How do we thank God enough?...
....by continuing always, in offering our hearts to Him, in thanksgiving.
As we drove the freeway stretch from City of Hope today, our hearts full of gratitude and joy, I asked myself, "How can I ever thank God enough?..." Rick's "100th day" follow-up (as they call it in transplant land) was today. The clouds crisp white interrupting shades of blue and gray. Sun sparce, piercing through. How vast, yet simple, the beauty of God.
This day.
Today.
What was planned to be a 9 to 5 job today finished with abundant gifts.
I remained in the radiology lounge, with book and pencil in hand, as Rick was led to the 2 hour process of radiation dye injection and scans. I receive a text 30 minutes later "Hey Nudz, (a long-time nickname we both share...long story), they just finished injecting the radiation." My thoughts dropped all train. Once again, this is real. Immediate petition. Mercy. Grace. Total healing. And thanksgiving. Within 2 hours, Scans complete. We headed to Dr. Nades office.
As we walked through the separated buildings of familiar territory, reminiscing of weeks in the Fall past, I realize miracle again.
Transplant date- November 12th. Release date- November 26. Typical in-patient recovery, a good 4 weeks, sometimes months, challenged the sovereignty of God.
Checking in, we are blessed to see the doctor three hours earlier than our scheduled appointment. The swiftness of the mornings prior events (blood work and scans) showed favorable, our time in Duarte cut in half. Who doesn't appreciate that?
Vitals taken. Check. All is good! Dr. Nade enters, her kind love smiles confidence.
Blood work results. Check. All is real good! Right on track. Scan results in. Check. Internal searching speak clear. All is great!
Breath prayers of gratitude fill the room. Our patient, fairing better than well, hearts rejoice! Dr. Nade appoints Rick's next visit 3
months out! A bone marrow biopsy to look forward to in May, we continue to pray. To thank.
Today, a gift, a reason to celebrate. Rick and I share lunch, a favorite place, and embrace all things. Togetherness. Remission. Soft, warm bread, tart, soaking up pools of olive oil and balsamic. Memories of abundant grace. Life. Today. Now.
It is with all gratitude and love, we give thanks to you for being a big reason to celebrate.
Grace and peace, in Christ,
Dana
With deepest love, we will remember always, our sweet grandmother, Alicia Rovello, 85, full of compassion and kindness, laughter and love, who went home to our Lord February 16, 2011.
Also, precious Brielle Murray, 13, and cherished friend, Suzanne Afram, both taken by cancer into the arms of our Savior.
We are forever touched by these beautiful lives lived abundantly and out loud for Jesus. May all comfort and peace cover grieving hearts.
Thank You God.
I see as I offer sacrifice of thanks, peace floods.
Gratitude always precedes peace.
May you be given God's peace today as your heart gives thanks to Him in all things.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
"IT'S NOT ABOUT ME"
It's been nearly 12 months since we received the results of Ricks abnormal white blood cell count, 10 weeks since he left PICC line and IVs at City of Hope.
How is it that a man discovers, battles and recovers from stage 4 blood cancer in under a year?
Only minor residue is currently present of this enemy attack.
Where there is a head without hair, there is peace and gratitude that covers.
A few extra Rx supportive of immune system remain where new stem cells have knocked out need for blood pressure medication.
Monthly follow-ups assessing recovery.
I never thought, to go through something that is meant to terrify, would reward so greatly.
The goal was remission, healing.
It always is.
But, what happens when a man walks away from a war with mortality, and is more alive than before he entered battle?
Grace abounds.
I've heard stories of soldiers who've come home, after standing face to face with the enemy. It's hard to forget. It's
impossible to forget. This head-on collision with death threats and terror seep deep into the earth of the soul.
Like war, cancer lives to destroy body, mind and hope.
Is it possible to walk away and only [remember] the miracles, the goodness, the blessing of it all?
Rick is more than a cancer patient in remission. He is also a heart patient in the hands of the Greatest Physician, the Lord Jesus Christ. As we prayed and prayed and still pray for complete healing, this is what continues. The renewing grace of a willing heart. A heart of flesh, a softer, more tender heart, molding to the will of the Creator.
The evidence of this heart surgery supersedes all things cancer attempts to destroy in our home. Each of us, a family of heart
patients under the lancet of the LORD, look forward, not back, living in today, with more love, more peace, more gratitude, and more purpose knowing more than ever, our only hope is Jesus.
Exodus 14:14 says, "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Stillness in the storm.
Today, life is calmer.
Rick's last follow-up appointment, January 27, went well. Blood levels on track, with a favorable 5 lb. weight gain. His "100th day" soon approaches. This means new assessments. Dr. Nade has ordered a PT Scan for the end of February. We are praying for clear results-continued remission. He is doing better than ever, Praise God! I testify to this with amazement and joy! His energy and strength allow for business, family time, exercise and church commitments. Also, looking forward to a family trip to New York this summer. God is so good!
