Update on Capt. Billy ("Dad" to Me)

For those who are still faithfully praying for my family and are awaiting an update on my Dad's health challenges following his December 19, 2013 cancer diagnosis, in "brief" here's where Dad is:

This past Tuesday, Capt. Billy, completed his 20-day stay at the rehab home, Sailors' Snug Harbor, where his physical therapy has been coming along slowly but surely. On the same day his second round of chemotherapy resumed. So, Dad is now back at our island home place and will be transported back and forth to town for chemo treatments while his physical therapy will continue in the home. 

At his recent oncology visit, Dad's diagnosis was reinterpreted. The new understanding initially took our breath away, as the doctor said he believes Dad's diagnosis is not Stage 1, as we were told in December. The updated diagnosis is believed now to be Stage 3, maybe even Stage 4.

We finally exhaled as we remembered that our God is not at all intimidated by even Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Dad's spirit is still strong as he also continues to tenderly and genuinely encourage everyone he encounters. 

More Good News: Dad's new cancer doctor is obviously an extreme believer in Jesus. He told Dad to pray for medical wisdom from on high as he treats Dad on this Jesus-led journey. The new doctor assured our family that while he will diligently attend to Dad's physical needs, he will pray for him fervently as well. He softly said to Dad, "I will care for you like I would my own Father."

Whew... I know I've shared a lot already, so let me bring this update to a pause.

I talked with Dad yesterday (the morning after his second round of chemotherapy that lasted for nine long hours). Dad slept well that night and said he really felt good. 

And as for Mom, Lady Melba? She's surely been nearly overwhelmed a few times, but told me this powerful information yesterday: "The Lord is our Comforter and Helper." Then, she added:  "I am learning to obey these words of Jesus: 'Don't worry about tomorrow.'"

Grateful 

"The Most Awesome of Gifts"

After spending the night in the ER with his wife, Lori, who was experiencing severe abdominal pain due to gall bladder complications, my brother Billy Joe, sent me this message this morning:

"When Jesus promised He would send the Comforter, He promised us the most awesome of Gifts."

What a wonderful message, and what an awesome reality. Even through long, dark nights of pain and suffering, the comfort our Lord promised is present and presiding in our lives.

Following my own physical challenges last week, while the pain for now has subsided mostly, I am still somewhat weak. This morning when my brother sent me those "SWEET 16" words above, it added new strength to my heart, mind, soul, and body.

Of course, my brother, is referring to the promise made by Jesus on the eve of His Crucifixion. In John 14:16-17, hear that promise for your own life:

^"16 And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; ¹⁷ Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." (KJV)

Thank you Father God, for Jesus, our Elder Brother, Who did not leave us as orphans but sent The Comforter, The Holy Spirit, to be with us and to live in us. Amen.

Grateful

If I Go, I Will Send Him To You

However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby, Paraclete) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you].
-- Words of Jesus in John 16:7 (Amplified Bible)

But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.
-- John 16:7 (NIV)

Holiness Unto the LORD!
Grateful

Wonderful, Merciful Savior

Tina, a voice from Heaven in our local church family, sings and recorded a song written and recorded by the contemporary group Selah. The words moved my heart so wonderfully recently that I listened to the song about five times in a row. May the lyrics inspire Your love for our Lord, today:

Wonderful, merciful Saviour, precious Redeemer and Friend.
Who would've thought that a Lamb could,
Rescue the souls of men.
Oh, You rescue the souls of men.

Counselor, Comforter, Keeper, Spirit we long to embrace.
You offer hope when our hearts have,
Hopelessly lost our way.
Oh, we've hopelessly lost the way.

CHORUS:
You are the One that we praise.
You are the One we adore.
You give the healing and grace,
Our hearts always hunger for.
Oh, our hearts always hunger for.

Almighty, infinite Father, faithfully loving Your own.
Here in our weakness You find us,
Falling before Your throne.
Oh, we're falling before Your throne.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful