stand still and see the salvation of the LORD....

WOW!!! The Lord Jehovah, the Great I AM made an appearance today in our church service. He is always there desiring to be acknowledge and glorified, and our services are always powerful, but today something happened in the SPIRIT that manifested in the natural. FAITH was expressed and people agreed in unity and DARED to trust without doubt the MIGHTY word of GOD. I really sense that the word of the LORD from FRIDAY thatI posted on the blog is the heart of GOD. How HE longs to have His children TRUST HIM. We say DAD we not only trust you will deliver us, we know it. As I watched the young children praying for George today my heart was so full because I felt that that was the kind of faith God is looking for. So simple, not cynical, not doubtful, expecting that if you pray for the sick they will recover because the Bible says so. I am basking in that childlike faith. When God moves you just want to stay in the moment and today was no exception.

George's mom was so blessed. She made the comment that the people of Hosanna are extremely caring and committed. We have been talking about the move of God all afternoon.

George's aunt had gone to her church in Alabama on Wednesday night and a visiting preacher used for his text John 11:4 "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." She called Granny and was telling her how it seemed the preacher was preaching George's story. We have said all along that this journey is not about us. It is about all of us coming to the place where we stop playing church and realize that there is a lost and dying world out there that needs to know Jesus. This healing is not about staying alive to make more money and retire someday. The healing is about the Son being glorified. Just as Jesus called forth Lazarus, we stand and call forth broken marriages to restoration, we call forth the prodigals, we call forth those who are spiritually dead men walking, we call forth those who are lost in sin, we call forth all who have lost hope. We say trust in God, trust in God, trust in God.

Thanks to all of those who shared their testimonies of God's healing power. Let's continue to worship our Lord in spirit and truth. Lift our eyes to the hills from where our help comes from. We love you all and with you we're STANDING STILL and watching the redemption of the LORD.

George send his love and hopefully soon he will share some words.
Robin

Yeah...

He is on his way home..

update....

As of now George is still in the hospital. Dr. Patten talked about putting in a drain tube that would allow the fluid to drain while at home. That could be done outpatient on Monday or they may keep him in for the weekend and then do the procedure on Monday. Of course, he would like to come home. I am waiting for the phone call to see if he is staying or coming home. His parents are with him now and I am at school waiting on Lauren.

As I have said many times before. We do not grow discouraged but wait on the fullness of time that is in the Lord's plan. If we truly trust the WORD of the Lord are we willing to lay our faith on the line to see if what God said He would perform, He actually will. Stepping out on the water for Peter was certainly not logical, however he was watching Jesus do the very thing that IS impossible. It defies the laws of creation for man to walk on water; however, Peter was allowed that opportunity because he was willing to say Lord , "If it be your will bid me to come." When Jesus said come he did just that; he went. And there Peter was, doing the IMPOSSIBLE. A man walking on water. His eyes were focused on Jesus and he was doing the IMPOSSIBLE. All I know is that by the power of the Spirit the Lord has dropped belief of the IMPOSSIBLE in my heart.

The Bible says that God is not man that he would lie. However, I think many times we believe the lie of the enemy, therefore negating our faith's ability to see the truth that the Lord has promised. We do not experience the fullness of the promise because we have settled for the lie, as if it were the will of GOD. I do not believe that just because something happens it is the WILL of God. If I believe the lie of the enemy and therefore experience the consequences of accepting that lie is that the WILL of God for my life because it happened. No, it is what happened because of choices I have made. Was it God's will for the children of Israel to wonder in the wilderness for 40 years. No, but because of the unbelief of the 10 spies and the people they convinced to believe that lie they did not experience the promise which was God's will. I want the will of God, the truth of God and the plans and purposes of God. The enemy does not run our lives and does not have hold of our eternity, but he is there with his demons trying his best to make us believe a lie and sidetrack us from the truth and the promise.

More later
Robin

more fluid

Today they drained more fluid and decided to admit George into the hospital. I guess they want to keep an eye on him for a couple of days. Hopefully they can give him some stuff to help him gain some weight. I am getting some clothes and heading up to stay the night. My mom is with him right now.

Keep the faith.
Robin

Ascites update . . .

Hey everybody, this is George having to re-learn how to type again! Update on the fluid situation. The left side “ascites” (an accumulation of fluid (serous fluid) in the peritoneal cavity, causing abdominal swelling) was scanned and drained although it did take quite some time. It actually can be anywhere in the abdomen, it was just more dominate on the left. A total of approx. 2.7 liters were drawn off. There was more to get, but due to location it was considered more of a risk. More fluid was seen around the left lung, but we knew about that. I can say it is a relief to lie down now. My lower back and center of the spine is still very sensitive, especially while in a vehicle, but if I can get in a fairly comfortable position, I tell the driver to ‘drive on’!.
Then I’ll get to the Dr.s office and get comfortable until they call … and so it goes until I get back home.
I am still fighting the big “H” throughout the day. That is a challenge of another kind. But all things big and small must be handled by faith. I am also battling fatigue, so when you pray, well, I guess when the healing comes there will be no more fatigue!!! Praise God.
Sorry it’s so short, but I need to get horizontal as I used to say. Love you all! Really. Thanks for all of the prayer support and other support to me and mine.

George

Please continue to pray for DR. Hackler, Robin's cousin Barbara, Mark Johnson, Kayla Smith (gunshot wound victim) and my Dad's friend Ronny M. (boat explosion). Thanks

fluid....

Yesterday was a long day for George and his parents. He started at the Dr. with an 8:15 appt. and didn't return home till almost 5:00 in the evening. He had almost 2 liters of fluid drained from around his right lung. Needless to say, he can breath much easier and feels much better. He does have some fluid in his abdomen but they said they would take care of that at another time.

This morning he had his breakfast outside visiting with his mom and aunts. It then started getting warm so we made our way inside. We knew George was feeling better because he was steady barking orders to me, his mom and aunts from the sofa.

Aunt Eva has whipped up some banana bread and we are having a great time visiting. There is nothing like having family around.

Hope to see some of you tomorrow at church and if you don't go to Hosanna, as George says, make it a point to visit your or a house of worship. I am sure George will be up in the balcony taking it all in. There is no better place to be on Sunday morning. Need or no need in your life, you need to find a place where you can grow spiritually, make lasting friends, and serve others. Thanks Hosanna for being all of that for and with us.

More later, Robin

dr update

The test went well. The doc said that the colon looked great except for the hemorrhoids. That is good news. Now to deal with some fluid build up on his right lung and some fluid in his abdomen. I think if that were drained it would decrease the pain level. He meets tomorrow with one of the oncologists at Mary Bird. Dr. Patten is out of town.

All of your words of encouragement and scriptures have been so timely. Thanks Bill for your words about the fullness of time. That is the key. Only God knows what that point in time is. We, as those who trust him just have to be convinced that in the fullness of time the promises will come forth. Think of Joseph and his dreams. Man, God showed him something years and years before it was to come to pass. That is because, who Joseph was when he received the dreams was not the Joseph that He could use to fulfill the purpose of saving Israel from starvation. The promise was true and God was true to the fulfillment of that promise. As the events unfolded in history, and Joseph was made ready by the trials he had to endure they coincided with the fulfillment of the dream. WOW God only You know what all that is about. Only you know the times and the seasons and what needs to happen and who needs to be involved in the purpose You have PLANNED for George's healing. May your glory be revealed is all I can say. Just like Jesus told Martha, "Did I not tell you that if you BELIEVED, you would see the glory of GOD." The issue is not can God heal, will God heal, the issue is do we believe in the ressurection and the life and the promises He has given in His word.

