom we are ministering before we begin ministering. This is quite a task for a pastor at times. Some folks don't know what they need. Some folks know, but they don't know how to express it. Then there are those folks who know what they need, and yet are not willing to do what it takes to help with the problem. For example; GC is offering a dynamic web based marriage enrichment workshop this weekend. A few hours tonight and a few hours tomorrow is all it requires. We made it clear that the church would provide scholarships for those who need it.

As pastor, I can personally tell you that The Family Life Center should have been "standing room only." Let me just say - it wasn't.

Do you need help in your personal life? Jesus will always be there.

Saturday, April 5

Well, at least this week has been better than last week. That's a good thing. PLUS, Dr. Chang has agreed to wait until after Easter to do more chemo, if we do any more at all.
I sure would like to feel good again. I would like to play with my granddaughters. I would like to fish a little or play a round of golf. I would like to take Diane to the beach for a couple of days and help her enjoy it by feeling well. I would like to work in my yard. I would like to run even a short distance. I would like to go out to eat with friends.
I would like to have the focus and energy to work at church 15 hours a day. I would like to visit shut-ins and sick folks. I would like to gather with my team and do vision planning for GC.

There are many verses in the Scripture that tell me that if I want the right things for the right reasons (read James) then God will hear my prayer. I'm thinking that I'm not too far off.
As Jason says "pray with me."
I can hardly wait to see what God will do.

Monday, March 31

Update on my cancer journey: last week was one of the worst in a long time,but we kind of expected that,  Dr Chang had warned us that "accumulation" of chemo in my system would likely make the side effects worse. It did. Fatigue and nausea were back, along with some other familiar unpleasantries.
It gets frustrating,even in the minor things in life. Here is an example from the "real world." My Galaxy s3 phone has never worked all that well. In the last two years since I have had it, I have carried it back and complained on several occasions, but to no avail. Well guess what? They recalled some models and mine was one of them. I applied and they promptly sent me another phone.

Listen to this, on Saturday I was feeling bad, but the rule was that I had to switch the phones over within 15 days, so we went to the phone store to do the deal. BUT, I was riding with Diane so I did not bother to carry my wallet with id. AND since Diane's name is not on the account, her id was not valid.
I'm not trying to get political here, but we had to go back home and get my id to switch a phone on, but I could have voted for the most powerful leader in the free world without any id. Hmm.

We did learn a valuable lesson from this. If you are married, the two of you are one. Both of your names should be on everything you have.

Anyway, you can call my cell now. It should work just fine.

Wednesday, March 25

Okay, so when it comes to blogging, I am a little weird. Some weeks I post several times. Some weeks I go several days without posting at all. Bottom line; the length of times between posts have little significance to my health.
Today is a great day to post. I am feeling much, much, better. I have a blessed life. And most of all, my wonderful soul mate is having a birthday today. Most of you don't remember preacher Harrell, who used to call one's spouse their "love mate." I agree. Read the description of love in 1 Corinthians, chapter 13 for the definition of love. I particularly like Paul's last and deciding factor when it comes to love. Love never fails. My love my love mate, Diane.

Update: I did take chemo last Monday. We are getting very close to finishing this series. I am feeling some effects, you've heard them all, a bit stronger these days. But I think that I see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I don't think it is that bright light that people see when they are near death. I think that it is the bright light of God's Sonshine!

Look to Him. It is there.

Monday, March 17

Happy St. Patrick Day. St. Patrick taught the Irish that Christ is all that they need. The luck of the Irish is good. The love of Jesus is better! This is chemo day for me. It is going to be a "love of Jesus" day for me. How about for you?

Saturday, March 15

In Shakespeare's "Macbeth" the warning was "Beware the ides of March." Today, the 15th, is that annual date. But today, there really is no reason to beware of this, or any other, day. But the famous writer did make a good point. When I am in the midst of some physical battle like back spasms or chemo side effects, it is difficult not to beware of every day. I pray. I know that God hears. I am assured that all is well through Him. Yet, when I am in the fire, it is hard to see the forest for the trees, as someone once said.

Yet today God has given me a break from the pain. My back spasms are almost non-existent today. It has been almost two weeks since chemo, so that part of my physical life is much better. It seems that I can see God's hand more clearly. So is it me, or is it Him?