I take rest in the calm He provides today.
But, my mind thinks hard on those around us who are fighting similar battles. Some not fairing as easily. My heart cries for the mother whose beautiful little girl fights for her last days, for the mourning children and adoring husband of the sick young mother and wife left behind.
How is it that one man has victory over disease and another doesn't?
I ask God this often. Why has He given me peace? Why has He allowed my husband to be healed? Why has He blessed my family this way?
Rick came home today talking about an interview he listened to on the radio. About a pastor who recently led a Christian missionary team to Egypt. In the midst of the political protests and riots, the tour guide cocked his ooze as he desperately scrambled to get his group to safety. The team was led to the airport where thousands of people, including American citizens, piling and pushing, elbowing their way through, racing for flights [unavailable]. Lost in all of the media scramble is one of the most frightening major reasons for these riots: Christian Persecution. I contrast this with Skyler's recent mission trip to Haiti. A foreigner in a foreign land amongst tens of thousands of Haitians crowding the streets. The day of the one year anniversary of Haiti's devastating quake was profoundly celebrated with dancing and singing by the people, all for the glory of Jesus Christ.
How is it that one man faces persecution and death in warfare while another receives blessing of joy and revival?
Regardless of the person, place or thing, His explanation rings the same to me: "Its not about you. Or your family. Or the others, those suffering, mourning, even rejoicing. Just as it's not about the wars, the riots or the cancer. Search deeper-- It's about My glory, My plan. It's about My Son."
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Jesus Christ." Rom. 8:28, Eph. 1:9
Every life, every circumstance, divinely purposed.
For the first time in my life, peace replaces fear. I find peace in learning to understand and embrace that suffering if part of living,
part of growing. A very big part. An very important part.
We don't know what tomorrow has for us, but we do know who we can count on today for our tomorrows--the One who is the same yesterday, today and forever.
- Hide quoted text -
With deep thanks and affection, we thank God for your prayers and constant love. May He hear and honor all pleading requests for peace, strength, comfort and abundant healing, in our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Love,
Dana
PSALM 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely Your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
How is it that a man discovers, battles and recovers from stage 4 blood cancer in under a year?
Only minor residue is currently present of this enemy attack.
Where there is a head without hair, there is peace and gratitude that covers.
A few extra Rx supportive of immune system remain where new stem cells have knocked out need for blood pressure medication.
Monthly follow-ups assessing recovery.
I never thought, to go through something that is meant to terrify, would reward so greatly.
The goal was remission, healing.
It always is.
But, what happens when a man walks away from a war with mortality, and is more alive than before he entered battle?
Grace abounds.
I've heard stories of soldiers who've come home, after standing face to face with the enemy. It's hard to forget. It's
impossible to forget. This head-on collision with death threats and terror seep deep into the earth of the soul.
Like war, cancer lives to destroy body, mind and hope.
Is it possible to walk away and only [remember] the miracles, the goodness, the blessing of it all?
Rick is more than a cancer patient in remission. He is also a heart patient in the hands of the Greatest Physician, the Lord Jesus Christ. As we prayed and prayed and still pray for complete healing, this is what continues. The renewing grace of a willing heart. A heart of flesh, a softer, more tender heart, molding to the will of the Creator.
The evidence of this heart surgery supersedes all things cancer attempts to destroy in our home. Each of us, a family of heart
patients under the lancet of the LORD, look forward, not back, living in today, with more love, more peace, more gratitude, and more purpose knowing more than ever, our only hope is Jesus.
Exodus 14:14 says, "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Stillness in the storm.
Today, life is calmer.
Rick's last follow-up appointment, January 27, went well. Blood levels on track, with a favorable 5 lb. weight gain. His "100th day" soon approaches. This means new assessments. Dr. Nade has ordered a PT Scan for the end of February. We are praying for clear results-continued remission. He is doing better than ever, Praise God! I testify to this with amazement and joy! His energy and strength allow for business, family time, exercise and church commitments. Also, looking forward to a family trip to New York this summer. God is so good!
I take rest in the calm He provides today.
But, my mind thinks hard on those around us who are fighting similar battles. Some not fairing as easily. My heart cries for the mother whose beautiful little girl fights for her last days, for the mourning children and adoring husband of the sick young mother and wife left behind.
How is it that one man has victory over disease and another doesn't?
I ask God this often. Why has He given me peace? Why has He allowed my husband to be healed? Why has He blessed my family this way?
