Pray for R & A

08/21/2022

3 years…

3 years ago today, August 20th, the “bad moon” began to rise. This expression is how I have often internally thought about the chaos of the first 15 days after discovering I was terribly sick (and …

08/21/2022

3 Years and a Lifetime Ago | Reflections from a Bald-ish Man

3 years ago today, August 20th, the “bad moon” began to rise. This expression is how I have often internally thought about the chaos of the first 15 days after discovering I was terribly sick (and …

10/07/2020

(This was written in early September 2020, but I held off posting it as others were furiously battling. Their fights are over and they are now perfectly healed.) With these words on August 25th, 2019, we announced publicly what I had been sharing privately since the 22nd (I knew the 20th) that I was in real trouble physically. In between x-rays during July and August for my pneumonia, they noticed my lymph nodes enlarging and a tumor massively exploding across my chest. [ 1,650 more word ]

(This was written in early September 2020, but I held off posting it as others were furiously battling. Their fights are over and they are now perfectly healed.) With these words on August 25th, 2…

06/05/2020

The same view, 8 months later. The last time Rodney was able to make this walk was October 8. This evening he made it again. God is so good!

(It took Andrea and a walking stick to make it up the hill, but we made it!)

(Yes, I am drinking Plexus and rubbing my eyebrows with essential oils, but they are still not full and luscious) 😉

The same view, 8 months later. The last time Rodney was able to make this walk was October 8. This evening he made it again. God is so good! (It took Andrea and a walking stick to make it up the h…

03/17/2020

Thankful, Breakfast Burger, and Ray Gun Doctor

Yesterday, my phone rang, and Pastor Chris Truett and his church staff encouraged and prayed for my family and me.
A few moments later, my "youth pastor" Fred Caraway called to schedule a visit for next week, even though it is a 6-hour drive.

My bride faced the panic-stricken hordes at the supermarket to liberate the ingredients for a breakfast burger (like the ones from Red Robin) because she thought I would be able to eat and enjoy it.

At different times yesterday and today, I overheard our two kids on the phone chatting to each other like they are the best of friends.

For the first time since last December --
I put my socks on without assistance.
I was able to brush my teeth using only one hand.
I worked more than 2 hours without having to lie down.

Yesterday, we cut my pain medicine back, and so far, I haven't noticed the difference.
I was privileged to pray for others who are going through their own chaos and valley. Our family can do this now because of the many thousands who have prayed for us in the past.

Yesterday, I thought again that we will celebrate Easter in a few weeks (and I may be here to join in that celebration.) Maybe for the first time in a while, we will not overemphasize eggs, outfits, and candy more than the hope of the Gospel. Maybe we will understand that the most powerful events in the last two thousand years are not a virus, a bomb, or a battle. What should promote awe in our lives is the birth, death, and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Yes, I have cancer. Mounds of it. I can barely walk up the stairs and can't stand for more than a few minutes at the time. My vocal cords are weak because of deconditioning and I sound like an old geezer channeling a 12-year-old girl.

My hair is no more.

But, I also have the hope of the Gospel, the reality of a new body, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the forgiveness of sins, and the daily blessings from the people of God.

Yesterday, sorry, Today, I am thankful.

PS
3/20 - Friday will be my next pet scan. This is the test that they use to see the status of my cancer. They will also insert markers to help my radiologist know where to point his ray gun. I will not have to wait very long for the results as that afternoon, I have my second appointment with said ray gun doctor. Please pray for God's will to be done.

PPS Many of you have shared our story with your circle and tribe, we are unendingly thankful for you.

12/08/2019

Day 8 - Home!
After spending the entire month of December in the hospital, in the same room, in the same bed, I am home!
To everyone who prayed, called, texted, or sent a card, we are very thankful.
I begin the week with immediate follow-up appointments and chemotherapy on Wednesday.
Please pray for fruit as we were able to plant many seeds during our days there. Toward the end of our time together, several of the younger nurses were constantly asking about our marriage and wanting to know what our secret was... This was a great open door to discuss things of eternal significance. We had many questions about our church as well.
Looking back at how much trouble I was in health wise Sunday through Wednesday in particular, we are glad to have had the opportunity to try to brag on King Jesus after things calmed down and the healing began.

Now, after 8 days, it is time for a shower...