We met with our doctor today. There were two new developments on the latest CAT Scan that in the medical world they call “worrisome for metastases disease.” The CAT Scan showed a new development in Debbie’s liver and in her abdomen. These two lesions are small but new. The plan is to have another CAT Scan and blood test done in six weeks to see if there has been any change before our doctor makes any more recommendations for further treatment.
It is hard not to be swept away by sudden terrors no matter how many times you have faced your fears. But fear becomes our friend when we allow it to draw us closer to God. Please pray with us for these new lesions to disappear. But also pray that our whole family will draw closer to God. In His presence is fullness of joy.
Jerry
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
One Hundred Sixty Days After Surgery
Debbie’s CT scan went well. We will meet with the doctor a week from today to discuss the results.
Debbie’s hemoglobin count is low. Please pray for this count to rise to its normal level.
Her CA 125 count is 13. This is the count that shows active cancer cells in ovarian cancer patients. Our doctor wants it to remain below 20. Please pray for Debbie’s immune system to continue to wage war and destroy any cancer cells.
Debbie’s diet is primarily vegetarian with very little processed foods or meat. She is using some supplements and herbs. She walked three miles yesterday. She is very active again and we are very grateful for what the Lord has given us.
Perhaps you have noticed that I have titled each blog with the number of days since Debbie had surgery. This experience has caused me to have a greater appreciation for each day that the Lord gives me with Debbie. I am numbering each one of them in God’s honor and as a sign of my gratefulness for His mercy.
Jerry
Debbie’s hemoglobin count is low. Please pray for this count to rise to its normal level.
Her CA 125 count is 13. This is the count that shows active cancer cells in ovarian cancer patients. Our doctor wants it to remain below 20. Please pray for Debbie’s immune system to continue to wage war and destroy any cancer cells.
Debbie’s diet is primarily vegetarian with very little processed foods or meat. She is using some supplements and herbs. She walked three miles yesterday. She is very active again and we are very grateful for what the Lord has given us.
Perhaps you have noticed that I have titled each blog with the number of days since Debbie had surgery. This experience has caused me to have a greater appreciation for each day that the Lord gives me with Debbie. I am numbering each one of them in God’s honor and as a sign of my gratefulness for His mercy.
Jerry
Friday, March 09, 2007
One Hundred And Fortynine Days After Surgery
Debbie’s next CAT scan is March 20. We will meet with the doctor on March 27 to evaluate the CAT scan. She has finished all of the treatments that were scheduled. We are very grateful that this phase is over.
Debbie’s blood counts are low from the chemotherapy. (Red Platelets and Hemoglobin). This makes her very tired and causes her to have shortness of breath. Normally the doctor will recommend a blood transfusion if the levels do not increase within seven days or if the count gets to low.
Please pray for God to strengthen her and cause these counts to increase. Please pray for God to protect all of her vital organs. Please continue to pray for God to destroy every cancer cell.
Thank you for your prayers. I read today a note from Jim Logan that said that God has chosen to serve us through our prayers. It is very humbling to know that the creator of all things listens and responds to our requests. We have seen His mighty hand responding to our requests from the day we discovered that Debbie was ill. At this point, He has not given us everything that we have requested based on what we can see. But He has given us everything we need and certainly more than we deserve. Thank you for standing with us in prayer.
Jerry
Debbie’s blood counts are low from the chemotherapy. (Red Platelets and Hemoglobin). This makes her very tired and causes her to have shortness of breath. Normally the doctor will recommend a blood transfusion if the levels do not increase within seven days or if the count gets to low.
Please pray for God to strengthen her and cause these counts to increase. Please pray for God to protect all of her vital organs. Please continue to pray for God to destroy every cancer cell.
Thank you for your prayers. I read today a note from Jim Logan that said that God has chosen to serve us through our prayers. It is very humbling to know that the creator of all things listens and responds to our requests. We have seen His mighty hand responding to our requests from the day we discovered that Debbie was ill. At this point, He has not given us everything that we have requested based on what we can see. But He has given us everything we need and certainly more than we deserve. Thank you for standing with us in prayer.
Jerry
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
One Hundred And Thirty-nine Days After Surgery
At 11:15am today Debbie is scheduled to have a stint removed from her bladder and kidney.
Please pray with us for the perfect procedure with no complications. Please pray that her urinary system would be healed and restored.
Tomorrow Debbie is scheduled to have her 8th and final chemo treatment in this clinical trial.
Please pray with us for the perfect treatment with little or no side affects. Please pray for the medicine to find its target and destroy it.
Thank you for being there for us.
Jerry
Please pray with us for the perfect procedure with no complications. Please pray that her urinary system would be healed and restored.
Tomorrow Debbie is scheduled to have her 8th and final chemo treatment in this clinical trial.
Please pray with us for the perfect treatment with little or no side affects. Please pray for the medicine to find its target and destroy it.
Thank you for being there for us.
Jerry
Monday, February 19, 2007
One Hundred and Thirty-one Days After Surgery
Debbie’s seventh chemo treatment last Wednesday was very challenging. All went well until the last 30 minutes. When they started the last drug she became very ill after 15 minutes. They began treating her with some nausea medicine and some Benadryl. When I arrived to pick her up she was beat red and her words were slurred. We laughed about this later when I told her she was loopy.
This is not considered an abnormal reaction to such powerful drugs. But it was abnormal for Debbie. It was more frightening for me then it was for her. She began to feel better that evening and was fine by the next morning. Besides this reaction, the other side affects have been normal; just tremendous fatigue!
We feel very blessed by your prayers. We know that the side affects can be much more severe then what Debbie has experienced. We attribute this to your prayers and the mercy of the Lord. The nurses have called her one of their poster children for chemo patients.
Her eighth treatment in this clinical trial is scheduled for February 28. She is scheduled to have a stint removed from her kidney and bladder on February 27.
Please pray for God to bless Debbie with no complications from the removal of the stint.
Please pray for God to bless the next treatment so that it will kill any remaining cancer cells.
The theme of Debbie’s life is run the race with endurance that God has set before you. When Debbie has run in a Marathon, her endurance has amazed me.
This is a different type of marathon but she is demonstrating the same endurance. Her aim is to glory the Lord through the process by trusting Him unconditionally. She wants to hear those words, “Well done good and faithful servant!”