Sunday I was up in the balcony worshipping and I was standing down on the walk way by the banister. Hanging over the banister are many banners all with the different names of God. Jehovah Nissi, Jehovah Jirah, Jehovah Shalom, Jehovah Rapha, and others. Well as I was worshipping at one point I felt the need just to stand in a still, resolute posture. I was praying and worshipping and realized that I was standing directly behind one of the banners.(You can't read the banners from standing in the balcony they are draped over the banister and you can look up and read them from downstairs.) Anyway, my first thought was, wouldn't it be funny if I was standing behind the Jehovah Rapha banner, I felt the Lord prompt me, "Look over the banister and see where you are." And sure enough I was planted right behind the Jehovah Rapha banner. How sweet is God. That may not mean much to some but to me it is the Lord at His finest. Orchestrating, moving leading, confirming that He is in control and He knows where we are. You GO GOD!!!!!!

Robin

pray

Tomorrow George will be having a scope lower GI to see if there is a reason why he is struggling going to the bathroom. You know George always shares every detail and has never held anything back so I guess I am just letting y'all know what's going on. That is part of the reason he has been as weak as he has been is just all that back and forth to the potty. So now he is dealing with the pain of hemorrhoids. This is giving him a great deal of pain. The discomfort is excruciating and the pain is wearing him down.

He had at least 11 friends come in from River Ridge to visit on Tuesday. What a blessing!!! George was so excited to see them. We have eaten at my mom's and boy that has been nice. George's parents and aunts are in so that will be a blessing to have them around. They will be taking him to the appt tomorrow.

Body of Christ, we need each other. You have truly been the hands extended of our Lord Jesus Christ and you have poured out His love on our family in ways that only heaven will adequately record. Thanks again for all you do. Your prayer covering is the difference maker. The battle is ultimately the Lords but we do take up battle positions and stand our ground like David did as he faced Goliath.

Yesterday as I was praying the story of Jesus calming the sea came to mind. Immediately I thought oh Lord I do not want to hear you say You of little faith.....I want to know who is in the boat with me. I want to speak forth with the authority that is in Jesus name because the Holy Spirit lives in me. The ressurection power that raised Christ from the dead resides in me. So I began speaking to the storm PEACE BE STILL. I am still speaking to the storm PEACE BE STILL.

I will be in touch later with more info.

Robin

me again...

Hopefully tomorrow George will feel like catching you guys up with a few words of his own. I know y'all really like to hear from him.

Well today was the first day of school for me and the kids. WOW!! It was a great day. It was the first day of Lauren's Senior Year. I can't believe the time has flown so quickly. I know many of you have already walked this road with you kids and many have little ones. Just hold on to every second. Easier said than done. I remember with Bryan thinking how the time had escaped me with Lauren and I tried my best to make special note of things he would say and do. The problem is that time has a way of erasing some of those subtle moments that you think you will never forget. That is why video cameras are so great. They can capture those special moments.

We again purpose by the leadership of the Holy Spirit to live our lives ONE DAY at a time. God's grace is so sufficient for that one day. His power to sustain in the midst of the storm is beyond comprehension. Winds blow, tears flow, but God has a way of centering us with such an abiding peace. Stay the course, keep the faith, and when you have done all to stand...STAND.

Robin

he's home...

After two intense days of driving George and his parent's have made it home. It was so good to see him. It has only been a week but it seems like forever. He is napping right now and I know it will take him a while to catch up after such a busy week and all that riding. Thanks to Granny and Paw-Paw for hanging in there with him and driving the whole way. They are so awesome. Although the Drs. don't have much to offer we know that the Blood of Jesus is the best offering anyway. We cried out in our distress and he heard us. He sent his Word and we were healed and saved from the grave. paraphrase Psalm 107:19,20.

Last night several of us had a great time of prayer at the Delaunes. We worshipped and prayed and the Lord revealed himself in a mighty way to strengthen each of us. Many times we must come to the place where we must resolve again to stand. That is what we have done. We stand, therefore armed with the belt of TRUTH the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS, the GOSPEL shoes, the helmet of SALVATION, the shield of FAITH and the sword of the SPIRIT,which is the word of God. Setting our face like flint, fixing our eyes on the author and finisher of our faith. God bless and we will be in touch.
Robin

coming home.....

I talked with George today. He has had a weeks worth of tests and Dr.'s appt. He met with the oncologist today who said that the care that George has received here has been excellent. He stated that he wouldn't have done anything any different. So it seems that he really didn't have anything to offer George.

George sounded great on the phone. He has resolved that his miracle is coming and he is excited about coming home. They are leaving tomorrow so they will be home sometime late Saturday or on Sunday.

We have stood believing since the beginning of this journey and we don't intend to change our posture now. If anything we stand stronger. We expect to see God do something that only He can do. Knowing that we have a church body that is willing to stand in the face of adversity and hold the line with us is so encouraging. It truly is warfare. We must hold the line as the enemy insists on grabbing what is not his. This is kingdom stature and kingdom dynamics. If we truly understand that there are kingdoms warring then we would be quicker to see what is necessary to stand our ground instead of accepting things the enemy is doing around us and to us .

Let me make this clear. Although God may allow things in our lives and use things for His glory and teach us things if we are willing to learn, disease is wicked. Cancer is wicked. The Lord has shown me a comparison of cancer and the devil. Cancer is known to cloak itself so the body cannot recognize it and defend itself against the invasion. Cancer is the bodies own cells that have been reprogrammed and replicate themselves and eventually kill the whole body and itself in the process. Cancer has a will of its own and does not submit to the health of the body. Do you see the correlation. There is nothing, not one thing good about cancer. But I will admit that there is good that can come from the journey if your submitted to God.

We have specifically prayed and ask you to join us in prayer that the cancer cells reveal themselves so the body can fight it. We have commanded in Jesus name for the cells to submit to the authority of Christ. God created the concept of the cell. The design is His. We have done, and will continue to do warfare on many levels. We have prayed about things in the spiritual realm, and natural realm. And above all pray for souls and the advancement of the kingdom of God. I have gone back and read some of the old posts from last year and have found much encouragement in them again. I had forgotten some of the things over time and found strength for the journey in remembering things the Lord said last year.

I love you,
Robin

chicago.....

The Bible says the two shall become one.... Well tonight I was giving George till 8:00pm and if he didn't call I was going to call him. So I dialed his number and as I was hitting call the phone rang and he was calling me. What timing. He had a very busy day today. He saw several different kind of doctors...natropathic, nutritionist, dietician etc. He said he has had mind overload with all of the info they have given him so far. He will be there the rest of the week because he has several more appointments.

Tomorrow he has a CT scan and bone density scan and he will see the oncologist on Thurs. Just keep praying. It has been difficult not having him here. The kids and I have been busy getting things together for next week when school starts.

Our God is faithful and we must TRUST Him...
Robin

latest

I talked to George today. He met with a Dr. and had some preliminary tests run. Blood work, ekg, etc. He really has no news as of now because they are going to run more tests. He sounded good. I know it is hard on him being away from home but he is with his parnets and his mom is waiting on him hand and foot he said. I am going to talk to him later tonight to try to get more info because I was on the way home when we were talking and I was having a hard time understanding him.

More later
Robin

Where in the world is.....

George and his parents left this morning headed to Zion, Illinois to Cancer Treatment Centers of America. It was a rough start just because he had to wake up and make sure he had every thing, change his pain patches, and get going. As I sent him off it was very difficult for me. I have been with George all along the way and now he was going off without me. I know I am supposed to be here but it was hard to see him drive out of the driveway.

I talked to him several times throughout the day. Every time I spoke with him, he sounded so strong and like he was having the best time with his mom and dad. They made it to Marion, Illinois and will be driving the rest of the way tomorrow. I feel so good about this trip I am so encouraged. George said to me tonight, I am surprised I have felt so good today. I said you're just walking out your healing. God is good.

Thanks for your prayers, more tomorrow.
Robin

What a day! I had a very tough start from early a.m. with the pain again until about 8 am – then was able to on/off catch some zzzzz’s till around 12 noon. We lined up our reservations at the hotel in Zion, Illinois, faxed some more important medical record stuff to CTCA and also received a packet from them which they had sent overnight to us. Robin hit Wally world, the library, and we both moved our stuff back to our house again.
Church was awesome! The worship as well as the word; and what made it even better was that I was able to sit up or stand up almost as well as everyone else! I have not been able to sit through a whole service in several months. Praise God.

Later this evening Robin’s parents and the kids made it in from Colorado. They have been gone a little over two weeks! Boy was that some good hugs we got from them two crumb pickers! They also have some stories to tell.

My parents are coming in tomorrow and then we 3 will be going to Illinois on Friday. Robin and the kids will be between her parents and our house I am sure while I am gone.
We don’t know if it (the medical assessment) will be for 5 days or 3 days (just yet). I am not looking forward to such a long drive, but I am looking forward to getting some more options as we look and pursue God for the healing we have asked Him for.
I read a neat quote in a book (Grace Givers) my cousin Sandra and her husband John sent to me for my 43rd birthday:

“Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb.
That’s where the fruit is.”
(H. Jackson Brown)

I am sitting here dozing off, so I had better get horizontal while I got the chance!
Love you all. George and Robin.

P.S. Please continue to pray for Dr. Hackler, Barbara (Robin's cousin), Debbie (from CVT), my mother Patsy, Ronnie - injured in the boat explosion, Kayla Smith who was shot and paralyzed from the waste down at the Downtown fireworks celebration July 4th- she is now in a rehab hospital in Chicago. Also, her friend Rob - we do not know if he is still in a coma or not. He had been shot in he head.

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

results are in....

Well we have a mixed bag. The pancreas has improved but the liver has worsened and as George said some have gotten out of the barn. There is an area of concern in the abdominal lining. However the scan was done Tuesday and I believe that God has been at work even since then. The report is of little consequence if your believing the report of the Lord. We have reminded ourselves about the healing Clint Schafer received and Dodie Osteen. As the word has come forth, "I am the God of the universe that created heaven and earth, is there anything impossible with me?" Our answer to the Lord is absolutely not. We stand Lord, we believe Lord. Just like pastor preached yesterday, we walk by faith and not by sight. We may have to wait a year, what if you have to wait two, what if you have to wait five. All I know is that God said in Ps. 27 "Wait on the Lord, be strong take heart and wait on the Lord."

As we seek the next area of direction, we are confident the Lord will lead.

Robin

It's me. . . finally

You know its bad when you cannot remember the last time you blogged. But anyway . .

My parents, Aunt Eva and Aunt Ebbie are in for the weekend and we are having a great time together - as always. Plus, they are trying to ‘force feed’ me as much as they can! Now that I am off of chemo I have regained some of my appetite – but even in the best of health it would be difficult to eat something between 6 and 12 times per day and drink the amount of fluids/water I am supposed to be drinking. I ate 4 times today between 10:30 am and 6 pm and that is about all I can stuff down. I eat about 1 to 2 cups each time. Eat a little, but eat many times throughout the day is the idea according to the doc. He said 3 times a day will not put weight back on me.
This morning was a tough one to get up from. Don’t know why, but I was some kind of stiff and cranky feeling. The break-through pain meds helped a little as did the heating pad, but still a tough one. The Lord is always right there – just one call away – to come to our side and let us know that He loves us regardless of what else is going on. This all reminds me that “this present world ain’t it”. Also, having the family over helps to ‘distract’ me away from my own situation, and focus on them.
Last Wednesday at Church, I was in the balcony sitting where I usually sit (or lay, I should say) and the ‘Stars’ girls group were also worshipping up there too. A few minutes after I arrived, Cathy Icenogle asked if it would be okay if they prayed for me. She also said that I have been their ‘prayer project’ for a while now – meaning that they have singled me out as a focal point of prayer. Now that was a blessing to here! Guess what – they prayed for me non-stop for about 30 minutes or more! Wow! I was worn out from being prayed for – a good kind of worn out of course. Cathy and Gerri have got quite a little bunch of prayer warriors.
I have more to say, but I have reached my limit at this time. So, I hope to be in Church tomorrow - and hope you can make it too.

We appreciate and desire your prayers for our family. Thank you.
Remember, He is our hope.
George.

no news yet....

Well we saw the radiologist today for a follow up since the radiation treatments. He was telling George the importance of eating several small meals to get his weight up. We have an appt. Mon with Dr. Patten so we will get the results then and have some info for everyone.

George's mom, dad, and both aunts from Alabama came in for a visit. WOW Pawpaw grilled us some steaks. You talk about good. It was some kind of yummy. The A/C has seemed to resolve itself again so tomorrow we should be returning to our abode for the first time in two weeks. Thank goodness for mom and dad's and cable. I guess George will be calling Cox soon to get the hook up.

The Lord is continuing to see us through on even an hour by hour or minute by minute basis. George and I have started taking communion every night together. Man it is awesome to daily share in the rememberance of what Jesus did for us. It is certainly a time when we can focus on the price Jesus paid but also on what Jesus' death bought us. We are now the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. We are saved, healed, delivered, set free because of His death and resurrection.

Once we get settled in at home maybe then George will get motivated to blog. We couldn't set our laptop up on my dad's internet so I have been coming home to log in.

God bless to all, keep your eyes fixed on the author and finisher of our faith.
Robin

update...

Just wanted to let you all know that we are still waiting on a call from the Dr. We have an appt. to see him Mon. so George may try to call him tomorrow or we will wait till Mon. Today George called Cancer Treatment Centers of America to see what they have to offer. Of course, we are still standing believing that it want even be necessary to head that direction. George and I had a good talk this morning about fear and life and all the emotional ups and downs that have been part of this journey. All I keep telling George is that I believe and I know that he will be healed. This time waiting for the test results is different for me. There has always been a level of anxiety associated with the wait. But this time peace is truly guarding my heart. I wish I could explain to you all the expectancy I have in my heart. Not just about test results but about what lies ahead.

George spoke with Dr. Hackler last night. He had gone out of the country for some treatment and is home now. Please continue to lift him up as well.

We will let you know as soon as we hear something.
Robin

on the way home...

This stay at the hospital has been eventful to say the least. Later in all of George's literary splendor I will let him write and explain the fun we have had over the last couple of days. We will be heading home within the hour so I wanted to let you know that once we are home George will update the blog. He told me to tell y'all that he loves you all.

Dr. Patten said he may have the results later today and he will call us. As soon as we know something we will update the site. Pray, pray, pray.

Jesus our trust in every way is in you. There is nothing that you cannot do. You are the strength of our lives, our stronghold. Press is saints of God not just in prayer for us but to know Him better. He is worth pressing into. The comfort He brings, the love He gives is SUPERNATURAL.

