Monday, April 26, 2010

old Blog 17 from 4/22/08-12/31/09

July 23, 2008

POP Staff Member - Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Chemo #4 is complete and now am 2/3rds complete with Phase II. Everything went well. I came home and took a 4 hour “nap” that was not scheduled but needed. Tired tonight but grateful for all the prayers and strength Lois and I am receiving from all of you! God is graciously walking us through this valley and “all is well with our souls”.
When we came home I went to bed and Lois ventured into our backyard to tend to her beautiful flower garden. She came in and reported a wonderful “Surprise me God” moment. Three of her teacher friends had come to the house in the morning after we left and weeded the back and front yard. What a special gesture of love and friendship for Lois. I thought we were doing fairly well and keeping up with some of the yard stuff but after these three “angels of gardening” were finished it looked so nice. Thank you, Jeannette, Karen and Kate for "Being the Surprise"! I know that many of you have offered to do such things for us. Thank you for offering and caring about our welfare during this season of healing. Your offers are “just-another-way-of-saying”… “We love you.”
God loves you…and so do we!

July 22, 2008

POP Staff Member - Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Sunday morning I had the privilege to bring the morning message. It was good to be with our church family to worship. As we communed I was blessed by the smiles and greetings as my brothers and sisters in Christ came forward to receive the sacrament. We are connected in a powerful way through "this meal of grace and mercy" that Jesus gave us to enjoy as a family in Christ. It was a good morning yet tiring. I am learning how much the ordinary things that I used to do are now major efforts for this "guy with the new look". I am learning to pace myself and not push. Sometimes I am successful and other times I pay the price.
Today we celebrate our son Justin's birthday. These are the times that one needs to hold close too and cherish. We have these "gifts" that we call children and they grow up to be young men and women. They are treasures in our lives that God has provided not to possess but to protect and nurture. God has been so good to create in Justin this wonderful spirit as a husband and soon to be father. We will celebrate!
Off to chemo #4 in the morning so will let you know how it is going in a few days. Blessings!

July 15, 2008

POP Staff Member - Tuesday, July 15, 2008
As I drove up to the church this morning I gave thanks for all those who had a vision to be a “light in the darkness” at this beautiful location in Brooklyn Park. I saw the bushes had been trimmed and parking lot repaired. I gave thanks for the ones who made that happen. We have a strong church family that cares deeply about each other and their neighbors. I gave thanks again.
In the Our Daily Bread devotional this morning the writer shared a powerful insight…
Long before the discovery of penicillin, other silent killers were at work saving lives by destroying bacteria. These silent killers are white blood cells. These hard workers are God’s way of protecting us from disease. No one knows how many invasions they have stopped or how many lives they have saved. They receive little recognition for all the good they do.
The Lord gets similar treatment. He often gets blamed when something goes wrong, but He seldom gets credit for all the things that go right. Every day people get up, get dressed, drive to work or school or the grocery store, and return safely to their families. No one knows how many times God has protected us from harm. But when there is a tragedy, we ask, “Where was God?”
When I consider all the wonderful things that God does silently on my behalf each day (Isa. 25:1), I realize that my list of praises should be much longer than my list of petitions. — Julie Ackerman Link
As Luke, Jim, Karen, Charlie, Bev, Nancy and Hal greeted me this morning I gave thanks again. To have such faithful men and women to serve alongside is a gift. I am learning each day more and more to be thankful for what I am able to do and those who God has given to me to love and care for as they love and care for me.
Gratitude and thanksgiving are sometimes elusive when we are not feeling well. But the Psalmist in Psalm 103 reminds us to “Bless the LORD O my soul and all that is within me bless the LORD…forget not his benefits…” Today and everyday is a day to give thanks and bless the LORD.

July 8, 2008

POP Staff Member - Tuesday, July 08, 2008
De·bil·i·tat·ed (adj) is defined to be with diminished strength and energy.
I find myself following each treatment a little more debilitated physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually than the last series.

