Good morning, dear family and friends. Yesterday I was in a conversation with a dear woman whose husband is battling this same cancer as Paul. I shared with her some of the passages the Lord had given me after Paul’s surgery in March, when Paul was still in the hospital. This morning I looked up those sections in the Bible. One especially speaks to my heart today—
2 Chronicles 20:12 FOR WE HAVE NO POWER TO FACE THIS VAST ARMY THAT IS ATTACKING US. WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO, BUT OUR EYES ARE UPON YOU.
That is the KEY. Keep our eyes on the ONE we should be looking to. There is nothing and no one who knows us like Him. And He knows what is going on—whether it’s health issues, financial difficulties, job insecurity, marriage and/or family challenges, or personal struggles we just can’t seem to overcome. When we keep our eyes on all other places but Him, it’s easy to get disillusioned or discouraged, or think the situation will never change. That’s when we can find ourselves hopeless.
But there is ONE who offers HOPE—and He’s an Anchor that holds. That doesn’t mean quick fixes, easy answers, a magic wand waved…but it does mean placing our lives, and the lives of our loved ones in His hands, praying for guidance and help. Then we HOPE…we TRUST…and we walk this journey out, in FAITH, knowing there is ONE who is with us EACH STEP OF THE WAY. And He loves us and cares for us like none other.
Paul finished his third of six chemo treatments on Monday. He feels really crummy right now. He says it’s close to the worst he’s felt yet. He’s a few pounds lighter still, lost his sense of taste, struggling with ringing ears (a side affect of the chemo), head hurts, body aches, and just generally feels like he’s in a pit. But HE’S NOW HALFWAY DONE! And he was given his Neulasta shot yesterday, so by the end of the weekend he should start feeling somewhat better.
I’m so thankful that God doesn’t leave us on our own. And I’m so grateful for all of you. Yesterday I asked God to put us on someone’s mind to pray for us, because I was a bit weary. My Mom called a little later and asked how we were doing and told me she’d really been praying. That is SO like God. A huge heartfelt THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for every whispered prayer, every kindness done on our behalf, every hug, email, blog comment, card.
My prayer for you is an evergrowing awareness of how very much He loves you, and how much those things that matter to you and concern you matter to Him.
Bless you, dear family and friends.
Diana
July 2, 2008 at 9:07 pm |
Hi Paul and Di,
Eventhough you don’t hear from us much, we’re here lifting you up to our Heavenly Father. May His love for you surround you, lift you, encourage you and give you rest.
Heartfelt Love,
The Dolces
July 2, 2008 at 9:09 pm |
I forgot to mention that I gave your blog address to a guy at work whose dad has esophageal cancer. He thanked me and said what an encouragement it was.
July 3, 2008 at 2:06 am |
Hi guys,
It bothers me so much that we don’t live close by. We would love to be able to come over and visit and try to make you laugh. That’s my specialty you know–laughter! Well OK, one of my specialties!
We love you, we miss you, we’re praying for you and we know that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord. God bless you all.
Love, Veda
July 5, 2008 at 11:30 pm |
Paul and Di, we continue to keep in our daily prayers. I sometimes feel a need to pray at some of the strangest hours of day or night, but we are trying to be faithfull that when prompted, to lift you both up before Him who knows our every need and care.
With all our love in Christ,
Larry and Liz
July 10, 2008 at 4:29 am |
Hi friends! Almost through…..so proud of you both! Just keep remembering these last few sessions are getting even the tinyest critter out of your body! You will be clean through and through!
The marvelous Hand that created heaven and earth is the same Hand that holds your every tear, every fear, every concern, every question and every bit of weariness. In His hand is power and comfort and joy and healing and strength. I pray you feel the warmth of His hand , where you need it the most, this week as you continue your steps. Give Paul a kiss on the top of his head for me! Love you!
July 10, 2008 at 11:18 pm |
I pray often for you both as the Lord brings you to mind … thank you for the updates …
May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you and give you His perfect peace, and strength in your weariness (and of course a complete healing)!
July 15, 2008 at 12:11 pm |
Hi Diana and Paul,
Often the Lord brings you to my mind and I pray. I just wanted to encourage you by letting you know that once again! When I read things or pray / sing songs and hymns that remind me of you I use that vocabulary in my prayers for you. And I know the Lord hears and answers!
Love, Toni