Your prayers are lifting her up to achieve her goal. Thank you for standing with her and our family at such a time as this.
This is not considered an abnormal reaction to such powerful drugs. But it was abnormal for Debbie. It was more frightening for me then it was for her. She began to feel better that evening and was fine by the next morning. Besides this reaction, the other side affects have been normal; just tremendous fatigue!
We feel very blessed by your prayers. We know that the side affects can be much more severe then what Debbie has experienced. We attribute this to your prayers and the mercy of the Lord. The nurses have called her one of their poster children for chemo patients.
Her eighth treatment in this clinical trial is scheduled for February 28. She is scheduled to have a stint removed from her kidney and bladder on February 27.
Please pray for God to bless Debbie with no complications from the removal of the stint.
Please pray for God to bless the next treatment so that it will kill any remaining cancer cells.
The theme of Debbie’s life is run the race with endurance that God has set before you. When Debbie has run in a Marathon, her endurance has amazed me.
This is a different type of marathon but she is demonstrating the same endurance. Her aim is to glory the Lord through the process by trusting Him unconditionally. She wants to hear those words, “Well done good and faithful servant!”
Your prayers are lifting her up to achieve her goal. Thank you for standing with her and our family at such a time as this.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Debbie's Progress As Of February 8, 2007
Today we received a report that there were no tumors visible on Debbie's CAT scan! We both left the doctor's office with many tears of gratitude. Debbie's CA 125 count is down to 13. Thank you so much for your prayers!
In our clinical trial, there were six scheduled treatments. Debbie completed these last week. There are also two other treatments that are left up to our discretion. Our doctor recommended that Debbie have these two treatments.
The disease that Debbie has been fighting is a very aggressive cancer. Debbie was also considered stage four. We believe that we should follow the doctor's advice and that Debbie should have the remaining treatments in this trial. Please pray that these next two treatments would find and destroy any cancer cells that are not visible on the CAT Scan.
The surgery on Grace's right knee went very well. We were all blessed when our doctor led us in prayer before the surgery. Dr. Warren Low is a very humble man. We are grateful for his faith and his skill as a surgeon. Please continue to pray for Grace's knee to be completely healed and restored.
Thank you again for standing with us at such a time as this. We are very humbled by your support and by the Lord granting our requests.
In our clinical trial, there were six scheduled treatments. Debbie completed these last week. There are also two other treatments that are left up to our discretion. Our doctor recommended that Debbie have these two treatments.
The disease that Debbie has been fighting is a very aggressive cancer. Debbie was also considered stage four. We believe that we should follow the doctor's advice and that Debbie should have the remaining treatments in this trial. Please pray that these next two treatments would find and destroy any cancer cells that are not visible on the CAT Scan.
The surgery on Grace's right knee went very well. We were all blessed when our doctor led us in prayer before the surgery. Dr. Warren Low is a very humble man. We are grateful for his faith and his skill as a surgeon. Please continue to pray for Grace's knee to be completely healed and restored.
Thank you again for standing with us at such a time as this. We are very humbled by your support and by the Lord granting our requests.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
One Hundred And Eighteen Days After Surgery
Debbie is feeling well after her sixth chemotherapy treatment last Wednesday. She is scheduled for a CAT scan this coming Thursday and visit with our Doctor on Thursday about his recommendations for treatment in the future.
Please pray for a good report from the CAT scan. The best report would be there are no visible tumors. Please pray for us to make wise decisions regarding further treatment. Pray for our whole family to know God’s peace.
Please pray for our daughter Grace. Grace is 18 and tomorrow she is having knee surgery on her right knee. She torn the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and the ligament needs to be replaced. The surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. Our good friend Dr. Warren Low will perform the surgery at the Oklahoma Surgery Center. Her recovery time is projected to be about six months.
Please pray for Grace’s knee to be healed and restored. Please pray for a perfect surgery. Please pray for Grace to be encouraged in the Lord as she deals with this new adversity.
If we have faith in God, adversity is our friend and our ally. If we are guilty of unbelief, adversity is our enemy. Reality is not determined by our circumstances. Reality is determined by our perception of our circumstances. If we have faith in God, we can see our circumstances from His perception and be encouraged. If we do not have faith, we only see our circumstances from our limited perception and we will be discouraged. Each day and each moment of each day we have an opportunity to choose what perception we will have about our circumstances. Jesus stands at the door of our hearts and knocks. His desire is to help us see our circumstances from God’s perception. We must open the door and commune with Jesus to gain God’s perception. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ provides eternal life. But is also provides a view of life from God’s perspective that can lift us up during the most difficult seasons of life. We hope that you know Jesus. He wants to give you His heavenly view!
Eph 2:4-6
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
KJV
Jerry
Please pray for a good report from the CAT scan. The best report would be there are no visible tumors. Please pray for us to make wise decisions regarding further treatment. Pray for our whole family to know God’s peace.
Please pray for our daughter Grace. Grace is 18 and tomorrow she is having knee surgery on her right knee. She torn the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and the ligament needs to be replaced. The surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. Our good friend Dr. Warren Low will perform the surgery at the Oklahoma Surgery Center. Her recovery time is projected to be about six months.
Please pray for Grace’s knee to be healed and restored. Please pray for a perfect surgery. Please pray for Grace to be encouraged in the Lord as she deals with this new adversity.
If we have faith in God, adversity is our friend and our ally. If we are guilty of unbelief, adversity is our enemy. Reality is not determined by our circumstances. Reality is determined by our perception of our circumstances. If we have faith in God, we can see our circumstances from His perception and be encouraged. If we do not have faith, we only see our circumstances from our limited perception and we will be discouraged. Each day and each moment of each day we have an opportunity to choose what perception we will have about our circumstances. Jesus stands at the door of our hearts and knocks. His desire is to help us see our circumstances from God’s perception. We must open the door and commune with Jesus to gain God’s perception. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ provides eternal life. But is also provides a view of life from God’s perspective that can lift us up during the most difficult seasons of life. We hope that you know Jesus. He wants to give you His heavenly view!
