We are home! Our return flight was delayed at least five times, so we ended up arriving at our house around 3 a.m. The trip wiped me out, but I’m recovering!
We’ve started unpacking!
My next chemo treatment is scheduled for July 24th.
Prayer Requests and Praises:
We are thankful to be home. It is surreal.
This Sunday, I will be preaching at First Baptist on my cancer journey and Psalm 34. We’d love to see you there! The service is at 10:45 a.m. (EST) and you can livestream it at this link if you’re unable to attend: https://fbcjax.com
I discovered I couldn’t fit into any of my dress clothes. This is an answer to prayer because a big concern at the beginning of our transplant journey was potential weight loss. (I also know many folks have wanted me to gain weight for a while!) We went shopping and tried on clothes to make sure I had something to preach in on Sunday instead of gym shorts.
My mysterious water retention continues (also probably contributes to my increase in size), but I’m not alarmed. I’ll continue to be monitored in the weeks ahead.
What I’m Learning:
I’ve been reflecting on Proverbs 10:24–25. This passage teaches how the righteous respond to trials compared with the wicked:
What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted. When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is established forever. (Proverbs 10:24–25)
This passage assumes that a storm is coming—for everyone. “When the tempest passes.” There is a storm on the horizon for each of us. I don’t know when yours will arrive, but I know it’s coming.
Before the storm comes, turn to the Lord. Nurture your relationship with Him now by faith, so that when the tempest passes, you will be established forever—and not like the wicked, who are devastated.
Deliverance in this life is a “glimpse” of the deliverance to come in eternal life. And when the wicked are destroyed in this life, it serves as a parable of what will happen in the end times, when Christ judges the world. The righteous will be saved; the wicked will be condemned.
Deliverance from cancer—and from every affliction—is meant to cause us to reflect upon our final state and whether we will be delivered in the end.
What Has Been Encouraging:
After three months, we are finally home. When we walked into our house, it was clear that someone from First Baptist had been here. Posters with handwritten notes from church members are all over our walls!
There are so many, I’m pretty sure we’ll be finding them in different rooms for a while. It will take us some time to read through all the encouragement. We are grateful to be back in Florida with our First Baptist church family.
I have started my new chemo treatment and will continue this regimen until Christmas.
We found mold in our rental house. Thankfully, we have now secured a new apartment and will be moving in this weekend.
Prayer Requests and Praises:
My medical team described this new chemo as the “icing on the [transplant] cake”—their effort to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. They know the cancer is aggressive and want to use every available means to eradicate it. Please pray that this treatment is effective!
My appetite has improved! While I’m still not very hungry at dinnertime, I am maintaining my weight. Thank you for praying about this.
We plan to move back in with our kids this weekend. It’s been two months since I’ve lived with them! Please pray the move goes smoothly and isn’t further delayed.
What I Am Learning
“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
We have been so excited to be reunited with our kids. The plan was to move in this past Monday. Our kids had gotten sick about 10 days earlier, so we had been waiting for them to recover. Once they were feeling great, we prepared to move in.
Before going to the house, we scheduled a cleaning just to make sure all the germs were gone. While cleaning, the company discovered mold coming from the air vents.
Mold is especially dangerous for me right now. We are so thankful for God’s providence and protection that kept us from moving in. It’s remarkable—if the kids hadn’t gotten sick (which at the time felt like a setback), I would have moved in right away and been unknowingly exposed to mold. We wouldn’t have hired cleaners if the kids hadn’t been sick. In God’s providence, their illness prevented what could have been a serious health risk. We made our plans, but the Lord directed our steps.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son… And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” (Romans 8:28–30)
What Has Been Encouraging
We didn’t plan to move in the middle of our stay in Texas, but that is what God planned. The owner of the rental home has been incredibly kind to us throughout and is graciously helping us as we transition to a new place.
Even though we don’t have a lot of stuff, moving is a lot of work. I’m not able to help with physical labor—I’m just now relearning how to walk up and down stairs and can’t lift anything heavy. Jenny needs help, andthe Lord has provided!
First Baptist Houston heard about our situation and has stepped in to help with the move. They’ve gone above and beyond to transport our things and protect us from further exposure to illness.
We’re so thankful for their kindness! They’ve repeatedly told us: “You might be far from home, but you are not alone here!”
After 30 days in the hospital, I have been released! My blood counts are improving daily, and I’ve been placed on a lymphoma “Fast Track” recovery plan. Each day, I go to MDA for at least one appointment, and they are monitoring me closely.
I currently have no immunity, so my doctors have me on strict protocols to prevent any infection or virus. Unfortunately, our kids recently caught a cold, which means I won’t be able to see them for another week.
I will have another PET scan later this month to check on the status of my cancer. I will continue to receive regular PET scans over the next five years. The doctors won’t know whether the treatment was ultimately successful until we reach that five-year mark.
Prayer Requests and Praises:
I’m incredibly thankful to the Lord that I’m an “early engrafter” and only had to stay in the hospital for 30 days. This is a true blessing and a surprise. I was told I would likely be a late engrafter for several reasons, but the Lord shocked us all!
I’m still re-learning simple tasks and currently walk with assistance. I attend physical therapy three times a week, and the main goal is to be walking without a walker by the end of June.
It will take months to rebuild my immune system. Please pray that I don’t get sick during this time, which would require a return to the hospital.
What I Am Learning:
I continue to learn the lesson of trusting God with all my heart (Proverbs 3:5–6). Ringing the gong on my way out of the hospital was a wonderful moment. I’ve been waiting since last August to ring some sort of cancer bell to signal the end of my treatment. The laughter and look on Jenny’s face when I rang the gong are priceless to me. I’m deeply thankful.
And yet, we still don’t know if the treatment worked. There’s no physical way to know right now—only time will tell. The doctors are optimistic but can’t offer guarantees. Even as we celebrate the completion of chemotherapy and my hospital discharge, there remains a deep opportunity to trust the Lord with the future. God has set it up this way, so I continue to depend on Him for complete healing. He’s not done stretching, shaping, and growing my faith through this trial.
I know the Lord has helped me every step of the way during this transplant process. But I must continue to trust Him with the years ahead and “lean not on my own understanding.” The journey of faith is not a one-time decision—it’s a lifelong pilgrimage to the celestial city.
While the doctors are optimistic and cannot guarantee total healing, Jesus promises that He will never leave me nor forsake me. The cross is my guarantee of that promise. Jesus died for my sins and rose again. Will He not also graciously give me everything I need? Will He not hold my future firmly, no matter what future PET scans may show?
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? … Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” — Romans 8:31–35
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” — Proverbs 3:5–8
What Has Been Encouraging:
Fresh air! It’s good to be out of the hospital, even if I’m still weak. The Lord has humbled me through this process, and it’s easier now to see all the things I once took for granted. Going to lunch with a friend is a gift from the Lord. Being able to bend down and put on socks is a blessing. Attending a crowded event without fear of illness is a favor from God.
When we aren’t facing sickness or trials, it’s easy to feel independent from God and forget that our ability to eat, sleep, drink, and enjoy one another is a result of His kindness. Taking our health and “normal” life for granted is a subtle form of pride.
On a personal level, what can you enjoy today that you might normally overlook? What can you thank God for that you’ve forgotten comes from Him? When was the last time you asked for your “daily bread,” or do you just assume it will come?
“Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.” — Luke 11:3–4
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31
“Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” — James 1:16–17
This past week I had an “open lung biopsy” to remove tissue from a mass that is growing on my lung. The surgery was very successful.
The surgeon was able to get enough tissue for a good biopsy. My doctor will review results with me next week.
Prayer Requests and Praises:
I am recovering better than expected! I have a lot of breathing exercises to do, but they were able to dismiss me earlier than originally anticipated! Praise the Lord!
I am thankful to God that this surgery was successful and the tissue collected was adequate.
Please pray for me as I recover that I will not get an infection, that my strength will return, and that I will get the necessary treatment following this biopsy.
What I am Learning:
The love of God for me doesn’t change based upon circumstances. His faithfulness remains consistent no matter what the day brings. A church member sent me some verses from Psalm 139, and they been incredibly encouraging. I have thought about it a great deal.
God hems me in all the days of my life. He goes before me into surgery. He loves me regardless of what the biopsy results reveal. He has laid his hand upon me regardless of any outcome.
Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. (Psalm 139:4–6)
These thoughts are comforting for the Christian. But only the Christian can find peace in them. The peace of God can only be obtained by faith. Do you know peace that isn’t based on circumstances? Or do you fear death? If you fear death, I encourage you to listen to this wonderful podcast by Jay Adams. It is about nine minutes long. It is powerful and can bring you peace through Christ. You can listen to it here or here.
What Has Been Encouraging:
It is hard to sleep in a hospital! Nearly every hour it seems they come to poke or examine you. It is better to recover at home. This is especially true if you have little ones who play teatime.
Our kids don’t fully understand what is happening to me. They just know I go to the doctor a lot. This is as it should be. They can play and bring me plastic cakes without having to be concerned about things too great for them.
I’ve been feeling rather sick this past week. The chemo has become more difficult.
My doctor is concerned about some of my symptoms (e.g. cough) and has moved up the date of my PET scan. I will now be getting a PET scan next week to check on my progress.
Prayer Requests and Praises:
Please pray for my PET scan next week. Pray that it will give my doctors insight and come back clear!
Jenny has been an all-star at home. She tends to our whole family, and I am so thankful for her.
I’ve continued to have lingering night sweats and a cough. Please pray these go away and that God heals me completely!
What I am Learning:
It’s easy to become self-focused after receiving a diagnosis or enduring a lingering sickness. We forget that doctors, nurses, receptionists, and coordinators are real people with real problems, just like us. I have learned one practical way to suffocate fear is to focus on others. Jesus had this mindset, even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-9).
The remarkable blessing of growing in love happens when we turn our attention away from ourselves and toward others in the name of Christ. Jesus came to earth not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. He even served His family on the cross when He entrusted Mary to John. We can forget our fears more and more as we focus on others to the glory of God.
Are you going through a season which requires you to visit the doctor or hospital regularly? Ask yourself the following questions: How can you be a blessing to the medical staff helping you through your illness? Do you know their stories? Have you asked them about their lives when they draw your blood? Do you know their names and how you can pray for them? It is a blessing to serve even when we are suffering.
What Has Been Encouraging:
I’ve mentioned before that often I would watch Planet Earth with our kids. We completed the trilogy but just discovered an even better series. It is incredible. It is called The Riot and the Dance.
This documentary is extremely well written and purposefully glorifies God throughout the show. Be amazed and enjoy! I won’t think of ostriches the same.
I unfortunately contracted the stomach bug, and it has been a bumpy ride at times this week! I’m staying away from the family again so they don’t get sick.
Good news! My chest x-ray is negative for pneumonia and infection.
Prayer Requests and Praises:
Even though I am sick, I am thankful it has not delayed treatment. I contracted the illness after my last chemo infusion.
Still no signs of infection with my two incisions from my port surgeries. This is a real blessing!
My next infusion is on January 16th and is followed by one on the 30th. My final infusion is on February 13th. We are on the home stretch, so please pray all the cancer is killed!
What I am Learning:
The character of God is astounding. The more we spend time thinking about who God is, the more it shapes who we become. “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
God is infinite. This means that all his attributes are infinite as well. They keep going and going. To say it differently, God’s mercy, grace, love, power, and majesty are always exciting, fresh, and never exhausted. We will forever be discovering new layers and depths of who God is. It will take an eternity to plumb the love of God for us in Christ Jesus.
The truths about how God’s attributes are forever deep are a help during times of suffering. God’s endless (new morning) mercies mean that I can continually pray to him and ask for deliverance. God’s ever-abounding love means that he will always surround me as the mountains surround Jerusalem – from this time forth and forever more (Psalm 125). God’s matchless and perpetually amazing power means I can trust that he will hold me and protect me perfectly.
“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.” (Psalm 145:3)
“To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ…” (Ephesians 3:8)
“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17–19)
What Has Been Encouraging:
When I am feeling crummy from the chemo, I am typically laid up in my bed. However sometimes I can lie on the couch in our living room. Our kids really like it when I can do this because we get to watch “Planet Earth.”
We have seen the whole trilogy of Planet Earth. In my opinion, the first one is the best, and the third is the worst.
We recently watched an entire segment in which a pack of lions was desperate for food. They were so hungry they decided to attack an elephant near a water hole. The whole pack struggled at first but was eventually successful at taking down this one elephant. We don’t typically think of lions as desperate, but they can “suffer want and hunger.”