Talk to you later,
Robin

pet scan...

We are in the hospital waiting for George to have a pet scan. Be praying with us for good results. No more tumors, Lord.

Last night at about 8:30pm things got rough. George had been having cramps all day and they were getting the best of him. He went to the bathroom and I literally did warfare in the hall while he was in there. He was struggling. I really feel that it was more spiritual warfare considering the church service that we had Sunday.

The Lord moved in our service in a mighty way. There was definitely victory in the house. The level of warfare has increased because George and I along with you have decided we are not playin'. The enemy was defeated when Jesus gave His life and rose again from the dead and yesterday I spoke it out that the Lord paid to great a price for us not to walk in the fullness of everything he paid for. That would be like a parent spending money to buy you a car lets say and you choose to ride a bike or something. Why?? the car is paid for!!!!!! Our healing, our forgiveness, our deliverance from the enemy IT IS PAID FOR. It is settled and the Lord was the victor. So I will not settle for less than what Jesus paid for so we will stand ground. As a friend Greg said it is just the devil roaring. When he thinks he can roar and shut you down he just keeps roaring. He roars with symptoms, he roars with fears, he roars with lies and deception. But the truth of the matter is he is a DEFEATED foe. Yes he is our foe but he is a DEFEATED foe.

Stand saints of God. Decide to step it up a notch and realize that most of our problems are things that we allow because we do not engage the enemy with confidence that through Christ we are the victors. WHEW!!!! I have preached myself happy.

I will let you know more later
Robin

chemo done...

Well today George had his pump removed for his chemo treatments. He was kind of tired today but that is usual on Friday after a week of chemo. However, tonight his appetite was good he sent me to get us a steak to split and each a baked potato at this steak house around the corner. It was really good and we both ate our fill. This is wild because tomorrow my brother is supposed to make us steaks again. I guess George is having a hankering for some good ole protein.

I spent some much needed time alone with the Lord today. Boy, our FATHER is good. He does not disappoint. I just have a continued peace in my heart that George is going to be HEALED. I don't know when and I don't know how, I JUST KNOW. I will not throw away my confidence which the Bible says has great recompense of reward. And what a great place to put your confidence, put it in the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He IS the Great I AM. Man that is the God we serve. He is acquainted with our sufferings so how can we not trust Him.

Monday we go back to the Dr. and will probably be put in the hospital in order to have the PET scan. We want the report of the Lord. Stand and watch the salvation of our GOD.

Robin

hello....

To all of you faithful blog readers I am sorry we haven't been very diligent at our post of keeping you informed. The last three days have been lazy days for George and I. The kids went with my parents on vacation to Colorado so we are holding down the fort. Literally, holding it down by laying down and veggin' out. George and I went to my mom and dad's the other day because our A/C started acting up. Well the A/C is fixed but I can't seem to get George back to our house. You see my parent's have cable and we don't so George has discovered the world of the science channel, discovery, animal planet and more. Well since he is kind of lying around this gives a little more variety in his TV watching.

He is on his last week of chemo. We had the pump put on Monday. He will have a scan sometime next week.

We are continuing to press is for the manifestation of the miracle we are believing for. God keeps us going and daily strengthens us. Our eyes are fixed on the author and finisher of our faith. Thanks again and again for your faithfulness to us in praying and standing. Our God is God and there is no other.
Robin

Love . . .

Sorry I have not posted in the past few days, I have been on the down side as far as energy and motivation (and also slightly constipated - that always slows me down).
You will never guess what I ate tonight. A steak. I didn't eat much, but it was a steak. My brother in law challenged me – he said if he would cook it would I eat it? Well, I took his offer and it was a good one. I am tryig to gain weight but cannot just eat like before so it is difficult to match what I have a taste for, can tolerate stomach wise and is actually good for me. Anyway, I am working on the eating more thing.
I got the pump removed today and have only one more week left till this treatment is over. We are still praying as to what to do next.

I can say that the main topic on my mind lately has been the love of God for me and also for other people. I cannot get His love for us out of my mind. It is so massive, deep, high, wide – I could go on and on. He loves people I could never understand or relate to. He loves the unlovable and I believe that is what turns us around. When I realized that God loved me in spite of me and my sin – and that He was willing and able to forgive me – talk about a turn around! His love broke through and changed my life forever – for eternity, I should say.
I want that same love shown to me by God through Christ to be alive and well in me everyday. Is it? No, but that is my goal. To love like God loves.

Have a great weekend, cause you should know by now that God loves you right where you are.
George.

What a wonderful day today. I had 3 buddies from College show up for lunch and it was such a great time of prayer, remembering the good old days, etc. They were and still are big brothers in Christ who helped guide me along the way and were such an encouragement today as always. I know the pictures looks like a local police line up and also one of those strange cell phone "bar" commercials (tall to shortest) - take your pick. God is so good to us in so many ways.

Thanks also to everyone for the love and happy birthday wishes offered under the comments. Comments are always welcomed, but not required. I also appreciate the hours of intercession and prayer offered up to heaven on my / our behalf - thank you so much for that support, too.

The pain is being managed well, thanks be to God. I have about two weeks till I am finished this chemo treatment and then we are open for the direction of the Lord - we even had a family prayer meeting tonight at the house with me, Robin and the kids about God giving us specific direction as to what to do next. We are believing for some serious physical changes in the positive direction to have happened. We will see with the next PET/CT scan (about 3 weeks from now, hopefully). Keep believing with us. Thanks.

We love you all and only hope that we can one day have the privilege of loving and serving some of you, as you have us through this affliction and trial. Continue to be a blessing wherever you go.

1 John 3:1-2 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, {2 Or when it is made known} we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

George

For many of you who knew David Box, he was killed at a train crossing earlier this morning. Here is a brief article sent to me to by a friend with some limited information. Also, please be praying Shanda and Truit (12 years old), David's ex-wife and his only child.

One person was killed today after a train and truck collided in Newton County this morning.
The Kansas City Southern train was brought to a standstill for about three hours following a fatal accident. It happened at 7:30 Monday morning on a train track in a somewhat heavily wooded area not far from Highway 80 in the Lawrence Community.
"At this point and time we don't know if someone was crossing the track. Really, we don't know what happened at this point and time. It's still under investigation," said Sheriff Jackie Knight.
This road leading to the track where the accident happened is a private road that passes a deer camp. Because this is a private road Sheriff Knight says there were no warning signs or lights at this area where the accident occurred.
The victim has now been identified as 42-year-old David Box from Meridian. He is the only one thought to have been in this white Ford Ranger truck when the accident occurred. According to officials upon impact the train pushed the vehicle about a tenth of a mile down the track.
Bobby Jackson says he had known the victim for more than 30 years.
"I called his Daddy and his Daddy said, 'Yeah, it is so!' said Jackson.
Around mid morning the body of the victim was transported to Jackson for an autopsy. Meanwhile, investigators say it could be several days before they know the exact cause for the accident.

That is all I know at this time. I will add more when it comes available. If you find out more information that is reliable, please e-mail me at grwaites@bellsouth.net

This is proof to me, one more time, that you cannot take anything with you friend, except Jesus. Have Mercy on us Lord, have Mercy.
George.
P.S. to things of lesser importance, today is my birthday, I made 43 years old by the grace of Almighty God. We had a good, calm and quiet time together. I did not get to see everyone in the family, but we did get to speak with most. I am thankful for another day of celebrating with those in "the land of the living".

