Funkyjimmer's Blog

Friday, December 30, 2005

ADVERTISEMENTS – UGH!

I think that two different times someone has left an irritating advertisement in the comment section of this journal. I wonder if there is anyway to remove those unwanted comments. If anyone can instruct me I’d appreciate it. That’s not the purpose of the comment section.

But to those who may read my Journal, I apologize for the irritating advertisement that appeared in the comment section after a recent post. I appreciate, and look forward to, legitimate comments. But not those nauseating advertisements. Hopefully one of you readers can tell me how to get rid of it.

Jim

posted by jim 3:22 PM 1 comments

Thursday, December 29, 2005

FINAL (?) SURGERY DATE FOR KARON

The question mark in the title of this post indicates some uncertainty about the surgery date. It has changed three times. Karon talked the Oncologist out of her Chemo treatment, which was to have been December 19th. Shortly thereafter they called from the orthopedic doctor’s office and said surgery was scheduled for some date down in February. That was totally unacceptable. So they re-scheduled it for January 11th. In the mean time, Karon’s affected leg, foot and ankle swelled to twice the normal size. That made us decide to call the doctor.

We never got to talk to the doctor directly. The closest we got was when someone from his office called and relayed the message that Dr. _____ said he couldn’t do anything for her. He suggested she keep her foot and leg elevated and apply ice. So that is pretty much the way she spent the time from Thursday before Christmas until last Tuesday. The doctor himself did call later that day but didn’t offer any further solutions.

Her only means of transportation has been her wheelchair. We did take her to Christmas Eve service and to church Sunday morning with the use of the wheelchair. Slowly the swelling began to recede and she was able, with the use of the wheelchair and assistance from yours truly, to go to work this week.

The doctor’s office called Tuesday and said they could move her surgery date up to Monday, January 9th, at 7:30 a. m. They told her to be at the hospital at 5:30 that morning. UGH! But that’s better than the other scheduled time—it was 3 p.m. So as of now that’s the plan.

The good news is that the tumor count (sometimes called the cancer count) has continued to go down. This last three weeks it went from 30.7 to 25.2. We are grateful for that. That means she can delay further chemo treatments until she has the surgery.

Our Christmas was terrific! Church service Sunday morning was marvelous. Everyone participating did so with excellence. You could tell much preparation and practice went into the service. We had a record-breaking crowd for our little church—144! Of course there were a lot of family members of those participating who attended. But there were also some visitors who came just because they wanted to worship with us that Sunday. We did several special things that morning that were family-oriented and intended to glorify God. Our youth did a musical, “The First Leon.” They did a great job.

I hope your Christmas season was blessed. For some it was a difficult time as the “first Christmas without a loved one”. Those special days are always different after the separation, whether by death or divorce. But there is something uniquely different about the “first” one. However, God promises to be with us in the bad/hard times as well as the good. He has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us.

It will be interesting to see what 2006 brings each of us. My wish for you is for another year live according to God’s Will and by His strength and guidance.

Jim

posted by jim 8:42 PM 1 comments

Monday, December 19, 2005

ON DOCTOR COORDINATION

Frustrating, frustrating, frustrating is the kindliest way I can describe my feelings right now concerning Karon’s medical situation. As I indicated in a previous blog, Karon has to have surgery on her hip. The orthopedic doctor said he couldn’t do surgery until she has been off chemotherapy for 3 or 4 weeks. He said he would talk to the oncologist and call Karon. After a few days, the ortho doctor’s office called and said that her oncologist said Karon could stop taking cumadin. That’s nice since she wasn’t taking it in the first place! We have no idea what that ortho doctor’s office said to the oncology office!

The other night the oncologist called to discuss the situation. He said he hadn’t heard from the orthopedic doctor. He wouldn’t say he would interrupt the chemotherapy treatments until he heard from the orthopedic doctor as to a definite date surgery. The orthopedic doctor says he won’t schedule surgery until he hears from the oncologist that Karon has been off the chemo for 3 or 4 weeks. Grrr! Getting these to coordinated so they are communicating is worse than getting two feuding marriage partners to communicate with each other!

In the meantime the patient (in this case, Karon,) sits in the middle and wonders what’s going on and how it’s going to turn out. Karon doesn’t want to have the surgery in the first place. And now, to not be able to schedule it and work out the time with her work is very frustrating. So we wait and wonder and get more frustrated and angrier all the time (at least I do.) God is teaching us something. I pray that we (I) can learn.

Today she and I have a “serious” discussion with the oncologist. There are a lot of questions to which we need answers. We are going to have what a lady with whom I used to work called a “come to Jesus” talk! We’ve got to get something settled as to whether she will have a chemotherapy treatment today, and other questions.

Jim

posted by jim 7:40 AM 2 comments

Friday, December 16, 2005

LOOKING FORWARD TO A GOOD WEEKEND

This should be a better weekend. There is nothing spectacular that has to be done. The past several weekends have been brutal with so many activities in which to be involved. Beside morning church service, several weekends there were things that stretched into the afternoons on Sunday. It was mentally and physically exhausting. I looked forward to Mondays to be able to go back to work and I dreaded each weekend because of the energy-draining required activities

But this one should be different. Karon and I took Wednesday off and got some things accomplished. We don't have any definite commitments except Church Sunday morning. We're sort of "on top of" our gift giving plans. We just have to get out our Christmas letter. That is the goal for this weekend. We've "downsized" as far as home decorating goes. I just couldn't get the boxes down from the attic and Karon is physically unable to help me with the Christmas Tree lights and decorations, etc. At first I thought we'd just skip decorating all together because of our physical constraints. But then I decided Karon needed some semblance of "normalcy" as far as our Christmas is concerned. So we went to K-Mart and bought a small Martha Stewart pre-decorated tree--lights and all! Then we bought a couple of cute little decorations to set around the house to sort of make it look like Christmas. I was able to find our nativity scenes and get them down. With those up in the house and a few other decorations and a few small balls on the tree, the atmosphere isn't too bad. It works for us this year.

I hope the weather isn't too nasty. Just so we can get out to church and attend to any errands need to be accomplished.

Jim

posted by jim 3:51 PM 0 comments

Sunday, December 11, 2005

SNOW-SNOW-SNOW (AND OTHER STUFF)

We had 8 inches of the white stuff last Thursday. At 1:30 that afternoon when I went into a funeral home—nothing. When I came out at 2:30 my car was covered. It took 50 minutes to get from Brownsburg to the office to pick up Karon. She was ready and at 3:30 we started for home—4 miles away. We arrived at home at 4:30—ONE HOUR LATER! It was a mess. Some people with whom we work didn’t get home until 10:30 that night!

I had arranged for someone to come with a vehicle and blade and scoop out my driveway but that didn’t happen until Saturday morning! But we made it out Friday morning about 10 o’clock and got back in the garage that night.

Last Tuesday Karon and I went to the orthopedic surgeon. The X-rays showed the rod that had been put in the hip and leg is now broken at the top. That means the rod has to come out and so do the other parts of the hip. Due to the cancer and the radiation treatment there has been no healing of the broken hip, and there won’t be either. So the doctor said it all needs to come out and some kind of hardware put in. It will just get worse and she won’t be able to get around at all. He said that in 6 months or so she should be getting around as well as she is now. But she will always need a walker, or some other means, to get around.

They can’t do surgery as long as Karon is on chemotherapy. She has to be off chemo treatment for 3 or 4 weeks at least. The greatest risk with this surgery is infection. Karon is scheduled for her next chemo treatment next Monday, the 19th. We’ll see the doctor that day and see what he says about the chemo and the necessary hip surgery. Karon has made it clear that she’s not having any surgery until after the first of the year! (Which she wouldn’t anyway because she has to be off chemo longer than that.)

Karon says the thing she dreads the most about having the surgery is being dependent on people again—not being able to do for herself. A year and a half ago everyone was so helpful with meals, house cleaning, yard work, etc. We had several “angels” who would come in the mornings and help Karon get up, get dressed and get breakfast. Then they would help her with her therapy. This allowed me to continue working. And there are people who helped me with many things also during that time.

The doctor said she’ll have a six to 8-week recovery period, which includes rehabilitation therapy. She would probably be in the hospital 3 or 4 days and we don’t know how long she’ll be in the Rehab hospital before she can come home.

