The Next Chapter

It has been months since my last blog. I lost interest and became busy with other activities. Now it seems I have a new reason to share my thoughts with you. My wife Sharon and I began seeking a diagnosis for a medical problem I was experiencing in April and May. Finally after many weeks we discovered that I have lung cancer and according to my Doctor it is not curable. That will take the wind out of your sails and turn your life upside down. I will try to tell our story below and where we are today.

A few weeks ago we were given the news by our Doctor and you wonder how you will react? Sharon and I had that peace that passes all understanding encompass us in that office and we walked out together with a purpose to live for. The first thing I wanted to do was visit the local Barnes and Noble and buy a new Bible for this next chapter in our lives. My favorite Bible has been with me for over thirty years and is worn, coffee and tear stained and written in to the point that it can be difficult to read. I chose a Max Lucado study Bible that is broken down with daily readings and study notes. The very first day I began to read this Bible was July 10th. That day's reading included 1 Chronicles 16:12. This verse says "In the thirty-ninth year of his rule, Asa got a disease in his feet. Though this disease was very bad, he did not ask for help from the Lord, but only from the doctors. Then Asa died in the forty-first year of his rule." As has happened many times to me over the years I was blown away by this message from God. Of course Sharon and I and our friends visited with the Lord long before we talked with the doctors. We continue to seek His wisdom in all things and we know that our situation is in His hands.

I want to say that this trusting in God happened long before my cancer. I made up my mind many years ago that no matter what the situation I would trust God. This give us much comfort for what lies ahead. I will tell you that a million questions go through your mind as the news sinks in. The unknown can be scary, but I really wonder what I would do without the Lord Jesus sitting beside me holding me up. That would be very scary to face this situation without His strength.

I am very early in this journey and I know that unless the Lord intervenes there are some tough days ahead for us. Where I am trying to get to is the place where I value each and every day and utilize each day to it's fullest. The physical limitations are there but I am praying for strength to overcome these.

There are always more people to thank for help and you don't want to leave any out, but I especially want to thank Sharon for standing by me and also my family for always being there. Our friends at Church have been wonderful and we don't know how we would have made it without them. Finally the folks I work with have been there for us and we thank you and want you to know that we love you very much. As strength allows I will try to update this blog with any new thoughts or insights.