While the king of the jungle might go hungry, God tells us that we “lack no good thing.” God always provides for us good things because he himself is good. Look at the connection in Psalm 34 between God’s goodness and how he provides for us even more than the lions. His character and his actions are connected.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:8–10)
Do you want the assurance that God will provide for every need of yours in Christ Jesus? Call upon his name. He died and rose again so that you might have abundant life. Oh taste and see that he is good!
I apologize for the delay in posting this week’s update! My infusions have been moved to Thursdays and I was unable to write it until today due to the side effects of the chemo.
I have three more infusions to go before the end of treatment PET scan.
Unfortunately, I have developed a cough again and an increase in night sweats.
Prayer Requests and Praises:
I am thankful for a successful 9th treatment! I did not throw up during this treatment. Praise the Lord! Our family is also over the stomach bug and feeling much better!
My medical team is trying to determine the source of my increased cough. Back in July, I was coughing every five minutes. My cough subsided when the lymph nodes in my lungs started to reduce. But a cough has returned. Is it a side effect of the chemo? Is the cough due to another illness? Is it the remaining cancer? I got an X-ray yesterday, which will hopefully find or rule out an infection in my lungs.
Please pray that my cough subsides and my night sweats go away completely. Pray the doctors can determine more information in the coming week.
What I am Learning:
Each night when I am unable to sleep, I read some in the Gospel of Luke. This section from Jesus’ instruction was simultaneously jarring and comforting to me.
“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:4–7)
Jesus calls his disciples his “friends” and is preparing them for the future. How does he prepare them? He tells them to fear God more than the future. Fear the Lord who determines the destiny of your soul rather than fearing what can end your earthly life. He proceeds to give the famous illustration of how God cares for the sparrows yet cares even more for us – his “friends.” In addition to this, Jesus says the hairs of our heads are numbered! God knows exactly what will happen to each of them.
From our vantage point, the future feels uncertain at times. Take, for example, my cough and night sweats. I do not yet understand what is causing them, and the doctors don’t understand yet, either. But the Lord does. God already has my future securely planned, even though it seems uncertain.
If you are a Christian, the Lord has a good future planned out for you. You are more valuable than the birds of the air which God takes care of regularly. You are his friend and precious to him. As believers in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we have a sure path ahead of us which is always for our good and God’s glory. In times of trouble, we feel the uncertainty of the future, but our future is always secure in Christ. Fear God, not your future!
What Has Been Encouraging:
Early on in this journey I mentioned that Jenny and I enjoyed watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy in 15-minute increments at night before bed. We completed the movies, and I picked up reading the trilogy in the night when I am unable to sleep. I read the Gospel of Luke and then read Lord of the Rings. The stories in LOTR are ones of courage, hope, and perseverance in the face of dark and foreboding evil.
I have been encouraged by the scene in which the traveling Fellowship found rest in the beautiful woods of Lorien. They were able to rest and have peace among the golden trees for a season. This was a welcome change to their perilous and difficult journey. But the time came for them to leave this secret oasis and press forward to cast the ring into the depths of Mt. Doom. Tolkien writes,
That night the Company was again summoned to the chamber of Celeborn, and there the Lord and Lady greeted them with fair words. At length Celeborn spoke of their departure. ‘Now is the time,’ he said, ‘when those who wish to continue the Quest must harden their hearts to leave this land. Those who no longer wish to go forward may remain here, for a while. But whether they stay or go, none can be sure of peace. For we are come now to the edge of doom. Here those who wish may await the oncoming of the hour till either the ways of the world lie open again, or we summon them to the last need of Lórien. Then they may return to their own lands, or else go to the long home of those that fall in battle.’
There was a silence. ‘They all resolved to go forward,’ said Galadriel looking in their eyes.
(Tolkien, J.R.R.. The Lord Of The Rings: One Volume (p. 367). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.)
I have had many moments in which I thought, “I don’t want to do another chemo treatment.” Or “I wish I didn’t have to get this surgery and just stop it all so that I could enjoy a more normal life for a season.” “My family has already been through so much!” These thoughts are foolish. If I were to stop treatment now, I would be able to have several months of a more “normal” life, and then I would be right back where I started – with aggressive, deadly cancer returning quickly. My doctors are optimistic that I will recover and be cured soon, but I must stay the course.