Undoubtedly there are those who would help us again. But I understand Karon’s feeling. It is hard to accept help with things you feel are your responsibility, things you should be doing for yourself and your spouse. But I try to tell Karon there are times we need to accept the help of others. And others need the opportunity to minister to us as well. But that doesn’t make accepting the help any easier.

It gets tough to juggle working full time, working with the church and then giving proper assistance to you spouse. But we did it before and we can do it again with God’s help. He has promised never to leave us or forsake us. We just have to be sure not to forsake Him. That will be a critical time for our church. If all goes as planned, we’ll be entering into a Capital Stewardship Campaign for our building addition and then beginning the construction of the building addition. Oh well, God knows all things and He is in control.

Thanks for your “listening ear” (or “reading eyes”!).

Jim

posted by jim 11:36 PM 1 comments

Sunday, December 04, 2005

“THE POLAR EXPRESS”

Have any of you seen this movie? It came out last year at Christmas and was released in DVD this year. I wanted to see it last year. I rarely go to movies because of the time factor plus the cost. I think the evening box-office prices are ridiculous. Plus, several years ago I made a commitment not to see “R” rated movies. I have made an exception for two movies in the 8 years since making the commitment—“Saving Private Ryan” and “The Passion of the Christ”.

A lady in our church who works in the children’s department of a public library had borrowed the DVD, which she loaned us. The theme of this movie centers around…well, I’ll let you find out, if you haven’t already seen the film. I think it is a great action film. But the thing I liked most was the animation. I personally think animated movies are awesome. The move, “Prince of Egypt”, about Moses, was an excellent animated movie. There have been others I have enjoyed.

But the animation in the movie, “The Polar Express”, was marvelous. Often throughout the movie I forgot it was animation. The eyes of the characters were so realistic.

It was a good movie and really terrific animation. I recommend it for holiday viewing but it would be good viewing anytime if you want to see excellent animation.

Jim

posted by jim 9:10 PM 0 comments

Friday, December 02, 2005

THOSE @#%*$@#%$&* REBATES AND A TRIP TO THE HOSPITAL

I have never liked rebates. It has always been my contention that companies offer them with the expectation that less than fifty percent of the people will submit them. And they think of ways to deny the rebates that are submitted. I have had considerable experience submitting rebates only to have them denied for one reason or another.

I must admit that in recent years I have had some rebates honored. I have actually received some small amounts in rebate money.

When we bought our new desktop computer and our daughter’s new laptop we were supposedly able to submit the required information and proofs and get over $500 back in rebate money. Some we could submit on line, others had to be mailed.

The ones that had to be mailed required all kinds of proofs, including the UPC bar codes off the boxes. Thanksgiving morning our daughter from Atlanta was helping me gather the necessary proofs for the mail-in rebates. She had already submitted the Internet rebates. As she was cutting UPC bar codes off boxes with a box knife she sliced a hunk of flesh from the inside of her arm. It looked gross and we thought she had done some major damage.

So---a trip the hospital emergency room on Thanksgiving morning! The cut was about 2 or 3 inches long and one-half inch deep. It took 7 stitches to sew it up. But the good news is that she didn’t cut any arteries, veins, muscles or nerves. And we got in and out of the emergency room in what may be record time. We made it to the restaurant in time to have Thanksgiving dinner with our extended family!

The rebates? Well, we’re still waiting to hear about the ones we mailed. But we have already been rejected for some of the ones we submitted via the Internet. As they were store rebates, I took the rejection notice back to the store. They said we had done everything correct and there was no reason for the rejection. They are checking on it for me. Maybe I’ll still get the rebate money. I hope so. Besides the misery of the cut arm and the expense of the trip to the hospital, my daughter and I spent a good day and a half getting everything collected and submitted for the rebates.

Rebates--@#%*$@#%$&*! I’ll let you know if or when I get any rebate money for our trouble.

Jim

posted by jim 7:30 AM 1 comments

Friday, November 25, 2005

“BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN”

This will be short to let everyone know the new computer is set up and hooked to the internet.

It will be awhile before I have everything set up. All the files from my old computer have been transferred to the new one. Now I have the job of sorting, deleting and placing things where I want them. But that will all happen in due time.

I am just thankful to have access once again to my internet email and my journal. Unfortunately, I didn’t write down addresses in my Favorites and thus don’t have access yet to those journals I regularly read. Hopefully as I sort through all the transferred files from the old computer I’ll find them.

Once I get used to it, I think I’ll like my new computer. The flat screen monitor is awesome. It gives so much more room on the desk.

Now I have a computer with monitor for sale. It has Windows 2000, Office 2000 and a bunch of other stuff I can describe to anyone who is interested.

That’s it for this time. Hopefully I’ll be able to keep this journal updated at more frequent and regular intervals, but that remains to be seen.

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving season. Our Thanksgiving Day was very hectic and stressful and included a trip to the hospital emergency room. I’ll journal that experience a bit later.

Jim

posted by jim 2:13 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

SADLY NEGLECTED

It is sad how I have neglected so many things this past month. I have neglected communication with my friends by any form. I have neglected this blog spot Journal. I have neglected getting a hair cut, getting adequate rest and eating properly. Now it is beginning to catch up with me. I need a haircut in the worst way. I am exhausted emotionally and physically—all the time. And I am sadly out of condition and carrying too much weight. I keep thinking every day; every week will be better. But so far it isn’t.

And now we have entered the “Holiday Season”. This time of year is anything but relaxing. I’m probably weird, but Christmas isn’t my favorite holiday and winter definitely isn’t my favorite time of year. I don’t mind the cold as much as I mind the snow and ice. Some of my distaste is due to the safety factors of driving on snow and ice. But I do admit to the fact that a lot of my distaste for winter weather is that is interferes with, or at best, slows down, accomplishing plans. It is harder to go places and takes longer. Being able to go where one needs or wants to go is more “iffy” in winter. * Sigh * I don’t like it! People tell me how beautiful it is. I don’t see it unless I am inside looking out and not being forced to go out in the nasty weather.

Karon decided she has had enough of me complaining about how slow our computer is working, and other related complaints. So we bought another one. Supposedly they are transferring things from my old CPU to the new one. But I’m panicking that a lot of things will be lost. I don’t know how long I’ll be without my email and if I’ll ever even get my I. M. back. I’m updating this from work but don’t have my address book to send a notice that I have finally updated my Journal. I guess you’ll just have to stumble across it yourself.

Anyway, “HAPPY THANKSGIVING”! I hope to be back in business at home computer-wise soon.

Jim

posted by jim 2:04 PM 1 comments

Thursday, October 27, 2005

LIFE IS CRAZY RIGHT NOW

With only a week in the office after having been gone half of last week and before being gone the next two weeks for work (except for weekends and one day during the second week) it has been difficult to keep up. And I have been taking one day off from work to study and work at home to prepare for my messages at church on Sundays. The latter part of this week has been very busy at work and it is one of those weeks where I have had to be gone 3 out of the 5 nights with didn't leave much time for preparation time in the evenings.

I leave Sunday afternoon after church and won't be back until Friday night. Gone again the following Sunday after church and back that next Friday. It's going to make it hard to be able to prepare for those following Sundays. There will be some long nights.

Karon is going with me this Sunday afternoon and she'll come back home Tuesday sometime. I hope getting away will be good for her.

My schedule hasn't left me any time for blogging or for keeping up with my friends. To all of you who haven't heard from me in any form for a gazillion years (it seems!) I am still alive and occasionally kicking. None of you are out of my thoughts nor are you out of my prayers.

Because I haven't had any time to read Blogs and Journals, I feel so out of touch with all of you Bloggers and Journal-writers. I am sorry. I don't like life to be this way. Hopefully this will not last more than a few weeks. But who knows?

Karon had her Oncologist appointment and chemo treatment yesterday. We didn't really learn anything except to have confirmed how disorganized that office seems to be. They don't get the proper tests ordered, they couldn't find her chart yesterday, they didn't know what to have her do when she first got there...on and on it goes. She's only been going their a little over a year! Hopefully tomorrow or Monday we'll know what effect the chemo has been having on the bone cancer. The doctor did persuade her to increase the pain medication. She is so reluctant to do so. But she agreed to try. He said there was no need to go through each day suffering pain. He also said she didn't need to be concerned about becoming addicted to any of the pain medication.