Eph 2:4-6
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
KJV
Jerry
Monday, January 29, 2007
110 Days After Surgery
Debbie's red blood count and platelet count was low last week so they delayed treatment until this week. She is scheduled to receive the treatment on Wednesday. Please continue to pray for the treatment to find it's target and to destroy all the cancer cells. Please continue to pray for protection for Debbie's good cells and the rest of her vital organs. Pray for Debbie to know God's peace as she faces another treatment.
In my series of messages called He Keeps Me Singing the title of my message yesterday was He Is Good. Although my text is from the scripture, I have seen this message in Debbie's life. She believes that God is good in spite of her suffering.
1 Chron 16:34
34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
KJV
She is such an inspiration to all of us as we walk with her through these difficult days. God's grace keeps lifting her up with each new challenge.
The most recent challenge was a blood transfusion on Friday due to her low blood counts. Thank you for standing with us at such a time as this.
In my series of messages called He Keeps Me Singing the title of my message yesterday was He Is Good. Although my text is from the scripture, I have seen this message in Debbie's life. She believes that God is good in spite of her suffering.
1 Chron 16:34
34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
KJV
She is such an inspiration to all of us as we walk with her through these difficult days. God's grace keeps lifting her up with each new challenge.
The most recent challenge was a blood transfusion on Friday due to her low blood counts. Thank you for standing with us at such a time as this.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Fifteen Weeks After Surgery
Debbie resumed exercising this week. She is walking nearly two miles on the tread mill. We are very grateful to the Lord that she is able to resume something that she so thoroughly enjoys.
Joel Morris went to be with the Lord yesterday. Below is the latest blog from his father. Please continue to pray for the family.
"The Lord chose to take Joel to be with Him in glory around 4:30 PM this afternoon. We are at home and we will try to share more of our last day with Joel some time later. Please know that we so much appreciate all of you who have supported us through this trial. Joel had such an impact on so many people. It was a privilege as his father to spend these days and nights with him as he fought a good fight for life. His life is such a blessing to us, pray for our family as we go through these days...."
Thank you for standing with us and with the Morris family at such a time as this.
Joel Morris went to be with the Lord yesterday. Below is the latest blog from his father. Please continue to pray for the family.
"The Lord chose to take Joel to be with Him in glory around 4:30 PM this afternoon. We are at home and we will try to share more of our last day with Joel some time later. Please know that we so much appreciate all of you who have supported us through this trial. Joel had such an impact on so many people. It was a privilege as his father to spend these days and nights with him as he fought a good fight for life. His life is such a blessing to us, pray for our family as we go through these days...."
Thank you for standing with us and with the Morris family at such a time as this.
Monday, January 22, 2007
One Hundred And Three Days After Surgery
Debbie’s schedule for treatments has changed. She was supposed to have her sixth and final scheduled treatment this Wednesday, January 24. This treatment has been delayed because her red blood cell count is low. She will have more lab work done next Monday, January 29, and our doctor will make a decision on how to proceed when he gets the results.
One of the most difficult lessons in our Christian walk is to accept that the things that appear to be curses are blessings in disguise. Was the captivity of Joseph a curse or a blessing? Was the betrayal of Daniel a curse or a blessing? Was the imprisonment of the Apostle Paul a curse or a blessing?
These events appeared to be a curse but they were all blessings in disguise. Debbie and I hope that you will see the trials that you experience as blessings rather than a curse. And pray for us and our children to maintain this perspective as we face each new challenge.
One of the most difficult lessons in our Christian walk is to accept that the things that appear to be curses are blessings in disguise. Was the captivity of Joseph a curse or a blessing? Was the betrayal of Daniel a curse or a blessing? Was the imprisonment of the Apostle Paul a curse or a blessing?
These events appeared to be a curse but they were all blessings in disguise. Debbie and I hope that you will see the trials that you experience as blessings rather than a curse. And pray for us and our children to maintain this perspective as we face each new challenge.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Ninety Seven Days After Surgery
Debbie had her fifth treatment last Wednesday. She is now suffering from a cold. Because her immune system is low we are very concerned. We would appreciate your prayers for her healing.
Her next treatment is scheduled for Wednesday, January 24. After that treatment she will have a CAT scan to determine if there will be more treatments.
Thank you again for your prayers and for standing with us at such a time as this.
Her next treatment is scheduled for Wednesday, January 24. After that treatment she will have a CAT scan to determine if there will be more treatments.
Thank you again for your prayers and for standing with us at such a time as this.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Ninety Days After Surgery
Debbie had a doctor's appointment today. Her 5th chemotherapy treatment is tomorrow. All of her blood work was good. Her CA 125 count is down to 23. She is feeling very good. She says, "almost normal." Thank you for your prayers.
Please pray for Debbie has she endures another treatment. It is hard for a cancer patient to go in for treatment when they either already feel terrible or they feel really feel good. The treatment only makes you feel alot worse if you already feel bad and it is like infecting yourself with the flu or worse if you really feel good. Debbie is my heroe for many reasons. She is the mother of my eight children. I can add to the list her attitude as she faces a debilitating treatment. Pray for her strength to be renewed quickly after the treatment. Pray for protection from destructive side affects for the organs in her body. Pray for the chemo to find the cancer and kill it.
Our little friend Joel Morris is battling for his life. Complicatons have caused him to go into a deep coma. For updates on his condition go to..... http://weloveyoujoel.blogspot.com/
Below are sermon notes from my most recent message to our church. I think you will enjoy the story about Debbie and her $100.00.
He keeps Me Singing!
Isa 50:10
10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
KJV
On December 12, Debbie and I were driving to the hospital. Debbie was going to receive her third chemotherapy treatment. Debbie had been praying for a particular sum of money to use as a Christmas gift for a friend. As we were driving down interstate 35, I heard her gasp. She had just opened a card and enclosed was a gift of $100.00. This was the very amount for which she had prayed. Debbie was able to give this gift a few days later. The following Sunday, one of our faithful members approached Debbie. He said that he and his wife had been praying about giving her a gift. He then handed her $100.00. My birthday was the next week. And Debbie was able to use the money to buy gifts for me. It is always more meaningful to Debbie when she can buy me a gift for me from money that I have not earned. Debbie bought me several gifts for my birthday which was on December 22. After my birthday but before Christmas Debbie was opening a card from a friend in Yukon and inside the card there was a gift for $100.00. I asked Debbie what she intended for that $100.00 and she said that she wanted to do something fun with for all the kids. And that is what we did. A few days later, on December 26, Debbie was opening our mail. One of the cards was from friends that live over seas. When Debbie opened the card, enclosed with the card was a gift for $100.00.
