A friend of ours lost her job after fourteen years. Other friends lost their home in a foreclosure. My pension fund is not worth what is was a few years ago. We are living in anxious times when many wonder where a secure and safe investment can be found. I found it while reading I Timothy 2:4, “God...wants all men to be saved...”
While pondering this statement, I came to the conclusion that if God wants people saved then some must be lost. So how does God get the people on the lost side of the bridge across to the saved side? Since He is God, can’t He just pick them up and carry them across or does He give us the opportunity to be involved in this miraculous process? I sincerely believe that He allows us to invest our lives in others for eternity. Everyday is another day of decision! What will I invest in--temporal things of this world that will pass away or in people who are lost and would like to be saved? What better way to end my journey here than to hear my loving Heavenly Father say, “Well done, good and faithful servant?” If you’re still anxious about the economy, try investing your life in others.
My Hospice nurse made her weekly visit to see how I’m doing. For a guy who wouldn’t even take an aspirin for a headache, I’m transitioning to my pain meds satisfactorily. Never thought I’d see the day that I’d be like those "old" folk I observe taking all those pills! Now I am one! But I thank God daily for the quality of life that I can have in this winter season of my life as a result of a few pills.
As the tumor grows the pain increases, but because of so many of you praying, God’s grace is sufficient. Thank you dear friends for your concern and prayers.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Do What is Right!
This has been a good week. We continue to receive phone calls, cards, and emails~some from folk we haven’t heard from for over forty years. How grateful we are to have such caring friends. So what is the lesson for me? Don’t wait until my friends get terminal before I encourage them!
My pain is under control and Hospice has provided me with an energy pill to help get me “moving,” and it seems to be helping.
Sunday was fabulous, as always, as we worshipped our awesome God at church, and afterwards we enjoyed an Old Chicago deep dish pizza with a church friend. Monday was our library day when we exchanged our weekly DVDs~watching an old movie is an excellent relaxer since we discontinued our cable TV service over a year ago. Tuesday I had my routine six week stent replaced in my ureter ~if any surgical procedure can be considered routine! Wednesday and Thursday were days of email and other business catch-up tasks (we’re not yet caught up!) Friday night was a highlight of our week as we again gathered with friends for fellowship and discussion of Bible truths.
I titled this, “Do what is right!” It is a challenge today to find people in the news doing what is right, but I found one just this morning while reading 2 Chronicles: “Joash (King of Judah) did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.” Wouldn’t you like that on your tombstone? “(Name) did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” The wonderful part of this challenge is that it is never too late to do what is right no matter how bad we’ve messed up before. God forgives! Didn’t Jesus die for our sins? Remember that today is the first day of the rest of your life.
Thanks for following us on this journey. Your prayers continue to keep us focused on others and not ourselves. Keep praying!
My pain is under control and Hospice has provided me with an energy pill to help get me “moving,” and it seems to be helping.
Sunday was fabulous, as always, as we worshipped our awesome God at church, and afterwards we enjoyed an Old Chicago deep dish pizza with a church friend. Monday was our library day when we exchanged our weekly DVDs~watching an old movie is an excellent relaxer since we discontinued our cable TV service over a year ago. Tuesday I had my routine six week stent replaced in my ureter ~if any surgical procedure can be considered routine! Wednesday and Thursday were days of email and other business catch-up tasks (we’re not yet caught up!) Friday night was a highlight of our week as we again gathered with friends for fellowship and discussion of Bible truths.
I titled this, “Do what is right!” It is a challenge today to find people in the news doing what is right, but I found one just this morning while reading 2 Chronicles: “Joash (King of Judah) did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.” Wouldn’t you like that on your tombstone? “(Name) did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” The wonderful part of this challenge is that it is never too late to do what is right no matter how bad we’ve messed up before. God forgives! Didn’t Jesus die for our sins? Remember that today is the first day of the rest of your life.