I guess this Post sounds whinny and complaining. Sorry about that. I guess that is the result of experiencing the componets of my life right now.

The next two weeks I'll be virtually out of touch as far as internet is concerned. I'll be able to check email probably only once a day and answer emails, but I will not have time or much access to my friends' journals or blogs. I'm not looking forward to that. But ya'all will be in my prayers just the same.

God bless us everyone! (That sounds familiar, eh?)

Jim

posted by jim 4:45 PM 1 comments

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

ON THE ROAD

I am going to be a traveling man once again. They delivered my car from the car rental a while ago--a 2006 silver Ford Taurus. I think it will be okay. I'll only have it this week. Later when I travel for a 2-week period I'll probably have another kind of car.

Second-guessing doesn't work! Most new cars have a CD player rather than a tape player. Few have both the CD and tape player. Our Honda has both and the CD player is a 6-CD changer.

But figuring I'd have a CD player in the rental car, I prepared to listen to a number of CDs I really like while on the road. Wouldn't you know? This car has a cassette tape player only! Oh well, I have a great portable CD player that I can play through the radio. But you can never tell what to expect.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) I'll be heading for Grand Rapids, Michigan, for the rest of the week. The first two weeks in November I'm out almost constantly. A couple of Sundays I have to leave on Sunday afternoon to get where I'm going. I'm in the office at a meeting only one day the first two weeks of November.

I hope the weather stays nice. At least it's not December or January-February in the Mid-west!

Jim

posted by jim 2:30 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

YEA!!! I PASSED

Everything went smoothly. The test site was were it was supposed to be and they had me registered and were expecting me. The testing site was pleasant enough and the staff very friendly and helpful.

It was tough because the questions didn't look like a lot of what I had studied all these weeks. They used different words and some different concepts.

But it is over and now I can turn my efforts and attention to other things.

Thank you all who said they were praying for me. And thanks to those who prayed and I didn't even know it! All your prayers were needed. There were a couple of times during the test I really got panicky because I really didn't have a clue what they were talking about or what they were wanting on the test. Those times I remembered all who were praying and I prayed as well.

So there you have it! I passed! Thanks be to God.

Jim

posted by jim 2:29 PM 1 comments

Monday, October 10, 2005

A REPLACEMENT

The certificate I need to take my test in the morning was not at my office. In fact, it still is no where to be found. So I want to the Course Office and got a replacement for only a $5 charge and absolutely no hassle.

You can be sure I know where this second certificate is housed!

I haven't yet gotten much studying done today in preparation for the test tomorrow. I have been able to listen to a couple of CDs several times that are overviews of the course material which is a good review. Right now I am feeling more confident about being able to pass the test. But that feeling is easily and frequently replaced with thoughts of doubts and feelings of unpreparedness. Hopefully this afternoon, tonight and tomorrow morning before the test I can get in some good review. I just hope that I am reviewing the right material in the best way!

Jim

posted by jim 3:30 PM 1 comments

Sunday, October 09, 2005

WOE IS ME! I'VE LOST A VERY IMPORTANT DOCUMENT

At the end of my class Thursday they gave us a very important document. It was a certificate without which we cannot take our test. They instructed us, "Whatever you do, don't lose this. You need to present it to be allowed to take your test. Put it where it is safe--where you know where it is located."

So I put it (I thought) in my books with my notes and all the other papers I had pertaining to the class. Now I can't find it! In all my studying and reviewing for my test this coming Tuesday I sort of forgot about my certificate. When I thought about it I just knew it was in one of my class books with my other class papers. When I looked, it is not there. My other papers are there but not the certificate.

So I have spent the weekend (when I wasn't at church) looking for it and praying to find it. I told them about it at church this morning and asked for prayer to find it. I haven't gotten much studying done because of the busy weekend at church but what time I had I have looked for the certificate. If I can't find it at my office tomorrow, my only alternative is to go to the study course office and beg for another one. They said they could be reproduced for $5.00. I don't mind the $5.00 but I just hope they will give it to me so I can take the test Tuesday.

So if I find the lost certificate, or if I get a replacement, I am scheduled to take the test Tuesday. I report to the testing location at 11:00 a. m. I should be finished by 2:30 or 3 p. m. and know whether I passed or failed. I'd appreciate any prayers anyone wants to offer on my behalf that I pass!

As painful as it might be, I'll let you know. I'll post it on this blog Tuesday afternoon.

Jim

posted by jim 8:40 PM 0 comments

Friday, October 07, 2005

CLASS DISMISSED

I made it through the review class sessions. Were they helpful? VERY! The instructors were very good. The instructors wrote the books we studied and that was a positive. Also they have been doing this for a good many years. They were professionals in every sense of the word.

So it was a good four days, although very intense and tiring. I take the State Exam next Tuesday. Will I pass? I haven't a clue! The study I have done, the classes and the study I'll try to do over the weekend and Monday will help. Am I nervous, scared? YOU BET! But this is a good time because it is a time to exercise my faith. Satan puts all kinds of doubts in my mind every time I turn around. But then I remember the promises of Scripture and I send him off for a little while. But he comes back!

Gotta head for work. I'm not speaking at my church this weekend. I haven't had time to prepare because of the coming Exam and the classes. So I'll have some time to study over the weekend. Not a lot, though. One of my daughter's is coming into town from Atlanta, Georgia, and it is Pastor Appreciation week throughout the country. We're having a dinner and a Southern Gospel Quartet concert at church Sunday night. So it'll be a busy weekend.

Jim

posted by jim 7:25 AM 0 comments

Monday, October 03, 2005

IT'S GOING TO BE ALL RIGHT

My first day of class went well. I took some self-administered tests at home tonight and at least passed them. The class seemed really helpful to fix in my mind what I had read and studied before hand. I just hope that I will be able to do okay on the part of the book I haven't read yet when we come to that part in the class sessions.

We have a different instructor each half day. Tomorrow morning we'll have the one we had this afternoon. Then a different one tomorrow afternoon, and so on. So far they have been really good. The setting is great. A large, well-lighted room with very comfortable chairs are lots of breaks and they furnish coffee and different kinds of hot tea.

Many, many people are having much difficulty over when and where to take their state exam once they have completed the refresher course. As it turns out, I am okay. The location I looked up last Friday night is the correct place. The reason I couldn't locate it Friday night is because it is locate within another business. So I know where I am going and it's not going to be hard to get there. Some people are actually going to have to take their exam in the back of a semi trailer! It really is a mess. I am blessed and very grateful. I'm praying this old brain can absorb and retain what is being put into it. Prayers are definitely solicited.

Jim

posted by jim 11:10 PM 0 comments

Saturday, October 01, 2005

OH MY, NOTHING THERE

Things often aren't as we hope or expect. That's not a new revelation to those of us who have lived awhile. We should expect the unexpected. So why are we surprised, shocked, upset--whatever emotion fits the situation--when the unexpected happens?

Thursday I registered to take my 3-hour exam. They gave me a confirmation number and the location. Last night I decided to "scope out" the spot. Nothing there! The business was there that was supposed to be next to the location where I am to take the test. But nothing to indicate the company that gives the test.

So I guess it's back to "square one" after all. I can't check anything out over the weekend. I may have to drive 3 to 5 hours, depending on where I can take the exam. I definitely want to take it as soon after taking the course as possible. The course is designed only to prepare you to pass the exam. No sense in waiting until everything "seeps out" of my brain!

Oh well......!

Jim

posted by jim 8:30 AM 0 comments

Friday, September 30, 2005

STUDY, STUDY, STUDY

That's what I've been doing the past several weeks--in addition to work and church and other things. I have spent parts of many days studying at work over the last few weeks. I spent two days this week studying at home.

I'm only about half way through the thick book and have only listened to a small part of the first CD. :( And I haven't done as well as I had hoped or would have liked on the self-exams at the end of each chapter.

Time has about run out. Next week is the Pathfinders course to prepare me to pass the exam! At least that's what the course is supposed to do! It is Monday Through Thursday, 8 a. m. to 5 p. m. and homework each evening. (I've had plenty of advice and warnings -- and some encouragement, too -- from people who have taken and passed the exam before me. But I know some who haven't passed it, too.)

I take the State exam Tuesday, October 11th. It is a three-hour exam. I am fortunate in that I can take it here in Indianapolis. I was first told that I would have to go to Evansville or Fort Wayne! And the location for the exam is on the west side of Indy, not far from where I live and work. So I'm glad I can take the exam in my city soon after taking the course.

I will be calling in all the prayers I can from my friends on Tuesday, October 11th! And a few prayers regarding being able to understand and retain what I can from the course would be appreciated.

Having the "opportunity?" to engage in something like this does wonders for spirituality and one's prayer life!

Hopefully this explains my lack of Posts lately and my silence over the next week or so. I'll try to update you on my progress but no promises. But please pray!

Tuesday is Karon and my 36th wedding anniversary. I am at least going to take her to dinner at one of her very favorite places-- The Red Lobster. That's the day before her next treatment so she'll be feeling the best she will for a couple of weeks. I'm bummed out because this will be the first time I will not have been able to go to the doctor with her before she has her treatment. :(

Jim

posted by jim 4:12 PM 1 comments

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

THE MOTORCYCLE RIDE

Labor Day weekend was hectic—like all of my weekends! A traditional thing for us to do on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends is to wash windows at the house. Ugh! How I hate doing it! But this time we “recruited” our kids to help so it got done. Never takes very long—just a job I don’t like doing. But Karon really likes having her windows washed. We did that Sunday afternoon. We fed everyone really well and then put them to work!

Monday (the actual Labor Day) we had lots of people come by to bring food, etc. One of our friends from Maxwell came to visit. They were riding their Honda Goldwing. It was an older, but really beautiful, bike. I stood outside with them admiring the bike for a while. I was also was admiring their helmets.

Finally I asked if I could try on the helmet. It was more comfortable than I expected it would be. Karon took my picture with the helmet, standing by the bike.

After considering the situation for a while longer, I got up enough nerve to ask if I could have a “short” ride. Of course the answer was, “Yes”. I had only been on one other “bike” ride a gazillion years ago. It was a very little bike. That ride scared me and I hadn’t been on another bike since.

But this was different. I was expecting the worst but it was the best! As my friend described it, “At the first stop sign Jim released his death grip! Then he relaxed and enjoyed the ride!”

Indeed I did! I was ready to go again. I was surprised at how comfortable it was and how relaxed I felt – after the first couple of blocks! That was a blast. It was a perfect day weather-wise and I felt safe with an experienced operator and very comfortable on the seat behind him.

The ride was probably a mistake, though. Then next time someone with a great bike says, “Wanna ride?”, the answer will be a quick, “You better believe I do!”

Jim

posted by jim 4:45 PM 1 comments

Thursday, September 15, 2005

“NOW I KNOW WHY”

I am ashamed that it has been 4 weeks since I have posted in my journal. I didn’t even remember what I wrote until I re-read it. I don’t usually read things I have previously written. But I had to do so this time. When I read what I wrote I sort of understood why I haven’t been back to the journal.

It isn’t like nothing has been going on. I just realize that I didn’t know how to write what’s been going on and keep it short and not sound like whining. So I haven’t written anything! But I need to give it a shot, so here goes.

I’ve allowed myself to become stressed over a combination of things. None are particularly devastating taken individually. It seems to be the combination. It is a good thing that I have probably blocked out a lot of what has gone on that has contributed to my stress lately. But I am aware of enough to keep me disturbed.

My annual study leave in August was more stressful than usual. It seems there were things to deal with at church that took away from what little time I had for study. Not bad things, really, just “things”. We have introduced a number of changes and most have been well accepted. The girl from our church who was committed to going to the Ukraine as a missionary suddenly (or it seemed sudden to us) decided not to go. We had a commitment Sunday and raised about half of her required monthly support. It was an excellent response for our smaller congregation. We would have committed more had we had more time. But after the first Sunday she decided not to go! That was a shock and a major disappointment for our church. At least we are thankful that she didn’t get over there and decide to come right back! But that whole situation, in addition to the changes we were implementing beginning in September, required much attention right in the middle of my study leave. I didn’t get the books read that I had hoped to read. I think next year I’m going to have to take some vacation time and go away somewhere for part of the study leave if Karon can be left alone.

At my “day job” they decided to move several of us from our offices to a less-desirable location in the same building. And I had to do some traveling during that time which made the move even more difficult. Also, someone “higher up” decided I have to get a State Insurance Agent’s license for Life and Health insurance. I’m not an insurance agent, I don’t sell insurance and I don’t plan to sell insurance. But they say I have to have a license. So---I’ve got two 81/2 X 11 one inch-thick books to study and 2 CDs to listen to. It is a ton of stuff to try to learn and remember for testing. I’ve got to get through these books before October 3rd. October 3rd through the 6th I spend each day in class, 8 to 5, with homework every night! Then following the classes I have to pass this 2½-hour test. All this is in addition to my regular duties at my day job. Plus I have responsibilities getting ready for our fall emphasis at church and trying to prepare for the fall sermons. Lots going on and most all of these things are good but just overwhelming.

We’re kind of in a holding pattern regarding Karon’s health right now. Yesterday was doctor and chemotherapy day. We had hoped to learn something one way or another as a result of the scans she had done last week. But as is so often the case, the tests weren’t conclusive. They did some additional X-Rays yesterday on the leg that gives her so much pain. We won’t know the results of that for a while. The scans showed some lessening of the lesions in some areas of the bones and some increased lesions in other places. There is a little spot on her liver that concerns me but didn’t seem to overly concern the oncologist. She will have 2 more chemo treatments after yesterday then they will do more scans. The doctor said we would make some decisions based on those results. It will be Monday before we know if the cancer count has decreased any further or not.

Guess I’ve whined enough for one Post. I’ll try to be more upbeat and have something to say of more general interest in the next Post. So many people in the South have so much more trouble than I could ever experience. As I see and hear the news from there it helps me to be thankful. Our church has partnered with our old church to provide items to help fill a couple of semi-trucks that went to Mississippi and Louisiana. We have also provided financial aid. Our church is very generous.

Jim

posted by jim 4:15 PM 2 comments

Friday, August 19, 2005

HOW DO WE HANDLE LIFE?

I’ve been somewhat introspective the past few days. I think it has been an attempt to ward off a “pity-party”. I’m not so sure I’ve been successful. Karon says I’ve been an old grouch! I’d never admit to it but she’s right!

There have just been a series of things at work and church that haven’t been easy. I have become aware of two different scenarios that have caused me to be reflective.

Scenario 1: A family in our church is going through a very difficult time. The lady’s mother has had to move in with them due to her poor health; the lady’s husband had serious back surgery 4 months ago and is still off work. His disability and other compensation sources are running out and he can’t go back to work. People have threatened to break into their house to get the medication the man takes. Then an auto accident totaled their only car which was not completely paid off. The insurance company wouldn’t settle for enough money to pay off the loan. I think you are beginning to get the picture—these are the highlights or I guess you’d say “lowlights”. In the midst of this situation the lady wrote an email. I quote a part of the email here (with permission):

. We went yesterday to see about getting ____ on part time disability thru social security because we found out last week his sick pay from work runs out the middle of October. And it will take 5-6 months before we hear IF he qualifies, so from Oct - Jan/Feb. we'll only have my income. And then the insurance called us on the car & they valued the car at less than what our balance on the loan is so we're going to have to pay $1500-$2000 on that. The bank told us to just keep making payments like always until we get it paid off. And mom is coming home from the nursing home this Saturday & that does add extra costs to things: groceries, utilities, etc. so things are going to be really tight.
And I'll be honest with you, I just don't have faith anymore. I'm not coming back to church. My family may but I’m not. I'm not sure what or where I'm going. I just know that things have got to change & God sure isn't doing anything & I can't take anymore. There is so much more than anyone knows & I don't want to get into it but I'm just tired of all this & I can't take anymore. I've put up with so much for so long & God is not there for me so I’m not going to be there for him. Sorry.

