Friday, October 3, 2008

It's Friday and I'm Trying to Focus on the Truth

I had a good night's sleep last night. The pain is under better control, but I am still dealing with pain in my abdomen. Lord willing, the hospice nurse will be able to help with that later today.

Jamie and I stole a few moments and looked into Moses' call in Exodus 4. Moses was a reluctant servant at first, focusing on his own inadequacies instead of seeing the resources available to him from his God. He was going to have to take a step of faith before God would reveal the next part of the plan to Him. That is our struggle today - focusing on our own inadequacies instead of focusing on the sufficiency of God, failing to take the first step of faith that opens up the pathway to God's guidance and blessing.

We ate another big breakfast this morning. Kristie made biscuits and sausage and gravy, one of my favorites.

My two brothers are working on another project for my wife - putting in a new receptacle for our microwave oven. Yesterday, they installed our new kitchen ceiling fan.

My wife just finished reading Loving God with All Your Mind by Elizabeth George. I have been scannning the passages she has highlighted, hoping to glean some insight.

This morning I ran across this passage:

So . . . whenever you slip into thinking of yourself as useless, as worthless, as a failure, a hopeless case, or a loser, remember what is true:

* You are a child of God (John 1:12).
* You are His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10).

* You have been bought by the precious blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18-19.)

Especially when facing death, I find that it is important to focus on what is right and what is true.
My wife and Kristie are out for a walk. My daughter is working on homework. We are waiting for my parents to arrive.

After lunch, the Woodalls left to pick up our older son from WP. It will be nice to have him home for the weekend.

I spent some time napping before the hospice nurse came to check me over.

There is now another Wii tournament underway as my two brothers battle each other in bowling and baseball. They have now involved my dad in a game of golf.

This evening, we will be enjoying pizza and wings from the Waymart Hotel.

Today, we secured two burial plots at the Canaan Corners cemetery in South Canaan. I also wrote a rough draft of my obituary. Strange activities for a beautiful Friday afternoon.

I am continuing to enjoy the company of family and friends.

God is so good to me and to my family. May He be glorified above all.

5 comments:

suzyhomemaker said...

I am so saddened to read this post after taking time off from the computer in general.

May I offer some comfort and practicality. There are pills available that people can get prescribed that help bring back beneficial flora to the GI tract. I believe your GI tract has been stripped of all beneficial flora from the chemotherapy. I know mine was due to chemo treatment I had. I did a fungus type cleanse followed by balancing blends of lactobacillus and bifidus from the biochemist.

In your case, you need help NOW. I would suggest these prescribed pills (kind of like yogurt in a pill) to the hospice nurse as well as there are drugs that can help with the stomach in general. I have heard from the on line support group I attend, but I am not sure of the names. Please ask. Anything to bring comfort to you and balance is very important in your life. You should not have to deal with unnecessary pain right now.

I am rocked by what is happening to you. I have followed along, praying for you and finding hope for myself. You see, I am a fellow youngish parent with children 16 and 8 and living right now balanced/stable with cancer. I take more tests in Dec and pray the balance is maintained.

I will be keeping up with your blog to learn more that may help me in my own near future. Know that you have people praying for you and your family.

He you read "The Las Lecture" book? It was very encouraging for me.

Anonymous said...

Uncle Jim

I just want to say I am so proud of you for being so strong. I read the newspaper articles and they were written wonderfully. The kids are getting so big I almost didnt recignize Allison or Isaac. Keep my dad busy ok. Lots of Love from my children, husband and I.

Cassi

Anonymous said...

Hi Pastor Jim & Family,

After hearing about your blogspot from my sister in-law Carol (who I know is praying for you along with her prayer group/chain)& from my wife's sister in-law Beth & then reading yesterdays newspaper article in the wayneindependent.com I felt compelled to post a comment,and
Because I have known & worked with your Dad (We always nicknamed him 007) in the Fire Dept for more than half of my life. (until he retired a few years ago)

What you are posting on your blog is the most COURAGEOUS thing I have ever read or seen. In my 26 years with the fire dept. I have always felt volunteer firemen & firewomen are some of the most courageous people in our communities. However your Blog is in a class of its own.

Your show of strength & courage is simply amazing.

My wife Kim, our daughter Kari & I are praying for your recovery & also for your great family.

when you feel better we could use another Fire Dept Chaplain.

God Bless

President
Protection Engine Company No. 3
Honesdale PA Fire Dept.

MyAwesomeOliveShoots said...

I think you are one of the most courageous people I have ever met and we have never even formally met. I pray in the name of Jesus that your entire family has one of the sweetest and most loving weekends in your life and theirs. We are praying over here and sending you our thoughts and Christian love.

Cindy, Mark and family

Mike Johnson Covenant Marriage Seminars said...

Look at all the comments here. Well if you were talking about

divorce maybe I can join in your heated discussion. I’ve just been

to a series of Covenant Marriage Seminars, so I’m kinda touchy about such a topic.