We met with Dr. Pisters this morning at around 11 am. He said that the incision was near perfect, the blood work was better than his and that I could go home today if I would like to. If I would like to? Initially, he had said I would have to stay in Houston for about 2 weeks following the surgery. The surgery was on Feb.15th and today is Feb.28th. For thirteen days we have been away from home. This is almost too good to be true. We are planning on leaving tomorrow hopefully, but in this life all things are subject to change. That’s where faith comes in I guess.
My incision area is still sore with movement and my shortness of breath he said would both resolve soon. This is where holding the line comes in. We will come back in 4 or 5 weeks for a CT scan.
The post-op reports and oncology/biopsy results we will blog soon. I believe we got it out just in time! To God be the Glory for great things He hath done.
GW/RW

Finally ...

The blessing has over taken me about 6 times today. So I am very ecxited to say the least! Otherwise, it has been a day of naps and walking softly. Eating, but not too much. Trying to back off the pain pills to wean myself off of them. I can see how people could easily become addicted to medications if they were not careful. Recovery mode is just another part of the process we have to endure, but I am trying to live life inspite of how I feel or think. Calling on the name of the Lord as my refuge is the only successful option.
Something interesting happened when Robin and I came the Hospital room the first time. I thought the door number marker looked like it said PS11 and she thought is looked like P 511. Both scriptures contain the word 'refuge'. God has been and will continue to be our refuge.
Bedtime, got to go. Love ya'll. GW/RW

A little humor ...

You might be a Redneck if ...

If after a lengthy hospital stay you bring home your IV pole and use it as a plant hanger,
You might be a Red Neck.

If bring home all of the silverware you used during your hospital stay because you think you ‘paid for it’, you might be a Red Neck.

Just had a little flash of redneck humor the other day in the Hospital. We are now back at the RV awaiting the movement as you all know. Russell, thanks for such discernment and insight as to how I may tap into the flow.
The sun did not come out to any degree during my entire stay at MD Anderson except for 2 times. One was during a prayer involving some friends we met in Texas, the hospital Chaplain and Robin and I - towards the end of the prayer the sun came out for a few minutes and lit up the room. The second was today - by the time we were told we were going to be discharged until sundown it was shining bright and clear. Some call it a coincidence but I just believe God knows how to brighten up His kids world.
While awaiting the discharge orders, I wanted to see if there might be some Sunday morning preaching on TV. Just by 'coincidence' Charles Stanley was on and after listening to about 15 min. he basically quoted every scripture we had been standing on and encapsulated our present situation - this was so weird we called and bought the CD!
We are very thankful this phase of the battle is over. We have about 2 more weeks in Houston or until the Dr. releases us. Prayer is the theme we must manitain since there will always be some challenge or battle somewhere.
Talk to you all tomorrow. GW/RW

Backlog blogging ...

Here are few days to catch everyone up.

Thursday, Feb. 24th, 2006
For those with a weak stomach, you might want to skip a few lines … the only thing partially holding me back from being released from the Hospital is a good, normal bowel movement and also the last IV to be taken out is the Central line in the right jugular vein. In anticipation of me having a normal movement tomorrow the Dr. ordered my Central line to be removed tonight. I asked if we could wait 1 more day and they said yes. The nurse came in and ‘hep-locked’ the lines which means they are still in my neck, just not connected to the IV pole. Now I can move about freely. Here’s the funny part. I felt a little abdominal movement and headed for the restroom hoping this would be the ‘one’ – dragging the IV pole all the way! It was only after I was dragging the pole back out of the bathroom did realize that the IV line was no longer connected.

Robin’s brother and his wife brought our kids to see us this weekend. You talk about a blessing! Of course they look as if they had grown several inches. It was medicine to my soul. They couldn’t stay long since it was so late.

Friday, Feb. 25th, 2006
I did not want to have to receive a blood transfusion following the surgery – but I became severely anemic and had to anyway. Two units of blood infused over 6 hours. I learned something new as a result - you also have to take Benadryl when receiving blood to avoid any possible allergic reactions - even if you are the same type. You talk about a sleepy puppy! It was all I could do to keep my eyes open. As a result of dozing off all throughout the day, I was up all night. That’s the part Robin loved the most since she was in the same room with me. I could tell the transfusion did help me feel a lot better.
Saturday, Feb.26th, 2006
I got an early start on Saturday with a shower, shave and walking around the station a lot. The infusion helped me feel and function much better. One of my surgical Dr.’s came by for a follow-up and also ordered a bilateral leg scan for any potential blood clots in the legs since there is so much swelling in the thighs. The Central line in my right neck was removed today and it did not even hurt! The only problem today was that the leg scan took longer than anticipated so I missed lunch and my lunchtime pain meds – not a good idea. Here came the headache and nausea (two not so friendly things) along with the surgical pain. It took a few hours, but things are back to usual now. All I really need now is a genuine movement.
Spent some more time with the kids today. Robin walked them around the “Hospital’ (which is really an understatement considering the size of these buildings). They are all connected by enclosed above ground transport modules/tubes. There are numerous large sculptures which serve as landmarks to orient people

One step closer home....