This is a tough situation. Our church is ministering financially, emotionally and spiritually to this family. Hopefully we will be able to provide strength and assistance to them.

Scenario 2: A young man on a warm summer afternoon found his young daughter lying motionless at the bottom of their family swimming pool. He pulled her from the pool and frantically tried to revive her. His joy was unspeakable when she revived, gasping, coughing and crying. There was no permanent damage.

He later privately thanked God for saving his baby girl; thanked Him for His greatness and faithfulness. Then this young father said it seemed as though God said to him, “If your daughter had died would you still call me great and faithful? Am I not still Jehovah, no matter what I may do?”

This is something the lady in the first scenario I described needs to come to understand. Oswald Chambers says that faith in God exists regardless of anything that contradicts Him; faith is choosing to “…remain true to God’s character whatever He may do.”

Some of you may know that song Steven Curtis Chapman sings, “God is God and I am not. I can only see a part of the picture He’s painting.”

One of my internet friends wrote in her comment (you may have read it): “…isn't it awesome to serve a Sovereign God! … I hate to think of how non-believers do not have the hope we have when they face trials. Just keep holding His hand and know that all things happen for good for them that love Him.”

Sometimes we who are Believers need to remember the hope we have in Christ.

Thanks to all of you for being there for Karon and me.

Jim

posted by jim 4:35 PM 2 comments

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

"IN THIS WORLD YOU SHALL HAVE TROUBLE" -- Jesus

Life has taken a tumble right now. I have neither time nor the emotional energy to detail what has/is taking place. Some of the trouble are rather minor--"hairballs of life" kind of things. But some is pretty major and could have major fall-out.

A lot of my stress right now has to do with some changes we have been trying to initiate at church. Some is the natural stress of some changes at my "day job".

Most everything was good, positive and upbeat for quite awhile. Some things have taken a bit of a downward turn. But the good news is that none of these things relate to Karon and her health issues. She is in a "feeling better" period right now. That will last until just after we go for her next chemo treatment and then the day after when she gets that blasted shot! But we are taking advantage of the "feeling better" time right now. She wants to go to the State Fair so that's where we're headed this afternoon.

I must remember Jesus' promise which I used as the title to this Post. And I must remember that God is Sovereign and He is in control. I must let him be in control. One of my biggest failings is letting these "down turns" rob me of the joy I have in Christ. Satan loves it when I do that. I also must learn that I don't have to solve everything by myself. In fact, I don't have to solve everything!

Jim

posted by jim 12:24 PM 2 comments

Thursday, August 11, 2005

STUDY LEAVE HAS BEGUN

I am privileged to be allowed a study leave from my church each year at this time. Last year was the first year. I am thankful to be able to continue this. I am grateful to my church for recognizing the value and benefit of this time not only to me but to them also.

Some can leave town and be secluded or isolated for a large part, if not all, of their study leave. That is not possible for me. My full time work doesn't allow it. Also, I wouldn't want to be away from Karon at a time who she needs me.

I use this study leave time to try to get ahead on planning for Fall-Winter emphases and preparation for messages I will be presenting at church in the Fall and Winter. I try to get some reading done that I just don't seem to have time to accomplish the rest of the year.

This Fall at church we will be re-visiting the "40 Days of Purpose" emphasis. We went through this study two years ago. We are hoping to emphasize some areas we didn't highlight two years ago. It is a good spiritual experience and new people to our church in the last two years will hopefully benefit as well as those of us who experienced the study previously.

After the holidays and the first of the year I will speak on the lives of well-known, and some not-so-well known, Bible personalities. There are many lessons to be gleaned from a study of these Bible characters. And it is important to know how these Bible people fit into the timeline of Bible history and also world history. This will be a big undertaking. I'm scared just contemplating undertaking a study like this. But it will be so beneficial to the church and to me as well.

In addition to studying and at least outlining the messages for these preaching emphases, there are some books I want to read.

I want to finish a biography I began reading a few weeks ago. And I have another book in process that I started so long ago I think I may have to just begin it all over again. Karon and I have finished the book about which I posted earlier: "The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience," by Ronald J. Sider. A book well worth reading. I plan to recommend it to several friends.

I also want to read John Ortberg's book, "If You Want To Walk On The Water, You Have To Get Out Of The Boat." This book has been highly recommended to me.

That doesn't sound like a lot of reading. But I am a slow reader and unfortunately I am also easily distracted. So reading is not the easiest thing I try to accomplish! And four weeks isn't a lot of time, considering the other things I want to accomplish.

I hope to spend more quality time with Karon. I don't realize how much I am actually gone because of the things in which I choose to be involved. Also, there are several things at church that I need my attention during this study leave. And I have some personal tasks at home that need to be accomplished. There are several things I have neglected to accomplish. I have used the stalling tactic, "I'll do that during my study leave." Well, now the study leave is here and I have to get cranking on some things.

I'm exhausted just thinking and writing about all this. Not to mention I have a stack of DVDs that I'd really like to watch. "Maybe next year!" :)

Jim

posted by jim 3:40 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

A GOOD PARTNERSHIP

Our little church has accepted the challenge to partner with a sister church in Berdyansk, Ukraine, to further the Gospel in that country. Initially our partnership will take the form of financially supporting one of our own church members in ministry in Berdyansk. This lady recently graduated from college cum laude with a degree in World Missions.

In the Ukraine, this lady will work in Vacation Bible School camps and also teach Bible studies to, and disciple, young women. A part of her mission work will also be with the college campus youth. Also she will do village ministry to the extremely poor people out in the villages. Eventually she plans to take the Gospel to one of the unreached people groups in the Ukraine, the Tatars, a Muslim people.

Our partnership involves three aspects: 1) committing to giving financially for her monthly support. Her monthly needs will be $3,100. We had set a faith goal of committing half of that monthly support, or $1,550. This is an ambitious goal for a small group of working class people. Our church numbers about 90 or 100 people--children, youth and adults.

The second aspect of our partnership with this dedicated Lady is to pray regularly for her.

And third, to commit to on-going communication with her by email, snail-mail, or whatever ways are available.

Last Sunday was our commitment Sunday. We are very pleased with the response. I don't know yet how many people made commitments. But the commitments totaled $1,093.00 each month for the support of our missionary in the Ukraine. This is in addition to our support of local expenses and other mission works in which we are involved.

There were some regular members absent Sunday. I am sure more commitments will be received. I think it is likely we will achieve our goal of $1,550 per month.

I am also sure that next summer we will have several more people on short-term mission trips. And I am confident one team will go to the Ukraine!

Jim

posted by jim 2:00 PM 2 comments

Wednesday, August 03, 2005

"GOOFED" AGAIN!

Karon and I saw the doctor this morning. Nothing startling new to report. He just confirmed some things we suspected--like the fact that her continued weight-loss is due to the cancer working in her body, not anything she is doing wrong regarding eating or anything. He just encouraged her to continue to eat as well as she can. That if often very difficult because of the mouth sores (and other side effects) caused by the chemotherapy treatments.

They tell us so many things. As time goes on and the information increases, it seems to become easier to forget some of it. They gave us a prescription last time and said she was to take these pills as prescribed a day before her chemotherapy treatments; the day of the treatments and one dose the day after treatments.

I (we) forgot. Managing medication is supposed to be one of my areas of responsibility in this "adventure". I forgot about the need to take this particular medication before the treatment today. For some unknown reason, at 2 a. m. this morning Karon realized she was supposed to have taken those pills and she hadn't done so! She took some then and a dose this morning before treatment. They went ahead with the treatments anyway.

I declare, my forgetfulness will be the death of her yet. I forget stuff a lot. That's why I try to write stuff down. (I've written in my datebook about taking the pills before the next treatment!) I am so easily distracted. I get up from one spot to go do something or get something and I see things on the way that I need to do or get so I get distracted by what drew my attention that needed done and I never do get what I started after in the first lace. *SIGH*

I like my life organized and orderly. I am a "list-maker". But even in making lists I get distracted because writing the list reminds me of other stuff I need to do and I write that down and forget the original task I intended to put on my list. *SIGH*

Oh well, 'nuf whining. God is good and He is still on His Throne and in control.

Sunday our little church makes a commitment to financially support one of our own young people in full time mission work in the Ukraine. I am excited to see what God will do through our church. I'll write more about that later and will let you-all know how it turns out after Sunday.