The human body is an amazing creation. It recovers with incredible consistency from so many attacks from outside influences. We rarely take notice to our body’s response until it doesn’t recoup as quickly. I am learning to listen to my body physically more and more. I need to rest it and let it repair itself.
Managing the emotional side is tricky. I find that I am more short with folks and disgusted with my lack of patience. I need again to rest. Let my body and mind respond to the down time it needs at this season of treatment.
Being a very social person I find the lack of contact with others debilitating. I want to get out there and interact but my body again says no. I am to rest from the activity of people and places in order to regain the privilege of enjoying all the wonderful relationships that God has given us in our lives. They are the richness of life lived to its fullest with others.
The challenge of spiritual debilitation is very near at all times. We focus so much on the physical, emotional and social aspects of our lives that the spiritual tends to be lessened by attrition of time alone. It is important to care for the spirit at times like this. The body needs to be cared for but with out a “right” spirit I am finding that I can be a debilitating factor in the lives of my family and friends. I become a reducing factor in somebody else’s strength, energy and spirit. There is a saying that families get sick together so also they get well together. I have found that I really need my family, friends and church family if I am going to be “fully well” in this journey. As I sat with the Executive Team tonight I became very aware of how important my church family has become in this journey. I am so grateful for each of you.
So I pray daily to be filled with a loving, kind and gentle spirit. I pray for God wisdom, knowledge and understanding to guide me as I listen to my body and rest. It takes a time of stillness, silence and solitude daily as I let God’s Spirit renew my spirit during this debilitating season for my body…so I rest and receive. Blessings.

July 5, 2008

POP Staff Member - Saturday, July 05, 2008
Daily online devotional writings are a great source of strength and help in our daily discipline of Scripture reading. Being in God's Word helps us see into the mind and heart of God for us. Henry Blackaby has been a faithful servant and teacher of God's Word. The devotional from his wedsite was very meaningful for me this day. I hope you enjoy it too. Blessings!
Choose to Rejoice
by Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby
On line devotional 7/5/08


But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. (Acts 16:25)
Your joy as a Christian should not depend on your circumstances. Joy comes from God, and therefore it cannot be affected by what is outside of you. Don’t be fooled into letting the actions of others determine your joy. True joy comes from knowing that God Himself lives within you and has fellowship with you, regardless of your environment. Real joy lies in the knowledge that holy God has completely forgiven you of every sin, and even now, He has a home prepared in heaven where you can spend eternity with Him (John 14:3). The circumstances of your life cannot change these truths!
Paul and Silas faced some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable. They were falsely accused, arrested, and imprisoned. They were beaten and shackled in the darkest, coldest section of the prison. But they refused to allow their horrific situation to dampen their joy! They did not blame God for allowing these things to happen to them. Instead, they praised Him for His goodness! In the darkness of the night, they prayed and they sang. God brought a miracle that released them from their chains, but perhaps the greater miracle was that His Holy Spirit could so fill them that even in their painful imprisonment they could overflow with joy!
Do not allow difficult events to cancel the joy of knowing you are a child of God. Choose to allow God’s Spirit to fill you with His unquenchable joy, and your life will be a miracle to those who watch you face the trials that come.

July 3, 2008 2

POP Staff Member - Thursday, July 03, 2008
Good news again today!
Lois and I met with the stem cell transplant physician, Dr Johnston and he confirmed that a number of the nodes had reduced in size by 2/3!

We are looking at a stem cell transplant around the end of September if all continues to go as planned. It is an involved process but with about a 97% survival rate. With this treatment they have extend the median life expectancy to 9+ years...lot better than 2-5 in some of the literature. Some recent literature makes reference to a curable rather than just treatable disease. Dr Johnston said that he was not just in this area to treat Mantle cell lymphoma. He was in it to find a cure. He also said that we should go home and pray about this decision. Needless to say we were impressed with this doctor who would make critical decisions about my health and treatment in the near future.

They only identified Mantle cells 20 years ago. In the past few years they have had good results with new treatments and meds. This was a very encouraging day for both Lois and myself. We have some short term and long term decisions to make in the next few months. “Pray and listen” will be the rule of the day for now. We know no other way. Surprise Us God.

July 3, 2008

POP Staff Member - Thursday, July 03, 2008
DAILY INSPIRATION

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What's The Problem?
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The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta be willing to put up with the rain.
~Dolly Parton~
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When we can learn to continually rejoice and give thanks for the blessings we have been given, even during times of trial and adversity...knowing that any troubles we experience along the way, are merely a gateway leading to our final destination...problems will begin to vanish just as quickly as they arise!
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And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also; heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory.
~Romans 8:17 (Amp.)~

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you.
~1 Peter 5:10 (Amp.)~

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
~Romans 5:3-5~
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All rights reserved.