We have been released this morning to return to the RV park. We are awaiting our discharge papers and we will be on our way. Randy and Sonya, my brother and sister-in-law, brought up Lauren and Bryan to see us this weekend and we will get to spend more time with them today at the park instead of in the hospital. Bryan has a hard time being quiet and not getting bored while visiting us in the hospital. We will update later once we get settled in at the campground. We love you all so much and thank you for taking this journey with us.

RW

Update....

I wanted to let you all know what is going on and ask for you to pray. The Dr.s have decided to give George some blood (2 units). It will be infused over 6 hours today. They will also be giving him some vitamin K to clot any small blood leaks to see if this blood issue can resolve itself without them having to perform tests and all that to see what is going on. I know that once he receives the blood he is going to feel stronger. He has been on the weak side for days. He has been walking and all but he hasn't felt 100%. There is so much God is showing me through this process and at some point I will sit down and write what He has graciously ministered to me. Our God is sooo good to keep us and keep the things we entrust to Him. Pray specifically for GOOD blood and for George's continues recovery.

thanks and God bless
RW

A day of "unplugging

Hello everyone, I have been gorked out pretty good over the last few days, so I have lost track of time. Slow start this am, but the Dr.'s have decided it was time for me to try some solid food and see how it goes. Grits, eggs and toast never tasted so good. Then I ate a late lunch of chicken, spinach and a few bites of sweet potato. So far everything is doing it's job.
I have had several visitors come to my room and pray for us - people that I don't even know - friends of a friend type thing. That's a blessing.
Today has been a day of "unplugging" - in more ways than one. I no longer have an NG tube or the Foley - every man's fear! And the epidural pump has been removed from my spine. I'm glad I went with the epidural. Now we will be carefully using pills in place of the epidual pump.
I've been between faith and frustration about 1000 x's today. I guess that is the challenge to all of us everyday. Choose life like He said.
Jimmy C. came by for a visit. He is a friend of Robin's from LSU. Several friends of the John's also came by for a visit. Mom, Dad and aunt Eva came by, too. They have been such a comfort and blessing in so many ways."
We continue to pray for those mentioned in previous posts. Thanks for everything ya'll. To God be the Glory. GW/RW.
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind"

What a difference a day makes...

I'm sorry that I didn't post anything yesterday. It was a hard day for George. He was in a significant amount of pain. Late night before last he began going to the bathroom (hallelujah) however he was having horrible abdominal cramps. The pain medication didn't seem to be doing the trick. Well, by 5:00pm he was in almost out of control pain. Finally, the pain team was able to give him enough stuff to make him comfortable so he could sleep. And sleep he did. He had a great night and is continuing to have a good morning. We covet your prayers because we know that they are a difference maker.

Prayer points:
His hemoglobin is low so they are considering giving him some blood--George would rather not have to have blood so please pray the numbers come up

Continue to pray against infection and that as his GI tract begins working that the cramping would be to a minimum.

To God be all the glory. Even in the midst of things we don't understand and pain we may watch a loved one suffer we MUST conclude that God is still on the throne.

Love
RW

Thank God for good medication (when you need it)!!!

A little frustrated over the past few days, but it's still one day at a time and even sometimes one breath at a time. Thank God also for a wife who has been standing by her man even when he gets impatient. This is a test which, when properly perceived, can be won even in the midst of pain and fatigue. Maintain your presence of mind by inputting the Word of God frequently.

Dr. Pisters, whom I have not seen since the surgery, came by for a visit. He was on a medical missions trip. That's good to know. The treatment has been great, but you still need someone with you if you have to be in the hospital. Mistakes can be made. Miscommunication can happen at any level. We walked to the food court tonight so I could at least smell some food - which might trigger an appropriate response.

Please continue to pray for Dr. Michael H. for a healing from cancer.
Jill H. too. We work in the same office. She had surgery the day before I did.
John S. from Hosanna 1st Assembly - he recently began suffering a lot of pain with an unknown cause. The Dr.'s thought it may have been the kidneys, exactly what is causing the pain is yet unknown.
Chrstine W. for breast cancer in California.
And of course, I solicite your prayers also.

Don't let mistakes bring you down. Mistakes are like stones - you can trip over them and curse the stones, pick them up and build a wall to be a separation between people who have hurt you, or you can take the stones and build steps so you can see farther.
If God be for us, who can be against us? Love you all. GW/RW

P.S. Hey to Lauren and Bryan, our two wonderful kids.

Hey ya'll let's get this potty started...

