Monday, July 30, 2007

Good day . . .

Praise God for a good day. Earlier this morning (early a.m. Monday) was rather tough. I had some pain issues which took several hours to get under control. Around 4:30 am to 7 am I think I finally knocked out. I’ll say it again, praise God for the things we have to help us get through the tough times – things like knowing that I have an understanding and loving wife to help me and be there for me, knowing also that I have numerous friends and family praying for me all hours of the day and night and not to forget the love of God for me and medicines God has allowed us to discover and learn to use to our benefit. I could go for a while on that topic.

We went to the clinic today to get my PICC line cleaned and flushed and also to get blood work and the results of the PET/CT scan. Robin covered that earlier today on the blog. We are trusting in the report of the Lord above all others. We also stopped by the credit union and the store to pick up a prescription. I was feeling pretty good throughout the whole day and also eating more - and more frequently. That is still hard to do – even for me. My father-in-law used to say that I didn’t eat, but that I “grazed” throughout the day. Well, I need to get back into grazing mode – I was up 2 lbs. from the last time I weighed at the Docs office. If I can gain 2 to 3 lbs. per week – that would be nice. I’ll know when I gain a significant amount – my wedding ring will quit falling off in the shower!

We are making headway with the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Chicago. We do not yet have anything scheduled, but we will know in the next few days since they do not appear to drag their feet very much. Maybe within the next 2 weeks we can head up there if not sooner?

Here is a scripture that I have been meditating on lately . . .
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort
those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

We have received
so much comfort from so many of you and the more I analyze it, it is those who have also suffered themselves in the past that can offer us so much comfort now since they know about such things on a personal level; God saw them through, and they can now testify to the love and grace of God during times of affliction, pain and loss. I have asked the Lord to allow Robin and me as both a couple and as individuals to be able to share the love and compassion of God with others who are suffering and need help.

Here is another conclusion I have come to: I do not care why someone has AIDS/HIV, an STD, Hepatitis, lung cancer or any other cancer/disease – if they are a human and suffering, then that is where the love and mercy of God is needed. I am not to judge, “oh, well if he was not living in sin, he would not be suffering, he brought this on himself”.
What a Godly attitude, huh? Didn’t we all bring down the wrath of God upon ourselves before we accepted Christ? Do any of us deserve mercy? Jesus has removed some of these stumbling blocks that were piled up in the back of my mind and I am so thankful He did. It is wasted space and useless baggage from the “old nature/fallen man” mind set. I say, “Lord, let’s keep on cleaning out the closets”.

I need to shut it down now.
Have a blessed day – and be a blessing to someone today since yours maybe the only kindness they see today.
George

5 comments:

Sonja said...

George, thank you for writing the words of truth. For stretching our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. I have not yet arrived.
Today Faith was tested in me concerning your situation, I will be honest. I am still standing along side you two and others believing for your healing but I got a little frustrated at the Lord about "how long it is taking". Your wife is a tremendous blessing and she is literally walking out the "Gift of Faith"
I was reading Romans earlier and thought of you when I read this:
Romans 4:18-22
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it has been said to him, "So shall your offspring be" Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead-since he was bout a hundred years old-and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave Glory to God, being FULLY persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness."

Still in PUSH mode.

Sonja

Anonymous said...

Wow, George.
I do believe that you are seeing the heart of God in loving all of His children, especially those who . . need it most. I think that your insight is also due to your suffering.(We don't like that word.) It's so true that those who have experienced "troubles" can have empathy in a greater measure.
You are in a mysterious place . . . we so want to have a neat model that explains everything. Some things just don't fit so squarely.
God is producing beautiful fruit in you. This is evident when we see "love" fruit.

"And not only that,
but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that
tribulation produces perseverance;
and perseverance, character;
and character, hope.
Now hope does not disappoint, because the LOVE of God
has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit
who was given to us."
Romans 5:3-5

Praying for you and your family,

Judith

Carole Turner said...

That will preach brother!!

Anonymous said...

George, it is amazing to see the love, faith and strength you and Robin are showing throughout this time of trial. We will continue to stand on the Word of the Lord regarding your healing, "for I know in whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He will keep that which I committed unto Him". You are in my thoughts and prayers.Tara

Joyce said...

I like your "I don't care WHY someone has....." fill in the blank.
I think we have to get PAST a lot of things in Christianity and get back to the real stuff. Once you have suffered pain.....then you understand pain. It's not a blast but it sure gives you a NEW and non judgemental spirit and massive understanding that we'd never have had before.
I'm right there with you brother.
Hang in there WE are praying for you all.
Joyce and Don M.