We're only moved back a week. I'll be readmitted for the stem cell transplant on Tuesday, December 8. Kim and I are currently enjoying the blessing of a weekend at home and we'll be here until leaving on Tuesday. Here's my new schedule:
I will be admitted on December 8 with chemo beginning then and accelerating on Dec 12. Great care is taken during the chemo part to insure that infection does not complicate things as the chemo will be destroying my natural immunity system making the dangers for infection increase. The return of my harvested stem cells is scheduled for the 17th followed by two weeks of monitoring and testing to assure that no complications are arising. If all goes well, according to the current schedule, I'll be released for home on New Year's Eve, the 31st.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Two great devotions - Spurgeon and MacArthur
Two awesome devotions today challenging believers with a Godly view of trials. As Kim and I reminded ourselves of today, it is not enough to not despair in trials but we are commanded and equipped to REJOICE in them! Not easy but wow!, what benefits when proper focus and thinking is in place and joy is the result. Here they are. Spurgeon's is first followed by MacArthur's:
“Thou hast made summer and winter.”
— Psalm 74:17
My soul begin this wintry month with thy God. The cold snows and the piercing winds all remind thee that he keeps his covenant with day and night, and tend to assure thee that he will also keep that glorious covenant which he has made with thee in the person of Christ Jesus. He who is true to his Word in the revolutions of the seasons of this poor sin-polluted world, will not prove unfaithful in his dealings with his own well-beloved Son.
Winter in the soul is by no means a comfortable season, and if it be upon thee just now it will be very painful to thee: but there is this comfort, namely, that the Lord makes it. He sends the sharp blasts of adversity to nip the buds of expectation: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes over the once verdant meadows of our joy: he casteth forth his ice like morsels freezing the streams of our delight. He does it all, he is the great Winter King, and rules in the realms of frost, and therefore thou canst not murmur. Losses, crosses, heaviness, sickness, poverty, and a thousand other ills, are of the Lord’s sending, and come to us with wise design. Frosts kill noxious insects, and put a bound to raging diseases; they break up the clods, and sweeten the soul. O that such good results would always follow our winters of affliction!
How we prize the fire just now! how pleasant is its cheerful glow! Let us in the same manner prize our Lord, who is the constant source of warmth and comfort in every time of trouble. Let us draw nigh to him, and in him find joy and peace in believing. Let us wrap ourselves in the warm garments of his promises, and go forth to labours which befit the season, for it were ill to be as the sluggard who will not plough by reason of the cold; for he shall beg in summer and have nothing.
Spurgeon, C. H. (1995). Morning and evening : Daily readings (December 1 AM). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
The Measure of Spiritual Maturity
In this I rejoice, yes; and will rejoice. Philippians 1:18
A believer’s spiritual maturity can be measured by what it takes to steal his joy. Joy is a fruit of a Spirit–controlled life (Gal. 5:22). We are to rejoice always (Phil. 4:4; 1 Thess. 5:16). In all circumstances the Holy Spirit produces joy, so there ought not to be any time when we are not rejoicing in some way.
Change, confusion, trials, attacks, unmet desires, conflict, and strained relationships can throw us off balance and rob us of our joy if we’re not careful. It’s then we should cry out like the psalmist, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation” (Ps. 51:12).
Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33), and the apostle James said, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (James 1:2). God has His own profound purpose in our afflictions, but He never takes away our joy. To maintain our joy we must adopt God’s perspective regarding our trials. When we yield to the working of His Spirit in our lives, our difficulties will not overwhelm us.
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (362). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
“Thou hast made summer and winter.”
— Psalm 74:17
My soul begin this wintry month with thy God. The cold snows and the piercing winds all remind thee that he keeps his covenant with day and night, and tend to assure thee that he will also keep that glorious covenant which he has made with thee in the person of Christ Jesus. He who is true to his Word in the revolutions of the seasons of this poor sin-polluted world, will not prove unfaithful in his dealings with his own well-beloved Son.
Winter in the soul is by no means a comfortable season, and if it be upon thee just now it will be very painful to thee: but there is this comfort, namely, that the Lord makes it. He sends the sharp blasts of adversity to nip the buds of expectation: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes over the once verdant meadows of our joy: he casteth forth his ice like morsels freezing the streams of our delight. He does it all, he is the great Winter King, and rules in the realms of frost, and therefore thou canst not murmur. Losses, crosses, heaviness, sickness, poverty, and a thousand other ills, are of the Lord’s sending, and come to us with wise design. Frosts kill noxious insects, and put a bound to raging diseases; they break up the clods, and sweeten the soul. O that such good results would always follow our winters of affliction!