OOPS!!! I meant party. Well we are day five into our recovery and God is continuing to show Himself faithful as always. George has lost a lot of the fluid he was carrying and that has made his breathing much easier. The Drs. have heard a slight rumbling in his intestines so we are believing that things will get to moving. Oh what a glorious day that will be. They removed one of his IV lines and he had a small superficial clot but the Drs. said that will be O.K. We continue to be blessed by all of your prayers, support, and comments. You all are the best group of family and friends anyone could ask for.

Pray also for more divine appointments for me (Robin). I have had many and it has been awesome to share hope with people who seem hopeless.

Oh by the way, George wants you all to know that the part of yesterday's message that was written about the new disease ICDI was written under the influence of a little pain medication. Some of the thoughts may not be consistent but I typed it like he had typed it.

We love you all
RW

This is George speaking....

George sent me to the computer room to type a few things. He says:

I want people to be free throughout the salvation offered by Jesus Christ. Free from the binding power of sin. Not free to be arrogant, self righteous, independent and prideful, but rather free to love, and be loved, to be unselfish, generous and humble; seeking the will of God for their lives- working together for the good of all. I want people to be set free! Free from the prison which sin constructs whether by choice or by being naive and misguided. I know Jesus came for that purpose to "destroy the works of the devil". Check out the evening news and see the works of the devil in living color. Jesus said, "if the Son makes you free you are free indeed". I want to be free and to live like someone who is free. I pray the same for us all.


On a lighter side:

This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it! I believe last night was the best sleep I have had in almost a week. That can make a huge difference in your healing and your attitude--because it is a fact that maintaining a good attitude throughout an illness can significantly improve the rate of healing.

Just out----There have been many case studies explaining all of the brain chemistry involved in this new disease and how it spreads. As with most situations, such as this, you have a left vs. a right-- a black vs. a white and alive vs. dead. In this particular instance we have Psychosomatic healing versus ICDI*. ICDI* is almost identical in its mind to body link but with a totally different shall we say "negative" impact on the one who contracts this disease.

This disease is very subtle and it is believed that it can pass from one generation to the next. In some cases the scientists are telling us the same old remedies our grandmothers gave us can also be used very successfully. This is the remedy given which will help anyone seeking a cure. First you must awake every morning and say out loud " this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it". You also must say things like "if God be for us , who can be against us, and greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world." We could go on and on for years and never run out of this prescription given to us by our God. This counteracts any attempts of the enemy of our soul to infect us with "ICDI". So let's get ahead of the game and use the given remedy. Let's get ahead of the game and continue to quote the Word of God over our situations. OH, by the way, ICDI stands for "I Can't Do It". God never said you couldn't (other than committing sin) do it. So someone else must have told you you couldn't do it. Because God has always told us if we have a mustard seed, we can do it.

Respiratory therapy and extra fluid...

Just talked to George. A chest x-ray showed some fluid around his lungs. They're adding some fluid-reducing meds, and he will be doing some respiratory therapy. He sounded pretty chipper. Please keep up the prayers. He's still walking laps trying to get his digestive system moving. So far, so good...

Please also keep the following folks in your prayers: Jack (brain cancer), Austin (heart-lung transplant), PawPaw Bob (heart arrythmia, bad cold)

Randy (Robin's brother)

"Lord, after this suffering, let it be said that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, make my Savior clear to all those around me. Because of my suffering and willing perseverance, cause others to be encouraged to speak the Word of God more courageously and fearlessly." Philippians 1:12-14

Prayer request for George...

Please pray for me because I am experiencing a lot of overall swelling which started today. It does not appear to be life-threatening, but it is a complication.

Thank you. We'll be talking to y'all later...

GW

Super Saturday...

Well today has been good. George is still lapping the nurses station. First step in victory...they removed his nasal gastric tube. Now he can swallow without much pain. Here are a couple of prayer points.

Pray that he stays infection free
Pray that there will be no internal leaking
Pray for a good report from the pathology
Pray for God to use us and be glorified

One more thing. I met a lady from New Iberia. Her husband is here because of brain cancer. His name is Jack Hunter. Could you remember him in prayer. I would love to see God minister hope to him and his wife Sandy.

I promise today you will hear from George. I will come back down later and type it in.

RW

George is on the go....

Well George has now lapped the nurses station at least 15 times. Of course, we all know George is the type that if you tell him he needs to do it 1 time he will do 10. But that is good because that determination along with his awesome trust in our Lord is what is going to see him through. The pain is much better today. More, later.

RW

Friday morning update...

Well last night was difficult at times but with God's help and grace we have made it through. George's pain is being managed with an epidural line in his back and during the night it was not working as well as it should have been. However, this morning he seems like a new man. He has already made 5 laps around the nurses station and is sitting up visiting with his mom while I'm down here updating the blog. Just know that your prayers are strong and effective, and we are living on the wings of all of your prayers. Our Father is sooooo faithful, and we continue to stand and watch the deliverance of our LORD.

George will be dictating to me what he wants to put on the next update so yáll can hear from him instead of me. I love you all more than you will ever know.

