I think you have to always realize "it's not over until it's over" when you are involved in a process that takes time. I am in the third week of treatment and still have four weeks to go. Right now it seems like four years to go but I know it will go by faster then it seems it is right now.
I am really not experiencing much discomfort other then when I swallow and my neck does itch and, of course, I was told not to scratch it. I think that makes it itch even more.
What is it that you are wanting God to hurry up and get done? There is an old song that goes like this: "You can't hurry God, you just have to wait, you have to trust Him and give Him time no matter how long it takes. He's a God that you can't hurry but He'll be there so don't your worry. He may not come when you want Him but He's right on time."
We must always remember that He hears us when we pray but there are times that the answer is delayed. I think of Daniel when he prayed. Twenty-one days later his answer arrived, but it was sent the moment he prayed. What was the delay? In this case the forces of darkness were trying to keep it from happening. God sent another angel (Michael) to help get the answer through.
Waiting is never easy. We live in a "want it now world". Most of the stuff we want fixed "right now" didn't break or get messed up over night. Just like this cancer on my vocal cord; it didn't get this way over night.
Trust God....that is not a Christian cliche but it is the Word of God. Psalms 4:5 says to put your trust in the Lord.
Can you trust Him with everything that is going on in your life? Trust that He will bring you through? Trust that He is in control?
I want to encourage you today to continue to trust in Him and keep your faith in Him.
Blessings.
15 down and 20 to go
This is the Journey of Pastor Rick Stratton's discovery of vocal cord cancer, treatment, recovery and on. My prayer for you today is that you will be blessed and victorious. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because, greater is He that is in you, then he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
The Journey 11/8/10
I am in my third week of treatment. Everything seems to be going OK. I still don't seem to have any strength in my voice, although, yesterday I felt it was better while I preached. I am still trying not to talk much through the week. It is almost impossible not to talk at all.
My neck is getting a little more sun burned looking but so far my neck does not hurt. It is still a little difficult to swallow but not near as bad as it was a few days ago.
Today there was a lady at the treatment center that had her last treatment. There is a bell to ring when you are at the end of your treatment and everyone there makes it a pretty big deal on that day. I rejoice with her. I think I heard them say she had caner in her lungs.
I was thinking after I heard that bell that there is going to be another sound one day soon. It will be a sound that will signal the end as well.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
What a great, final day that will be. The Lord himself is going to call for that sound. I trust you are ready for that day.
As I was driving to the hospital today on highway 161 (the way I always go) I drove past the Kapp's house.
I thought as I drove past, "Roger and Tammy are praying for me". I realize that there are many people in the church and around this state that are doing the same, but when I saw their house it hit me, the realization of all those that are praying for me.
Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. What a blessing to know that there are others helping to carry the load. I personally don't think that "to bear one another's burdens" means that we carry them around with us, I think it means that we take them to God in prayer. We are told in His word to pray one for another.
You will never know the impact you have on another person's life when you pray for them.
Blessings.
14 down and 21 to go
My neck is getting a little more sun burned looking but so far my neck does not hurt. It is still a little difficult to swallow but not near as bad as it was a few days ago.
Today there was a lady at the treatment center that had her last treatment. There is a bell to ring when you are at the end of your treatment and everyone there makes it a pretty big deal on that day. I rejoice with her. I think I heard them say she had caner in her lungs.
I was thinking after I heard that bell that there is going to be another sound one day soon. It will be a sound that will signal the end as well.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
What a great, final day that will be. The Lord himself is going to call for that sound. I trust you are ready for that day.
As I was driving to the hospital today on highway 161 (the way I always go) I drove past the Kapp's house.
I thought as I drove past, "Roger and Tammy are praying for me". I realize that there are many people in the church and around this state that are doing the same, but when I saw their house it hit me, the realization of all those that are praying for me.
Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. What a blessing to know that there are others helping to carry the load. I personally don't think that "to bear one another's burdens" means that we carry them around with us, I think it means that we take them to God in prayer. We are told in His word to pray one for another.
You will never know the impact you have on another person's life when you pray for them.
Blessings.
14 down and 21 to go
Friday, November 5, 2010
The Journey 11/5/10
I want to thank everyone for your prayers. I have noticed a difference, for the good, when I swallow.
After treatment today I saw the doctor. He seems to be encouraged with the progress to this point. He did tell me once again, not to talk to much. He said the redness on the outside of my neck is the same as what is happening on the inside of my neck. I can understand the little discomfort in swallowing.
He went on to tell me that my blood reports are very good. He checked off each number as he indicated how good it was.
Blood...it almost tells about everything that is going on in your body. David said in Psalms 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
I will never figure out how anyone can say we evolved. We are fearfully and wonderfully MADE.
When the doctor was talking about my blood I began to think about His (Jesus') blood. It was perfect. His would past every blood test. There was no sickness, sin, disease in it. Blood pressure perfect. Cholesterol count perfect. Hemoglobin perfect. Red and while blood cell count perfect, and the list could go on and on.
His blood was the only blood that could be spilled for our sins. Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
That "for many" includes you and me. I love the song that says, "What can wash away my sins, nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again, nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh precious is the flow that washes white as snow, no other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus."
Have you allowed His blood, by faith, to wash away your sins. He is ready, willing and able to do that the moment you call on Him.
I am thankful for what all the doctors and technology can do today but that part of the song rings true to me. "What can make me whole again, NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS."
The doctor told me on day one that he can only do so much and the rest is in God's hands. I told him that it is ALL in God's hands.
Do a blood check today...Oh yes, oh yes, I'm a child of the King, His royal blood now flows in my veins........
Blessings.
13 down and 22 to go
After treatment today I saw the doctor. He seems to be encouraged with the progress to this point. He did tell me once again, not to talk to much. He said the redness on the outside of my neck is the same as what is happening on the inside of my neck. I can understand the little discomfort in swallowing.
He went on to tell me that my blood reports are very good. He checked off each number as he indicated how good it was.
Blood...it almost tells about everything that is going on in your body. David said in Psalms 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
I will never figure out how anyone can say we evolved. We are fearfully and wonderfully MADE.
When the doctor was talking about my blood I began to think about His (Jesus') blood. It was perfect. His would past every blood test. There was no sickness, sin, disease in it. Blood pressure perfect. Cholesterol count perfect. Hemoglobin perfect. Red and while blood cell count perfect, and the list could go on and on.
His blood was the only blood that could be spilled for our sins. Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
That "for many" includes you and me. I love the song that says, "What can wash away my sins, nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again, nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh precious is the flow that washes white as snow, no other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus."
Have you allowed His blood, by faith, to wash away your sins. He is ready, willing and able to do that the moment you call on Him.
I am thankful for what all the doctors and technology can do today but that part of the song rings true to me. "What can make me whole again, NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS."
The doctor told me on day one that he can only do so much and the rest is in God's hands. I told him that it is ALL in God's hands.
Do a blood check today...Oh yes, oh yes, I'm a child of the King, His royal blood now flows in my veins........
Blessings.
13 down and 22 to go
Thursday, November 4, 2010
The Journey 11/4/10
They say a picture says a thousand words so I figured a video would say more.(Bottom of post) I am sad that I have lost my hair. Of course, I lost that years ago. lol
You really don't know how much you use your voice until it is a strain to use it. I guess it is like everything else in life. We don't appreciate what we have until we don't have it. I am grateful that I can still preach on Sunday mornings and I am thankful for a good microphone. Most of all I am thankful for a congregation that will endure the raspy voice.
Most the time I am asked, "How are you doing?" I am doing OK but at times it gets frustrating not being able to speak clearly or a little over a whisper.