Rick came home today talking about an interview he listened to on the radio. About a pastor who recently led a Christian missionary team to Egypt. In the midst of the political protests and riots, the tour guide cocked his ooze as he desperately scrambled to get his group to safety. The team was led to the airport where thousands of people, including American citizens, piling and pushing, elbowing their way through, racing for flights [unavailable]. Lost in all of the media scramble is one of the most frightening major reasons for these riots: Christian Persecution. I contrast this with Skyler's recent mission trip to Haiti. A foreigner in a foreign land amongst tens of thousands of Haitians crowding the streets. The day of the one year anniversary of Haiti's devastating quake was profoundly celebrated with dancing and singing by the people, all for the glory of Jesus Christ.
How is it that one man faces persecution and death in warfare while another receives blessing of joy and revival?
Regardless of the person, place or thing, His explanation rings the same to me: "Its not about you. Or your family. Or the others, those suffering, mourning, even rejoicing. Just as it's not about the wars, the riots or the cancer. Search deeper-- It's about My glory, My plan. It's about My Son."
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Jesus Christ." Rom. 8:28, Eph. 1:9
Every life, every circumstance, divinely purposed.
For the first time in my life, peace replaces fear. I find peace in learning to understand and embrace that suffering if part of living,
part of growing. A very big part. An very important part.
We don't know what tomorrow has for us, but we do know who we can count on today for our tomorrows--the One who is the same yesterday, today and forever.
- Hide quoted text -
With deep thanks and affection, we thank God for your prayers and constant love. May He hear and honor all pleading requests for peace, strength, comfort and abundant healing, in our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Love,
Dana
PSALM 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely Your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
It's been nearly 12 months since we received the results of Ricks abnormal white blood cell count, 10 weeks since he left PICC line and IVs at City of Hope.
How is it that a man discovers, battles and recovers from stage 4 blood cancer in under a year?
Only minor residue is currently present of this enemy attack.
Where there is a head without hair, there is peace and gratitude that covers.
A few extra Rx supportive of immune system remain where new stem cells have knocked out need for blood pressure medication.
Monthly follow-ups assessing recovery.
I never thought, to go through something that is meant to terrify, would reward so greatly.
The goal was remission, healing.
It always is.
But, what happens when a man walks away from a war with mortality, and is more alive than before he entered battle?
Grace abounds.
I've heard stories of soldiers who've come home, after standing face to face with the enemy. It's hard to forget. It's
impossible to forget. This head-on collision with death threats and terror seep deep into the earth of the soul.
Like war, cancer lives to destroy body, mind and hope.
Is it possible to walk away and only [remember] the miracles, the goodness, the blessing of it all?
Rick is more than a cancer patient in remission. He is also a heart patient in the hands of the Greatest Physician, the Lord Jesus Christ. As we prayed and prayed and still pray for complete healing, this is what continues. The renewing grace of a willing heart. A heart of flesh, a softer, more tender heart, molding to the will of the Creator.
The evidence of this heart surgery supersedes all things cancer attempts to destroy in our home. Each of us, a family of heart
patients under the lancet of the LORD, look forward, not back, living in today, with more love, more peace, more gratitude, and more purpose knowing more than ever, our only hope is Jesus.
Exodus 14:14 says, "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Stillness in the storm.
Today, life is calmer.
Rick's last follow-up appointment, January 27, went well. Blood levels on track, with a favorable 5 lb. weight gain. His "100th day" soon approaches. This means new assessments. Dr. Nade has ordered a PT Scan for the end of February. We are praying for clear results-continued remission. He is doing better than ever, Praise God! I testify to this with amazement and joy! His energy and strength allow for business, family time, exercise and church commitments. Also, looking forward to a family trip to New York this summer. God is so good!
I take rest in the calm He provides today.
But, my mind thinks hard on those around us who are fighting similar battles. Some not fairing as easily. My heart cries for the mother whose beautiful little girl fights for her last days, for the mourning children and adoring husband of the sick young mother and wife left behind.
How is it that one man has victory over disease and another doesn't?
I ask God this often. Why has He given me peace? Why has He allowed my husband to be healed? Why has He blessed my family this way?
Rick came home today talking about an interview he listened to on the radio. About a pastor who recently led a Christian missionary team to Egypt. In the midst of the political protests and riots, the tour guide cocked his ooze as he desperately scrambled to get his group to safety. The team was led to the airport where thousands of people, including American citizens, piling and pushing, elbowing their way through, racing for flights [unavailable]. Lost in all of the media scramble is one of the most frightening major reasons for these riots: Christian Persecution. I contrast this with Skyler's recent mission trip to Haiti. A foreigner in a foreign land amongst tens of thousands of Haitians crowding the streets. The day of the one year anniversary of Haiti's devastating quake was profoundly celebrated with dancing and singing by the people, all for the glory of Jesus Christ.
How is it that one man faces persecution and death in warfare while another receives blessing of joy and revival?