Here is my good news for today. No matter how I feel, or what I can or cannot see, God is here with me. He loves me in spite of me. I just need to remember that this entire thing is not about me.
It's all about Him! And I sure am glad. Try thinking about that during this season of Lent.

Thursday, March 13

Health update:
We went to see Dr. West this morning concerning my back issues. He gave me a couple of shots that have already helped. I am thankful for doctors like Thad West and people who pray for them. That would be you. Thank you!

Thursday, March 13

This was forwarded to me by my good friend, Kaye Thompson:

Tuesday, March 11

Talking about mixed emotions, (that is what we were talking about wasn't it?) life is certainly a journey. Life is like the proverbial box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get.
Today is like that. The weather outside is what we would consider perfect. And yet it was necessary for us to take some time in this perfect weather to officiate the funeral for a close personal friend of mine. So God gave us sunshine in the midst of a clouded sky.
So today it is a day to have mixes emotions. I will remember Mr. Tommy with tears and smiles. I will rejoice in this perfect weather day that The Lord has made. I will have mixed emotions.

But the one thing that never changes - that never gets mixed up - is the love that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has for me . . . And you.

March 8

Wouldn't it be fun if everyone were alike? We would all be one color. We would all have  the political opinions. We would all like our steak cook one certain way. And of course, the most important  point, we would all pull for the Carolina TarHeels.
But alas, that is not the way that God has made us. He has given to us a blessing and a curse, it is called  "free will."
Within that spectrum comes the freedom of choosing to accept Jesus or not. We can choose right from wrong, or love or hate. There are many choices.
Since this is a private blog, I don't mind telling you that you should choose UNC over Duke in the basketball game,

Once you think about it, the answer to my first question is no. It would not be fun if everyone were alike? It would be downright boring. Being a good fan being never wavering from your team. I'm a TarHeel fan, and now and then I pull for NCSU or ECU or NCWeslyan. But I am NEVER a Duke fan. Now that is fun. :-)

We spent a night in the hospital last night. They ran an MRI.
Looks like healing will just take time. Looks like  no cancer related issues,
I am a fan of Dr, Chang, but even a bigger fan of Jesus.

Saturday, March 1

Where did February go?
I figured that I might find the answer in my blog posts so I went to the blog. It was then that I realized that I have lost the last two posts that I had so painstakingly written.
Before the days of instant electronics I always wrote my notes on little pieces of paper; phone numbers, appointments, ect. That was all well and good as long I could find the notes when I needed them. However, I spent more than a few hours asking Diane to help me find one little piece of paper.

Now I know that my information is not safe, even in the cyber world, as if I ever thought differently. This reminds me of the Scripture that advises us to know what we believe. It is an amazing thing to have written words at our disposal. But it is even more amazing to have those words written
in your heart and mind. So, I will try to check my post more often.

Update: I am still taking chemo every other Monday. I will be glad when we take a break, maybe in a couple of more treatments. The side affects are a bit more taxing. I am a bit more fatigued. Diane is getting a bit run down. But we will get through this, one bit at a time.

After multiple tests, we believe that my severe back pain is coming from a muscle strain. It hurts pretty bad, but the cool thing about it is that I have any muscle at all to strain. I thought I was all skin and bones. lol

If you figure out where February went, send me a text, will you? Or write it down, or put it on fb or google+, or . . .

February 22

Okay, so we all know that I love being "busy." Sometimes I love it a bit too much, I hate to admit that, but Diane might be right on this one. So on Thursday morning we left home to go to Emerald Isle, or Cedar Point, or wherever it was - we went to the beach. My brother Ronnie was kind enough to loan us his condo. Our plans were to stay until today (Saturday). Well, my body had other plans. I began the old familiar puke routine almost as soon as we arrived. I continued to throw up, (tmi again?),so Diane suggested that we go home, and she talked me into it.
We are getting some fluids so that I can "stay busy" this weekend.

See you in church!

Wendesday, February 19

I have heard you say that the absence of a blog implies that I am not doing well. Not so. Sometimes, like this time, the absence of a blog post means that I have been a bit overwhelmed at work. I am okay with that, mind you. I love church.
There are some parts of church that are more costly than others. For instance, pastors love people. They must be that way or they are not called to be a pastor. Anyway, I love me job. I just wish that I could do even more.

