Welcome to "Hope Does Not Disappoint"


There are two key reasons I have finally decided to join the world of blogging:

First, my cancer has become active and there is a loving congregation and many family & friends who want to keep track of what is taking place. This provides a way for me to update them as often and with as much detail as they desire.

Second, the Lord often links Scripture with circumstances in life for a much more potent 1 - 2 punch. I have already found that to be true and I hope to share some of those lessons for those who are interested.

So almost every entry in this blog will have two parts to it: Body (what's happening physically with the treatments) and Spirit (what God is sharing as I open His Word).

Thanks for visiting. I hope some of the "Points Along The Road" in my journey are helpful and encouraging to you.

Dave




Thursday, June 17, 2010

Blood Work And The Week Ahead

Body:
It's been more than a week since I was thanking the Lord that blood levels were in the normal range so I could have the next round of chemo. Well let me tell you something...I wasn't feeling too thankful last weekend! The last round hit me pretty hard on Saturday and Sunday, but by Monday, I was feeling better and was able to work most of the day on Tuesday and lead my Community@Calvary that evening.

Today, I must confess, I was expecting my blood work would indicate a blood transfusion would be needed because blood levels were too low. Another surprise: whites are in the LL (very low) category but reds are just in the L (low) category...and not as bad as the results after the first round of this new regimen.

So, I'll need to be careful about my "people contact" this weekend and I would appreciate your prayer for my physical health (I've felt the early symptoms of a cold coming).

Another prayer request concerns Monday's coming events: I have a blood draw at 9:00 am; a PET Scan at 11:00 am; treatment at 12:30 pm; and I see my doctor at 2:20 pm for the wrap-up report on where we are and what the game plan is going forward. Thanks for your prayers.

Spirit: Daniel 1:8 "The Resolution"
Sometimes a small thing makes a huge difference in a life. A decision on a small issue sets in motion a whole cascading set of effects that change every other decision and the course of life. This is what I see in Daniel's resolution/determination in vs 8. He may not have had in mind all the decisions he would make throughout the book, but this one made those possible and set them in motion.

It actually was a minor issue, when you think about it -- food. It could easily have been excused or rationalized. But Daniel resolved not to let it go or allow it to be minor. And his life and blessing were very different as a result.

How many times, especially as I am older, do I let things slide; does my resolve get sacrificed; does my determination get trumped by things I know aren't best. They may not be huge, but they are clear. This is the essence of discipline -- one resolution at a time. This changes the course of a life. This is what God sees and blesses. This is uphill living. This is God honoring! This is making a difference for God and good in the world.

"Lord, I haven't 'done a Daniel' often enough in my life. Forgive me. I can't re-live those moments. But I can be like Daniel today for Your glory and honor. Help me to see and seize each opportunity."

1 comment:

  1. Bill always says we're all "one" decision away form disaster, he says this whenever he hears judgmental conversations. Dave, your comments add another dimension to that, we're all "one" decision away from honoring God with our lives.

    Praise God for His word which continues to give us wisdom and encouragement for this life we live. Bill and I praise God for you and your continuing ministry to our lives through this blog. We pray all went well with your mom's surgery.

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