RW

All is well...

Latest update on George. He is in his own room. He is doing well, considering what he's been through. As of right now, he is sleeping. Earlier today, we had him sitting in a chair. Keep praying for his continued quick recovery. We love you all!!

RW

LATE NIGHT....

Tonight when I was talking to George he asked me to post this song by Keith Green. He is doing well still a little groggy but he seems to be doing well. This song says it all. Be blessed. More tomorrow.

RUSHING WIND - KEITH GREEN

Rushing wind blow through this temple
Blowing out the dust within
Come and breathe your breath upon me
I’ve been born again

Holy Spirit I surrender
Take me where you want to go
Plunge me by your living waters
Plant me deep so I can grow

Jesus you’re the One who set my spirit free
Use me Lord glorify your Holy Name through me


Separate me from this world Lord
Sanctify my life for You
Daily change me to Your image
Help me bear good fruit

Everyday You’re drawing closer
Trials come to test my faith
But when all is said and done Lord
You know its been worth the wait

Jesus you’re the One who set my spirit free
Use me Lord glorify your Holy Name through me

Answer to all our prayers

Well the doctor met with us and let us know that George was out of surgery and in recovery. He is doing so well the doctor said he doesn't anticipate him having to go to ICU at all. He will let George spend the night in recovery and be put in a room tomorrow. He needed no blood transfusions and the doctor said surgery went very, very well. He removed the head of the pancreas, the gall bladder, the bile duct the top of the small intestine and all was reattached without a hitch. God our Father is so faithful and we have truly sensed His presence. We have stood and God has shown Himself faithful. Thanks again to all who have prayed and held us up before the Father. I will see George at 6:00 and can't wait to let him know how much I love him. I'll let him know you all love him too.
RW

2:00 update

The nurse said that the doctor is almost finished removing the mass. All other organs are clear (answer to prayer). The reconnection of the stomach and pancreas etc will take almost another 2 hours. All is going well George is doing fine. Please continue to pray.

By the way I wanted to share with y'all what George said while the sedation was taking affect. His eyes were squinted and he pointed his finger to the anesthesiologist and said, "I'm blessed and everyhwere I go people are blessed because I serve a Big God. I've been looking forward to this surgery." George in rare form, oh wait that's normal form.

More later.....

surgery has begun....

The actual surgery began at 9:12. We were given an update at about 10:50 that the doctor was iscolating the pancrease and all ws going well. More to come our next update will be at 12:00pm. We love you all and are thankful for your prayers.

RW

' Twas the Night before .....

We just had a great time with my family and pastor Don and sis. Eileen. My Dad, Mom and Aunt Eva had cooked grilled ribs, etc. – enough for everybody. Of course, I could not eat any. (Now why couldn’t this happen when they were passing out old Christmas fruit cake?) Just kidding. I wish so many of my other family could be here with us and I know they would if circumstances allowed. We read several scriptures pertaining to our present situation and prayed for a while together. God was in the room in a big way as was His peace. We desire to see God move in all of us for His Glory. Life can be so beautiful when we look through the eyes of faith.
The happy juice, well, let’s just say that it works!!!
We have an early alarm time set. I’ll wake up ready to get this behind me. You know, begin with the end in mind. Thanks for the calls, letters and encouragement. I could not do it with out all of you.
Resting in His Grace and Mercy, George

Surgery time ....

The surgery people say that I am to be at the hospital for 6:30 am. I will then be prepped and brought to another floor. They did not say exactly what time the first incision will happen but it should be within the hour I would guess.

Robin’s parents are here (4:30 pm) and Pastor Don and sister Eileen should be in town by now. He said they would be staying at a hotel in the area. Hopefully we can together tonight.

One day at a time ya'll, one day at a time. "Give us this day our daily bread ...."

John 11:25 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

How great a Salvation ...

Get to drink the 'happy juice' tomorrow and surgery the next day. Here are some thoughts on the greatness of God and the salvation He offers to "whosoever believes".

God never said we would be without pain and suffering in this present age, but He did promise to be with us in the midst of the challenges and storms which life invariably brings to our door step. He is even with us when we bring these things upon ourselves through sin or disobedience. How great a Salvation! How great is the love of the Father! If He went to such great lengths to save us by His great love even while in our sin, is not that same love extended towards us after salvation? Never deny God the freedom to forgive you and love you – regardless of the situation. Forgive 7 x 70 Jesus said, all we have to do is ask.
He can turn water into wine and sorrow into joy! He is our source, provider, defender, encourager, comforter and friend. He has never known defeat – the Cross was not defeat – He even planned that for our sake. Do we need to be reminded about the Resurrection? No foe can defeat Him, not even death and no god can stand before Him. He does not sleep or slumber and He is always on time. He is our remedy, our medicine for the sickness known as ‘self’. He is our calm in the storm, our peace in turmoil. He is our hope and our future. He is Immanuel – God with us! Oh! How great a salvation!