How we prize the fire just now! how pleasant is its cheerful glow! Let us in the same manner prize our Lord, who is the constant source of warmth and comfort in every time of trouble. Let us draw nigh to him, and in him find joy and peace in believing. Let us wrap ourselves in the warm garments of his promises, and go forth to labours which befit the season, for it were ill to be as the sluggard who will not plough by reason of the cold; for he shall beg in summer and have nothing.
Spurgeon, C. H. (1995). Morning and evening : Daily readings (December 1 AM). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
The Measure of Spiritual Maturity
In this I rejoice, yes; and will rejoice. Philippians 1:18
A believer’s spiritual maturity can be measured by what it takes to steal his joy. Joy is a fruit of a Spirit–controlled life (Gal. 5:22). We are to rejoice always (Phil. 4:4; 1 Thess. 5:16). In all circumstances the Holy Spirit produces joy, so there ought not to be any time when we are not rejoicing in some way.
Change, confusion, trials, attacks, unmet desires, conflict, and strained relationships can throw us off balance and rob us of our joy if we’re not careful. It’s then we should cry out like the psalmist, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation” (Ps. 51:12).
Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33), and the apostle James said, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (James 1:2). God has His own profound purpose in our afflictions, but He never takes away our joy. To maintain our joy we must adopt God’s perspective regarding our trials. When we yield to the working of His Spirit in our lives, our difficulties will not overwhelm us.
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (362). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
surgery
They've determined the cause of my fever to be an infection association with my omaya (the stunt type thing that was inserted in my head in August to administer chemotherapy to my spinal fluid) so they're going to remove it. We're waiting for them to come and get me for this procedure as I type. After removal, I'll be put on an antibiotic regimen that will delay my stem cell admittance (it was supposed to be today, December 1) by probably two weeks. I'll keep you posted.
Please continue to pray for Kim and I specifically that we remain focused on God's goodness and His sanctifying purposes through all this in our lives. We were both challenged and encouraged today by both Spurgeon and MacArthur in their daily devotions (see next post) on this subject. The fact that it keeps popping up in our lives is no accident and as I've mentioned before, I covet your prayers for our Spiritual growth MUCH MUCH more than prayers for health and recovery which is only temporary in the scope of eternity.
With love,
Rob
Please continue to pray for Kim and I specifically that we remain focused on God's goodness and His sanctifying purposes through all this in our lives. We were both challenged and encouraged today by both Spurgeon and MacArthur in their daily devotions (see next post) on this subject. The fact that it keeps popping up in our lives is no accident and as I've mentioned before, I covet your prayers for our Spiritual growth MUCH MUCH more than prayers for health and recovery which is only temporary in the scope of eternity.
With love,
Rob
Friday, November 27, 2009
Small disappointment
Had a pretty discouraging disapointment recently. The stem cell collecting went great - I was done in two days - so we left on Wednesday for a long Thanksgiving weekend at home before returning back to be admitted on Tuesday. No sooner than we got home, however, that I started running a fever and we had to head back to the hospital, Lima first and then a midnight transport to Cleveland, where they admitted me early in the morning of Thanksgiving and are currently pumping me with antibiotics and trying to find the source of the fever. The disappointment reminded me again of how easy it is to lose eternal perspective. While I thought a long weekend was of utmost importance, I am reminded again that God's purposes are eternal and that His desire is to conform me into a person who glorifies Him by thinking and acting in the eternal realm instead of the temporal. I'll be the first to admit though, it sure ain't natural or easy.
Hebrews 4:14-16
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Cleveland Culture
Since we've spent so much time in Cleveland, I thought it would be fun to check out the cultural sites of this great city. So where do we head first? Why to the house they used for the filming of "A Christmas Story" of course! When you get to this place, you wonder how in the world they found it or what set this house apart. It's in a typical old city neighborhood with run down houses though there was a wonderful view of a steel mill complex behind the house. There is a tour offered though we didn't take it (not very accessible) but we did go to the gift shop. I tried to talk Kim into the full size lace skirt lamp (one of which has a prominent spot in the front window to the house) but she nixed the idea. Settled for a couple of t-shirts.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Great stuff from Spurgeon
A personal favorite pastor/author of mine. Timeless though over 100 years old. This is from his evening devotion on Nov 11:
"He shall choose our inheritance for us."