I guess you are wondering what Debbie is going to do with this $100.00. We have taught our children that you cannot out give God. I believe there is a return on every gift we give to the church or to others if our motive is right. Several of our children offered to be the next recipient. Debbie is still praying about what to do with this $100.00.
I love to tell these kinds of stories. We have seen the hand of God upon our lives in so many ways this last year. And we are so grateful for every one of you that has been His hands and feet to us.
When you are walking in the darkness; when you are praying for God to change your circumstances but heaven is silent and you cannot see any light, it can appear that God has forsaken you. Even though God does not always change our circumstances the way we want Him to, He is always faithful to let us know that He is there and that He cares. And so many times He uses the body of Christ to reveal to us that He is there.
Our greatest challenge when we walk in darkness is to trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon our God.
Isa 50:10
10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
KJV
In the last 5 weeks, we have learned these names for our God.
He is Lord
He is Father
He is Savior
He is Redeemer
This morning I want us to focus on…. He Is Comforter!
Isa 51:3
3 For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
KJV
Comfort means to sigh or breathe strongly. It is what we do when we feel sorry for someone because they are suffering. It means to pity or to console.
God is a comforter! He is a person with a personality. He is not indifferent to our sufferings because He knows the outcome. Our tears are important to Him and they move Him.
Ps 56:8
8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
KJV
I have never felt such pity as I have felt for Debbie. To see her lose her health and her strength has been so painful. The comfort I can give her is so limited. I can be there for her. I can sigh and breathe strongly. I can cry with her. But I know that my consolation is not all that she needs.
She needs to know that her heavenly Father also feels sorry for her. She needs to know that He is not indifferent to both her emotional and physical pain. She needs to know that He can really identify with her.
And He can! Jesus is the Son Of Man who has been touched with the feeling of our infirmities.
Heb 4:14-16
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
KJV
We feel the most lonely when we think no one understands how we feel. And we feel especially lonely when we think that those who could change our circumstances do not understand how we feel.
He always understands because He has been there.
Isa 53:1-4
53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
KJV
And if we believe He understands our pain because He has been there, we will be comforted.
He is comforter!
But this truth is not the only way that He comforts us. He comforts us by giving us promises that no one else can give us.
Isa 51:3
3 For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
KJV
A promise gives us Hope. And where there is Hope There Is Life! And our greatest promise is the resurrection of the dead.
God’s promise for Zion in Isaiah 51:3 will not be fulfilled until the final restoration of all things.
Rev 21:1-5
21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
KJV
When the dead are raised and the last judgment is past, this is His promise; no tears, no more death; no sorrow; nor crying; no more pain; for the former things are passed away.
When those we love are walking in darkness, we would like to comfort them by giving them assurance that there will be light and that there current circumstances will change.
We must be very careful that we do not promise anything that God does not promise. We must avoid kindling our own fire in our efforts to comfort others.
Isa 50:11
11 Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.
KJV
We may pray that God will change their circumstances.
But we should only offer those promises that He offers. Men’s promises can leave you disillusioned and damaged as they leave you behind in heap of false guilt. God’s promises are always true. And that is why…
He is Comforter!
But there is another way that He comforts us. He comforts us by giving us His Spirit.
John 14:16-18
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
KJV
There are places in the darkness where only God can walk with us. One of those places is the darkness of death. Our loved ones can walk with us through many trials. And there presence is very comforting. But only God can walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death.
Ps 23:4
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
KJV
And He gives us His Spirit so that we never have to be alone.
He is comforter!
Isa 50:10
10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
I would do you a disservice if I did not tell you that what lies before you. There is a trial in which you will have to walk in darkness. You will pray for God to change your circumstances but heaven will be silent and you will not see any light. It will appear that God has forsaken you.
Ps 22:1
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
KJV
You will be faced with a choice. Will you trust in the name of the Lord?
Let us know God by knowing His name! Let us trust in His name! Let us stay upon Him because…
He is Lord
He is Father
He is Savior
He is Redeemer
He is Comforter
How do you need to know Him this morning? He stands at the door of our heart and knocks.
Rev 3:20-22
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
There is great reward if we will trust Him in the darkness.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
KJV
Please pray for Debbie has she endures another treatment. It is hard for a cancer patient to go in for treatment when they either already feel terrible or they feel really feel good. The treatment only makes you feel alot worse if you already feel bad and it is like infecting yourself with the flu or worse if you really feel good. Debbie is my heroe for many reasons. She is the mother of my eight children. I can add to the list her attitude as she faces a debilitating treatment. Pray for her strength to be renewed quickly after the treatment. Pray for protection from destructive side affects for the organs in her body. Pray for the chemo to find the cancer and kill it.
Our little friend Joel Morris is battling for his life. Complicatons have caused him to go into a deep coma. For updates on his condition go to..... http://weloveyoujoel.blogspot.com/
Below are sermon notes from my most recent message to our church. I think you will enjoy the story about Debbie and her $100.00.
He keeps Me Singing!
Isa 50:10
10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
KJV
On December 12, Debbie and I were driving to the hospital. Debbie was going to receive her third chemotherapy treatment. Debbie had been praying for a particular sum of money to use as a Christmas gift for a friend. As we were driving down interstate 35, I heard her gasp. She had just opened a card and enclosed was a gift of $100.00. This was the very amount for which she had prayed. Debbie was able to give this gift a few days later. The following Sunday, one of our faithful members approached Debbie. He said that he and his wife had been praying about giving her a gift. He then handed her $100.00. My birthday was the next week. And Debbie was able to use the money to buy gifts for me. It is always more meaningful to Debbie when she can buy me a gift for me from money that I have not earned. Debbie bought me several gifts for my birthday which was on December 22. After my birthday but before Christmas Debbie was opening a card from a friend in Yukon and inside the card there was a gift for $100.00. I asked Debbie what she intended for that $100.00 and she said that she wanted to do something fun with for all the kids. And that is what we did. A few days later, on December 26, Debbie was opening our mail. One of the cards was from friends that live over seas. When Debbie opened the card, enclosed with the card was a gift for $100.00.