Of course you remember that our North Carolina weather threw us for a loop. We had record cold temps and frozen precipitation. Then my blood counts got off whack and I could not take chemo that week. Then I spent a couple of days in the hospital due to a fever of an unknown source, which was never found, by the way.

Then, my fellow cancer journey survivor, Connie Daniels went on to be with the Lord. That gave me the opportunity to speak at her funeral service on Sunday evening - after preaching two services on Sunday morning.

On Monday we did go get chemo and I have been able to get some work done. Today (Wednesday) I went to get my stitch removed from my back surgery and get my chemo pump taken off at SMOC.

I like being busy, don't you? It means that God still has something to leave you on this earth to do.

Lord, let it begin with Jerry

February 12

Update:
I am out of the hospital and am at home.
They found no fever while I was there.
They found not blood work or scans or x-rays that imply any complications.
Essentially, I stayed a couple of days in a very expensive hotel. Still, and I have said this before. I prefer Wayne Memorial over any other hospital that I have ever had the opportunity to deal with. The staff there are unsurpassed in courtesy and efficiency. Now remember, that's just my 2 cents.

Anyway, I am home enjoying the view of the driven snow. I am not going to let the thoughts of an ice storm coming our way ruin the beauty of the white snow. Most events and churches (including GC) have been postponed for tonight. If you decide to get out, please be careful.

Look again at wherever you are right now. I am guessing that it is better than the nicest hospital in the country. Woohoo!

February 10

Okay blog friends, stop praying for today's chemo treatment. Why? Cause I am not able to have chemo today. For the past week or so I have experienced high fevers, chills and sweats during the night. Aside from fatigue the next day, I have noticed no other side effects. However; Dr. Chang does not feel comfortable administering chemo with the fever.
All that being said, stop praying for chemo today and start praying for a quick discovery of the cause of the fever. I am being held hostage here until they do.
By the way, the fever is not caused by the spread of cancer to my back. During surgery last Friday a biopsy was taken that ruled out cancer to the bone. Ain't God good.

Still love the Beatles. Not enough tv time to tell the whole story. But I can tell you this: when it comes to Jesus - He loves you yeah, yeah, yeah!

Saturday, February 8

Over the years I have learned to become a bit skeptical about doctors. I mean, even those to whom I hold in highest regard, Dr, West, Dr. Chang, Dr, Griffin, call what they do "practicing" medicine. Still, I literally trust some doctors with my life. Dr. Massey was added to my list this past week. He was the neurosurgeon who operated on my back on Thursday. I am recovering nicely. I have some soreness, but almost no pain. It helps me to believe that the pain in my back did indeed come from a compression fracture and not from the spread of cancer. (Remind me to tell you about the anesthesiologist some day - don't know his\her name and I don't need to - yet)

Maybe my pain in the back was a result of the pain in the butt (not literally) that I have been to Diane over the years. I sure hope not. If it is, I've got a long way to go.
A big thanks to Buddy, Jimmy, Ronnie, Donna, Betty Joe, my dad, and of course my caregiver Diane for being with me during the process, and as Jimmy always says, "Thank You Lord."

Wednesday, February 5

"DEAL", said the News Argus front page on February 4. The deal was that the insurance company and the hospital have agreed on a three year contract. As a cancer patient, I am assuming that is good news for me, as I am certain that I will be utilizing both of those groups over the next three years. Oh and yes, I do plan on being here for at least that long, unless Jesus comes back first.
I don't know what the details of the WMH / BCBS contract are, but I do know this.
"DEAL" for me is this. I keep trusting in Jesus and He keeps overwhelmingly blessing me with mercy and grace. I have no doubt about His part of the deal. He already paid the price over 2000 years ago. As for my end of the bargain, pray with me that I will continue to trust. Sounds silly doesn't it? Jesus died on the cross. All I have to do is believe that and spread the word.

Every now and then I am stretched a bit under the circumstances. While looking at some scans, the doctors have determined that I have a compression fracture and that I need back surgery. So tomorrow, Thursday I will be having 'minor' surgery on my back. Pray an extra prayer for me please. Didn't someone once say, minor surgery is when it is done on you. Major surgery is when It is done on me.
Between Jesus and me, we have a DEAL.

