Remembrance, Remission, Reflection, Rejoicing
Remembrance:
This date, 48 years ago, is the day Stew and I met at a teen dance. He was a newly graduated 18 year old and I was a 15 year old who wasn't allowed to date. He waited :-)
Even then, there was a confidence and conviction when he truly believed something. The first time he said he loved me went like this..."Deb, I love you, and I know you love me, you just won't say it. I'll wait." End of conversation.
The years since have taken us through many ups and downs. Yet, no matter how down the downs were, they ultimately made us stronger. And, the ups taught us to be continually thankful.
In both, sometimes at the time, and sometimes later, we eventually recognized God's provision in each circumstance. But, Stew is still better at waiting than I am. I see it in him even now, the conviction and confidence (in God) that "HE has this" and that we can trust in Him no matter how long the wait, no matter where the journey leads.
Remission:
Here are some of the facts we haven't spoke out yet, and we want faith to erase...facts do not equal God's truth.
- The cancer is in Stew's bone marrow and is at 60%
- The type Stew has is not considered a "curable" cancer
- There is a high rate of re-occurrence even with remission
- Once chemo is done, depending on if the percentage increases in the bone marrow, a transplant may be needed...followed by more chemo
Reflection:
But God...
- We walk by faith, not by sight.
- He has come that we might have life, and have it more abundantly.
- He never leaves us nor forsakes us.
- He fulfills the number of our days.
- In Him we are more than conquerors.
- He heals
- And, above all else...He loves us.
Rejoicing:
- In Him
- For the power of prayer
- For our family
- For christian doctors
- Because of You.
Something Stew wrote this morning. Face to the wall. Exodus 25:1-2
"Tell Beni Yisrael to take up an offering for ME from anyone whose heart compels him." I read this in my reflection time and it reminded me of the many who answered the face book call that Ben sent, and those that responded to the call of the blog. Please thank them for their "compelled hearts." It humbles me greatly and builds up my faith. Love to all.
Schedule for August:
19th: 8:30 Injection
22nd:1:45 Labs
2:15 Dr. K
4:15 Injection
Thank you more than words can express,
Gary and Deb
I absolutely stand firm with you all that faith WILL erase...Face to the wall everyday!! We love you!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kristine. I know you are a prayer warrior and it means a lot that you are "Face to the Wall" with us everyday. Blessings!
DeleteSo glad to see Uncle Gary posting his faith to all of the believers who will and are encouraged by your abundance of faith, because that's what it takes...FAITH. Sometimes as in many of my trials and sickness the Lord settles me with His simple words in Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God." I know for all of us at times we try so hard finding out solutions, or asking questions like; "WHY?" but God simply challenges us to just be still and wait upon Him, faithfully. I love you both, and thank you Deb for your courage by posting all the personal medical information to all of us, and by answering the questions we all may be wondering about. God grant you peace and rest my friend and sister in the Lord.
ReplyDeleteThank you! You know me well and how private I tend to be, but I want as many prayer warriors that can to be praying as effectively as they can for your "Uncle Gary" and my "Stew." Dee, the Father sees the seeds you are sowing into our lives from the journey you have made before us, and now with us. You are going to reap a beautiful harvest.
ReplyDeleteDeb, I was reading a devotional today and I found this quote that I wanted to share with you and Uncle Gary. I thought it would encourage Uncle Gary, and comfort you. I love you both so very much, and I am continually praying for God's restoration, healing, and comfort. My Face is to the Wall Daily.
ReplyDelete"Although today He prunes my twigs with pain, Yet doth His blood nourish and warm my root: Tomorrow I shall put forth buds again, And clothe myself with fruit." (Christina Georgina Rossetti)
Dee, thank you thank you! Printing this out and putting in our prayers journal. I am so thankful that God keeps Stew on your heart and in your prayers. You truly do stay on the journey with us. Love ya.
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