I guess you are wondering what Debbie is going to do with this $100.00. We have taught our children that you cannot out give God. I believe there is a return on every gift we give to the church or to others if our motive is right. Several of our children offered to be the next recipient. Debbie is still praying about what to do with this $100.00.
I love to tell these kinds of stories. We have seen the hand of God upon our lives in so many ways this last year. And we are so grateful for every one of you that has been His hands and feet to us.
When you are walking in the darkness; when you are praying for God to change your circumstances but heaven is silent and you cannot see any light, it can appear that God has forsaken you. Even though God does not always change our circumstances the way we want Him to, He is always faithful to let us know that He is there and that He cares. And so many times He uses the body of Christ to reveal to us that He is there.
Our greatest challenge when we walk in darkness is to trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon our God.
Isa 50:10
10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
KJV
In the last 5 weeks, we have learned these names for our God.
He is Lord
He is Father
He is Savior
He is Redeemer
This morning I want us to focus on…. He Is Comforter!
Isa 51:3
3 For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
KJV
Comfort means to sigh or breathe strongly. It is what we do when we feel sorry for someone because they are suffering. It means to pity or to console.
God is a comforter! He is a person with a personality. He is not indifferent to our sufferings because He knows the outcome. Our tears are important to Him and they move Him.
Ps 56:8
8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
KJV
I have never felt such pity as I have felt for Debbie. To see her lose her health and her strength has been so painful. The comfort I can give her is so limited. I can be there for her. I can sigh and breathe strongly. I can cry with her. But I know that my consolation is not all that she needs.
She needs to know that her heavenly Father also feels sorry for her. She needs to know that He is not indifferent to both her emotional and physical pain. She needs to know that He can really identify with her.
And He can! Jesus is the Son Of Man who has been touched with the feeling of our infirmities.
Heb 4:14-16
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
KJV
We feel the most lonely when we think no one understands how we feel. And we feel especially lonely when we think that those who could change our circumstances do not understand how we feel.
He always understands because He has been there.
Isa 53:1-4
53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
KJV
And if we believe He understands our pain because He has been there, we will be comforted.
He is comforter!
But this truth is not the only way that He comforts us. He comforts us by giving us promises that no one else can give us.
Isa 51:3
3 For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
KJV
A promise gives us Hope. And where there is Hope There Is Life! And our greatest promise is the resurrection of the dead.
God’s promise for Zion in Isaiah 51:3 will not be fulfilled until the final restoration of all things.
Rev 21:1-5
21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
KJV
When the dead are raised and the last judgment is past, this is His promise; no tears, no more death; no sorrow; nor crying; no more pain; for the former things are passed away.
When those we love are walking in darkness, we would like to comfort them by giving them assurance that there will be light and that there current circumstances will change.
We must be very careful that we do not promise anything that God does not promise. We must avoid kindling our own fire in our efforts to comfort others.
Isa 50:11
11 Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.
KJV
We may pray that God will change their circumstances.
But we should only offer those promises that He offers. Men’s promises can leave you disillusioned and damaged as they leave you behind in heap of false guilt. God’s promises are always true. And that is why…
He is Comforter!
But there is another way that He comforts us. He comforts us by giving us His Spirit.
John 14:16-18
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
KJV
There are places in the darkness where only God can walk with us. One of those places is the darkness of death. Our loved ones can walk with us through many trials. And there presence is very comforting. But only God can walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death.
Ps 23:4
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
KJV
And He gives us His Spirit so that we never have to be alone.
He is comforter!
Isa 50:10
10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
I would do you a disservice if I did not tell you that what lies before you. There is a trial in which you will have to walk in darkness. You will pray for God to change your circumstances but heaven will be silent and you will not see any light. It will appear that God has forsaken you.
Ps 22:1
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
KJV
You will be faced with a choice. Will you trust in the name of the Lord?
Let us know God by knowing His name! Let us trust in His name! Let us stay upon Him because…
He is Lord
He is Father
He is Savior
He is Redeemer
He is Comforter
How do you need to know Him this morning? He stands at the door of our heart and knocks.
Rev 3:20-22
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
There is great reward if we will trust Him in the darkness.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
KJV
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Twelve Weeks After Surgery
Happy New Year! We are very grateful for the three months the Lord has given us with Debbie since the surgery. We consider every day to be such a gift.
Debbie had her fourth treatment last Wednesday. By Friday she was very tired. Today she is feeling very good and should attend church this evening.
Please pray specifically for her bladder function. Physically, this has been Debbie's greatest source of discouragement in the last few weeks. Please pray for healing, relief from pain, and that it would function normally.
The doctors are not sure if the problem is created by her surgery, the treatment, or the disease. There will not be another CAT Scan until after the sixth treatment.
Please continue to pray for Joel Morris who is three years old and suffering from bone cancer. He begins a new round of chemotherapy treatments today. For more specifics on how to pray his blog site is...
http://weloveyoujoel.blogspot.com/
Also continue to pray for our good friend Dr. Jim Hogin. He has been such a help to us during this most difficult time. He has been battling a brain tumor. He is doing well. His blog site is....
http://www.drhoginupdate.blogspot.com/
Thank you for keeping up with us. I will try to send an update at least once a week unless there is other news I feel needs to be published.
I have been preaching a series of messages called He Keeps Me Singing. If you would like the notes to these sermons just e-mail me at jerrywellsfam@sbcglobal.net. This is also where you can send an e-mail to Debbie.
Debbie had her fourth treatment last Wednesday. By Friday she was very tired. Today she is feeling very good and should attend church this evening.
Please pray specifically for her bladder function. Physically, this has been Debbie's greatest source of discouragement in the last few weeks. Please pray for healing, relief from pain, and that it would function normally.
The doctors are not sure if the problem is created by her surgery, the treatment, or the disease. There will not be another CAT Scan until after the sixth treatment.
Please continue to pray for Joel Morris who is three years old and suffering from bone cancer. He begins a new round of chemotherapy treatments today. For more specifics on how to pray his blog site is...
http://weloveyoujoel.blogspot.com/
Also continue to pray for our good friend Dr. Jim Hogin. He has been such a help to us during this most difficult time. He has been battling a brain tumor. He is doing well. His blog site is....
http://www.drhoginupdate.blogspot.com/
Thank you for keeping up with us. I will try to send an update at least once a week unless there is other news I feel needs to be published.
