Labor Day Prayer

Lord,

Thank you for your grace which won’t let go, even when we face problems that won’t go away!

Amen.

I borrowed this prayer from Pastor Stan Buck. He is the Senior Pastor at the church where Logan (my grandson) attends Preschool. When I read his blog, I sometimes feel like I'm reading my story. We have never met, but we have way too much in common (diagnosis, treatments, ongoing MRI follow-ups, etc.)

If you think about it, say a prayer for Stan...

Round 3

The dreaded rash returned again last evening. While it is more intense than the second time (July), it is not as bad as the first time (May). While I can't be sure until I see the doctor later this month for my monthly check up, I suspect my partnership with Temodar (chemo pill) could cease.

What then? I don't know. I do know that when I began this journey, God gave me a verse/promise: "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Standing on His Promises!

P.S. Happy Birthday, Dad (Ray Eakins)!

P.S.S. - 08/11/11

To correct my previous statement, this allergic reaction is by far the worst of the three. The rash even creeped up my neck to my face and all over my head. At one point, my eyes were half swollen shut. It also resulted in a fat ole lip. I keep waiting for the steroids to kick in.

While the itching isn't painful, it can become agonizing. I am just keep praying with each day, it becomes a little more bearable.

"Great Is Thy Faithfulness"

Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.

The author of this hymn, Thomas Obediah Chisholm, wrote these words based on Lamentations 3:22-23.

"His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."

As many hymns are, Thomas admits there was no dramatic story behind his writing these words. While serving the Lord in Vineland, NJ, Thomas sent several poems to his friend, musician William Runyan, who was so moved by this one that he prayed earnestly for special guidance in composing the music.

As we sang this song this past Sunday morning in church, I could not help but reflect how God has been with me every day of this journey. He gives me strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow; Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Now for my health report. I did have another allergic reaction this month (2.5 days vs. 5 days two months ago). I saw the doctor this morning for my monthly check up. Since the reaction wasn't as intense, we will try Temodar, again, in August and see what happens. He also proposed the theory of sun exposure, along with taking the Temodar being a possible cause.

He had the MRI report from Friday. As compared to my MRIs in December and March, there is complete stability.....no change!

Take time to reflect on the new mercies He gives EVERY day...

Rainbow

Randy - Blue, Peggy - Yellow, Glen - Red, Brooke - Purple, Brad - Green, Logan - Orange, Savannah - Pink

This group is my pot of gold at the end of the rainbow...

07/02/1959 1:22p.m.

Love that smirk...Happy Birthday, Randy!

"32"

On June 30, 1979 at 1:00 p.m., I walked down the aisle as a bride to meet my groom. Here we are 32 years later. Happy Anniversary, Mr. Clark! XO

It's Been Six Weeks

I know it's been six weeks since my last blog. It's been a busy June with Randy's annual barbershop show and, just last Saturday, the 20th Annual Clark Reunion.

Nothing much really to report. I am feeling good...there were no repeat rash issues...:-) I will have my next follow-up MRI in July.

One thing I would recommend. I recently read the book, "Heaven is for Real." I am not typically much of a reader but this book is a must read!

Hope you are enjoying summer...it's hard to believe the days are already getting shorter.