Jim

posted by jim 1:45 PM 3 comments

Monday, August 01, 2005

ANOTHER STEP IN THE JOURNEY

Saturday Karon and I took another step in this "cancer journey". Friday we took her wig (hair piece, whatever you want to call it) to the Beautician to have her work on it--shape, style, fit it, etc. Saturday Karon and I went to pick it up.

Karon had decided by then that she was ready to have the rest of her hair cut off. To anyone looking at first glance it appeared that Karon still had lots of hair because her hair was thick. But it had been coming out a lot since last Tuesday. Looking closely you could tell it was getting a lot thinner. There were spots with no hair at all. And it really bugged Karon to have lots and lots of hair falling out all the time, going everywhere. It all would have been gone in a day or so anyway. It was falling out rapidly. So by Saturday she had decided it was time to have it all removed.

Karon asked if I was going to the Beautician with her. Of course I was. We are making this journey together, every step of the way we possibly can. And I wasn't about to let her experience that part of the journey alone.

It was tough but not as bad as I had thought it might be. I tried to be calm and steady for her sake. Karon and I did better than her beautician, who cried as she was cutting the hair. That made it hard for us but we managed okay.

Karon really looks good in her wig. It is as near her natural hair as I guess you could get, considering the cost of it. And the Beautician did a great job of styling it.

Then we went to a beautician supply store and bought Karon some turbans and caps. None of the caps fit but the turbans are fine and I think she looks good in them, too.

It is hard getting used to seeing Karon around the house without hair, wig, turban or any kind of covering. But it's okay. I'm glad we went through that together.

Wednesday Karon has her second chemotherapy intravenous treatment. Hopefully she and I will be more careful of her immune system this time so she won't end up in the hospital again!

Thanks to all for the prayers and love expressed.

Regards,

Jim

posted by jim 4:30 PM 3 comments

Friday, July 29, 2005

THOUGHTS ON A BOOK WE ARE READING

Karon and I have begun to read the book together, “The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience”, by Ronald J. Sider. (Actually, I’m reading the book to Karon.) Karon selected this book from one of her book clubs and thought we should read it together.

The purpose of the book, as stated by its author, is to address the question, “Why are Christians living just like the rest of the world?”

The book seems to be a disturbing but accurate indictment on what the church has NOT done as much as it is an indictment on what it has done.

The first chapter discusses the church’s attitudes and inactivity in the areas of divorce, materialism and the poor, sexual disobedience, racism and physical abuse in marriage.

Quoting the summary given at the end of the first chapter is the best way I can communicate the scope of the book:

“To say there is a crisis of disobedience in the evangelical
world today is to dangerously understate the problem. Born-
again Christians divorce at about the same rate as everyone
else. Self-centered materialism is seducing evangelicals and
rapidly destroying our earlier, slightly more generous giving.
Only 6 percent of born-again Christians tithe. Born-again
Christians justify and engage in sexual promiscuity (both
premarital sex and adultery) at astonishing rates. Racism
and perhaps physical abuse of wives seem to be worse in
evangelical circles than elsewhere. This is scandalous
behavior for people who claim to be born-again by the Holy
Spirit and to enjoy the very presence of the Risen Lord in their
lives.”

The book then discusses this theme under chapter headings of: The Biblical Vision; Cheap Grace vs. the Whole Gospel; Conforming to Culture or being the Church and Rays of Hope.

I think it will be a very interesting, although very disturbing, book. I am looking forward to delving into it. The book gives a lot of findings of Pollster George Barna. I respect Barna’s polling methods and conclusions very much. Though they are most disturbing I think they are an accurate reflection of what is going on in our country religiously at this time.

But I want to also share a comment that a member of our little church made the other day when she was visiting in our home. I am not going to report the conversation verbatim. And the context was different than the book’s theme. But her comment “squares” with what the book has said so far.

She said, “The Christian Church is so weak in teaching Bible knowledge. In my background as a “__________”, we had to learn the Bible whether we wanted to or not. And that Bible knowledge made a difference in the way I live today. It seems like in the church today Bible teaching is almost non-existent.”

I hate what she said but had to admit she is right. And that’s what Sider is saying in his book. Because we haven’t emphasized and insisted on teaching and living by the Biblical principles, we’re in the “fix” we’re in today.

Enough of the rant. Maybe further reading of the book will produce other Posts in this Journal. Hopefully they’ll be more than just rants.

Jim

posted by jim 4:10 PM 1 comments

SIMPLE ISN'T ALWAYS SIMPLE

For those who regularly follow this journal, Karon stayed home from work today! It wasn't that she was necessarily being sensible! It was necessitated by the pain. The surgical procedure she had performed yesterday was supposed to be simple. I guess it was simple for the doctor. But we weren't prepared for the amount of pain associated with the procedure. So she's home, at least for the morning. That's a good thing.

The doctor did tell me that he had difficulty locating the vein in which to place the portacath. That probably accounts for the additional amount of pain beyond what is normally experienced with this type of a surgical procedure.

There you have it.

Karon and I are reading a book together. We're not finished with it but already I want to post an entry about it. The book title is, "The Scandal of the Evangellical Conscience." Look for my Post very soon.

And thanks again to all you faithful readers of this thing called a Blog, or Journal, or whatever it's called, for your love, prayers and continued concern for us.

Jim

posted by jim 9:50 AM 4 comments

Thursday, July 28, 2005

SO YOU'LL KNOW (For those who want to know)

Karon and I are home from the surgery center. All went well. They said I did fine. (hehe). After having eaten a bowl of cereal, she is in her chair sleeping right now. She's very sore but that's to be expected for awhile.

The doctor said she should take it easy today and tomorrow. Karon insists she's going to work tomorrow. I'm agreeing with the doctor. Guess who will win?!?!

We were treated very well at the Surgery Center. No complaints and nothing out of the ordinary to report.

We thank you for standing with us in prayer.

Jim

posted by jim 11:40 AM 3 comments

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

SURGERY IS SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW

After Karon's unexpected trip to the hospital last weekend we wondered if the surgery scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday, July 28th) would occur. But the blood work done this afternoon at the Oncology Center showed the counts, though low, were near enough to the normal range to allow surgery.

They are going to "install" a "Port" into a major vein so they won't have to keep "poking" Karon to get blood and to give the many infusions her chemotherapy and other intravenous treatments continually require.

It is an outpatient procedure with (hopefully, prayerfully) no complications. We should be home by noon. The plan is to get her settled in at the house and I will go to work. But we'll see.

We know we are prayed for and that is good. It is a comfort.

Someone told me one time that life is like an elevator, one long series of ups and downs. In a previous Journal entry quite a long time ago I wrote about the "Hairballs of Life". They occur frequently! *Sigh*

But then some contact in some form or other from a friend (or from more than one) gives a definite lift and brings great joy.

The writer of Proverbs had it right (25:25): "Like cold water to a weary soul is good news form a distant land."

I have been given several "cups" of cold water lately. "Distant land" can have many interpretations! One of my "cups of cold water" came from a good friend right here in Indy. He has been a good friend for several years. And some of my words of encouragement have come from Canada, from Louisiana, from North Carolina. And so it goes. God is good, all the time. "Thank you, God. Thank you, friends."

Jim

posted by jim 5:10 PM 1 comments

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

A LOT HAS HAPPENED

It has been a week since I posted. A lot has happened. My problem is that I don't really know how much anyone would be interested in what has happened. But in summary....

I have heard from my good friend, Thames. He's having a real "adventure" in his travels. Not all is going smoothly for him, but all in all, it is good. I still miss him so much. And I am still so very thankful he came my way. This is a real "faith issue" for me because I can't do anything but pray for him and his safety. I can't even know on a regular basis how he is. It is a good faith exercise though. I just have to "hand him over to God" to care for him. I just wish I could do more for him.

