I have finished my first round of chemotherapy. Actually, I came home with a pump that will continue the chemotherapy for the next 46 hours. I will go back every other Monday and repeat the same process. One of the hardest things for me so far is that I cannot drink anything cold for 5 days after each round of chemotheray. Jared took me to get something to eat after the chemotherapy and I ordered a Dr. Pepper with no ice. I thought that would be OK, but as soon as I took a small drink, I found out the Dr knew what he was talking about. My throat felt like it was being stung with bees. I was told that it would feel like my throat was closing off. I guess I'm pretty hard headed and I had to see for myself. In my defense, you can't pastor a Baptist Church without being a little bit hard headed!
I am having a good day, but I know that there will be bad days ahead. I have been reading a little of David Jeremiah's book about when he found out he had cancer. The dark clouds of fear are normal for someone that has just learned they have cancer. I just want to remember what the Psalmist declared in Ps. 56:3 "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." I have been brought to the place in my life that I don't have anyone or anything else I can put my trust in. I appreciate the doctors, but if healing takes place, it will be because the Great Physician has provided the healing. I love each of you and I humbly ask for your continued prayers.
We are thankful you are home.....praying for patience, endurance and faith to sustain you...I am sure "The Great Physcian" knows your needs....Hang in There! Let Shonna and the boys know they also are in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteRobin White Patterson
The scarcity of heroes has trouble me for years. The ranks of heroes have gotten remarkably thin. Whether it is because the cynics of this age take delight in highlighting the most insignificate flaws of the famous or because those whom we once admired from a distant failed to pass the more exacting litmus tests of close examination or because the public has simply wearied of the fallen-hero syndrome, even the idea of calling someone our hero has come into disfavor in today's culture. A malaise of fear over finding some hidden fact that discredits the one being admired has robbed the trust once placed in others.
ReplyDeleteNevertheless, I am still convinced we need heroes like you. The imperfections of humanity notwithstanding, our hearts hunger to be stimulated by examples of great character being modeled in everyday life. We are fortified by exemplary lives, especially those who have earned the right to be respected by their character, sacrifice, patience, and ability to press on in spite of hardship, injustice, pain, and failure. Our heroes do not have to be perfect. They must however be courageous, authentic, clear minded, and determined to endure no matter the sacrifice or cost. We need heroes of integrity and consistency, admirable men that we can admire , not because they exempliify a quick burst of bravery, but because they represent the stuff of greatness and stay at it to the end. "Finishing strong is a vital part of standing tall", as my dad always told me. By having a great cloud of witnesses urging you on you will be able to endure. Luke you are our hero. Remember this brother, our every day and every word is being recorded in the history books of life. live it to glorify God. Thank you for being such a great pastor, HERO, and friend. (Jer. 29:11-14)
Just read your blog and was thinking about the last time I was at your church, your message was God is preparing you for a greater storm down the road. Wanted you to know that you're in our prayers, even though we dont get to visit much, we think of you often. NO STORM IS TOO ROUGH FOR GOD! Hang in there my friend and let God have his way!
ReplyDeleteLove you my brother,
Ray Gross