At this point of treatment everything is going as planned. It does seem that my throat is not hurting as much right now and my voice is getting a little better. It doesn't seem to break up as much and seems to have lowered some.
Today I picked up the prescription cream for radiation treatment burn. I almost need a prescription for heart failure when I saw the price for the cream. lol
I wasn't going to get it but I was told at the treatment center that it will keep me from having scars from the radiation burn on my neck.
As I was walking out of the pharmacy with my high dollar scar preventor I started thinking about scars. I wonder if this will work on old scars. I have a few of them on my body. I doubt that will work. :)
I begin to think about scars that we have in our lives that are not physical. There are many today that have emotional scars. Scars from events in their life that many would say have, "Scared them for life."
Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a prescription cream we could buy that would erase those kind of scars. Many of these scars are self inflicted. Things we have done that we shouldn't have. Sins committed with the knowledge that what we were doing was sin and yet sinned anyway.
There is a prescription that can heal the hurts and even take away the scars. It did cost a lot more then the cream I bought. It cost the life of God's son. The good news is that Jesus paid the price.
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 that flow, that washes white as snow; no other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away, behold all things are become new. 2 Cor. 5:17.
Of course, to make the cream, I bought work, I have to apply it and follow the directions. For Jesus to take away the scars and pain you have to "apply" His word and follow the directions.
Blessings.
27 down and 6 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 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
The Journey 11/29/10
My wife, Marcia, and I had a great Thanksgiving with our sons and their families. I am back to treatments today through December 8th and then I am done.
We had great Sunday services yesterday. Today my throat and neck are sore and painful but as I was driving to the treatment center I thought, no amount of pain today can take from me what God did in my life yesterday and no amount of pain today can take away my hope for tomorrow.
Sometimes we let pain, whether it is physical, mental, emotional, financial or other rob us of what God is doing in our lives. I am not saying that God gives us pain, I am just saying that when pain comes we can either allow it to determine our attitude to either be good or bad.
Are you going through some kind of pain in your life? Could I just ask you today to not let it determine your outlook or attitude toward others. Sometimes we think because we have pain we have a "right" to be grouchy or mean when in reality we don't have that right. Christ in all His pain was able to say, "Father forgive them".
Now, I am not rejoicing because of the pain in my neck and the burning in my throat but I am rejoicing that "I've got something the world can't give and the world can't take it away". That something is salvation through Jesus Christ!
I encourage you today to press on, keep focused on the goal and live a life pleasing to Jesus.
Blessings...
26 down and 7 to go.
P.S. I do believe that my voice is getting better or maybe I should say stronger. It is still pretty raspy but it doesn't seem to break up as much as before.
We had great Sunday services yesterday. Today my throat and neck are sore and painful but as I was driving to the treatment center I thought, no amount of pain today can take from me what God did in my life yesterday and no amount of pain today can take away my hope for tomorrow.
Sometimes we let pain, whether it is physical, mental, emotional, financial or other rob us of what God is doing in our lives. I am not saying that God gives us pain, I am just saying that when pain comes we can either allow it to determine our attitude to either be good or bad.
Are you going through some kind of pain in your life? Could I just ask you today to not let it determine your outlook or attitude toward others. Sometimes we think because we have pain we have a "right" to be grouchy or mean when in reality we don't have that right. Christ in all His pain was able to say, "Father forgive them".
Now, I am not rejoicing because of the pain in my neck and the burning in my throat but I am rejoicing that "I've got something the world can't give and the world can't take it away". That something is salvation through Jesus Christ!
I encourage you today to press on, keep focused on the goal and live a life pleasing to Jesus.
Blessings...
26 down and 7 to go.
P.S. I do believe that my voice is getting better or maybe I should say stronger. It is still pretty raspy but it doesn't seem to break up as much as before.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The Journey 11/24/10
There is really not much to add today. I will get four days off from treatment. I had to get a stronger pain killer today. The other I got would only numb my throat and would last for about an hour.
I will try this stronger tonight and see if that helps me get better sleep. Since I very rarely take prescription medicine this may knock me out.
As I stood in line to get the stronger stuff. I was thinking about my walk with the Lord. I am thankful for the "stronger stuff" the Lord gives us.
When I am weak then I am made strong. How does that happen? He gives us the "stronger stuff" which is His Spirit to empower us.
It is in Him we live and move and have our being. He becomes our strength when we are weak. Have you ever said, "I don't know how I ever got through that?" We all have. It is with His strength that we make it and usually only when we look back do we recognize it.
I trust you will have a great Thanksgiving with family and friends and you will find Jesus Christ closer to you then ever before.
I will be back on Monday.
25 down and 8 to go.
I will try this stronger tonight and see if that helps me get better sleep. Since I very rarely take prescription medicine this may knock me out.
As I stood in line to get the stronger stuff. I was thinking about my walk with the Lord. I am thankful for the "stronger stuff" the Lord gives us.
When I am weak then I am made strong. How does that happen? He gives us the "stronger stuff" which is His Spirit to empower us.
