Ramblings

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Medical Update

Over the past several weeks my Oncologist has been weaning me from the high level of steroids I have been taking. I have been very excited about reducing the amount of steroids in hopes of reducing their side effects. Unfortunately, with the now lower doses of steroids I have been bothered by nausea that is likely caused by swelling in the brain, liver, or something. This week my Oncologist instructed me to once again increase the daily dose of steroids in an effort to reduce the swelling and the resulting nausea. We’ll see what happens.

Next week I have a follow-up visit with my Neurologist. I have an MRI of the brain early in the week than the follow-up visit later in the week. The intent is to check the progress of my brain’s healing since the tumor was removed as well as to determine whether or not a new tumor is developing. Ever since I was first diagnosed I have had routine scans in order to keep tabs on the cancer’s progress and each time I become a little nervous of what will (or will not) be discovered. Nervous? Yes. Afraid? No. I know that God is in control and I have put all of my trust in Him. I will follow Him wherever He leads me.

Romans 8:28 -- We know that all things work together for good* for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

Matthew 26:39 -- ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.’


Doing God’s Work

If you have been reading my postings you know by now that the reason I post to this collection is in hopes of helping at least one person take at least one step closer to God. This is the work that God has asked me to do in order to profit His kingdom with the time I have left. This Blog is one of the ways I am trying to fulfill His command. This week I have had several people tell me that they have been inspired by my writings and have passed it on to others who they believe would benefit from it. Words cannot express how much that means to me.

Matthew 5:14-16 -- let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Dear Lord, thank you for providing me with the opportunity to do Your work by touching others in such a way as to inspire them to move closer to You. You are a mighty and merciful God.


Preparing

I mentioned in the previous posting that the last piece to our financial puzzle fell into place this week. Pat and I met with our financial councilor yesterday who is very optimistic about being able to secure Pat and Chris’s financial future. God is great. God is good.

Luke 11:9-10 -- ‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.'

Thank you Lord for the loving kindness you continue to provide to my family.


Fellowship

Today I had the opportunity to spend time with a friend over a cup of coffee. We spent a couple of uninterrupted hours talking about “stuff” that is going on in our lives. I believe we both benefited from “unloading” on each other. In just two hours my close friend became a closer friend. Priceless.


Family

God has blessed me with the best wife and son a man could ever hope for. Words cannot express how much I love both of them. Pat is always there to help me and care for me while at the same time working tirelessly maintaining the household. Chris continues to jump-in and do tasks that Dad would normally do. I pray that as time goes on I do not become a burden to them.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 -- Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. 7It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.


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