Guiding Light Ministries International
1605 Blue Spring Rd.
Fayetteville, NC 28304

July 2, 2008

POP Staff Member - Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Well this was my most unique birthday, today. It started with blood work at 6:50 am.

I had a CT scan about 9 am. We met with Dr Letendre at 1pm for physical exam and then determine what protocol we would be having today at 1:30pm-4:45pm.

I am classifying the results of the CT scan as a huge Surprise Me God moment. The Mantle cells are responding to the chemo and the CT results indicated that there had been significant shrinkage/reduction of lymph nodes generally. We were good to continue with the chemo as prescribed from the initial treatment. Dr Letendre was visibly pleased and we were too! Praise and thanks be to God!

Thank you for all the support and prayers coming our way. We return tomorrow for an injection of Neulasta and consultation with the Stem Cell Transplant physician, Dr Johnston. He is their specialist in doing the mantle cell/stem cell treatment. We are anxious to hear what he has to say and what/when the third phase will begin. I am on prednisone again so…“wired and tired” in Roseville, again. I will update tomorrow’s findings. Blessings to you all!

I just received this devotional email and had to add to my blog tonight. I have been blessed by this devotional site frequently in the past couple months. Check it out.

June 29, 2008

POP Staff Member - Sunday, June 29, 2008
It has been a few days since I updated our journey. The past week has been more challenging. It began with some not so good days that I least expected at this stage of the cycle. I visited with my doctor from Mayo and the decision was made to include a CT scan on Wednesday, July 2, to check the progress of the chemotherapy. Chemo is still on for Wednesday but what the protocol will be is dependent on the CT findings, labs and exam on that day.

Discouragement is a constant journey partner. I find that the many cards, emails and other expressions of kindness have been very helpful at these times. Even folks from our past have come forward to encourage and pray for us. All have been answers to many prayers that we have offered up during these days.

Lois and I had a few days with our family. We attended a reception for our niece and her new husband that brought together Lois’ family. We had time with my Father and Mother that always is precious time. Dad was doing very well but was concerned about my lack of hair again! He just doesn’t like the “new look”.

Sunday morning we joined my nephew, Chad and his wife Amanda, for church. The sermon was about prayer. It was a very timely word for all of us. Chad and Amanda’s son, Cayden, died unexpectedly in December 2007. The text chosen by their pastor for today was from Ephesians 6:10-18:

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.

He has been preaching a series on prayer and today’s focus was on “standing firm” in God’s Word and prayer. The call to pray and to put on the “full armor of God” as we “struggle” against “the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” struck home. All the prayers offered up for us by so many have been pushing back the darkness. We know and sense the power of prayer. As we left worship with our family, I kept thinking about all the folks who have bathed our family and us in the past few years with prayers. There was an overwhelming sense of gratitude and awe that others cared enough to pray for us. They had been exercising their faith in prayer for us. Why us? Might they not have others too in their families and friends who need prayer? Yet they took time to cover us with their petitions and biddings to God on our behalf. Thanks be to God, for You care for your children through others who hold us in prayer. Prayer is the power to overcome the darkness of our days and nights. Cling to the privilege we have in coming into the throne room of God with our requests. Give God praise and thanksgiving for caring and loving us so much to open his heart to us. I am reminded again that in the midst of the struggle God is our only strength and hope. Peace and serenity comes only when we embrace and surrender to the One who cares and loves us more than anyone else, Jesus.

June 23, 2008

POP Staff Member - Monday, June 23, 2008
We had the Veggie Camp Kids, Senior Choir and Sonrise in worship on Sunday. What a fun morning. I continue to keep some distance between others and myself due to low white count. (I don’t like not being able to be close to folks!)
My baldhead was a bit of a shock for some. It takes time getting used to not having hair. I wake up in the morning and wonder, “Who is that guy?”
As we continue this journey of healing, I get impatient. Learning to live in this season of our lives is challenging. I remind myself to seek the fruit of the Spirit… love, joy, peace,patience…just do today. I seem to want to get going and get it done but need to wait and watch for “God Surprises” in this season.
“Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time;” is not as easy as it sounds. It takes a lot of prayer and encouragement. So I rest and remind myself this for only a season. Thanks for all the prayer and encouragement you have sent our way. See you in church!

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