It is in Him we live and move and have our being. He becomes our strength when we are weak. Have you ever said, "I don't know how I ever got through that?" We all have. It is with His strength that we make it and usually only when we look back do we recognize it.
I trust you will have a great Thanksgiving with family and friends and you will find Jesus Christ closer to you then ever before.
I will be back on Monday.
25 down and 8 to go.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The Journey 11/23/10
I am beginning to feel some of the results of radiation this week. There is a lot more pain and discomfort. It may be because I am on the second and final phase of radiation.
I went to the pharmacy yesterday to get the prescription to help ease the pain. I went back at the time I was told it would be ready. The pharmacist came out and told me that he was missing one ingredient. (This is a liquid substance that has to be mixed).
I should get it today. When he told me he was missing one ingredient I began wondering how many people are missing one ingredient in their life.
Many think today that if they have one more "thing" it will satisfy them only to find out after they have that "thing" for awhile; it did not produce any satisfaction but only a desire to have something bigger and better. So they are still missing that "one ingredient".
So many are pursing something to try and bring peace or joy or happiness and yet when they get what is being pursued there is still that unfulfilled void...the missing ingredient.
That one missing ingredient is a surrendered life to Jesus Christ. There is nothing in this life that can fill the area of our lives that only Jesus Christ can.
I think the song "Only Jesus Can Satisfy Your Soul" says it best.
Is there a missing ingredient in your life? Are you trying to find fulfillment outside of Jesus Christ? I can assure you that it won't happen until you allow Jesus Christ to come into your life, by faith.
Today, place your faith and trust in Him. He, and He alone can fill the longing in your life.
Blessings.
24 down and 9 to go.
I went to the pharmacy yesterday to get the prescription to help ease the pain. I went back at the time I was told it would be ready. The pharmacist came out and told me that he was missing one ingredient. (This is a liquid substance that has to be mixed).
I should get it today. When he told me he was missing one ingredient I began wondering how many people are missing one ingredient in their life.
Many think today that if they have one more "thing" it will satisfy them only to find out after they have that "thing" for awhile; it did not produce any satisfaction but only a desire to have something bigger and better. So they are still missing that "one ingredient".
So many are pursing something to try and bring peace or joy or happiness and yet when they get what is being pursued there is still that unfulfilled void...the missing ingredient.
That one missing ingredient is a surrendered life to Jesus Christ. There is nothing in this life that can fill the area of our lives that only Jesus Christ can.
I think the song "Only Jesus Can Satisfy Your Soul" says it best.
Is there a missing ingredient in your life? Are you trying to find fulfillment outside of Jesus Christ? I can assure you that it won't happen until you allow Jesus Christ to come into your life, by faith.
Today, place your faith and trust in Him. He, and He alone can fill the longing in your life.
Blessings.
24 down and 9 to go.
Friday, November 19, 2010
The Journey 11/19/10
Today I didn't have any treatment. I thought I would post this video of a treatment. (Bottom of post) When you hear the buzzer sound that is when the radiation is being administered. You can see the sign on the wall (top right of room) light up when the radiation is being given.
The video is a little choppy because I edit out anyone else in the room prior to and after the treatment.
I guess you could say this video is rated R for Radiation. I have eleven more treatments and then I am done.
Once again I want to say how thankful I am for the congregation I pastor. They are a great part of the family of God.
Blessings.
The video is a little choppy because I edit out anyone else in the room prior to and after the treatment.
I guess you could say this video is rated R for Radiation. I have eleven more treatments and then I am done.
Once again I want to say how thankful I am for the congregation I pastor. They are a great part of the family of God.
Blessings.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The Journey 11/18/10
Today extra x-rays were taken. The reason is, starting next week they are going to narrow the beam and pin point the tumor. It has, no doubt, shrunk and that may be the reason for the readjustment.
I will not have any treatment tomorrow. The doctor wants to give my neck and throat a little extra time to recover. I will only have three treatments next week and be off four days for Thanksgiving. (I may have to drink Thanksgiving dinner). He told me today that I only have eleven more treatments to take so that has been reduced from 35 to 33.
The doctor thought my voice sounded better today. I don't know if he was convinced of that or just trying to convince me.
When they told me today that they were going to pin point and narrow the radiation this thought came to me. So many times we pray shotgun prayers. And at times that may not be a bad thing but when it comes to our own lives the shotgun prayer may need to be readjusted.
Have you have heard someone pray, "Lord, if I have wronged someone, or if I have done anything wrong, forgive me". I call that a shotgun prayer. Most of the time that prayer is being prayed because the person praying it is going through some difficulties and they are trying to cover all areas.
I don't know about you, but I usually don't have to pray "if" I have done something. The Holy Spirit is such a helpful friend that He will let you know when you have done something wrong and if you listen closely to Him, He will let you know when you are about to do something wrong.
But we pray that prayer because it takes responsibility from us and we figure if God doesn't tell us then we must be OK. We need to zero in (pin piont) those areas of our lives where we know we need to change because His word instructs us and then make the changes.
There is a reason the radiation treatment is being pin pointed. It is time to attack the tumor head on and not just in the general area.