My parents and grandmother are still in and we are still enjoying the visit. Today was a good day except for a few hours of pain which the Lord helped me deal with. The paw paws and older grandsons went out for the 'garage sales' this morning - they came back with a truck load of stuff, believe it or not! I just hope Bryan does not get the bug for those things too bad.

Today was pretty hot until later in the afternoon. I did not get out at all until late and took a walk down the driveway, thankfully I can do such things and plan on continuing to do such things by faith as the healing comes.

This morning I was shaving and as I glanced in the mirror, it hit me how much weight I have lost - it hit me. . . "man, I look like a refugee from a concetration camp" I thought. I started crying all over again but within a split second God told me to "Walk by faith, not by sight" and He was not suggesting it either. So, I dried it up, and started walking by faith again.

So there is a good word for the day from II Corinthians 5:7 "Walk by faith, not by sight".

No matter where you are or what you are going through, God is still aware of what is going on in your life and He does care, whether it looks like it or not.

George.

Today was a mixed day of emotions. The news of one of Lauren’s friends being shot really rattled us since Lauren and Bryan had both gone out to see the fireworks with their grandparents. It kind of hits close to home you know. As far as that goes, she is apparently doing better than expected according to what Lauren has heard. Praise God.
We continue to pray for a complete restoration of her body.

As for myself, I had a tough morning both emotionally and physically. I wonder how much of the two are tied together? But it is okay to cry, weep, whatever you want to call it, let it out before the Lord – King David did and so did Jesus. It is recorded in the Psalms that David’s bed would be wet from his tears. I believe it is good for the soul friends, so let it go. Plus the expectation of my parents and my only remaining/living grandmother coming in for a few days to visit was something to look forward to. Later in the afternoon the pain backed off a good bit, but I was still pretty much on the couch for the evening while everyone else played dominos - but that is okay, since I could lie there and enjoy their presence and hear them talking was good enough for me at this time. Just to be around them.
I am at a fragile place right now in many ways and yet also at a place of strength. I try to continually look to the Lord for my strength, because His is an everlasting strength. I do, however, gain a tremendous amount of strength from my wife and kids, friends and other family that love me and pray for me. As I think about all of those whom I love and care about, I cannot help but cry sometimes since the Lord has been so good to me through so many of you. I give Him thanks and praise.

I am in the process of investigating several other treatment options on the horizon, some in the states and at least one is in S. America. Leave no stone unturned is what I say. Would you be in agreement with me in prayer concerning this? Thanks. I want to be in the middle of God’s will on any decision I make, but especially one like this.

Good news from Robin’s cousin Barbara, she is doing well following the surgery she had several weeks ago. More details than I have room for of course, but she is doing better, praise God!

Remember, the Lord is our Shepherd! He leads us, He guides us, He restores us - and it is all for His Names sake, not ours. To God be the Glory.

George.

Prayer request . . .

Urgent request for prayer for a young lady who went to school with Lauren. Her name is Kayla Smith. She was shot in the Down Town area by the levee last night. Apparently this was a random act of stupidity. Please pray she recovers due to the severity of the injury and the location. Thank you.

We had a good time together yesterday with the family. I have been having some yucky days this week, but God is good.
Talk to ya'll later. George.

Happy 4th of July . . .

Happy 4th of July to all of our friends and family both near and far and to all of those brave defenders out on the front lines keeping America safe. Ours thoughts and prayers are with you continually.

H A P P Y 4 th O F J U L Y ! ! !

444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444

tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt

hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh


George

The pics are in......

Picture line up:

There is my hand with the "Sugar Baby" watermelon, one of the larger Sunflower plants, Robin with the 500 lbs. "wanna-be" pumkin and lastly Aunt Margaret with the beautiful plant she blessed me with - she saw it in the store and decided I needed it at my house! She even planted it in soil and a pot she also bought.That is a blessing!

Thank God I was able to go to Church this week in spite of the way the night went. I was hurting pretty bad from Saturday afternoon until 5 or 6 am Sunday morning. It took a while to get the pain under control, but we finally did and I was so glad because Church was awesome. The rest of the day went well also with minimal problems and we enjoyed spending a lot of family time together. My nephew came up for the weekend, too, while his parents went camping.

How about this crazy on/off rainy weather? Either rain, or don’t, but stop teasing me so I’ll know what to do. The folks at Lake Tahoe are praying for rain to knock out the forest fire – I must confess so have I - I know that is asking a lot from our heavenly Father, but Jesus did say to ask and to keep asking, so let’s ask! Amen. I have so many phone calls to return. So, if you called and I have not called you back, sorry, I’ll get to it soon.
The garden is still putting out a good bit of groceries; we just have to stay on top of it. The corn has finished and the 500 lbs pumkin is still growing. The Sunflowers are really beginning to show their beautiful faces, too.

This is going to be a great week ahead. Trust God with whatever you face and you can face it together with Him, not alone.
George.

good ole' friends

I had the usual treatment today, looking forward to tomorrow – my last radiation treatment, praise God. I know some things are necessary, but you do not always look forward to them, just getting through them is your prayer and that they work. Afterwards, an old friend from College was coming through town on his way home from some business, so he stopped by for a short visit. This is the kind of guy you want your kids to meet when they go to College. I first met Doug in Tucker Hall Dormitory at SLU in January 1984. He and another guy by the name of Bray Sibley (who is now Pastor of Harvest Church) were going through the Dorm passing out tracts and invites to a Christian outreach of some type. The funny part was Doug was dressed in a clown suit. Yep, a real red nose, big shoes, poofy hair clown suit. We were reminiscing over that little historical tid-bit and a few others. When Doug drove up to my house I have to say I was severely overwhelmed by so many emotions. I have not seen him in the last 23 years but two or three times. I have talked with him over the phone, though. It was quite a teary eyed reunion of sorts, but good for the soul. I didn’t want him to leave since I drew such strength from him – he was always like my “home away from home” big brother while I was in College. We even participated in a body-building contest together in April of 1984. I only hope my kids meet people like Doug when they enter their College careers, and that they would also be like Doug in their character. After he left, I was so wiped out emotionally I had to take a nap to recharge my batteries.

I also had a call from another contemporary of Doug's - Steve and Cindy Turner. A double dip from history - what a blessing.

Mom and Dad are still here and we are enjoying our time with them.
Bryan’s last baseball game is tonight for the #1 spot.

I am going to leave it at that for the night. I have my last treatment tomorrow.
Have a blessed day.
George.

A new week....

Well yesterday was very interesting. On the way to the radiology appointment, George began having some type of reaction to some of the medicines he is on. He said it felt like his skin was crawling and he could not shake it. He immediately went up to see Dr. Patten and they gave him some fluids and stopped one of the medicines. He was better after a couple of hours and much better today. This morning he was picking veggies and feeding chickens. His mom and dad came in around noon and are staying a couple of days. It is always so nice to have them here. We have missed their visits while Granny was fighting her own battle with cancer. But she is doing great and we are excited to have them around.

Bryan and Lauren are finishing up their summer sports and we can now have a breather. George and I will be investigating some cancer options and we are just waiting for the ALL CLEAR report. We believe the report of the LORD. I know that the prayers lifted up and the fasting that has been done for the advancement of the kingdom and for us will not be in vain. Our LORD honors the prayers of the saints. THE EFFECTUAL, FERVENT PRAY of the righteous avails much.

Please also be in prayer for Ronnie the friend of George's dad who had the explosive accident. He will be having surgery tomorrow to correct several issues. Be in prayer to guide the doctors hands.