I guess there are a lot of things in life that can frustrate us and usually it is because something is not going our way. I think a lot of times frustrations could be a form of selfishness. Even with my voice, "it is not going my way" could run true there.
Sometimes we just have to take a deep breath and realize He is in control and He is not frustrated at all and He sees the beginning and THE END. He knows when this will all end, and since He does I am going to do as His word says and Lean not on my own understanding but in all my ways I am going to acknowledge Him.
I want to encourage you today to appreciate what you have. Appreciate your family, your spouse, your children, your parents, your job, your church, your friends.
David tells us to "Let everything that hath breath Praise the Lord". Are you breathing? Then praise the Lord. Yes, life can be frusturating but it can also be exciting when you are a believer in Jesus Christ and are trusting Him with your life.
Blessings.
12 down and 23 to go.
You really don't know how much you use your voice until it is a strain to use it. I guess it is like everything else in life. We don't appreciate what we have until we don't have it. I am grateful that I can still preach on Sunday mornings and I am thankful for a good microphone. Most of all I am thankful for a congregation that will endure the raspy voice.
Most the time I am asked, "How are you doing?" I am doing OK but at times it gets frustrating not being able to speak clearly or a little over a whisper.
I guess there are a lot of things in life that can frustrate us and usually it is because something is not going our way. I think a lot of times frustrations could be a form of selfishness. Even with my voice, "it is not going my way" could run true there.
Sometimes we just have to take a deep breath and realize He is in control and He is not frustrated at all and He sees the beginning and THE END. He knows when this will all end, and since He does I am going to do as His word says and Lean not on my own understanding but in all my ways I am going to acknowledge Him.
I want to encourage you today to appreciate what you have. Appreciate your family, your spouse, your children, your parents, your job, your church, your friends.
David tells us to "Let everything that hath breath Praise the Lord". Are you breathing? Then praise the Lord. Yes, life can be frusturating but it can also be exciting when you are a believer in Jesus Christ and are trusting Him with your life.
Blessings.
12 down and 23 to go.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The Journey 11/3/10
Psalms 61:2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
What a great scripture! Today when I went for treatment I was feeling overwhelmed. The last couple of days my throat has begun to hurt and it is difficult to swallow. I am trusting the Lord that this will pass quickly but as I said, today I was feeling overwhelmed.
Praise God there is a place to go when that happens. To the ROCK that is higher than I. Of course, that Rock is Jesus.
Sometimes when others tell us of something they are walking through we sometimes think, "Is that all?", but in reality, it doesn't matter the size of the giant because it will always seem bigger then us. To you it may look small but to the person facing it, it is big.
I believe that is why we are to, "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep". In doing so, that keeps us from judging each other in our reaction to what we are facing.
Is there something today that is overwhelming you? It may be a bill, sickness, marriage difficulties, school, job. The list could be endless. The devil will try and make a giant out of anything to get you overwhelmed.
Take a moment today and thank Jesus for being bigger then anything you will ever face. He wants to be your "rock and sling" as you face your giant.
Let the words of David, as he faced Goliath, ring in your heart today....1 Samuel 17:44-47 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord 's, and he will give you into our hands.
Whatever is overwhelming you today, be encouraged, the battle is the Lord's.
Blessings,
11 down and 24 to go
What a great scripture! Today when I went for treatment I was feeling overwhelmed. The last couple of days my throat has begun to hurt and it is difficult to swallow. I am trusting the Lord that this will pass quickly but as I said, today I was feeling overwhelmed.
Praise God there is a place to go when that happens. To the ROCK that is higher than I. Of course, that Rock is Jesus.
Sometimes when others tell us of something they are walking through we sometimes think, "Is that all?", but in reality, it doesn't matter the size of the giant because it will always seem bigger then us. To you it may look small but to the person facing it, it is big.
I believe that is why we are to, "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep". In doing so, that keeps us from judging each other in our reaction to what we are facing.