"For the Word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to those of us who are being saved it is the power of God." I Corinthians 1:18

Back in Houston ... again...

Back in Houston and it is cold – around 25 degrees. It was so good to see everyone at home and work and also church this morning. Pastor Don Williams preached a spirit led message this morning concerning how God’s grace is sufficient for us in any and every given situation. One brother after the service said, “he hit me between the eyes (spiritually speaking) “. It has happened many, many times to me that the message preached confirms things either that I am going through or something the Lord showed me in the Word or in prayer. Worship was awesome, as usual. We have an incredibly talented worship team at Hosanna.
Robin and I sat on the left side of the sanctuary this morning instead of front and center where we have been sitting for about 15 years. It was neat to see the congregation from a different perspective. I could see the peoples faces – many of whom I have known over the past 15 years. This is my church family. I thought about all of the things many of us have gone through individually and as a congregation. Our lives have been woven together like a beautiful tapestry over the years. Many of our children have grown up together and blossomed into young ladies and young men. Time has slipped by so fast, evidenced by a few new wrinkles and a few more gray hairs – and through it all is the evidence of the Faithfulness and the Love of our Lord and our Savior.
I noticed something else as I looked around the congregation - there were way too many available seats. God’s house – this house – was not full. I shared that with Russell who was standing near me. I want it to be full, standing room only. Every empty seat means a life not changed and every occupied seat means a life available for Godly change. I have never boasted about the size of any church and do not desire to have numbers for numbers sake, but oh! those empty seats began to eat on me! God fill them! Fill them for Your Glory! Call me a fanatic, but Jesus died for people – people like you and me. I am praying for the Holy Spirit to move on me, you and the people that are around us that need Jesus so badly. What can I do to ensure another generation will be changed by Jesus in the next 15 years? Do what God leads us to do. God is preparing us.
Thanks again to my family and friends for the support. We appreciate you all so much.
Surgery is still scheduled for this Wednesday in the morning – we will know exactly when Tues. evening. Talk to you all tomorrow.

Beautiful day ...

Beautiful day, a bit chilly however. We had a day of organizing papers, bills, letters of encouragement and prayer and of course junk mail. Carefully shot a few hoops with Bryan. Our nephew 'Coo' (that's his nickname) had a birthday party tonight. It was fun. They all grow up so fast. Family prayer and off to bed.

The 'Glorious' CD that Lauren A. gave to my Lauren has been such a blessing! I highly recommend it to anyone interested in entering into the Presence of the Lord. You can get it from Christ for the Nations on the net or a local Christian bookstore.

Courtney from Alabama sent Robin and I two beautiful gifts -thankyou! I have mine on now.
Jerry and Barbara from up the east coast ( S. Carolina) sent me a CD about healing - listened to it twice already today. We still miss ya'll.
Hazel, listened to the tape you gave to me at least twice so far. God had us at the right place at the right time!

1)Please pray for Bruce and Micki. Bruce was diagnosed with cancer in several organs and asks for prayer. He and his wife have served God for 25 years. They need a touch from God. They live in Minn.
2)Pray for Jill H. - a coworker of mine. She will be having surgery this Tuesday to remove a pancreas tumor similar to what I was diagnosed with.
3)Pray for Michael H. also a coworker diagnosed with cancer.
4)And for Austin Barber - the 12 year old we meet at our RV park in Houston. He needs a heart/lung transplant.
5) For me, my surgery is scheduled this Wednesday morning.

We all need a touch from God.

" And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent, rushing wind ...." Acts 2:2. May God's Spirit breath on you even as you read this word. See ya'll. GW/RW

Friday night special ...

Got to wake up in my own house today and cook my kids breakfast, visit with brother-in-law over lunch (Chinese food at the King Buffet) and visit my friends at CVT. They did a raffle for us and today was the day to pull three tickets. It worked out that I was present and they wanted me to do the honors. We shook the box between each pull and can you believe who won the big gas grill? The first house we lived in when i moved to Baton Rouge in 1989 had the best neighbors - Frank and Laurie - it was them! They had bought some tickets - I didn't even know they knew about the raffle. What a small world. (Again, thankyou CVT freinds for helping raise some money - it will come in very handy once the bills start rolling in). Then it was off to a basketball game or make that two games. Then there was a senior send off for some of the kids at school. That made for a full day/evening.
Here is a few lines from a song I wrote about 5 years ago.

Live every day, like it may be your last
You can mold your future, but you can't change your past
Your yesterdays, they are all gone
But tomorrow, is yet to come

I have really been trying to soak up as much life as i can for these 3 days before going back for the surgery. The people, sights and sounds. Friends and family make life so much richer. I could not have asked for anything better. God is so good. I pray that all who read this will be moved to reconsider their lives. May God open our eyes to see things as He does.
God be with you -GW/RW.

Home.....

Home!
Is it just me or does the air in central smell better than Houston? (I may be biased, just a little) The dog was much more excited to see us than the kids. But then again, I have never told him to go clean his room. Back to homework, basketball games and practice. The kids look like they have grown since we saw them just a week ago. I watered my plants and went shopping at Wally World for a few days worth of groceries.
Seriously, I literally felt something changing the closer we got to home. I don't know if it was spiritual or psychological or a little of both. I guess you could liken it to a soldier being wounded in a battlefield, going to the medical tent and then given time to recuperate. The soldier has been in a sheltered place with less action, conflict and challenges. Upon returning to the battlefield he has to readjust back to battlefield conditions.
So what did this Christian do to counter this "feeling" that hit me?
Worship and Word.
Immanuel, God with us
He inhabits the praises of His people
the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword
the Lord is my strength and my shield, my rock and fortress, my deliverer
Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!
Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you
keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God
Set your mind on the things above.
Rejoice in the little things. Nothing is mundane when it is an act of worship and thanksgiving. Be blessed by seeking to be a blessing... God uses you when you sometimes least expect it... The paths of the righteous are directed by God... Be not deceived, God is not mocked, whatsoever a person sows, that shall they also reap... Do not grow weary in doing good....
Friends, feelings come and go as we all know, but the Word of God is Eternal! Begin to worship and praise Him and watch what happens to your feelings.
May God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and give you rest.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For thou alone, O Lord, dost make me to dwell in safety ( Psalm 4:8) . Good night.
GW/RW

Coming home for a few days...

We will be leaving Houston in a few hours. Looking forward to getting back to my own bed for a few days before we head for the surgery date. Just like little Dorothy said, " there's no place like home ". Hopefully we will get to see as many of our friends as possible before we have to return. Liberty Christian Fellowship in Cleveland Texas has treated us like family. Thanks to Pat and Bob (Andrea's parents) for introducing us to all the great people of that church.
We are still in a mode of believing God for great things. Robin told me, ' this thing is not over yet' (referring the cancer) and I told her it will never be over. The Christian is in a constant battle at some level - we are in a War. But as the Word says, ' the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty unto God for the pulling down of strongholds'. We will be fighting the enemy on the one hand and loving people on the other. If GOD be for us, who can be against us?
Can't wait to get home. See yo all soon. GW/RW

Robin again....

As George stated in yesterday's note we are standing firm believing we are in the center of His will. Tonya Rainey sent me a comment on yesterday's blog talking about a devotion about the 3 Hebrew children. How awesome that was to see from her because that morning before the Dr.'s appointment that is the very scripture God gave me to read and to be confident in. Also while we were waiting to see the Dr. (and what a wait it was 2 hours) I felt the Lord say "Do you trust me?" I responded yes Lord I trust you and He said "Then stand still and see the salvation of the Lord." I said ok Lord. So when the Dr. came in and stated that there had been no change and we began discussing the surgery I knew that God was in this and that we just have to stand. Knowing that you are all standing with us is more comforting than any of you could imagine. I sense no fear and my heart is at peace knowing that our Lord has the final word. It is our heart to continue to make His praise glorious and to make Him known everywhere we go.

I feel like I am in the middle of a Holy Ghost set-up like Joseph. His brothers meant to harm him but all along God had a greater plan and through what seemed disaster God brought together His plan for the birthing of the nation of Israel. We have been attending services every night at a church north of Houston. Ed Traut is ministering the word and also operating in the office of a prophet. He taught the other night that before Israel became a nation it had to be birthed and that Egypt was the womb. There they grew and multiplied in number and became a great people and through the birth pains (plaques) and blood, and water( the Red Sea parting) the nation of Israel was birthed as they came through the Red Sea. WOW All of that started because God set-up Joseph to be in Egypt to save Jacobs family from certain destruction during the famine.

By the way the minister called us out in service and gave us a Word. We have transcribed the word and have been meditating on it. God has proved one more time that He knows where we are.

Our God has more on His mind than just healing George and George and I are submitted to whatever, however, whenever. God alone will have the say so.

For anyone interested in sending us some snail mail we got a mail box yesterday. The temporary address is George Waites c/o Lakeview Resort 11991 S. Main St. Box 3 Houston, TX 77035

Love you all and we will be coming home for a couple of days Thurs. - Sun. can't wait to see our family and our Hosanna Family RW

This just in ...