January 30 again

Since I have been slack in blogging, I almost forgot the purpose of the thing. I need to tell you that my chemo treatments up to now have been going well. However, the last two or three days have been very unpleasant. No fun in the snow when you feel like you need to throw up at both ends - oops, too much info, huh?
Have fun! God is good!

January 30

I suppose that I have taken enough "time management" workshops in my lifetime to add years to my life. Most of the concepts covered during these seminars are good, common sense reminders. One of my favorite examples is distinguishing the difference between the urgent and the important. Here is the bottom line. When you measure and rank your activities for a time period, according to their perceived importance, it can be difficult, but not impossible. Some things are obviously more important than others. Then suddenly, something happens in your life that is so urgent that the important is not so important any more. The urgent will always be first. I believe that God often uses the urgent.

Over the past days you may have had dozens of things to do, each of them important. Then fell several inches of snow. (The prognosticators were finally right) With the snow came treacherous traveling conditions. With very little self debate your safety became more important than your assignment. The urgent overcame the important.

Some of us are able to work from home. We have the opportunity to use the tech stuff without going to the office or warehouse or wherever. Others don't have that type of vocation. Either way, consider this. Take a moment to look outside at the beautiful white terrain. Everything looks clean and pure. God could be reminding us to take a minute and enjoy His creation. You may not think that it is urgent for you to do so, but it very well may be.

Wednesday, January 20

Sometimes life just doesn't make sense, especially when someone else is in charge.
Yesterday they called off Wayne County Schools early because of bad weather: it was 62 degrees outside. Today we, the leadership at Garris Chapel, called off X/O (Xtreme and Orange) for tonight and yet, things look pretty clear now. I am sure that we all have our reasons for making the decisions that we make, whether it be safety for youngsters or more seasoned people or for other reasons.

Here is one for you. One of my scans on Monday revealed a T12 compression fracture of my vertebral column. My back has been hurting for several weeks. The bad news is that it is a fracture in my spine and it hurts like heck. The good news is that Dr. Massey, who is a neurosurgeon, agrees with Dr. Chang that this fracture is not tumor related. (Can you say 'thank you Jesus?') Dr. Massey also said that an outpatient surgical procedure called a Kyphoplasty will eliminate the pain. (Another thank you Jesus?)
But . . . Blue Cross and Blue Shield must approve the procedure. Now, I can just picture some snotty nose kid with an undergraduate degree in Multicultural Studies sitting behind this little 2ft x 3ft metal desk, all dressed up with his starched white shirt, his Joel Osteen tie, and his Allen Edmonds shoes. As he glares at his desktop computer screen he is thinking something like "is this 61 year old preacher worth the money that this insurance company will need to spend to give him some relief from his pain?"

And so here I sit, waiting to see if I am worth insurance approval. Until then, I am reminded that even though I am not worth the very life of God's Son, Jesus, He loves me still. And even though I don't deserve peace and pain free days, I don't have to wait for His approval.


(Okay, can you say thank you Jesus one more time?)

Tuesday, January 21

Blogger family
We received really good news today! The results of the scans from yesterday are in.
There is no sign of cancer spreading to any other vital organs.
Also, the tumors that we have been watching are shrinking.
Also, the tumor marker number (ca19-9) is trending downward. Also, my liver enzymes are normal.
Ain't God good?
Oh, and we got the chance to sit and talk with Dr. Chang a few minutes this afternoon. She is pleased with where we are so far. When the doctor is pleased, Diane is pleased. And when Diane is pleased, I am pleased. Dr. Chang's recommendation is that we continue our chemotherapy with the same dosage and same schedule that we have been doing. We should take about five more treatments, which will take about 10 more weeks. I'm okay with that. 
In the "Murphy's law" category, my back has been bothering me. They discovered that I have a compression fracture in my spine. We will see a neurosurgeon tomorrow to determine if a surgical procedure will help.

All in all, we have had a great day in the Lord. We thank Him for all of our blessings. But all is not perfect in the Mitchell household. Would you say a little prayer for us. We would appreciate it, God will answer it. We will all be amazed by it.

Lord, let it begin with Jerry.