My dear wife, Karon, has been in and out of the hospital since my last post, though I did refer to it in the comment section. As was to be expected, her immune system was severely reduced as a side effect of the chemotherapy treatment. She had to go to the dentist to have a broken tooth and filling repaired and her teeth cleaned. I had forgotten that because of the chemo she should have taken an antibiotic before and after going to the dentist. Evidently when you get your teeth worked on, bacteria goes throughout your body. To a normal immune system it is no big deal. But her white blood cell count was almost zero so it was a "big deal". So we went to the emergency room Thursday night and after several hours there, they realized why she had such severe infection. They hospitalized her until Sunday afternoon and "pumped" antibiotic into her 24/7. By Sunday afternoon her counts were near enough to normal that she could be released. She feels really cruddy but is working most of each day.

We had a very successful Vacation Bible School at church last week and a good closing program Friday night. Sunday morning we had new people in service as a result of our VBS. So that is all good.

Things are good at church. We are trying to educate and prepare people to partner with one of our young people who is going to the Ukraine in January as a full time Christian worker in the church in Berdyansk. We hope our church will be able to commit to providing at least half of the young lady's monthly support needs. August 7th we make our commitments. We'll see what happens.

We're trying to add on to our building. Oh what a miserable process that is. It is no one's fault. That's just the way it is. Lots of tough decisions to make. Thankfully our church is united and we patiently struggle together to learn God's Will in the matter.

During August I'm taking my annual Study Leave given by the church. I'll speak at church August 7th because that's our big Sunday--commitment Sunday for the mission work, fellowship dinner and quarterly congregation meeting. Then I'll be out of the pulpit until September 11th. I'll be working on a lot of things--fall and winter teaching and various other things.

Work at my week-day job is great. I am so thankful for it. God is good. Sometimes it is easy to lose sight of that.

More later.

Jim

posted by jim 8:30 AM 5 comments

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

EMPTY, EMPTY

I have returned home from work. The driveway is empty -- no red Ford Escort parked there. Sadness has really gripped me then. I knew the house would also be empty. Not desolate, just empty. Karon is still at work but will be home soon.

But my dear friend is gone. He brought such joy and warmth and love to our house. His room is empty and my heart hurts. But I am so thankful for his visit. And he stayed with me far longer than I thought his difficult trip schedule would allow him.

I am so thankful for his visit. I am so thankful he would allow so much time for me. I miss him terribly and I'm nearer tears now than ever. But I won't cry because I am so thankful for his visit. I am so happy he came. And I remember the happiness he brought to me by being here. I'll hold on to that for a lifetime -- or until we can again visit in person.

We got to talk about a lot of things. But there were so many other things I wanted to talk about with my friend. Spiritual ideas; viewpoints on Scripture; political ideas--Llbertarian philosophy, our two-party system and other governmental forms.

That will have to wait until another time--or for email time.

I have to re-adjust to life as it was before my friend came. But it sure was good having him here.

Thank you, Thames.

Jim

posted by jim 5:15 PM 5 comments

Monday, July 18, 2005

DREAMS DO COME TRUE

I have a friend (well, hopefully I have many)! But one friend in particular lives a long way from me. Way out on the west coast of British Columbia. I consider him a very, very good friend. I put him in the category of one of my best friends.

He has been a trusted and valued friend for several years. Yet we had never visited one another except through the Internet. Our meeting and the development of our friendship is definitely a “God-thing”. How it occurred and developed is another story.

For several years I have had a dream about him visiting me. I thought it would never happen. In fact, I wrote a Journal entry that I never posted entitled, “A Dream That Will Never Come True”. And I didn’t think that it ever would.

But, Praise be to God, it has come true! Yes, my friend is visiting me. And he is able, in his very insane travel schedule, to spend some days with me. I am happier than I have been in years because he is here and we are able to share so many things.

Often, anticipated events do not measure up to our unrealistic expectations of them. Then when the longed-for events finally occur they are a huge disappointment. Not so with the visit of my friend!

I don’t know what it has been like from his perspective—and I’d never put him on the spot by asking. But for me the reality has exceeded the expectation. I am so thankful to my God. My friend and I have shared together in numerous ways. My life has been so blessed by him for these several recent years. And now I have been so blessed by his visit that words cannot come close to communicating my joy and gratitude—to God and to my friend.

I can only say, “Thanks be to God…” and thanks to my friend for this wonderful blessing.

Jim

posted by jim 6:17 PM 0 comments

"THE PAIN"

We have been back from vacation a week and a half. Things have been very busy on several fronts. It seems like it was eons ago since we were on vacation. Finally I think I am over my “Pain” from vacation. I promised to write about how I got it.

I have tried to think of some thrilling story account of how I got my severe back and leg pain that plagued me for about two weeks. Perhaps I could say that I rescued some beautiful girl from imminent danger by throwing myself in front of a speeding car thereby saving her life and resulting in me getting hit by the car. But that would be pure fabrication. I guess I have no alternative but to give you the real story.

Saturday July 2nd, (I think—either Friday or Saturday of that week) I was at my daughter’s apartment in Atlanta. Karon, my oldest daughter, LeDena and Anita were all in Anita’s front room visiting. I had excused myself to go to the bathroom. I took reading material and … well you can imagine the rest!

When I went to get up off the toilet stool, at “half-mast” I had a terrific pain on the lower right side of back. It was severe enough that I hollered and was immobile for a while. I thought at first I was going to be stuck in the “half mast” position indefinitely. Realizing that was not an option, I managed to straighten up enough to become decently clothed again and hobbled out to the front room where the rest of the family awaited an explanation for all the hollering and moaning coming from the bathroom!

Instead of being met with sympathetic “oohs and Ahs” as I would have liked, I was instead rewarded with gales of laughter. (So much for a sympathetic family, ready to obey my every command and do my every bidding!)

That pain continued for a number of days and as it persisted it moved around some from back to hip to leg, etc. I put stuff on the leg and took Ibuprofen and generally was miserable for about a week and a half.

It gradually got better until one day someone asked my how my back was getting along. And I realized I didn’t have it any more.

Good for me.

Jim

posted by jim 5:00 PM 0 comments

Friday, July 08, 2005

BACK FROM VACATION

I'm back and glad to be home and at work. We traveled over 1,600 miles. The rental car was a great idea and it all worked out well. We had a 2005 Pontiac Bonneville. It really fluctuated on mileage. On the road we got 28 MPG but in town one time we got 17 MPG. Our average MPG was 23+ MPG.

The trip was good. No accidents, no terrible delays--well, a few in Atlanta, but that is normal for Atlanta traffic! The weather was great.

Physically, it was hard on Karon. But she enjoyed herself anyway. It was just hard on her hip and leg. Even though we had the wheelchair we weren't able to use it a lot. We actually didn't use it at all at Convention. So she about lost her ability to walk. But with time and rest she should be okay. She's been working every day since we got back.

Me? Well, that's another story. I came back with mega-pain in my right hip and leg. But how I got it I'll save until my next post! I've got to think how to phrase the "incident"!

The North American Christian Convention in Lexington, Kentucky, was one of the best in years and years--at least in our opinion. The worship times and music were wonderful and the speakers kept to the theme and brought wonderful messages from God's Word. And they stuck to the Word with helpful insights--not a lot of "editorializing" or personal opinions.

I'll Post more later.

Jim

posted by jim 9:40 AM 0 comments

Thursday, June 23, 2005

GOING ON VACATION

We work today and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday). We will go to Countryside Sunday where I will preach. Then we are on vacation! We’ll use Monday to get ready to go. We’ll do things like stop the mail and the newspaper, do laundry, pack and get the car ready.

I have it in my head that I want to rent a car for the trip. The reason is to save money in the form of wear and tear on our car. The government allows $0.405 cents per mile for business miles reimbursement. Studies I have read say that it costs $0.615 cents per mile to replace a car. For the miles we are traveling it would cost a lot of money in car replacement costs to drive our car. I can rent a car for less than half that cost. Either way I have to buy gasoline. So why not buy gas for a rental car and make my car last longer. We’ll see how it all turns out.

We will leave Zionsville Tuesday morning and go to Lexington, Kentucky, where we will attend a church convention, the North American Christian Convention. It is a preaching-teaching convention. It is also a time of reunion with others we have known over the years and the Christian colleges will have receptions for alumni to get together.

The Convention is over Thursday at noon. Then we’ll head for the Atlanta, Georgia, area to visit one of our daughters. Our oldest daughter will fly to Atlanta to spend the weekend with us. She’ll ride back in the car with us. We’ll be back to work Wednesday, July 6th.