It goes without saying, but I want to say it anyway how much we love each one of you. You are literally the wind beneath our wings. Your constant willingness to go before the Father on our behalf is amazing to us and you will only know and truly understand, in heaven, what that has meant to our family. I stand in the gift of FAITH imparted to me. And know that I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. It is certainly not time for us to let down our guard but to press in even more that we see the day approaching. I know that as we do spiritual warfare things happen in the spirit. Let me remind you that in 1992 during Operation Rescue as we, the body of Christ from all walks of life began binding the spirit of murder over the city of Baton Rouge, later that summer it was reported in the Advocate that during the month of JUNE 1992 there were NO MURDERS in the city. Now you tell me that spiritual warfare is not real and that if we actually believe what we pray and actually take it serious and pray that we can change the very environment in which we live. PUSH

Keep the faith, stand strong, our GOD is GOD and there in no other like HIM
Robin

Church get together . . .

We had an awesome time this afternoon. The Hands were kind enough to host the get together at there home. The fellowship was sweet and so was the time in prayer. I told Robin I could have sat in that chair all night. The love and peace of God was so thick in the room – so much so that I could have just dozed off to sleep. We were honored to be honored by our Church family which has done so much for us over the past year and a half, joining with us in this battle of body, soul and spirit. I feel blessed and safe knowing that had something happened to me earlier when this all started, that my wife and kids would have been covered by such a wonderful family at Hosanna.

Garden Talk: I picked 16.5 lbs. of tomatoes (both slicers and cherry, yellow and red), banana peppers and bell peppers and eggplant. It didn’t take very long though. I also cut a little grass around the house – only a few minutes worth – Robin will not let me do much more than that. I won’t let myself do much more than that, I just had a little burst of energy so I acted on it while I had it. The Chickens are beautiful, fat and happy as are the bunnies, cats and our dog. Oh, yeah, the 500 pounder pumpkin patch has a couple of big ones weighing in right now at around 20 to 25 lbs. each I would guess. We are still holding out hope on that dream – a 500 pounder!

Sports: Lauren’s team won 2 out of 3 and Bryan’s team won 2 out of two.

God is so good.
George

wonderful week....

I did the usual treatment today with the addition of removing the pump for the weekend. That is nice, since it gives me a little more freedon in my mobility. The kids and Robin had the tournament all day and I basically slept on and off all day with a few chores I did accomplish around the house. I have to earn my keep some kind a way.
Are you ready for this one? Yesterday I was watching a DVD sent to us by one of Robin's cousin's. It was a sermon by Larry Stockstill about healing - and guess who was being prayed for at the end of the service? Dr. Hackler! There he was, big as day, with Bro. Larry laying hands on him. We started shouting in my house.
Anyway, ... here is a refereshing scripture I wanted to include.

Proverbs 3:1
My son, do not forget my teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments;
2 For length of days and years of life, And peace they will add to you.
3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your body, And refreshment to your bones.
9Honor the LORD from your wealth, And from the first of all your produce;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.

May the Lord bring refreshment into your life and home.
George.

Doing better. . .

Thanks to all involved in my care - medical and otherwise - I am doing so much better than Monday. Tuesday was so good I think I over-worked myself around the house and yard since I was back on the couch almost all day Wednesday. Not in a bad way, just a tired way, not depressed way. I piddled around the house following treatment this morning (I only have 5 treatments left), cleaned the dishes, etc. I have had a mild increase in my appetite along with some energy level increase. The other things we don't like to discuss in public are working a whole lot smoother also. Praise God!!! So, having said all of that . . . .
Robin and the kids are running around like a chicken . . . well, just like a 'chicken'. I had better say and leave it at that, cause there are some ears outside that might hear that comment and get 'concerned'. They are busy with sports and Church. The chickens, cats, bunnies, dog and even our resident "deck lizard" all appear to be doing well. The lizard likes to sit in the middle of our door glass and only leaves that position when we walk up or if it gets to hot - we even watched him shed his skin the other day.
My parents are doing well and hopefully they will be able to come up for a visit soon. My Aunts have both gone back home today to Alabama.

Update on Dr. Hackler, he has traveled to Argentina from what I hear to have some form of "designer chemo therapy" done. Do not hold me to it, but that is in a nutshell what it is. Some type of process whereby the Doctors design the chemo specifically to your cancer to kill your cancer. He is to begin the process this Friday(tomorrow), so if you will, please be in prayer for Dr. Mike Hackler and also his wife who is with him that all will go smoothly and that it will work.

Also, Robin's cousin Barbara and her husband Don, for recovery from surgery and continued weight gain and overall healing.

Thanks for the continued prayer and praise support! We love ya'll.
George.

Welcomed change . . .

Good morning, this is me. I had – probably - the best nights sleep I’ve had in weeks, guessing 4 to 6 weeks. I slept 4 hours straight, which is almost a record for me here recently. I was so rested, and yet it was only 2:30 am. So, what is there to do but think, meditate and pray? Some people ball all three together and call it just one of the names. I’m not going to discuss semantics, so we’ll let that dog lay.

Yesterday was a very, very trying day for both Robin and I both physically and emotionally. We did not leave the clinic until around 3 pm – we got there that morning at 8:40 am. I had to get some fluids, anti-nausea meds – the usual except for the fluid part. I requested a bed as soon as we arrived since I was feeling so weak. I stayed in that same bed until I left that afternoon. My blood work, as far as liver enzymes, etc. all are in the normal range except for one, which the Dr. told us not to be concerned about. That did not line up with the way I was feeling at all. So that goes to show right there that “things ain’t always what they seem” – in this case, they were much, much better than they seemed. In other words, keep “living by faith, not by feelings”.

I finally got out of the bed around 5:30 am and took my usual pills and drink my usual stuff. I spilled some tea in the top shelf of the refrigerator – which always seems to catch the funk first since it is used more frequently. So, I then noticed it was piled full of short items that should have been stored in the lower levels and as I was making room I decided to unload the whole top shelf, remove it, take it apart, clean it and put it back. I cleaned the bottom of all items to be returned to the fridge so as not to mess the shelf up all over again. Now, I can blog, sip my drink and prepare for the rest of the day in Jesus Name.

Now for those of you who read this blog regularly, George does this sort of thing frequently – cleaning projects, etc. since I cannot get outside and do many major projects – yet. For those of you who do not read regularly or maybe this is your first time reading – I have been pretty much worthless to the world over the past several weeks, especially since the start of chemo and the new radiation treatments. For the day to start out like this for me, this is nothing short of – well – miraculous, and a welcomed change.

I hope and pray that your day will start out and continue to be as good as mine. Remember, regardless of how it is going . . . .

“This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.”

* * * Thanks for answering the call to pray for me yesterday while at the clinic. I know ya'll "got my back" and I am very grateful for that. Now, let's go and get some one elses 'back' who needs it.

Happy Father's Day....

Yesterday was a great Father's Day. George wasn't able to make it to church but we enjoyed our time together when we got home. I was a little distracted at church, I guess because of the day it was and not having George with me. It was just one of those moments when I wanted to be at home. No offense to any one at church and the message was great, I just felt divided.

Today was another long day for George. Radiation and then to the chemo room to put the chemo pump on. The only problem was, for some reason they didn't have him down for an appt. He received another 3 hour infusion of fluids and then they started his chemo pump. We met with Dr. Patten. George's liver enzyme levels are normal praise God!!! Months ago they were elevated and we went through the chemo directly to the liver and saw some improvement then. However, now the last two bloodworks have been completely in the normal range. God is good. At this point we welcome all good reports and stand on them and shout the praises.

