Monday, March 12

Happy Monday,
This is the day that the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. With the exception of a little sinus infection and my team losing the ACC tournament yesterday, I have had a really great week. I seem to be stronger. My color is better. My weight is not coming back very fast, but I never have been a person who gains very much weight very quickly.
One of the most difficult lessons that I have had to learn is that, even when I feeling better, I am not well. There is so much I still want to do. But I know that I must take it one day at a time, and give God all the praise for another good day.

Are you in that 'wide open' lifestyle every day? Or do you have the ability to slow down and give God thanks and praise for this day and this moment?

Friday, March 9

This has been a really good week. I have been able to get some things done. I have even worked in the church office a few days this week. We are praying that this trend continues.
I went to church last night and the devil showed up. Maybe I should explain. The Beacons of GC had a great meeting last night. We had delicious food and an inspirational devotion. Then, near the end of the devotion, the devil (actually someone who was playing the devil) came in and explained how he had been around for a long time. He told us how he has been trying to get to Jesus for centuries. His temptation in the wilderness, nor any other of his tactics have worked. But the devil also explained that he does not give up easily. He knows that he cannot get to Jesus, so he has focused his attention of the followers of Jesus. That's you and me. He let us in on some ways in which he gets to us. And he reminded us that he does not have horns, nor does he carry pitchforks. The devil works in our everyday lives through everyday people.

The devil was portrayed by Randy Whitman. I enjoyed Randy's presentation. I think that we all can relate to the devil jumping on our backs at one time or the other. But don't forget the all important Bible verse that reminds us that if you "resist the devil, he will flee from you."

Wednesday, March 7

I really did not mean to cuss so much in my last post. So far, we have had a very good week. No fever this week. I have been out and about some. I think that I am feeling a bit stronger each day.
One of the things that has been really cool about being sick is that I have heard from folks that I have not heard from in years, some in many years. It is great to reconnect with old friends. Last night, one of my former UMC District Superintendents, Paul Leeland called me from Alabama. He is serving as Bishop down there. We had a great conversation about what the LORD is doing in our lives.
When someone calls that I have not spoken to in some time, it gives me a chance to share my story. Paul and I shared stories with each other.

What a joy to hear from friends from past years. Is there someone that you need to contact and reconnect with? With today's technology, you don't have to travel great distances to do that. Think about it. Today, you could add some joy to a long time friend's day.

Monday, March 5

I read somewhere (I don't remember where) that Coach Roy Williams' favorite "cuss word" is dadgum. I am pretty sure that old Roy knows some real cuss words. But that being said, some days I am so dadgum tired of being so dadgum sick. During the past weekend, I did not have a good Saturday. I even missed Sally Ann's birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheeze. Some of you adults are saying that was not a bad thing. But instead of going to the party, I was at home with a temperature. On Sunday, God blessed Diane and I with the ability to give our testimony during the morning worship services, on the secret to our long term relationship. But that afternoon, I felt dadgum sick again and ran another fever. And today, I feel really good.

During Gabe's prayer Sunday morning he thanked God for being the God of the rain and the God of the sunshine, and for His ability to know which one we need, exactly when we need it. I am depending upon that. God is always with me, through rain and shine, and He knows just which one I need and when.

Do you sometimes get really dadgum upset when things just don't seem to work out the way that you have planned?

Friday, March 2

Good trip to Durham yesterday. My Oncologist and I are still on the same page. We are a bit dissappointed that I am not stronger, and that I am still not gaining weight. But I am told that it will happen. As of right now, the plan is to go back to Duke in two weeks. I will have blood tests and full scans. If I am strong enough by that date, we will try to begin chemo through IV, one day per week for four months.
I have so many reasons to continue to fight cancer and to live a longer life. One of those reasons will celebrate her 4th birthday today. Sally Ann is our youngest granddaughter. Like your children and grandchildren, she is special.

How many reasons do you have to live  a longer life? Ain't we blessed? Ain't God good?!