If I turn back from this quest, it may take some time, but it will mean certain doom for me. If I continue this quest, it might mean doom, but it also might be the very thing that saves my life. The only real decision is to move forward and not turn back.
I am resolved to go forward on this quest because it is my only real option and because I know that in Christ, my future is certain. I might not always know what the future holds, but Jesus promises to be with me through the fire and the flood. So, we press on and are resolved to go forward!
But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you. (Isaiah 43:1–5)
Although I would not choose to be isolated away from everyone, I found my time in isolation productive for sleeping, reading, working, writing, praying, and creating. Here is a small painting I made during one of my times in isolation. It is my first time using just a painter’s knife. It is Frodo and Sam on the final leg of their journey to Mt. Doom.
Due to my recent surgeries, my chemo treatment had to change slightly. My next infusion is scheduled for January 2nd.
Christmas morning dawned, and I awoke to find that Jenny had already been up for hours sick. She had a bad stomach bug, so we isolated her and delayed opening gifts. The next morning, our 1-year-old came down with the sickness, and I am now back in isolation away from sickness.
Prayer Requests and Praises:
I am thankful that I am not sick! This is the second time in a month that I have had to be in isolation, but it is a real praise that I haven’t caught whatever illness my family contracted. Please pray that I remain healthy and they recover soon!
I have four chemo infusions left in my treatment plan. My medical team remains optimistic the cancer will be gone by the end. Jenny (in between all her hard work) texted me this prayer this morning: “Praying that God would heal you fully and completely even now, ridding your body of every cancer cell and replacing it with good healthy cells that you can use to glorify Him.”
What I am Learning:
I will admit I didn’t take the news of having to be isolated over the holidays well. Proverbs 13:12 says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” My heart was a bit more than sick. It was Scrooge on Christmas.
But the biggest problem I had on Christmas was not my unfortunate circumstances – it was my sin. My sour outlook only made things worse and sucked out the joy I could have had on Christmas day. By the end of the day, my perspective had changed, and my heart was grateful for various blessings from the Lord.
“I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!” (Psalm 34:1–3)
This Psalm has been on repeat in the background of my mind for months now. Yet I failed to think of the first verse in which the Psalmist says he will bless the Lord “at all times” and “his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” When I was frustrated on Christmas morning by the reality of our family being separated, I missed the opportunity to increase my joy and bless the Lord. God did not do anything wrong to us and he has only been faithful during this difficult season. There are countless reasons to be grateful and praise his name “at all times.”
I am thankful that God’s mercies are new every morning in Jesus Christ. The first Christmas was about Christ coming into the world to save sinners and make us clean through his life, death, and resurrection. I am thankful to God that I can experience that forgiveness and hope even when I respond poorly to the sickness of the holidays.
What Has Been Encouraging:
I finally watched the sermon John Piper preached at the Missionary conference hosted at First Baptist. I hated to miss the conference due to sickness, but I am thankful the content is available for free online.
In his sermon, Piper reads a letter Tyndale wrote while in prison. Tyndale was cold and sick yet still focused on what mattered most. The letter is gripping and remarkable. I found it personally encouraging because even though I have cancer, I have a comfortable bed with blankets. Indeed, I have received several warm blankets as gifts to help me during my recovery. Tyndale was imprisoned for 16 months in a wet cell without windows. I have windows, my family nearby, a wonderful church family, and my treatment plan is only scheduled to last six months.
I am not sure what you are experiencing this holiday and winter season, but may your heart be filled with gratitude and encouragement as you read this letter from Tyndale:
“Wherefore I beg of your lordship, and that by the Lord Jesus, that if I am to remain here through the winter, you will request the commissary to have the kindness to send me from the goods of mine which he has a warmer cap, for I suffer greatly from the cold in the head and am afflicted by a perpetual catarrh, which is much increased in this cell. A warmer coat also, for this which I have is very thin. A piece of cloth, too, to patch my leggings. My overcoat is worn out. My shirts are also worn out. He has a woolen shirt, if he will be good enough to send it. I have with him also leggings of thicker cloth to put on above. He also has warmer night caps. And I ask to be allowed to have a lamp in the evening. It is indeed a wearisome to sit alone in the dark. But most of all I beg and beseech your clemency to be with the commissary that he will kindly permit me to have the Hebrew Bible, Hebrew grammar, and Hebrew dictionary, that I may pass the time in that study. In return may you obtain that which you most desire so only that it be for the salvation of your soul. But if any other decision has been taken concerning me to be carried out before winter, I will be patient. Abiding the will of God to the glory of the grace of my Lord Jesus Christ, whose Spirit I pray may ever direct your heart. Amen William Tyndale.”