Eight more treatments left. I am ready for George to be back to "GEORGE". He has been tired lately and not able to piddle in the garden or with the chickens.

PUSH in prayer....Pray Until Something Happens and then keep praying thru to VICTORY!!!!!

Love, RW

Jury Duty...

Well this was an interesting week. I (Robin) had jury duty. And yes I was chosen to sit on a jury for a murder trial. It was quite heavy to say the least. George has nine radiation treatments left. He has been sort of out of it. Kind of on the weak side, the chemo he is on can knock you down. That is why you haven't heard from him lately. I am sure he will be back to it shortly. The garden is still growing and the vegetables are plentiful. The chickens are getting big and we just have a regular farm going.

Thanks to all of you who are praying and lifting us up. We need your continued prayer and are so grateful for the body of Christ.

Yesterday, we ran into Mark and Tammy Johnson. It was definitely a God thing. As we walked into the oncologists office and sat down they were sitting directly in front of us. This is a couple that many of our friends know and they were also involved in Men's and Women's Discovery Weekends (which is a ministry I was involved with for years). Anyway, Mark has recently been diagnosed with the same cancer George has.

It is not a coincidence, I believe this is an attack on the body of Christ. Many of us are targeting a spirit of infirmity I believe has been unleashed against the body of Christ. Mark, George, John Mounger, these are men of God battling the disease of cancer and each will win because the battle is the Lords. We stand not only for George but believe for each of these that God's purposes will be fulfilled. Pray saints pray.

We are all enjoying our summer. Ball games have us going in many different directions but they are all fun. Soon you will be hearing from George.

Robin

"This is the day that the LORD has made , I will rejoice and be glad in it."


What a way to start the day. It was quite a wake up call – or should I say a wake up scream. Rejoicing was a tough thing to do initially for me. This reminded me of the earlier chemo days of the 1 hour plus bathroom visits. I almost gave up and cancelled my two Dr. appointments, but I am glad I did not, a lot was accomplished. I told the Dr. about it and we are adjusting things a bit to see if that will help. He commented that all of my blood work was well within normal limits.

This was one of those days when the Lord’s footprints were the only ones you could see on the beach, since He was carrying me. Sometimes He will deliver you out of it, over it or around it – and then sometimes He brings you through it. It was all I could do to just hold on for the ride, but He faithfully got me to the other side.

Not much else done other than staying in the bed resting comfortably until Vivian’s birthday party at 7 pm. She is now 13. A good time was had by all. We turned in before 10 pm – an unusual thing for us, though. More to come tomorrow, Lord willing.

George.

We made a mad dash for New Orleans Friday afternoon to see my brother’s oldest son, my nephew Oliver, who is also my Godson. I believe I was known as his ‘Paran’ (spelling anyone?) when he was little. Well. He ain’t little no more – he done moved up to Kentucky on his own and is getting married this November. He came down for his 5th year High School Reunion. A lot of people were in line to spend time with him, so I knew we needed to get down to N.O. and get in the front of the line in order to get a peak at him and his fiancé. There was one other thing too, my other nephew, my brother’s youngest son, was also having a big deal this weekend – his 18th birthday! (Happy B-day Carey). Now who do you think was going to lose out on that one? Their middle child (their only daughter), Natalie was also in from Alabama, ‘the University of’, that is……uhhmm, for the weekend. So, we had ourselves a decent family reunion of sorts, regardless of misplaced loyalties, etc. (just kidding ya’ll).
Afterwards we stayed the night at mom and dad’s house and had a serious supper – I am surprised that none of you all could smell it over in B.R. Where shall I begin? How about fresh picked eggplant, which was used in an eggplant/shrimp dressing/casserole, fresh picked green beans seasoned down with the usual goodies, corn bread (no, I have yet to get me a corn milling machine to make my own corn bread or grits, oh, but Lord willing, that is coming), fresh and some store bought tomatoes, since my ‘slicers’ have yet to mature/ripen in sufficient enough quantities. Of course, we washed it all down with some iced tea. We held off on the fresh corn on the cob – that was brought up for them to eat here after we are gone since I have a bunch to be picked in the next coming weeks. Now, did that make you think of what you want for dinner after church this Sunday? Hope so – just stick to the good stuff and it will stick with you and you will do just fine!
Thankfully, my crew likes to help in the garden (mostly moma), or I don’t know what I would do. Sonja and Gayle went Blue Berry picking early Saturday and Sonja brought some of the biggest and tastiest BB’s you have ever sunk your teeth into – yep – big enough to sink several of your teeth into – they are that big and juicey! And to think, it’s right down Greewellsprings road folks, you can pick as many as you can afford (or stand up long enough to pick). She and Wil eat really healthy and have since I have known them, so they include all of those goodies like BB’s in their diet.

Sunday morning we headed back to BR early to attend Worship at Hosanna. It was awesome, the part that I was there for. They had a baby dedication first - I remember those days for us! They were all so cute. A little later, I had to excuse myself twice unfortunately (and yet fortunately) - if you know what I mean - and I was so fatigued as a result I decided to stay out in the foyer falling in and out of sleep - until service was over - on one of the pews along the walls. Bill Icenogle kept an eye on me though, so I was in good hands. Thanks to my Hosanna family for all of the prayer while I was there today - I am covered with lots of love and prayer from you all which is very special to me an means alot to me.

Got home and have been sleeping most of the day since. Had some pretty tough breakthrough pain for a few hours this afternoon, so I decided to switch out patches a day early, which I now know a lot of people are doing to get better coverage - we learn as we go - thanks alot to Ruth K. (RN) and Kirk N. (Pharm).

The Lord is so good to us in so many ways. I have latched onto Psalm 27 along with my bride Robin – man that is a meaty Psalm to meditate on. I believe I would like to see if I can memorize that one before too long. Here is the 1st, 13th and 14th verses, you read the rest in between:
Psalm 27
1)The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

13)I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.

14) Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen
thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

I pray for us all that we will be aware of God's presence in our lives - working and moving throughout our daily activities. Not just awareness of His power - but awareness of God Almighty Himself and His great love for us. And may we then turn and share that same loving presence with those around us we come in contact with each day.

Amen friends !

P.S. Judith, thanks for sharing about your friend Gabby and her recent death (to life) in your comments under the last post. That was a blessing.

Sun tan . . .

This is part of a song I wrote years ago, both music and lyrics. It has yet to be completed, since I only have one ‘stanza’.

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

(Chorus)
The grave is not the end
It’s just a doorway,
to the other side
The grave is not the end
It’s just a doorway,
to Christ

This song is a reflection of how I have had to grapple with my own personal 'mortality' and the eventual, sudden exchange of all that I have known with something, well, something that I have never known. Death. I believe part of the walk of a Christian, or at least for this Christian, is the eventual replacement of fear and doubt of the unknown, with Faith and Trust in the One to be known. Notice I did not use the term religion. We are talking about the person of Christ. It takes time to put complete trust in a God whom cannot be seen, heard or touched - yet. For it is we that must learn His ways, not the other way around. It is as if we have been suddenly 'blinded' and 'crippled' by faith (like the Apostle Paul was on the road to Damascus, struck from his horse) and then we must ‘un-learn’ the way we used to think and process spiritual information and then ‘re-learn’ things from God’s perspective – re-learn God’s ways, ways which were lost as a result of the ‘fall of Man’ in the Garden. Isaiah says it so eloquently:

Isaiah 55:6-9
6 Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way and
the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn to the LORD,
and he will have mercy on him,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

His ways are higher than our natural ways and His thoughts are higher than our natural thoughts. We who have come to believe in Christ as Lord and Savior, and claim to be “born-again”, as Jesus put it, are still living and breathing, weak and human full of faults – just as susceptible to fear and doubt as the next non-believer. There are now many differences in the two, one of which is that we have made a covenant with the One Who Himself has conquered death, hell and the grave through the Resurrection and have now by faith opened a doorway to Christ – and another is that we are now in a different ‘position’ to receive the Son.