I have been preaching a series of messages called He Keeps Me Singing. If you would like the notes to these sermons just e-mail me at jerrywellsfam@sbcglobal.net. This is also where you can send an e-mail to Debbie.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Christmas Day
Merry Christmas! We hope that you and yours are greatly blessed. Our greatest blessing this year has been your prayers for Debbie and for our family. Because of God’s mercy and your prayer, we are enjoying another Christmas celebration with Debbie. We know that it is only because of the mercy and grace of God that we are alive. And because of what has happened to Debbie, we feel a special sense of gratitude for our time together.
Debbie has had a great week preparing for our celebration. She grows weary much sooner then before but with rest she has felt strong enough to return to many of her roles has keeper of our home. She and I both enjoyed the preparations more this year because we rejoiced in each thing she was able to do.
The most recent blood test revealed that her CA 125 count had dropped even more. (It was 30). This is excellent news and is one indicator that the treatments are doing what our doctors wanted them to achieve. The tumors are still present but the cancer cells are not multiplying as rapidly they were just a few weeks ago. Please pray that the tumors will shrink and then disappear.
Please pray that her red cell blood count would increase. This is necessary for Debbie to continue having her treatments. The red blood cells also determine her energy level. The most recent test revealed that her red blood cell count was lower then normal.
This morning as our family read the Nativity passage in Luke 2, I was stirred once again by the faith of Joseph and Mary to cooperate with God. They must have known Him as Lord. They fully surrendered to His will in spite of how it caused them to suffer.
It is a mystery to me why some have this kind of faith and some do not. I have observed this kind of faith in Debbie during her darkest days. In the midst of great pain and suffering both physically and emotionally, I have heard her say, “I trust you Father”.
Why does she trust Him like this? Why did Joseph and Mary trust Him like this?
As we approach January 1, I am approaching my 35th anniversary as a Christian. 35 years ago, I decided to follow Jesus in spite of how it might cause me to suffer. (The blessings of following Jesus have far out weighed any suffering.) Why did I make the choice to follow Jesus in spite of how it might cause me to suffer? Why did Debbie make this same choice 35 years ago before we met?
Through the mercy and grace of God, we saw we were sinners. Because of His mercy, we saw the wickedness of our hearts. We also saw for the first time what Jesus did to save us from our wicked condition. The Holy Spirit then baptized us with the love of God and we gave our lives to follow Jesus no matter what it cost.
When we consider our faith, we can only give God glory. Without His mercy and grace and the revelations we received of ourselves and of Him, we would have never made the choice to follow Him. Now more than ever, we need Him to reveal Himself to us. And He is faithful to do so because of His mercy and grace toward us.
If you are in Christ, He has pledged to you His mercy and grace and the revelation you need for the difficulties that you currently face and will face in the future. Take time to be with Him and to listen to Him. He will be true to His pledge. He will lead you like a shepherd that loves His sheep.
If you are not in Christ, I believe that His mercy and grace is being directed toward you and He wants to reveal Himself to you as He has revealed Himself to us. You may see yourself as seeking truth but the truth is He is seeking you. That is why you have taken a moment to read this blog today. He is seeking you!
If you are not in Christ, but He is seeking you, you need to keep seeking the truth from the bible and from those who follow Jesus no matter what it cost. He will reveal to you the truth about yourself and the truth about His mercy and grace to you. Do not stop the pursuit because He is seeking you. I can assure you that you will find what you are seeking because He is faithful.
Merry Christmas from Debbie and from all the Wells!
Debbie has had a great week preparing for our celebration. She grows weary much sooner then before but with rest she has felt strong enough to return to many of her roles has keeper of our home. She and I both enjoyed the preparations more this year because we rejoiced in each thing she was able to do.
The most recent blood test revealed that her CA 125 count had dropped even more. (It was 30). This is excellent news and is one indicator that the treatments are doing what our doctors wanted them to achieve. The tumors are still present but the cancer cells are not multiplying as rapidly they were just a few weeks ago. Please pray that the tumors will shrink and then disappear.
Please pray that her red cell blood count would increase. This is necessary for Debbie to continue having her treatments. The red blood cells also determine her energy level. The most recent test revealed that her red blood cell count was lower then normal.
This morning as our family read the Nativity passage in Luke 2, I was stirred once again by the faith of Joseph and Mary to cooperate with God. They must have known Him as Lord. They fully surrendered to His will in spite of how it caused them to suffer.
It is a mystery to me why some have this kind of faith and some do not. I have observed this kind of faith in Debbie during her darkest days. In the midst of great pain and suffering both physically and emotionally, I have heard her say, “I trust you Father”.
Why does she trust Him like this? Why did Joseph and Mary trust Him like this?
As we approach January 1, I am approaching my 35th anniversary as a Christian. 35 years ago, I decided to follow Jesus in spite of how it might cause me to suffer. (The blessings of following Jesus have far out weighed any suffering.) Why did I make the choice to follow Jesus in spite of how it might cause me to suffer? Why did Debbie make this same choice 35 years ago before we met?
Through the mercy and grace of God, we saw we were sinners. Because of His mercy, we saw the wickedness of our hearts. We also saw for the first time what Jesus did to save us from our wicked condition. The Holy Spirit then baptized us with the love of God and we gave our lives to follow Jesus no matter what it cost.
When we consider our faith, we can only give God glory. Without His mercy and grace and the revelations we received of ourselves and of Him, we would have never made the choice to follow Him. Now more than ever, we need Him to reveal Himself to us. And He is faithful to do so because of His mercy and grace toward us.
If you are in Christ, He has pledged to you His mercy and grace and the revelation you need for the difficulties that you currently face and will face in the future. Take time to be with Him and to listen to Him. He will be true to His pledge. He will lead you like a shepherd that loves His sheep.
If you are not in Christ, I believe that His mercy and grace is being directed toward you and He wants to reveal Himself to you as He has revealed Himself to us. You may see yourself as seeking truth but the truth is He is seeking you. That is why you have taken a moment to read this blog today. He is seeking you!
