Good evening, family and friends. Paul has successfully made it through his second of six follow-up chemo treatments, and this one was at home! At this stage of his first treatment, less than one month ago, he was back in the hospital with a fever. We are so thankful that his body is handling it well. He’s been a bit of a couch potato, he’s watching the U S Open, reading a book titled THE SHACK, and trying to get me to quit badgering him to DRINK MORE FLUIDS. I will continue to bug him because I know he needs to flush the chemo out of his system as quickly as possible, so that he doesn’t harm his kidneys or any other vital organs.
It’s been a tough week. We’ve faced a few different challenges as a family, and I’ve been discouraged at times. One of my devotionals spoke to my heart so very clearly—
PURPOSEFUL PLAN—Romans 8:28 AND WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THOSE WHO LOVE GOD, TO THOSE WHO ARE THE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.——Life doesn’t always look ideal to us. When finances are tight, family problems are serious, or things just don’t seem to go our way, we may doubt that God is working in our lives. That’s the time we need to reread this verse and take heart. Even things that don’t seem good have a purpose in God’s plan. As Christians, we can trust in Him, even when life is less than perfect.
I’ve reread that devotional so many times. I know it is true, I would just like a reprieve from the tough stuff for awhile. But if God deems something else for us during this season, I know with all that is in me, that there is a reason for those things I don’t understand, and I CAN TRUST HIM.
In another devotional, I read today, it said—
Rest is not some holy feeling that comes upon us in church. It is a state of calm rising from a heart deeply and firmly established in God. -Henry Drummond
So, no matter what may come to us, or to those we love…no matter whether we can understand some of this tough stuff going on, we will continue to put one foot in front of the other, and just keep walking…one day at a time, leaning on the One that goes before us, who loves us, and encourages us in countless ways.
May you find Him to be so close to you that you would hear His holy whisper.
Goodnight.
Diana
June 20, 2008 at 12:20 am |
What a great book to be reading right now Paul. It is such a great reminder of how unreligious God is. Don’t you just love Him?!
Although life is really stinking right now, I was thinking about the way you two have been walking through it together this last year and wondering if you haven’t been closer than ever. You certainly are demonstrating the meaning of the vows we take when we enter into marriage. May the years ahead be sweeter than those which have passed.
May the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension guard your heart and mind… and bring you rest.
June 20, 2008 at 3:47 pm |
Dearest, dearest Diane,
Words escape me to describe how blessed I feel to know you and read your blog as you trial through this time, just suffice it to say, “I love you”. I pray often for you, Paul, and your family. I do pray also that as you journey this cancer road, you would be free from other trials… God is sufficient, as you well know.
I so miss seeing you, but am so thankful for this ‘technology’.
I need to give you a call and come visit…. pray I’ll follow up on my intention…. I fall so short…
Love, Linda
June 21, 2008 at 4:07 am |
Hi friend! It was sooo good to hear your voice the other day. My only regret is that our conversation was over the phone and not face to face over a cup of tea!…Soon! It was 101 degrees today. Boy, I sure was thinking of your beautiful Gig Harbor! I know you are enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery as you venture out of the house now and then. We continue to pray for you and our hearts have been heavy for you. This last stretch is just that….a stretch. But I know, that I know, you and Paul can do this. You are surrounded by the Hand that has created all earth and it is this same Hand that will bring you safely over the finish line and it is this same Hand that is applauding your every step. Keep walking…you are almost there. I can see His Hand holding the finish line!
June 21, 2008 at 5:09 pm |
Hi you two,
We just got back from a trip to Illinois to see our son and his family. Family is such an important part of us.
We pray daily for things to go easy on you both. Like we learned a long time ago, sometimes He says no to our prayers. His long-range plans for us don’t always make sense to us at the time.
We love you guys,
Dorrie & Ron
June 24, 2008 at 12:59 pm |
Dear Diana, Paul and family,
You are at the top of my daily prayer requests. I am reading The Shack as well. I can tell from your blog that God’s grace and goodness are real.
The things He is showing you in this season are precious beyond words. I too ask that He would refresh you in the way.
Love, Toni
June 24, 2008 at 9:12 pm |
Paul and Di, I am praying and thinking of you daily. I wish that you did not have to go through the Chemo again, but need to be sure that all those nasty cells are gone. 2 down . Each day is one day closer to thing whole time being behind you. I know that God is meeting you at every step he is asking you to walk. Paul, I just finished the Shack too. Sylvia called me and said you have to read this. I really liked it. What did you think? We do serve an awesome God who is available to us no matter what he asks us to walk through. Paul I know that He is especially fond of you. Love you guys Love Jette
August 4, 2008 at 1:35 pm |
Dear Wimber Family,
Today I found a Fannie Crosby hymn that I pray will encourage you whenever you may need it. The music can be heard at
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/l/l/allwbwel.htm
Only Thy presence, O Savior divine,
Only Thy Spirit to witness with mine;
Only Thine image of love on my breast,
Seal of forgiveness, assurance of rest.
Refrain
What tho’ the billows like mountains may swell;
All will be well; yes, all will be well;
Under Thy shadow in peace I shall dwell;
All, all will be well.
Only Thy presence to lead me aright,
Out of the darkness and into the light;
Only a whisper to tell Thou art near,
Only Thy sunshine to banish my fear.
Refrain
Only Thy presence when trials I bear,
Lifting so gently my burden of care;
Only Thy presence to show me the way,
Home to the mansions of infinite day.
Refrain
Only Thy presence when wild is the gale,
Only Thy presence when rent is my sail;
Only Thy presence my vessel to guide
Into the harbor and over the tide.
Refrain