Regardless of the person, place or thing, His explanation rings the same to me: "Its not about you. Or your family. Or the others, those suffering, mourning, even rejoicing. Just as it's not about the wars, the riots or the cancer. Search deeper-- It's about My glory, My plan. It's about My Son."
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Jesus Christ." Rom. 8:28, Eph. 1:9
Every life, every circumstance, divinely purposed.
For the first time in my life, peace replaces fear. I find peace in learning to understand and embrace that suffering if part of living,
part of growing. A very big part. An very important part.
We don't know what tomorrow has for us, but we do know who we can count on today for our tomorrows--the One who is the same yesterday, today and forever.
- Hide quoted text -
With deep thanks and affection, we thank God for your prayers and constant love. May He hear and honor all pleading requests for peace, strength, comfort and abundant healing, in our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Love,
Dana
PSALM 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely Your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
How is it that a man discovers, battles and recovers from stage 4 blood cancer in under a year?
Only minor residue is currently present of this enemy attack.
Where there is a head without hair, there is peace and gratitude that covers.
A few extra Rx supportive of immune system remain where new stem cells have knocked out need for blood pressure medication.
Monthly follow-ups assessing recovery.
I never thought, to go through something that is meant to terrify, would reward so greatly.
The goal was remission, healing.
It always is.
But, what happens when a man walks away from a war with mortality, and is more alive than before he entered battle?
Grace abounds.
I've heard stories of soldiers who've come home, after standing face to face with the enemy. It's hard to forget. It's
impossible to forget. This head-on collision with death threats and terror seep deep into the earth of the soul.
Like war, cancer lives to destroy body, mind and hope.
Is it possible to walk away and only [remember] the miracles, the goodness, the blessing of it all?
Rick is more than a cancer patient in remission. He is also a heart patient in the hands of the Greatest Physician, the Lord Jesus Christ. As we prayed and prayed and still pray for complete healing, this is what continues. The renewing grace of a willing heart. A heart of flesh, a softer, more tender heart, molding to the will of the Creator.
The evidence of this heart surgery supersedes all things cancer attempts to destroy in our home. Each of us, a family of heart
patients under the lancet of the LORD, look forward, not back, living in today, with more love, more peace, more gratitude, and more purpose knowing more than ever, our only hope is Jesus.
Exodus 14:14 says, "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Stillness in the storm.
Today, life is calmer.
Rick's last follow-up appointment, January 27, went well. Blood levels on track, with a favorable 5 lb. weight gain. His "100th day" soon approaches. This means new assessments. Dr. Nade has ordered a PT Scan for the end of February. We are praying for clear results-continued remission. He is doing better than ever, Praise God! I testify to this with amazement and joy! His energy and strength allow for business, family time, exercise and church commitments. Also, looking forward to a family trip to New York this summer. God is so good!
I take rest in the calm He provides today.
But, my mind thinks hard on those around us who are fighting similar battles. Some not fairing as easily. My heart cries for the mother whose beautiful little girl fights for her last days, for the mourning children and adoring husband of the sick young mother and wife left behind.
How is it that one man has victory over disease and another doesn't?
I ask God this often. Why has He given me peace? Why has He allowed my husband to be healed? Why has He blessed my family this way?
Rick came home today talking about an interview he listened to on the radio. About a pastor who recently led a Christian missionary team to Egypt. In the midst of the political protests and riots, the tour guide cocked his ooze as he desperately scrambled to get his group to safety. The team was led to the airport where thousands of people, including American citizens, piling and pushing, elbowing their way through, racing for flights [unavailable]. Lost in all of the media scramble is one of the most frightening major reasons for these riots: Christian Persecution. I contrast this with Skyler's recent mission trip to Haiti. A foreigner in a foreign land amongst tens of thousands of Haitians crowding the streets. The day of the one year anniversary of Haiti's devastating quake was profoundly celebrated with dancing and singing by the people, all for the glory of Jesus Christ.
How is it that one man faces persecution and death in warfare while another receives blessing of joy and revival?
Regardless of the person, place or thing, His explanation rings the same to me: "Its not about you. Or your family. Or the others, those suffering, mourning, even rejoicing. Just as it's not about the wars, the riots or the cancer. Search deeper-- It's about My glory, My plan. It's about My Son."
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Jesus Christ." Rom. 8:28, Eph. 1:9
Every life, every circumstance, divinely purposed.
For the first time in my life, peace replaces fear. I find peace in learning to understand and embrace that suffering if part of living,
part of growing. A very big part. An very important part.
We don't know what tomorrow has for us, but we do know who we can count on today for our tomorrows--the One who is the same yesterday, today and forever.
- Hide quoted text -
With deep thanks and affection, we thank God for your prayers and constant love. May He hear and honor all pleading requests for peace, strength, comfort and abundant healing, in our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Love,
Dana
PSALM 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely Your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
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