If you are not in Christ, but He is seeking you, you need to keep seeking the truth from the bible and from those who follow Jesus no matter what it cost. He will reveal to you the truth about yourself and the truth about His mercy and grace to you. Do not stop the pursuit because He is seeking you. I can assure you that you will find what you are seeking because He is faithful.
Merry Christmas from Debbie and from all the Wells!
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Sixtynine Days After Surgery
Debbie has had much more energy after this Chemotherapy Treatment. She has felt good enough to do some things she wants to do with the exception of last Thursday. She is excited about Christmas and all the preparations. She decided she wanted to host our family on Christmas Day and God is giving her the strength to get things ready. There will be about 27 of us. We have come a long way in the last five weeks since her last stay in the hospital. Thank you for your prayers.
She is also getting some relief with the problem in her urinary tract. Thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray that every thing would function normally. Pray specifically that her bladder would not have spasms from the stint that was inserted when she was in the hospital.
She is also getting some relief with the problem in her urinary tract. Thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray that every thing would function normally. Pray specifically that her bladder would not have spasms from the stint that was inserted when she was in the hospital.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Sixtythree Days After Surgery
Today marks nine weeks since Debbie's surgery. One of Debbie's greatest losses has been her ability to be the keeper of her home. On Monday evening Debbie was able to prepare a meal for our family for the first time since October, with William's assistance. This brought her great joy and brought all of us a satisfied appetite. We rejoiced together for this blessing from the Lord and gave Him thanks.
CA-125, cancer antigen-125, is a protein that is found at levels in most ovarian cancer cells that are elevated compared to normal cells. CA-125 is produced on the surface of cells and is released in the blood stream. It is one way to measure the activity of the cancer cells and how a patient is responding to the treatment. Debbie has a blood test for her CA 125 level every two weeks. It has been well over 200 in every test since she was diagnosed last October. Two weeks ago her count was over 200. As of Monday, it was in the mid 50s. 35 is considered normal. Yesterday, when our doctor's assistant gave Debbie the report from Monday's test they exchanged high fives. We praised the Lord together for this good report. We greatly appreciate your prayers.
At 4:00pm yesterday, as I prepared to leave the church to pick up Debbie after her chemotherapy treatment, my car was missing from the church parking lot. There was a pile of glass where my car had been sitting. The car had been stolen. The body of Christ quickly went into action to meet our immediate needs. One of our associate Pastors went to pick Debbie up at the hospital while I waiting on the Police. Another one of our associate Pastors had his family bring me a car that they wanted to loan us.
The policeman arrived and asked me if there was any chance that the car had been repossessed. This made me look at the way I was dressed to see what would give him that impression. He then mentioned the glass and that most collectors would not go to that kind of trouble. I assured him that the car was paid for and he took down all of the information.
At about 6:30am this morning in my devotions, I was reflecting on "He is Redeemer!" As I was singing, "There is a Redeemer," the phone rang. The police had found the car in a ditch on the Southeast side of Oklahoma City. It was not drivable but it was found. It is damaged but He is Redeemer!
Are you lost this Christmas season? Has Satan stolen you from God and as a result, you have been greatly damaged and your life is in a ditch! There is a Redeemer! He will redeem you if you will trust Him.
Ps 40:1-3
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.KJV
Thanks again to all of you that are praying for us!
CA-125, cancer antigen-125, is a protein that is found at levels in most ovarian cancer cells that are elevated compared to normal cells. CA-125 is produced on the surface of cells and is released in the blood stream. It is one way to measure the activity of the cancer cells and how a patient is responding to the treatment. Debbie has a blood test for her CA 125 level every two weeks. It has been well over 200 in every test since she was diagnosed last October. Two weeks ago her count was over 200. As of Monday, it was in the mid 50s. 35 is considered normal. Yesterday, when our doctor's assistant gave Debbie the report from Monday's test they exchanged high fives. We praised the Lord together for this good report. We greatly appreciate your prayers.
At 4:00pm yesterday, as I prepared to leave the church to pick up Debbie after her chemotherapy treatment, my car was missing from the church parking lot. There was a pile of glass where my car had been sitting. The car had been stolen. The body of Christ quickly went into action to meet our immediate needs. One of our associate Pastors went to pick Debbie up at the hospital while I waiting on the Police. Another one of our associate Pastors had his family bring me a car that they wanted to loan us.
The policeman arrived and asked me if there was any chance that the car had been repossessed. This made me look at the way I was dressed to see what would give him that impression. He then mentioned the glass and that most collectors would not go to that kind of trouble. I assured him that the car was paid for and he took down all of the information.
At about 6:30am this morning in my devotions, I was reflecting on "He is Redeemer!" As I was singing, "There is a Redeemer," the phone rang. The police had found the car in a ditch on the Southeast side of Oklahoma City. It was not drivable but it was found. It is damaged but He is Redeemer!
Are you lost this Christmas season? Has Satan stolen you from God and as a result, you have been greatly damaged and your life is in a ditch! There is a Redeemer! He will redeem you if you will trust Him.
Ps 40:1-3
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.KJV
Thanks again to all of you that are praying for us!
Monday, December 11, 2006
Sixtyone Days After Surgery
Debbie had a very good weekend. She grew stronger each day and was able to get out and do some things that she wanted to do. She went to church. She went to several of our children's basketball games. She felt like doing several others things that were a great blessing to her and to us. Thank you for your earnest prayers.
Besides fatigue, her greatest physical battle continues to be her bladder. We believe that the stint that was inserted is causing pain and causing her bladder to have spasms. We would appreciate your prayers that this would be resolved.
Her next chemo treatment is tomorrow. I feel a great deal of empathy for her because she feels so much better right now but within the next 48 hours she will begin to experience the effects of the treatment. Please pray that the effects will be greatly minimized. Pray that God would anoint the chemotherapy to destroy every malignant cell in her body.
I mentioned a family in one of our previous blogs whose son has cancer and he is only three years old. Please continue to pray for Joel Morris. And if you would like to let the family know that you are praying for them, Joel's blog and the family e-mail address can be found at weloveyoujoel.blogspot.com.
Thank you again for standing with us at such a time as this. I will keep you up to date on how Debbie responds to the treatment and how to pray throughout this week.
Jerry
Besides fatigue, her greatest physical battle continues to be her bladder. We believe that the stint that was inserted is causing pain and causing her bladder to have spasms. We would appreciate your prayers that this would be resolved.
