9.13.2011

A SEMPLE JOURNEY...

   "A JOURNEY of a thousand miles begins with a single step." I think that proverb is ascribed to one of the Chinese philosophers. So we have only started this part of the journey of our lives and have only taken a few steps down this new pathway which ultimately leads home for all of us who know the Lord has prepared a place for us in the Father`s house.

   LAST THURSDAY (9/8/11) I began chemotherapy treatments at Baylor`s Sammons Cancer Center which occupies a beautiful new 10 story building on the Baylor hospital campus. Upon it`s completion last spring I was looking forward to visiting to look over the facilities. This is definitely not what I had in mind, but I am becoming acquainted with it`s amenities. I am having 2 intravenous medications (infusions) once each 3 weeks for 9 weeks, and another medication is taken orally twice daily for 7 days, followed by 7 days off, followed  by 10 more days of taking the pills.The tenth week we are scheduled to return to MD Anderson for an evaluation to see what the results are.

   THESE ORAL PILLS looked as if they would be very difficult for me to swallow because of an obstruction in my upper esophagus. I had gotten to the place where I had to drink small amounts of water through a straw. Dear friends from every where sent word assuring me of prayer that I would be able to swallow what looked like miniature footballs to me. After chemo on Thursday afternoon, I split the first pill into quarters and got it down without too much trouble. So I tried just splitting the next 2 in half and got them down.

   THE NEXT MORNING it felt as if I could swallow better, so I took the whole tablets, and they went down fairly easily! I know that is an answer to all the prayers you have raised. Thank you all! Since that time I have been swallowing the pills whole, and swallowing food and liquid better.

   SUNDAY OUR GRANDSON Jordan was kind enough to drive me down to Stephenville for the service at First Baptist. I am still learning how to pace myself after "chemo". We had recognition of 9/11 and our local first responders, presented Bibles to 22 first graders, preached a brief sermon, and observed the Lord`s Supper. At the close I had begun to feel weak, and just went to the Pastor`s Study for a while before lunch. I really was not hungry at lunch, but I ate a side order of macaroni and cheese anyway, and began to feel much better. So I think I have learned something. If I will eat a little something all along , I will feel better.

   FIRST BAPTIST STEPHENVILLE is such a wonderful caring people. I could just feel their strength and support while I was trying to preach. During the invitation, folk were praying at the altar, a young university student surrendered her life for Christian ministry, and 2 fine families joined our fellowship. Thank You dear Lord for giving me strength to serve You these 80 years. May the Lord grant you strength for your journey!