We met with Dr. Peter Pisters this morning - a class act doctor. Very steady and bright. We are comfortable as one can be with a surgeon I suppose. So far I recommend him to anyone who may be in need of such a surgeon. These guys have excellent surgical and post operative statistics as far as infection and other complications. We have much confidence in their abilities, but more so in the hand of God and His Will.
Surgery is scheduled Wednesday, Feb. 15th, 2006. The day before is 'prep' day with some fun juice to drink ( anyone remember the dinner scene on the nutty pofessor? Ha Ha). We are debating on whether we should come home a few days or not. That remains to be seen.
Thankyou so much for the words of encouragement. Keep Robin in prayer as she is physically fatigued and her right eye is bloodshot, itchy and running since yesterday. She is at the eye Dr.'s office as I type.
The church we are attending is quite a drive but is it well worth it. The guest preacher operates in the prophetic and he spoke a word over Robin and I in the Sunday evening service. Wow! We got the tape and Robin transcribed it. It has confirmed many things already going on that this gentleman had no way of knowing, but God does. We will share it with anyone interested.
My parents and my mother's sister Eva are staying with us as we approach surgery (before and after). I am so thankful for their presence and support. There are other people who would love to be here but cannot due to physical limitations.
I also would like to ask for you all to pray for a 12 year old boy who is in need of a heart/lung transplant. His name is Austin Barber and we have been spending time with him almost every day while e-mailing or washing clothes, etc. Please pray for Austin and his dad Shane that he would remain as healthy as can be while awaiting a transplant and for financial support due to the expensive nature of waiting.
Another request is a lady I work with named Jill. She has been diagnosed with masses in the liver and pancreas ( I stand to be corrected if that is not accurate). She is the 3rd person at my office diagnosed with cancer. What's the deal? Please lift her up a few minutes as you read this.

Scripture records Jesus saying that " the things impossible with men are possible with God."
There is no dissapointment in my heart since the tumor did not 'dissappear'. That was my first choice, but I believe in a Sovereign God Whose thoughts are higher than mine and Whose ways are much higher than mine. We seek Him and His righteousness and we know all things will be added.
Please pass on the date to those who may not have access to the internet. Thankyou. GW/RW

CT scan this morning ...

Good afternoon. Still windy, enough to knock you down!
The CT was this morning. We got there at 7:20 am and were leaving before 10 am. I did not even feel the needle when they started the IV hep lock - and they used an 18 gauge needle! The contrast is pretty nasty tasting like last time, but it was easier to drink (for some reason) this time. The scan was done on a GE Light Speed CT scanner. It did not take as long.
No results as of yet. We will meet with Dr. Peter Pisters tomorrow.
We have put our confidence in God. It's not the amount of faith you have ( Jesus said even faith the size of a mustard seed was enough), it's the amount of doubt you have. Remove the doubt, force it out by putting the Word of God in it's place. The Word of God creates faith, " faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ". (NAS) Romans 10:17. Remember " F I D O " - Faith In - Doubt Out. If you fill a container to the brim with the desired contents (faith), there will be no room for any other thing (doubt). If your cup is full of faith, then you gain more faith, it will then begin to spill over into your saucer and then it splashes over onto those around you. We are standing in the confidence that God is in total control. Period. And the prayer requests sent to us - we have been praying for. Thankyou for praying with us concerning our present situation.

A special note to all of my friends and Doctors at work - CVT Vascular and Surgical - I miss you all. Thankyou so much for your support.

As soon as we find out any results we will post them. In Christ, GW/RW.

" Face God with the problem, then face the problem with God."

Blog was down yesterday afternoon into the late evening ...

I could not even get on it myself. I think the server was having problems. Anyway ...

This is day 5 of the 5 days of faith. We continue to pray and expect to see The LORD GOD do great things. The theme of constant prayer has been noticed througout the majority of e-mail, blog comments and phone calls. We should all be in constant prayer at one level or another, but our lives do get busy and we get distracted. However, we can stay in a ready attitude of prayer, open for The LORD to speak to us and direct us at a moments notice.
We will be going to church at Liberty Christian Fellowship in Cleveland Texas this morning. There is a brother who will be leading preaching named Ed Traut. He operates in the prophetic.
We are looking forward to hearing him speak.
We had a birthaday party in the rec. room at the RV park. We had cake and the place provides popcorn and drinks to the people staying here all day and night. It was fun, She got a new study Bible from us and a journal from her aunt Sonya and uncle Randy. It was great to see everyone from home. (Especially our kids).
Time to go. GW and RW

This is the One we serve. " And the One Who sat there (on the Throne) appeared like the crystilline brightness of jasper and the fiery sardius, and encircling the throne there was a halo that looked like a rainbow of emerald ... " Revelation 4:3

Mixed bag ...

A couple of things -

I talked with Doug B. from Southeastern LA University on friday - hopefully I'll hear from Chris K. and Keith N. too.

The " Archives " contain posts from day one for those who would like to catch up.

This is the 4th day of the five days of faith. Continue to praise Him for what He is going to do.

Is it always so windy in Houston???

Psalms 119:175 " Let my soul live that it may praise Thee ". GW.

Happy Birthday Lauren !!!

We cannot believe you are already 15 ! We are very proud of you and all of your accomplishments - and for your love for Jesus. May you have many, many more wonderful Birthdays. We love you, Mom and Dad.

2 Timothy 2:15

From an old hymnal .....