An example of this would be lying out to get a sun tan. You can lay out all day long under the shade of the board walk and tell all of your friends that you ‘laid out all day’ – you know what they are going to say? Where’s the tan man? You were not in the right ‘position’ to receive the sun’s rays! You wasted your whole day, as far as getting a sun tan goes, thinking you were getting something which you were in fact not getting.

I don’t want anyone to be deceived and miss all that God has for them in this life and yet so many go about their day putting off the inevitable. No, you cannot change your past, but you can mold your future. You just have to make up your mind and follow Christ and the two of you can mold your future - but you must let go and let Him take of your past. Forgiveness is one of His many specialties. It will probably not be easy, but then, anything lasting usually does have a price tag that comes with it. Especially something that is this ever-lasting.

Read in the Book of John, chapter 10 about the Good Shepherd who is willing to put himself in danger to protect the flock.
The Good Shepherd will also put the 99 other sheep on hold to go and look for that one straying sheep in order to bring it back into the fold.
Matthew 18:12-13
12 "What do you think?
If a man owns a hundred sheep,
and one of them wanders away,
will he not leave the ninety-nine
on the hills and go to look for
the one that wandered off?
13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth,
he is happier about that one sheep than
about the ninety-nine
that did not wander off.

You want to make God and all of heaven happy? You want to 'turn-off' the fear of death and the grave? Turn to Christ Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and all of heaven and it's inhabitants will rejoice and God's peace will be yours abundantly.

Good weekend to you and yours. George

Opinions . . .

Hello from “Almost Eden”.
That is my personal name I coined for our little piece of land we are so blessed to live on. It isn’t Eden, but close enough.
Garden Talk:
Was it just me, the patient who cannot handle the heat, or was it really a hot one today? I stepped out to go and get my treatment early this morning and then after that I was in the house until after 5 pm. It was still hot after that! I could not do much of anything as a result, so I headed back inside the house for some A/C.
[Whoever invented air conditioning needs to get a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from all of us Southerners! I guess his Award could include things like a Lifetime supply of Iced tea (with or without lemon), and of course a commercial grade Ice maker to go with the tea. Also, lifetime foot and back massages, as many porch fans as his porch can handle – that is, if he wants to go out onto his porch in the first place, and lastly, a pick-up truck].
So, enough complaining, cause as we all know, okra grows just fine in hot weather!
I have 3 main garden plots - North, East and West (NEW). All are followed with “of Eden” as in “East of Eden”.
We are having a problem over here – too many veggie’s and not enough mouths to eat what is being picked fast enough. (Hint, hint). I will say though, that the immediate family gets the pick of the litter. After that, a visit and some fellowship are required. And after that, it’s whoever gets here next! The 500 pounders are growing well, some pest damage to the vines noted, but I hope they will survive. The family picked one of the most beautiful ‘Black Beauty’ eggplants I think I have ever seen. A picture on the blog will not do it justice. Eggplants, especially the ‘Ichiban’ variety, do very well around here. If any of you have a good eggplant recipe, please send it to us – grwaites@bellsouth.net. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say we are going to be enjoying some healthy eating in the next coming months. Did I tell you my son and my father in law put up a fence around the main garden (East of Almost Eden – that is one of the 3 sections).

Health Talk:
I am doing much better this week than last week. I do, however, have to carefully manage my pain issues or else that can quickly get out of hand. We are now trying the transdermal patch for 2 weeks to see how well it does. It is much more convenient than pills by far, since you only have to change it once every 3 days and you do not have to carry pills around with you or watch the clock, but then you have other issues. It can accidentally be torn off or start to leak around the edges – precautions can be taken to avoid these of course. We shall see. My next challenge is to gain some more weight.

For those of you who did not know, Doc, ‘C’ (constipation) had paid me a visit for almost 2 weeks, for sure the past 7 days with no action at all. I had to drink the ‘Golytely’ cleanse liquid nasty salty stuff all day yesterday to get me out of this crisis – praise God for that nasty stuff! I lost 6 lbs. in one day following that cleanse! Six pounds of what, I shant say. It certainly was not muscle! Wow. I had not eaten much since I was so backed up and it was only causing more pain and worry. I said all that to say that I am down to 144 lbs. That is the lowest I have ever been since this all started in 12/2005. They ‘sicked’ the Nutritionist on my tail Thursday following the treatment to give me a pile of recipe ideas that are for those going through radiation/chemo. Radiation does its own damage to your body, not usually as bad as heavy chemo, but it can affect blood counts dramatically if we are not careful. I am also on the 24/7 - 5FU chemo pump during the week days – off on weekends. So, I will be trying to eat – which never used to be a problem for me – more and drinking supplemental stuff, too.


I can do nothing but express my thanks to God Almighty for the great things He has done, is doing and is going to do. He has used so many of you to bless us and encourage us as a family and me as the patient that if all of these things were written down, the list would go coast to coast. Thanks for your continued prayer support. Sonja Howell, a friend of ours closes some of her comments with "PUSH", which stands for "Pray Until Something Happens". I would like to remind you of these prayer/physical needs:

Dr. Hackler - peace, comfort, healing and the Will of God.
My mother Patsy - she has finished all cancer treatments, but now has 'shingles'.
My dad - Mike, he is trying to lose weight and also deals with chronic pain/breathing issues related to his weight.
My dad's friend Ronny- quick recovery from the explosion.
My brother's friend Danny - recently diagnosed with bilateral lung cancer.
Barbara and Don Gerard - quick recovery from colon surgery. (and also donations to their monetary account at all Capital One branches).
Me - to gain weight, continued healing, no complications from pain meds or other treatments.

And for God to have His way in Baton Rouge - for an open Heaven - where the presence and power of God can freely move, unhindered.

Have a blessed Friday!!!

Urgent prayer request . . .

This is a urgent prayer request for one of my Doctors that I worked for while at CVT. Dr. Michael Hackler is his name, for those of you who do not know him. He was diagnosed with cancer about one week before I was in Dec. 2005. He has led a strong and brave crusade against this cancer since his diagnosis and as for me, has been an example of how to fight and continue to live your life in spite of the disease. He has also been an example as a surgeon and a employer.

A lot of people love him and many are still alive today due his work as a surgeeon. This week, he was suffering with extreme abdominal pain and had a procedure, I believe some type of a nerve block, necessary to stop the pain. I do not know if he will be taking any other treatments other than similar measures to alieviate the pain at this point. I do not know if this is "it", for only God does, but we pray none the less, "let thy will be done...".

Please pray for comfort and pain relief - and mostly for the Doc to be at peace and in the center of God's will. He professes Jesus as Lord of his life.We have prayed together several times in the past and he does have a humble and accepting heart for God and His Will. As you read this, please pray and as he comes to mind throughout your days ahead, please ernestly pray. I will update when I get any information.

Love you all. George