Perhaps it is time to attack the problem areas of our lives head on, just as David faced Goliath, and deal with those areas. Tell Him, "Lord, here is the problem in my life, cleanse me." Once we pray "cleanse me" then we can pray "use me".
I realize none of us are perfect but that is no excuse for just praying "shotgun prayers" when in our heart we know where we need to "zero in".
Blessings.
22 down and 11 to go.
I will not have any treatment tomorrow. The doctor wants to give my neck and throat a little extra time to recover. I will only have three treatments next week and be off four days for Thanksgiving. (I may have to drink Thanksgiving dinner). He told me today that I only have eleven more treatments to take so that has been reduced from 35 to 33.
The doctor thought my voice sounded better today. I don't know if he was convinced of that or just trying to convince me.
When they told me today that they were going to pin point and narrow the radiation this thought came to me. So many times we pray shotgun prayers. And at times that may not be a bad thing but when it comes to our own lives the shotgun prayer may need to be readjusted.
Have you have heard someone pray, "Lord, if I have wronged someone, or if I have done anything wrong, forgive me". I call that a shotgun prayer. Most of the time that prayer is being prayed because the person praying it is going through some difficulties and they are trying to cover all areas.
I don't know about you, but I usually don't have to pray "if" I have done something. The Holy Spirit is such a helpful friend that He will let you know when you have done something wrong and if you listen closely to Him, He will let you know when you are about to do something wrong.
But we pray that prayer because it takes responsibility from us and we figure if God doesn't tell us then we must be OK. We need to zero in (pin piont) those areas of our lives where we know we need to change because His word instructs us and then make the changes.
There is a reason the radiation treatment is being pin pointed. It is time to attack the tumor head on and not just in the general area.
Perhaps it is time to attack the problem areas of our lives head on, just as David faced Goliath, and deal with those areas. Tell Him, "Lord, here is the problem in my life, cleanse me." Once we pray "cleanse me" then we can pray "use me".
I realize none of us are perfect but that is no excuse for just praying "shotgun prayers" when in our heart we know where we need to "zero in".
Blessings.
22 down and 11 to go.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
The Journey 11/17/10
Not really much to report today. I guess I could call it "just routine" or "same oh, same oh". There is the feeling of being tethered to the hospital but that is to be expected since it is everyday, five days a week.
As I was driving to the treatment center today I was thinking about the thought of "just routine". Isn't that about the way our life is. Most people go to bed at the same time, get up at the same time, go to the same job, do the same work, come home at the same time and the list could go on and on.
To many life is not "just routine" but it has become "mundane". Talk to most students today and regardless of their age they have one phrase that is used a lot, "I'm bored".
I suppose with this treatment going the same time each day is a good thing. It helps me not to forget or wonder what time do I have to be there.
Let me ask this question. "Has your life become mundane, boring or just routine?" That can be changed. Jesus said, "I have come to give you life and that more abundantly". That doesn't mean you will be bouncing off the wall every day or there will be some great new adventure every day but it does mean that He can help you see many opportunities that could be missed. The neighbor that looks a little more tired then usual, the co-worker that asks a little different question today, a spouse that seems more distant then usual. There are opportunities each day to build relationships, strengthen relationships, mend relationships but will all go unmissed if we are "just routinely" going through the day or we are "bored".
Are you caught up with your own situation or difficulties to the point where that is all you can see? If that is the case ask Jesus to open your eyes to those around you.
Yes, it was just another routine day of treatment but it won't be a routine day in serving Him. There are always opportunities to break us free from the mundane.
Tonight we will be serving a Thanksgiving dinner to almost 200 people. Ministry is never boring or just routine or mundane.
Blessings.
21 down and 14 to go.
As I was driving to the treatment center today I was thinking about the thought of "just routine". Isn't that about the way our life is. Most people go to bed at the same time, get up at the same time, go to the same job, do the same work, come home at the same time and the list could go on and on.
To many life is not "just routine" but it has become "mundane". Talk to most students today and regardless of their age they have one phrase that is used a lot, "I'm bored".
I suppose with this treatment going the same time each day is a good thing. It helps me not to forget or wonder what time do I have to be there.
Let me ask this question. "Has your life become mundane, boring or just routine?" That can be changed. Jesus said, "I have come to give you life and that more abundantly". That doesn't mean you will be bouncing off the wall every day or there will be some great new adventure every day but it does mean that He can help you see many opportunities that could be missed. The neighbor that looks a little more tired then usual, the co-worker that asks a little different question today, a spouse that seems more distant then usual. There are opportunities each day to build relationships, strengthen relationships, mend relationships but will all go unmissed if we are "just routinely" going through the day or we are "bored".
Are you caught up with your own situation or difficulties to the point where that is all you can see? If that is the case ask Jesus to open your eyes to those around you.
Yes, it was just another routine day of treatment but it won't be a routine day in serving Him. There are always opportunities to break us free from the mundane.
Tonight we will be serving a Thanksgiving dinner to almost 200 people. Ministry is never boring or just routine or mundane.
Blessings.
21 down and 14 to go.
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