— Psalm 47:4
Believer, if your inheritance be a lowly one you should be satisfied with your earthly portion; for you may rest assured that it is the fittest for you. Unerring wisdom ordained your lot, and selected for you the safest and best condition. A ship of large tonnage is to be brought up the river; now, in one part of the stream there is a sandbank; should some one ask, "Why does the captain steer through the deep part of the channel and deviate so much from a straight line?" His answer would be, "Because I should not get my vessel into harbour at all if I did not keep to the deep channel." So, it may be, you would run aground and suffer shipwreck, if your divine Captain did not steer you into the depths of affliction where waves of trouble follow each other in quick succession. Some plants die if they have too much sunshine. It may be that you are planted where you get but little, you are put there by the loving Husbandman, because only in that situation will you bring forth fruit unto perfection. Remember this, had any other condition been better for you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put you there. You are placed by God in the most suitable circumstances, and if you had the choosing of your lot, you would soon cry, "Lord, choose my inheritance for me, for by my self-will I am pierced through with many sorrows." Be content with such things as you have, since the Lord has ordered all things for your good. Take up your own daily cross; it is the burden best suited for your shoulder, and will prove most effective to make you perfect in every good word and work to the glory of God. Down busy self, and proud impatience, it is not for you to choose, but for the Lord of Love!
"Trials must and will befall—
But with humble faith to see
Love inscribed upon them all;
This is happiness to me."
"He shall choose our inheritance for us."
— Psalm 47:4
Believer, if your inheritance be a lowly one you should be satisfied with your earthly portion; for you may rest assured that it is the fittest for you. Unerring wisdom ordained your lot, and selected for you the safest and best condition. A ship of large tonnage is to be brought up the river; now, in one part of the stream there is a sandbank; should some one ask, "Why does the captain steer through the deep part of the channel and deviate so much from a straight line?" His answer would be, "Because I should not get my vessel into harbour at all if I did not keep to the deep channel." So, it may be, you would run aground and suffer shipwreck, if your divine Captain did not steer you into the depths of affliction where waves of trouble follow each other in quick succession. Some plants die if they have too much sunshine. It may be that you are planted where you get but little, you are put there by the loving Husbandman, because only in that situation will you bring forth fruit unto perfection. Remember this, had any other condition been better for you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put you there. You are placed by God in the most suitable circumstances, and if you had the choosing of your lot, you would soon cry, "Lord, choose my inheritance for me, for by my self-will I am pierced through with many sorrows." Be content with such things as you have, since the Lord has ordered all things for your good. Take up your own daily cross; it is the burden best suited for your shoulder, and will prove most effective to make you perfect in every good word and work to the glory of God. Down busy self, and proud impatience, it is not for you to choose, but for the Lord of Love!
"Trials must and will befall—
But with humble faith to see
Love inscribed upon them all;
This is happiness to me."
Monday, November 9, 2009
at the Hope Lodge
We've been blessed again with a place at the Hope Lodge which I mentioned in an earlier blog. Had my Horizon Catheter placed today with no problems. It's a bit uncomfortable right now but is sure going to be worth any discomfort considering that from now on I won't need an IV to give blood samples, stem cells or receive chemo. Kim and I were singing the hymn "How Firm a Foundation" yesterday. The entire hymn is so encouraging with the truths that are presented. For example, verses 2 and 3:
‘Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
When thro’ fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
I'm finding more and more that I need continual, repetitive reminders of God's wonderful truths or off I go letting my mind wander to worry, fear, etc. Please pray for us, especially during these next 6 weeks or so as my treatments intensify. Pray that Kim and I would be continually reminded of God's goodness, omnipotence and loving work in our lives through this time and that our "dross is consumed" to be replaced by the gold of God's righteousness.
2 Tim 2:19: "Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
‘Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
When thro’ fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
I'm finding more and more that I need continual, repetitive reminders of God's wonderful truths or off I go letting my mind wander to worry, fear, etc. Please pray for us, especially during these next 6 weeks or so as my treatments intensify. Pray that Kim and I would be continually reminded of God's goodness, omnipotence and loving work in our lives through this time and that our "dross is consumed" to be replaced by the gold of God's righteousness.
2 Tim 2:19: "Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
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