I received a good report from the doctor on Monday. There is no more cancer in my liver and every cancerous area in my body has reduced in size. There is still cancer in one of my lungs, my bones, and my neck, but they believe the remainder of my treatments will remove these spots.
I am very grateful to God for this progress and have five treatments left.
Prayer Requests and Praises:
It is a huge praise to know the treatment is working. Please pray that the remaining infusions work and remove all the cancer!
Our kids have gotten sick with a fever upper respiratory bug. I am currently isolated away from them so that I don’t get sick. Please pray they recover and that both Jenny and I remain well. We need Jenny to stay well while she is working double-time!
What I am Learning:
I mentioned previously that I am memorizing the Songs of Ascent. The phrase “The Lord who made heaven and earth” appears three times in these chapters.
Where does our help come from? If we want to have our fears calmed, the answer must be God. The Bible describes God as our helper. He is a very present “help” in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1-2).
Yet how do we know he is able to truly help us? We know God will help us because he made everything.
What do you need help with? Are the mountains falling around you? God made them. Is a sickness plaguing you? God made your body. Is an enemy threatening you? God made him too. The reminder of God as the maker of everything is a source of hope for the Christian. Take all your fears and anxieties to the one who made you, loves you, and holds the whole world in his hands.
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:2)
Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 124:8)
May the LORD bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth! (Psalm 134:3)
What Has Been Encouraging:
I serve on staff with a team of wonderful pastors. These men have been faithfully encouraging me, praying for me, and supporting me. They have checked in on me, my family, and my parents as well. Recently, they wrote me a personal note marking the halfway point in my treatment journey. I am deeply thankful to serve with such godly men at First Baptist. I know that I am not alone in being one of the people who have been blessed by them!
My chemo infusions continue to progress, and the doctor has not reduced any of the intensity of the treatments. This is good news because my body is handling the maximum dosage.
However, as infusions continue, the side effects continue to compound. I am experiencing more nausea and muscle pain than previously. It feels like a Chemo Chevy ran me over on some days.
Prayer Requests and Praises:
We were able to celebrate and participate in Trunk of Treats as a family. We had a total blast as a crew of First Baptist buccaneers. I was worn out for a few days afterward, but it was totally worth it. It was a record-breaking attendance this year with over 1,500 people. It was a true joy to see so many church members and guests.
In addition to complete healing, I would ask that you pray for me as my body is more impacted by the side effects of the infusions. When I am in pain, I want to draw near to the Lord and use it as a means of grace in my life to experience more of His love.
What I am Learning:
Pastor Heath encouraged me to read through the book of Philippians and identify all the places Paul speaks about suffering. Here are fifteen truths about suffering from chapter 1 of Philippians.
Through my suffering, God will bring to completion His good work in me at the day of Christ Jesus (1:6).
Others are partakers with me of grace as I suffer (1:7).
Suffering happens as an opportunity to advance the gospel (1:12).
All the medical staff can know that I am a Christian through my suffering (1:13).
Others in the church will have boldness to face anxiety and death with the power of Christ through my suffering (1:14).
I can rejoice in the proclamation of the gospel through my suffering even when it is at my expense (1:17-18).
The prayers of others help me endure suffering (1:19).
The Holy Spirit helps me endure suffering (1:19).
Christ can be honored in my body no matter what (1:20).
To live is to enjoy Christ, to die to enjoy Christ more! (1:21).
Suffering helps others progress and have joy in the faith (1:25).
God gets glory when people who are suffering are restored (1:26).
Suffering is an opportunity to let my manner of life be worthy of the gospel – in which Jesus himself suffered (1:27).
Suffering is an opportunity to not be frightened by anything (1:28).
Suffering is a gift from God to declare the gospel (1:28-29).
What Has Been Encouraging:
Jenny spoke this past week at a women’s Fall Dinner that was hosted at First Baptist. She shares our journey from her perspective. She is the best wife, and I hope her talk encourages you!
Unspoken 