Yep, I’ll be preaching this Sunday…
Filed in NHL | Comments (4)Journal,
The Lord put on my heart concerning the trip to MD Anderson, that I was to ‘expect the unexpected.’ Well, it happened. Anderson originally told us I that I should expect to be there from seven to ten working days for evaluation. (About two weeks.) I was there only two days. (Tuesday and Wednesday, 14th & 15th) Totally unexpected.
My next appointment is for August 28th. Received a call this morning that I would also meet with the stem cell doctor on that day. Actually that was why Dr. Halawani at Cabrini sent me to MD Anderson. He said that a stem cell transplantation would be an option.
The one thing that gives pause to each of my doctors is that I do not have any of the symptoms that normally go with CLL. Not only was my doctor at Cabrini surprised, but the doctor at MD Anderson wanted to do his own additional testings. They are also requesting from the VA Hospital in Pineville, my bone marrow results from 2000. (This was when I was first diagnosed with NHL.)
All I can say is that MD Anderson is some hospital. In fact Anderson is the number one cancer treatment and research hospital in the nation. They have over 16,000 employees. The atmosphere is so positive. Everyone is super friendly. Over all it was a pleasant experience. Course some of the tests weren’t pleasant. : )
My doctor is Sattva Neelapu. He is a well-published lyphoma & myeloma specialist. The Lord has certainly placed me in capable hands. Here is an MD Anderson write up on Dr. Neelapu.
Another great plus of the trip is that Nathan was able to be with us the whole time. What a blessing. He and Betty were with me for every test and for my meetings with the doctor and others. Nathan was like a mother hen in seeing that all the bases were covered.
And all the bases have been covered at home. My kids are keeping a very close eye on things. Andre and Judy will care for CJ during my sojournes at MD Anderson. Shana keeps posted via telephone.
And naturally my three sisters are constantly keeping up with everything. In fact I’ve had so much love flowing my direction that it simply melts my heart. A number of churches have me on their prayer lists. Even the Pineville city council had prayer for me this past Tuesday.
Yes, I will be ministering this Sunday morning. Nathan and Lori are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary so I’ll fill in for him.
For those interesting I’ll be ministering on the subject, ‘This is the way, walk in it.’ The title comes from Isaiah 30:21. However my text will be from Ephesians 3:14-21, which reads:
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”
Notice that I highlighted ‘Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.’ This is where the expect the unexpected comes in.
What I will be sharing Sunday morning is the secret of true faith. Many people don’t realize that true faith has little to do with what others may be saying to you. The true faith walk has altogether to do with what Jesus is speaking into your life.
This is what Paul was explaining, when he said, “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and of going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Phil4:12,13)
I was 24 years old when the Lord called me to the gospel ministry. I will soon be 67. Over these many years I have truly learned the secret of a strong faith walk. And it all comes back to the word ‘personal.’
God planned for our walk with Him to be very personal. How can you have a personal relationship with someone who never speaks into your life? So there you have it. My entire walk with Jesus has revolved around Him speaking into my life. From the very moment that Jesus said, ‘Have I been with you so long, Buddy, and you don’t know who I am,’ to this very day, I have lived my life around a personal walk with Jesus.
The way Jesus infuses strength into His people is by speaking into their lives. So when Jesus said to me, ‘Expect the unexpected,’ I knew at that moment there was no reason for me to be concerned with what the future may hold. And whatever the case may be, Jesus is there saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it.’
Well, what can I add? We had our regular Thursday luncheon with the kids. That is always a highlight of the week for us.
Had thought I’d leave CJ with Andre, but I got lonesome for my buddy. Picked him up yesterday evening. The General is asleep right now at my side. He did not much appreciate me leaving him behind. But things worked out pretty well. CJ had a good friend to pal up with. Wilson is Judy and Andre’s dog. They got along just fine.
Oh yeah. One other thing. While in Houston we got to visit with Reza and Karen, Betty’s sister. In fact they took us out for Persian food Tuesday evening. What a treat. (I’ve always had a special love for Betty’s family.)
Ok, I’m through for now.
Much more love coming your way,
Buddy