Is there something today that is overwhelming you? It may be a bill, sickness, marriage difficulties, school, job. The list could be endless. The devil will try and make a giant out of anything to get you overwhelmed.
Take a moment today and thank Jesus for being bigger then anything you will ever face. He wants to be your "rock and sling" as you face your giant.
Let the words of David, as he faced Goliath, ring in your heart today....1 Samuel 17:44-47 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord 's, and he will give you into our hands.
Whatever is overwhelming you today, be encouraged, the battle is the Lord's.
Blessings,
11 down and 24 to go
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
The Journey 11/2/10
This is the radiation machine. I lay on the table and it swings from one side to the other. There is a special designed plate with my name on it that is used for the treatment. It runs about 13 seconds on each side.
I have begun to notice that it is a little uncomfortable now to swallow. That is one of the effects of treatment. That should go away after the treatment is over.
I wonder if I will have to have Thanksgiving dinner via a blender. Maybe I will have to have baby food jars of turkey, green beans, sweet potatoes...you get the drift. LOL
It sometimes is hard to swallow just a drink of water. It doesn't really hurt in the sense of pain but it is uncomfortable.
I can at least pick and chose which kinds of food I want to eat based on the ability to swallow them with the least discomfort.
Too many times we find those who want to also pick and choose what they will believe from the Bible based on what will or will not cause discomfort. With physical food I can choose, with spiritual food (the Bible) I can't. I have to eat what is placed before me from Him. Of course, what He gives us is for our best interest.
What has He placed before you that you heartily eat and what has He placed before you that you want to ignore or pass on? We can't have it both ways. Think of the things that we have said we don't need to do that He has said in His word we do need to do. Or, on the other hand, the things He has said in His word we should not do that we go ahead and do anyway.
Have you ever said or heard the phrase, "That is hard to swallow". Most of the time that phrase means, "I can't hardly believe that." There are a lot of things in life that are "hard to swallow" or are a little bit "unbelievable".
Here is something that is "believable and able to swallow" because His word says it.
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE. JOHN 3:16
You can chew up "what I say" and spit out what you determine "I said" is hard to swallow, but we can not pick and choose what we want to swallow when it comes to what He says in His word.
David wrote this in Psalms 119:103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea sweeter then honey to my mouth!
The old song says it best. Come and Dine the Master calleth, Come and Dine. You may feast at Jesus table all the time. He who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine. To the hungry calleth now Come and Dine.
He has invited us all to come to His table to eat and it is all good for us. Pull up a chair....
Blessings.
10 down and 25 to go
Monday, November 1, 2010
The Journey 11/1/10
Monday is blood day. The picture is my right arm that turned black and blue after I gave some blood. Usually I never feel much pain when blood is drawn but this time, it hurt! (I think the nurse was smiling.) lol
I wanted to get a video of the actual machine during treatment but the nurse said she would rather I didn't. She said that the high radiation can also mess up electronics. I asked her, "Then what is it doing to me?" She said, "What it is supposed to do." I thought that was a pretty good answer.
I was thinking about the little vial of blood they draw from my arm each Monday. It is really not that much. Then I began to think about the blood Jesus gave for the world. All of it. A small needle in my arm by someone not wanting to inflict any pain and a large spike in His hands by someone who wanted to inflict as much pain as possible.
As I left today I was thanking Jesus for all He has done for me, but mostly for shedding His blood on Calvary so that I could be born again.
Are you experiencing a little pain today. Stop for a moment and think of the pain He bore for you. Perspective is so important as we walk through this life.
What was it one man said? I complained I had no shoes until I saw a man that had no feet.
The nurse told me she was sorry. I told her not to worry about it, it will be OK. One of my favorite portions of scripture in the Bible is, "And it came to pass". There are some things that will come but hang on, they will pass. Weeping is but for the night, joy comes in the morning.
Blessings.
9 down and 26 to go
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