Her next chemo treatment is tomorrow. I feel a great deal of empathy for her because she feels so much better right now but within the next 48 hours she will begin to experience the effects of the treatment. Please pray that the effects will be greatly minimized. Pray that God would anoint the chemotherapy to destroy every malignant cell in her body.
I mentioned a family in one of our previous blogs whose son has cancer and he is only three years old. Please continue to pray for Joel Morris. And if you would like to let the family know that you are praying for them, Joel's blog and the family e-mail address can be found at weloveyoujoel.blogspot.com.
Thank you again for standing with us at such a time as this. I will keep you up to date on how Debbie responds to the treatment and how to pray throughout this week.
Jerry
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Fiftysix Days After Surgery
Debbie began to feel much better on Monday. Her strength began to return and she is looking forward to a more active week. Her appetite is much better. She is able to care for herself which she enjoys. Thank you for your prayers.
She does have a bladder infection which is currently the only real pain that she has experienced. Please pray she will be healed of this infection.
Please pray for little Joel Morris. He is only three years old and the son of Terry and Cindy Morris. We received a report today that he has bone cancer that is advanced. The Morris family attended our church for many years and they are such a wonderful family.
She does have a bladder infection which is currently the only real pain that she has experienced. Please pray she will be healed of this infection.
Please pray for little Joel Morris. He is only three years old and the son of Terry and Cindy Morris. We received a report today that he has bone cancer that is advanced. The Morris family attended our church for many years and they are such a wonderful family.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Fiftyfour Days After Surgery
We are learning to live with our new normal. Debbie has a treatment. A few days later she loses almost all of her energy and becomes very weak. During these days, she uses most of her energy just to eat. This is a challenge because she does not have an appetite. It is also very challenging just to prepare herself for the day. She spends most of her time in our room sitting in what has become her recliner. This will last seven to ten days before she begins to feel like doing more things. And then on day fourteen, she has another treatment and the cycle begins again.
She is now one among millions of cancer patients who can identify with this cycle during their treatments. For some the side affects are much more severe. There is a whole list of other side affects that many patients experience during treatment.
Debbie's next treatment is scheduled for a week from tomorrow. She will have lab work done on her blood today and next Monday to see if she can receive the treatment.
We have a wonderfuly support system. Our family, our church family, and our friends have rallied around us and are providing emotional, physical, and financial support. So many other people have expressed to us that they want to help but they do not know what they can do. We have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love that we have experienced.
There are things that we are able to experience now that we will not experience the same way in eternity. Since there will be no more sickness, we will not experience the same kind of support from you that we are experiencing now. We are experiencing the love of Christ in a way right now that we will cherish for all of eternity. You are helping us understand the love of Christ in a deeper way than we have ever known.
It reminds me of this prayer in this verses by the Apostle Paul.
Eph 3:14-21
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.KJV
Gaining a deeper understanding the love of Christ prepares us for eternity and for more effective ministry to others. We have never felt so loved by Christ and by you. My only regret is that there are so many who are going through trials like ours and they do not know this love. How do they survive without this deeper knowledge of the love of God?
Pray that God will use us to make God's love known to others as we walk on this path that God has chosen for us. Pray that God will strengthen us to be His instruments and His vessels. Pray that God will give us the grace to keep singing His praises as He heals us and transforms us into what He wants us to become.
Debbie sends you her love!
She is now one among millions of cancer patients who can identify with this cycle during their treatments. For some the side affects are much more severe. There is a whole list of other side affects that many patients experience during treatment.
Debbie's next treatment is scheduled for a week from tomorrow. She will have lab work done on her blood today and next Monday to see if she can receive the treatment.
We have a wonderfuly support system. Our family, our church family, and our friends have rallied around us and are providing emotional, physical, and financial support. So many other people have expressed to us that they want to help but they do not know what they can do. We have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love that we have experienced.
There are things that we are able to experience now that we will not experience the same way in eternity. Since there will be no more sickness, we will not experience the same kind of support from you that we are experiencing now. We are experiencing the love of Christ in a way right now that we will cherish for all of eternity. You are helping us understand the love of Christ in a deeper way than we have ever known.
It reminds me of this prayer in this verses by the Apostle Paul.
Eph 3:14-21
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.KJV
Gaining a deeper understanding the love of Christ prepares us for eternity and for more effective ministry to others. We have never felt so loved by Christ and by you. My only regret is that there are so many who are going through trials like ours and they do not know this love. How do they survive without this deeper knowledge of the love of God?
Pray that God will use us to make God's love known to others as we walk on this path that God has chosen for us. Pray that God will strengthen us to be His instruments and His vessels. Pray that God will give us the grace to keep singing His praises as He heals us and transforms us into what He wants us to become.
Debbie sends you her love!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
The Fourtyseventh Day After Surgery
Yesterday I awoke to Debbie's voice singing praises to God. This prepared her for a rather traumatic day. She has been losing her hair so she decided to have her head shaved and yesterday was the day.
Only William and I looked on as her head was shaved. There was not one other person in the shop. The lady that shaved her head was so compassionate. There were tears and hugs.
Within a few hours Debbie had new hair. The Lord through our family provided just the right look.
Debbie had more energy yesterday then she has had in weeks. She did not stop until late in the evening and then she rested well. Today, she is having her second treatment.
Many are praying and we are so grateful.
Debbie amazes me. It has never been unusual for me to be awakened by her singing praises to God. Her relationship to the Lord has always inspired me. But what amazes me even more is that she keeps singing in spite of her circumstances.
I am so blessed to be married to such a one. Thank you for your prayers.
Only William and I looked on as her head was shaved. There was not one other person in the shop. The lady that shaved her head was so compassionate. There were tears and hugs.
Within a few hours Debbie had new hair. The Lord through our family provided just the right look.
Debbie had more energy yesterday then she has had in weeks. She did not stop until late in the evening and then she rested well. Today, she is having her second treatment.
Many are praying and we are so grateful.
Debbie amazes me. It has never been unusual for me to be awakened by her singing praises to God. Her relationship to the Lord has always inspired me. But what amazes me even more is that she keeps singing in spite of her circumstances.
I am so blessed to be married to such a one. Thank you for your prayers.
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