January 19

It is really hard to picture someone staying awake and alert for 26 hours. Yet, my son, also known as Crazy Brad, not only stayed awake that long, he ran 100 miles while doing it. That's right. I had the awesome privilege of presenting Brad his belt buckle award for the accomplishment of running 100 miles at the Outer Banks of NC. Diane and I surprised him last night when he was about 65 miles into the run. He had no idea that we would be there until he saw us. And I really put the pressure on him when I asked him to finish the 100 for me.
I will "probably" never know what it feels like to run 100 miles at one time (duh). But I do know what it feels like to be an encourager to someone I love. And I know what it is like to have two sons of whom I am extremely proud. Miss Diane and I rode the 4+ hours down and the 4+ hours back together. There was some question about whether I could make the trip due to my back and my cancer symptoms. Miss Diane drove the entire way there. I drove back. Gabe stayed in touch with Brad the entire race, You get the idea. We are family.
Who knows, you never know when you can be The encourager. Are you ready for it?
Wait for it; wait for it; wait for it . . .

January17, 2014

Happy Friday!
Every now and then I think of some wise words that my mama left behind before she went to be with The Lord. It's funny, isn't it, what one remembers. During her last weeks I was picking on her, which I often did. Her withered hand would not allow her to do much, and she knew it. So she just said, "I'm going to pop your jaws. Still picking on her I replied, "Not any more mama. You're not fast enough. and she said, "I'll get you first and last."
Over these past days I have been struggling with the side effects, some of them new, of chemo. On top of that, I have strained my back. So here is the update, my friends. Next Monday I am scheduled for scans and tests. Those tests will determine our next steps on our cancer journey. We could stop the chemo, leave it the same, or increase the formula. Again, all of that will depend upon what Dr. Chang learns from the tests.
Even though each one of you knows that I have complete faith in The Lord, you probably also know that we get a bit nervous every time we scan. Some folks say that I am going to be completely healed. Some folks say that I will receive my healing in His way and His time. I am fine either way, whether God does it His way or the way that I think is best.

Oh, by the way, as I was getting ready to leave mama for that particular visit I leaned down to give her a kiss on the cheek. Without any waring, her arthritic hand reached up and touched my cheek. It was mama's way of popping my jaws. I had forgotten. She had not.

I am all the more confident that God is going to give me complete healing. When will that happen? It will happen "first and last." Whatever journey you travel today, know that God has already traveled that path. He is always with you - first and last.

Saturday, January 11

January 11th? Really? First, let me express my sincere appreciation for those of you who keep up with me through this blog, and those of you who have expressed to me that you have missed my postings so far this year. That sounds weird, doesn't it? So far this year.
Two things for today:

First, I am still taking chemo treatments. We skipped the week of Christmas. We are due to have a treatment this Monday, Jan 13. Treatments still have been much, much easier on me physically than any that I have previously experienced. I am thankful for that. This past week some of my curly hair has fallen out, but not very much. Also, I have experienced more things like mouth sores and neuropathy and those sorts of annoying side effects of chemo recently. The really great thing is that I have been able to do MUCH catch up work over these past couple of weeks. There is still much to do, but I am thankful for the energy to do what I have been able to do for Jesus, His Church, and His people. Every now and then I try to go a bit too long during a day and my body and mind remind me that I have limited access. Don't worry. Diane can see that also, and does not hesitate to tell me about it.

The other thing is this. I need your input. I have really been praying about this and I think that you are the source for some feedback. Most of you know that I served as a Hospice Chaplain for several years. I have seen God work in the area of death and dying in awesome and mysterious ways. These are not made up stories. I was there. For years I have been talking about writing a book about my experiences. Of course, I have not done that. Recently, I have been wondering if anyone would be interested in, or benefit by reading about the stories told by someone (me) who has been with many people as they crossed over to the other side, and then adding my story along beside it as I was told that I had a terminal illness.

Here is where you can help. You can reply to the blog as anonymous, or you can email me through the link that I have here on the right side of your screen. Let me know your thoughts, and share any suggestions. I know that I am not a prolific writer, and that my writing often looks like the way that I talk. I don't know if that is good or bad. But anyway, if you can take the time to help, I would appreciate it.

Sometimes we think we know what to do. We pray about it and then we do it. I have found that almost always the right thing to do is to ask others. I don't think that God calls Lone Rangers.
Is there something that you need to talk about with your best friend, pastor, mama, or someone today?
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