This will bless you. I have an old church hymnal that I bought the other day. I was reading through it and came across this short but beautiful song, which is sung slowly. It was written by a man named Daniel Iverson who was born in 1890. The scripture reference is from Acts 10:44, "The Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message..."

" Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me;
Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me.
Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me."

We are now in day three of our five days of faith. Please continue to pray and praise along with us as we expectantly wait on God. May God turn up your "expector".

For those of you who have sent prayer requests to us, we are praying along with you.

Talk to y'all soon
Love GW and RW

For our kids ....

We miss our kids! This is a note to them that we love you two very, very much and we are so proud of you both. Keep being a blessing to all of those around you!

Crisis ...

Sonja H. sent this to me -
The Trumpet by Bill Burns

January 30, 2006:"Speak into your crisis. Bring your crisis before Me, says the Lord, and then speak into your crisis, for the Word has power to change circumstances. I say, it will bring My favor. My Word spoken shall indeed remove the mountain that is before you. Rise up in this time and speak to your mountain and it shall be removed. Prophesy and proclaim My Word over your situation, and no weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that has risen up against you is condemned".

What makes this so interesting is that just the night before my dad and I were coming back from the store. He was waiting for me in his truck listening to the radio. When I got into the truck I turned it up only to here the word 'crisis'. The speaker proceeded to say that the Chinese word for crisis contains both the idea of 'danger and opportunity'. Come to find out this was a Christian station. He continued to talk about taking otherwise 'dangerous' circumstances and looking for the 'God' opportunity hidden within. Of course, that was probably just another coincidence (Ha Ha).

As for as our present status - there will be another CT scan this Monday and the Dr.'s appointment is the next day (Tues). We are expecting God to move. Love ya'll - GW/RW.

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You can do it. GW.

Robin's turn....

I wanted to take this time and share with you how God has ministered to me in the last couple of days. As I was in the word yesterday, I began looking up the scriptures that George and I have been standing on. I want to share them with you so you can be praying in agreement with us according to God’s Word. Let me encourage you as God has encouraged me. While on the way to Houston we had started listening to a teaching by Dutch Sheets on faith and miracles. We weren’t able to finish it because of the quality of the CD player in the vehicle we were in. But what he said was that God will confirm His Word with signs and wonders following but we must give God something to confirm. We must put His word out there and then expect that God will honor His Word. Well yesterday we decided to locate an Assembly of God church in the area and go for service last night. We located a church fairly close and I began praying for the Lord to give us a word and to minister to us. Well He did. While in praise and worship the pastor went to the pulpit and said that no one was here by mistake and that God had something He wanted to say to us. He said that it was something that God Himself wanted to speak to each individual and asked for us all to be quiet and listen to what the Lord was telling us. Through my tears, I began writing what I felt the Lord saying to me. It went as follows:

“My Word is true and it is trustworthy. As you stand on it you will not
be denied the truth of it. As Jesus spoke words and My prophets spoke
words, they were words given to live throughout the ages and stand the
test of time and be found rock solid and true.”

God is so gracious that the worship leader sang a song during the offering that was almost exactly the words I had written down. The last sentence of the chorus was “I am waiting on my miracle.”

After last night I feel even stronger that we need to be praying God’s word back to Him and to thank Him in the fact that His word is true and He can be trusted to bring to completion the evidence of His word.

The following scriptures are the ones that we have stood on and continue to bring before our Father. Would you join with us?
Psalm 91:15,16
Psalm 103:1-5
Psalm 118:17-18
Matt. 21:21-22
John 14:11-14
John 15:7

As you look up these scriptures be encouraged that we serve a big God who is on our side and wants to bless His children and who loves us more than we can even imagine.

Thanks for standing with us,
Robin

Five days ...

Good morning,
Late last night I realized had been given 5 days before the next test. What do I do? Go home or stay and wait? Robin and I prayed from 10 pm to midnight. I sensed one thing for sure, that "I had better get as spiritually serious as I possibly can". (Those of you who know me, know how goofy and lighthearted I can be). We've prayed for the healing, taken a confident, unified stand in Christ's ability to heal and deliver and now we are going to praise Him and thank Him keeping an open Heaven.
Do any of you have a need? Whether physical, financial, family/children or any other thing that you are needing help with, don't wish about it. The Heavens are open! Get alone with God and let Him know about it. And if you would, let Robin and I know about it (use our e-mail address below) so we can be praying and agreeing with you.

If you are not even a Christian, God has made provision for you through Christ's Death and Resurrection. Don't wait till tomorrow or until you get a few things straight. It's a free gift and you will never regret following the One who gave His all for you. Ask Jesus Christ into you heart and life, repent and receive His gift. Any questions about what to do, e-mail me and Robin at grwaites@bellsouth.net. We will gladly do whatever we can to help. We are not perfect, but He is.

" For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of youselves, it is the free gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast;" Ephesians 2:8-9.

Again, thank you so much everyone who has helped us. You will reap a harvest.