Thanks for following us on this journey. Your prayers continue to keep us focused on others and not ourselves. Keep praying!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Cancer/Hospice
One week ago I signed up for Hospice care since the tumor in my back continues to grow and did not respond to the chemo treatments. Hospice will control any pain and do all that is possible to make me comfortable.
This week was very encouraging. Besides celebrating my birthday, we had several visits from friends and phone calls from folk we haven’t talked to for quite awhile. Isn’t it wonderful to have friends?
My highlight for the week from God’s word is Matthew 24 where Jesus said, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” With the tumor sucking the energy out of me, I don’t feel like watching for anything. Then I had this image of me lounging on the couch with a bag of potato chips watching a game show on TV. There is a knock at the door and as I look through the peek hole I see Jesus! Wow! Do I invite Him in or try to clean up my act first?
Maybe you’ll be challenged, as I am, and spend more time watching and preparing for His return. Please continue to pray that I’ll end well. He has promised to never leave me~and He hasn’t!
This week was very encouraging. Besides celebrating my birthday, we had several visits from friends and phone calls from folk we haven’t talked to for quite awhile. Isn’t it wonderful to have friends?
My highlight for the week from God’s word is Matthew 24 where Jesus said, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” With the tumor sucking the energy out of me, I don’t feel like watching for anything. Then I had this image of me lounging on the couch with a bag of potato chips watching a game show on TV. There is a knock at the door and as I look through the peek hole I see Jesus! Wow! Do I invite Him in or try to clean up my act first?
Maybe you’ll be challenged, as I am, and spend more time watching and preparing for His return. Please continue to pray that I’ll end well. He has promised to never leave me~and He hasn’t!
Friday, August 5, 2011
A New Direction
A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that we had some tough decisions to make in the near future. Since the tumor continued to grow during the clinical trial chemo, I decided to cease that treatment due to the adverse side affects. The CT scan I had yesterday confirmed its steady growth. There was a possibility of starting a new treatment, but after talking with two oncologists, the consensus was that the best I could expect was a few more months of life. The possibility of a cure is practically nil. The decision was made yesterday to discontinue all further medical treatment. I will meet with a Hospice representative this afternoon to discuss my future.
Many of you were praying for us to make the right decision, and we have complete peace that your prayers were answered. While reading I Chronicles, I noted several times where King David inquired of God. If a nation’s leader feels the need to go to God for guidance, why not me?
When we began our weekly trips to Tucson for chemo back in January, we had decided that the experience could be bad or good. It was up to us, and we went for the good and anticipated an adventure every week. This week was a highlight as we visited St Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery 8 miles south of Florence in the middle of the desert! Six monks from Greece founded the place in 1995 and have since built a lovely oasis in no-man’s land with the help of about 43 newer monks. There are beautiful chapels, water fountains, living quarters and gardens. A must see if you’re ever passing through Florence, Arizona.
Seems that this cancer thing is now taking us in a new direction. Please continue to pray as you feel led since the more challenging part of our journey lies ahead. Thanks always for your concern, friendship, and prayers.
Many of you were praying for us to make the right decision, and we have complete peace that your prayers were answered. While reading I Chronicles, I noted several times where King David inquired of God. If a nation’s leader feels the need to go to God for guidance, why not me?
When we began our weekly trips to Tucson for chemo back in January, we had decided that the experience could be bad or good. It was up to us, and we went for the good and anticipated an adventure every week. This week was a highlight as we visited St Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery 8 miles south of Florence in the middle of the desert! Six monks from Greece founded the place in 1995 and have since built a lovely oasis in no-man’s land with the help of about 43 newer monks. There are beautiful chapels, water fountains, living quarters and gardens. A must see if you’re ever passing through Florence, Arizona.
Seems that this cancer thing is now taking us in a new direction. Please continue to pray as you feel led since the more challenging part of our journey lies ahead. Thanks always for your concern, friendship, and prayers.
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