Sunday, December 30, 2007
The Week Ahead
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Steak, Silly String and Sleep
Today the visiting nurse came, and Nancy is settling in at home, and getting some needed sleep. Clearly she is regaining strength and her spirits remain good. We are glad to see this week drawing to a close.
Friday, December 28, 2007
I'm home
Thursday, December 27, 2007
a hard day's work
We were once more overwhelmed by the prayers and support of folks near and far. Taco casseroles, phone calls, visits to the room and responses to the last posting reminded us that HIS people are helping us along the road.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Good News so far!
Before 1pm the surgeon told us that the nodes look clean. We have to wait for the full pathology reports in several days, but it looks good so far.
My wife "stayed in character" throughout the day. While in post-op she convinced her nurse to call me in the waiting room because she was worried about me and she didn't want ME to be afraid.
(Wait, who just had major surgery?)
Her stay in post-op was delayed when her heart raced for a while. Many of you prayed for her spiritual heart before today. Please pray for her physical heart to remain steady over the next few day---even as we continue to lean on HIM as we move forward.
Also, Josh and Anne , and KJ were with me throughout the day. Leah and Jonah arrived from Fulton around 1pm. They were wonderful support as were others who dropped by. After Nancy finally settled into her room we were able to all reconnect.....What a sweet reunion that was.
So, tomorrow will bring new challenges, but today HIS grace was sufficient.
One last thing for those who are tracking. Dr. Newman told us that "the bear" was a great help during surgery!
WHO is in control here?
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Chief Surgeon Arrives
Lest you think this journey is all gloom and tears, not to worry. Last week an urgent call was made to the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. They dispatched their crack surgeon. Last night after our Christmas Eve service, he and Nancy met for the first time.
We are told that this new character we have come to know as Dr. Who? will be with Nancy to assist in the procedure and to supervise post-op recovery.
Our path is far too important to be walked without laughter.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Preparations Complete
- Contacting family
- Mobilizing prayer
- Doing medical prep
- Reviewing finances and paying bills
- Straightening up the house
- Laughing, talking, weeping and praying with friends
- Doing last minute Christmas stuff
And, this is to respond to my bride's post yesterday, having some time together as a couple. The wonderful truth is that instead of shaking my love for Nancy HE has used this time to remind of all the reasons why I love her. So, these few weeks have been already gifted us with a revival of love--a revival amidst terror and fear and worry and doubt.
Yesterday Marc Davis preached this wonderful Christmas sermon about Herod. He credited Herod with understanding that the arrival of Jesus changed things forever. But Herod would not let go of his "autonomy." His fight for control led to the slaughter of innocent children. Marc reminded us that embracing the "new" that Jesus offers will necessitate letting go of the status quo. The application was clear: Cancer is bringing us a season of new things--can we let go? Can we believe that this is part of the path destined us to conform us fully to image of Christ?? By HIS grace, granted us in response to your prayers we can, we will, we must.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Toot Toot
I have enjoyed reading Spurgeon's Morning and Evening. "He shall gather the lambs with His arms." Isaiah 40:11. Our good Shepherd has in His flock a variety of experiences. He is impartial in His care for all His sheep, and the weakest lamb is a dear to Him as the most advanced of the flock. He finds weak minds ready to faint and die, He consoles them and renews their strength. What a quick eye He must have to see them all. What a tender heart to care for them all. What a far reaching arm to gather them all. How gently did He gather me to Himself, to His truth, to His blood, to His love.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
the kindnesses of strangers....and friends
Nancy spent the morning at Abington Hospital doing pre-admittance stuff that included an EKG, and tons of questions. But kindness came through her nurse who also follows Jesus. Hearing that woman's story of finding Christ and His faithfulness to her over the past 30 years provided a cup of cold water on along a rugged road.
When we came home, I braced myself to take on an airline. We had planned to attend the WHM team leaders' meeting in Austrian in early January. But our doctor had already nixed that. So, I wanted to cancel the tickets without losing lots of money. Dealing with this kind of issue has not always been easy in the past.
This time I found myself with a hugely helpful agent who personally arranged a very favorable arrangement with her supervisor, and got him to waive a ticket change fee. After that she told me, "I will pray for your wife." When I assured her that I, too, valued the power of prayer her response let me know that this stranger was someone who also followed HIM.
Last night as we waited for a table at Iron Hill Brewery, our old Ireland Team Leader Hunter Dockery called. He had just heard that Nancy was sick and immediately dialed us. We have been through so many battles together with Hunter and Julie, it was strengthening to know that they were in our ranks as we march forward into this one.
Yes, the arrows flew this day. But HE also showered us with unexpected kindnesses.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Preparations Continue
Then this morning we spent 2 1/2 hours at Abington Hospital doing pre-admittance stuff. Nancy has another appointment later today, and there are x-rays to reclaim.
This is like preparring for battle. So,
Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hads for war, my fingers for battle.
He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield in whom I take refuge-Ps, 144:1, 2a
Please issue that battlecry on our behalf
Monday, December 17, 2007
The Journey Begins
Now we face surgery on December 26. Our world has been rocked, but we know that this part of the road unfolds under HIS watch. We shall see where it goes.