The Lord continues to watch over me

2/17/2010
I wish to share with my readers some thoughts and evidences of how God continues to bless me. On Friday, 2/12/2010, Joanne & I were headed to Salt Lake City for my chemo appointment. For once we had left early enough that we didn't need to rush. In the small town of Roosevelt the highway widens to 4 lanes. Traffic was very heavy in both directions with the lanes filled with vehicles. Jo had chosen to be in the outside lane as we approached the last stop light. For some unknown reason the driver of a beefed up pickup next to us in the inside lane decided that his pickup needed to occupy the same space as Jo's Camery. Being as he was on his cell phone I'm sure that all of his limited intelligence was focused on his driving. None the less he didn't respond to Jo's continued horn honking.

Jo had 2 options as one might expect. The option of letting him run over us didn't appeal to her so she went to the right to let the beast have his way. Our right front tire did not care for that option as it was destroyed when it hit the curb. We were able to drive to the parking lot on the other side of the curb to change the tire.

Now for the blessings. 1) Neither our car or us were hurt. 2) If this had happened further down the road we would have had a barrow pit to escape to which could have resulted in a roll over. 3) I had a nice safe level location to change the tire in. 4) The spare tire had some air in it. 5) I had the strength and tools to change the tire. 6) I didn't feel confident about how the lugs fitted the spare and wanted to get a tire to put onto the undamaged wheel. 2 blocks away was a tire store that honored the warranty on the damaged tire. In an hour we were on our way. 6) We were able to complete my last infusion before the nurses shift ended. 7) Jo didn't receive a ticket when she flew by the Highway patrolman going the other direction. Everything worked out just fine.
This is just an example of how the Lord watches out for us, even in small things.

As I mentioned this was my last infusion for now. Unless the spirit dictates otherwise I will follow another course starting next week. The doctors have told me that the chemo would only work for a while then something else would have to be done. They also agreed that we would have to find a way for my body to beat my cancer if I were to live.

Many people during the past 2 weeks have commented on how much my color has improved. I never noticed myself, but it must be significant as even a teenage boy mentioned it. I know that I am gaining weight now and feeling stronger. I am even having trouble sleeping. In the past I may not have slept due to pain, but now it seems to be due to too much energy or getting my mind to shut up.

There may be some who may question my sanity. They may be right. Even though I have had little trouble with the chemo compared to many others, it is still a poison and one more Challenge that my body has to overcome. For instance I must take twice as much Essiac Tea as normally needed to compensate for the poison and its affects on my body. I am totally convinced that the Good Lord has given His children the tools/foods/herbs/etc. to prevent disease and to heal illnesses if we will only seek them out. And like the lepers from the bible we need to give Him thanks for them and His loving kindness. Like Him we then share what we know with the sick and the afflicted. I know this is the within the circle of life.

To finish my blog I would like to share a letter that I received from a new friend that I made in Mexico and my recent reply to her.

Hi Gordon

I don't understand why the doctors would not want you to take something like the Jus ( A proprietary mixture of 23 high anti-oxidant juices) while you are going through the treatments- people here that we know are taking around 3 oz/day during treatments (1 oz. morning, noon, and night), and doing well, claiming that it is helping to lower their counts, and giving them more energy. I read through the pamphlet that you gave me about the essiac tea (we even met someone else in Cabo that has heard about it, and said it was very good), but from what I could tell, it seems to be more for detoxification, so I would think that your body would need something that would help build it back up, and restore cells to health during all the treatments you are going through. My father juiced extensively, and ate "live" (unprocessed) foods even though the doctor had told him to eat a "bland" diet (oatmeal, toast, etc.), and he felt and looked great throughout his chemo treatments. My mom had discovered a book called, "A Cancer Battle Plan" that really encouraged them, and presented ways the author found success in fighting cancer that was rampant throughout her body. (It involved intense detoxification, and rebuilding through juicing, vitamins, and other things). If you are interested, email me your home address, and I would be happy to have a copy sent to you. All I know is what I saw my dad go through, and what others have told me that seemed to work for them.
Keep trusting, Gordon! Don't ever give up, and try to keep hopeful, and as positive an attitude as possible (easy for me to say!). My folks also read the "Chicken Soup for the Soul with Cancer" book, and it really helped encourage them as well. I have also heard of people that kept a journal during their cancer ordeal, and how their words have ministered to family members and others that are in the same situation. I know that God will continue to use you in every person's life that He brings your way, as He has in ours! I hope that we can stay in touch, as we would love to follow your journey, and of course, we will continue to pray and trust God for your healing.

Did you say that your family was going on another vacation soon? I hope you will be feeling much better by then!

Blessings to you and your family,

Lori

Thanks so much for the email- so sorry to hear that you are not feeling well since returning from Mexico. Meeting you and your family there really blessed our hearts, and we have been holding you all up in our prayers ever since. I can't even begin to imagine what your life has been like this past year, but will pray that our Heavenly Father will surround you all with His love and peace, and that He will remove the pain that you have been experiencing.

Dear Lori.

I just received the books today. I started reading "Cancer Battle Plan". I had a feeling come over me like the Holy Spirit was telling me that this book was an answer to my prayers. I had tears come to my eyes and a joy in my heart. I feel that what is contained therein will help lead me in my battle to overcome cancer.

My color and energy levels have been better & I have gained some weight. The pain, though not significant has been reminding me that I am still sick. The books have come at a time when my hope was starting to wain. Constant pain can do that. I feel like I am now at the point of starting phase 2 of this battle. I have been doing a lot of research into the nutritional side of my battle. There are so many products and ideas out there. I have no doubt but what I will be led to find the ones that are correct for me!

The title of your bible study book reminds me of a book that I read a while back, called, "Believing Christ". All too often many of us do not really believe what the scriptures tell us when it concerns our own selves. We seem to think that it applies to everyone else but not us. I am convinced more than ever that the Lord truly means what He says. I have seen too many evidences in my life these past 4 months to doubt.

I know that both of our families had to be in Cabo at the same time at the same time so that we could meet. IT WAS NO COINCIDENCE! Our Heavenly Father is definitely interested in each one of us as an individual. He will lead us in the paths that we should follow if we will only listen and follow. I know that He has spared me so far so that I can testify to others of His everlasting goodness, mercy and kindness.

Thanks so much for the books and your letters. I hope that you can feel in your heart how much I love and appreciate you for what you have done for a "stranger".
I am grateful for what I have learned from this cancer experience. Coming to know that Our Lord loves me as an individual and that He blesses me as a unique person is truly priceless. I hope that others will come to know that as well as we share our life's experiences on with another.