Good evening, dear family and friends. We are so very thankful for you…your prayers, support, encouragement RIGHT WHEN WE’VE NEEDED IT, time and time again.
This past week our cousin, Linda, sent a package. In it was a wooden sign with a verse carved on it—CAST YOUR CARES ON THE LORD AND HE WILL SUSTAIN YOU. Psalm 55:22 What is so incredible about that is that she didn’t even know that we have quite a few signs with sayings on them, and they’re very special to us. But God knew how much it would mean to us—especially the specific verse on it! I am finding during this season that God is so much more intimately concerned and involved with us than I’ve ever known before. And He invites each one of us to participate with Him in the blessing and encouragement of another. HOW AWESOME IS THAT?
Paul’s CT scan, done on July 14, was clear! It showed some fluid in the chest still, left over from surgery. The doctor, who read the scan wrote—No evidence of recurrence of disease. No mass is seen in the chest, abdomen or pelvis. To that I offer up praise—a humble, expectant, hopeful praise in a very loving God.
Paul completed his fourth chemo treatment, which began on July 17, and finished July 21. On July 22 he was given a shot in the stomach to generate white blood cells. He was given an iron infusion on July 23, along with a shot, again in the stomach, to generate red blood cells. Then mouth sores developed under his tongue, from front to back. He said this was one of the most painful things he’s gone through. And he lost 7 more pounds during that time, which put him at an all-time low of a 50 pound loss.
We met with his oncologist last Monday, July 28. We prayed on our way there for God to give Dr. Yee wisdom in what to do for Paul, with these mouth ulcers. We sat down with him and very soon into the conversation he says, “You’re done! I’m cancelling the last two chemo treatments.” He asked if we were okay with it and we said yes. All I know is that we were both totally at peace with him stopping the treatments. We had prayed that God would give this doctor wisdom and this is what he wanted to do. We know that chemo is not what is preserving Paul’s life anyway. The God of the universe clearly has more for Paul to do in the land of the living!
Paul has gained six pounds back since then. And he’s been working, and even played in an annual company golf tournament this past Saturday. I played with him. Yes, he’s much thinner. Yes, he’s hair challenged at the moment. But this husband of mine can still wallop a golf ball—and I was blessed to see it!
Today Paul had an endoscopy dilation again. We were told when the last one was done, on May 18, that it would probably be necessary again in about a month. He’s gone eleven weeks since the last procedure. The time between them should continue to get longer and longer. The doctor came in to speak to us after it was done. He looked at me and said, “He looks great!” I agree. He told us he scoped all the way down through the stomach and into the duodenum and jejunum. No sign of cancer anywhere. He even poked and prodded the sides and never felt anything abnormal. I can’t begin to tell you how very thankful we are. Although we have no idea what the future holds, we will continue to trust Him ONE DAY AT A TIME.
Psalm 10:17 YOU HEAR, O LORD, THE DESIRE OF THE AFFLICTED; YOU ENCOURAGE THEM, AND YOU LISTEN TO THEIR CRY.
Did you read that? The God of creation, the Awesome One, turns to you, turns to me, and encourages us RIGHT WHEN WE NEED IT. In my Thesaurus these are some of the words listed next to ENCOURAGE—cheer, refresh, inspire, restore, revitalize, gladden, fortify, console, relieve, help, aid, comfort, assist, befriend, uphold, reinforce, strengthen, side with, back up. WOW.
This morning I reflected on this verse—Psalm 40:5 MANY, O LORD MY GOD, ARE THE WONDERS YOU HAVE DONE. THE THINGS YOU PLANNED FOR US NO ONE CAN RECOUNT TO YOU; WERE I TO SPEAK AND TELL OF THEM, THEY WOULD BE TOO MANY TO DECLARE.
He has a plan and we can trust Him. That WE, dear family and friends, means YOU and ME. He doesn’t leave us on our own, even when we go through hardship. I believe He allows the tough times to STRENGTHEN us. To help us really know what we believe and what matters in this life—and WHO HE IS. HE IS GOD, and there is none other. And seeking to know Him is the most important endeavor we’ll ever pursue.
In a little devotional my friend, Debbie, gave me, it says—FINALLY, BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND IN HIS MIGHTY POWER. Ephesians 6:10 When you rely on God’s strength, what are you tapping into? Not some small pool of power that fails at a critical moment. The Christian’s strength is mighty, because God is mighty. He who created the universe does not have a short arm that cannot reach down to your situation. Shining stars testify to His authority. Galaxies in space are ordered by His hand. Cannot He order your life, too? Ask Him to use His strength in your life, and you will have all you need.
I pondered on that one. I pray that it blesses you too. Goodnight.
Diana