I hope to get some rest. Although I don’t know how much resting can be done when you spend all that time in a car and visiting with lots of people. I plan to take a book or two that I want to get read as well. I hope it will be a good time. We pray for safety in travel. And we hope our health is good during the trip.

The good news is I’ll have some access to email and the Internet while I am gone. I am happy I don’t have to have a long separation from my friends with whom I have regular email contact and I can read those web logs of my friends that I regularly access. But I probably won’t update this Journal until I get back. Hopefully I’ll have some interesting things about which to write.

Jim

posted by jim 4:08 PM 0 comments

Monday, June 20, 2005

ANOTHER DAY OF WORKING AT THE SPEEDWAY TRACK

Saturday I spent another long day at the Race Track. Doors opened at 7 a. m. so we had to be there at 6 a. m. This time we were assigned to Gate 3 – a walk-in gate. At first I was a little disappointed to be at this gate. The last time I worked at the track I observed that this gate was not very busy all day long. I thought that Gate 2 where the majority of the cars entered was much busier and much more enjoyable as far as the work.

I may have been wrong in my previous observation, I just don’t know. But I do know that last Saturday this gate was very busy. It was enjoyable working there with 7 other people from our church. The Speedway officials told us that they had over 90 volunteers that day from various church and other non-profit organizations.

We took turns doing various tasks at the gate and had numerous breaks from our posts. Some of the time I stood at a table and inspected back packs, coolers, and other carry-in containers. We were looking for glass and anything else “suspicious”. Except for any glass containers, what was considered“ suspicious” was pretty much left up to us as the “inspectors”. Everyone was cooperative. I had a few people who had to throw away unopened bottles of beer. Some chose to just throw them away but some stood there and drank the bottles empty!

Part of the time I took tickets or inspected passes to be sure they were entering with the correct day pass. Much of the time I stood with others from our church and handed out programs (until we ran out) and kept people from walking on the ramps where the vehicles drove and got people to use the sidewalk. It was surprising the number of people who wanted to walk in the street rather than on the sidewalk!

During breaks there were qualifying of cars to watch and also a few races were held Saturday. The big race (United States Grand Prix, of the Formula 1 cars) was supposed to be Sunday. It turned out to be an embarrassing experience as 14 of the 20 drivers boycotted the race over some controversy about the safety of the Michelin tires. So everybody is angry and upset and fans are demanding a refund.

But Saturday was good. It was perfect weather. We got to deal with a lot of people from other countries. It was interesting to hear the different languages being spoken. Some could not speak any English. Many spoke very broken English.

It was also interesting to see those who chose to wear their native clothing. Some of the men from my church couldn’t believe that Scottish men wear those “skirts”, which were really kilts.

During lunch break I again had a “Brickyard Burger” which is a very large and very thick hamburger. It was good. I should have stopped there but I didn’t. Located a short distance from the gate where we worked they were cooking those huge turkey legs on the open grill. After smelling those things cooking all day, (they are one of my favorite foods) I yielded about 3 p. m. and had a huge leg. Was it good!

So it was a long day (up at 4:30 a. m. and back home at 6 p. m.) but it was enjoyable work and very enjoyable working with folks from our church.

And the Speedway personnel complimented us highly on our work ethic. They had to almost insist and beg us to take breaks. Some groups (so they said) they have to continually “prod” to get them to do what they are supposed to do. It was a good witness.

August 6th for the Brickyard 400 is our last opportunity to work this year. Anyone “out there” want to join me at the Track? You are welcome. You don’t have to be from our church. Just put a comment on this Blog or if you have my address, just email me, call me, someway let me know you’d like to join me at the Track.

Jim

posted by jim 4:30 PM 0 comments

Friday, June 17, 2005

MEDICAL UPDATE

Over a week ago Karon and I made our most recent visit to the oncologist. It was not an encouraging one. The oral chemotherapy is having no effect on the cancer and it is very harmful to her hands and feet, in addition to the other side effects. The drug had the cancer count reducing for a time. But now it seems to have flat-lined and is even increasing a bit.

So…We all decided it is time for a change. Dr. Birhiray obviously subscribes, at least in principle, to the classic definition of insanity. “Insanity is to continue doing the same things in the same way and expecting different results.” We do this far too often in church life and wonder why our churches for the most part aren’t healthy and don’t grow!

So a change in the approach to Karon’s treatment is at hand. She and the doctor agreed that she could go on a little “medical leave”. She is off of the oral chemo drug and waiting for her hands to heal once again. The healing is very slow this time. We will do nothing further in the way of treatment until the middle of July.

The week after next we are going to the North American Christian convention in Lexington, Kentucky. Following the convention we will go on to the Atlanta, Georgia, area to visit our daughter, Anita. We’ll come back to Indianapolis July 5th. July 13th we go back to the oncologist. She will likely begin her new treatment that day.

The next line of treatment is to use a stronger chemotherapy drug that can only be given by infusion. That’s introducing the drug directly into the blood stream through the veins. She’ll have to go to the treatment center to have the drug administered. The doctor has decided on which drug to use. We have to decide if she wants to take it once a week for three weeks and then off a week or if she will take the stronger dose once every three weeks.

There will be side effects either way. Taking the lesser dosage more often may lessen the side effects somewhat. The two main side effects are loss of body hair and destruction of the immune system. Neither is pleasant to endure. There are additional drugs they will administer to mitigate the other side effects.

We are going to try to enjoy our vacation and Karon’s “medical leave” as much as possible and try not to think too much about the future at this time. We just pray this treatment will be effective in destroying the cancer—and not the patient!

Jim

posted by jim 10:30 AM 1 comments

Friday, June 10, 2005

GONE AND GOING

Our short-term mission team going to the Ukraine, left Wednesday, They flew to Detroit, then to Amsterdam and on to Kiev, Ukraine. Then they had a 10 or 12 hour van ride to Bereyzdak. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with them.

The team going to the mission work camp in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, leaves Saturday at 1 p. m. They have a long ride ahead of them as well. My heart, thoughts and prayers will be with them also.

Saturday, June 18th, the third team leaves for the mission work camp in West Virginia. They leave the day the Pennsylvania team returns. So I'll be praying for this team as well.

The Ukraine team is due to return June 22nd.

Nineteen people from a small church like ours! Given our size, that's a phenomenal number of people. Most preachers are disturbed by a lot of people missing from church. We will have a lot of people missing from our congregational worship Sunday. But rather than disturbed, I am thrilled and excited about that. I am glad to have them gone because I know what they are doing.

Some of these missionaries will be repairing houses for people whose buildings are in need of such repairs but are unable to do it themselves and unable to pay someone else to do the work. They will also be witnessing for Christ and the Gospel to the occupants of these homes and to the neighbors in the neighborhoods as well. They will study the Word, have devotions and have great worship experiences also.

The missionaries in the Ukraine will be working in youth camps where they will present the Gospel using puppets. They will be directing games, leading Bible studies and leading music in worship services. They will also work with a campus ministry and lead worship for young adult worship.

These people are on anything but a "vacation". They will return tired and emotionally exhausted. But they will also return blessed. We are all praying that these missionaries will not only be a blessing to those among whom they serve, but that these missionaries will be blessed and that their lives will be profoundly changed.

Yep! It is an exciting time in our church all right! It will be great when they all return and we can have a great sharing time when they can tell the whole congregation (as best they can) how God used them and how they were blessed and changed for His glory!

Jim

posted by jim 3:00 PM 0 comments

Monday, June 06, 2005

WORKING AT THE INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Our church has a money-raising project for our youth mission trips. During the months of May, June and August we can work as “volunteers” at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In May it is the Indianapolis 500 race, in June the Formula One Race and in August the Brickyard 400.

We as individuals don’t get any money but the racetrack makes a donation to the volunteer organization in the amount of something like $7.00 per hour per person for every hour the individual works.

Our church has been on a waiting list for this opportunity for several years. Finally our name made its way to the top of the list this year. We worked a couple of Saturdays in May. I worked the second Saturday. I was at a college graduation ceremony the first Saturday the group from our church worked. I am glad, too, because it rained everything out that first Saturday by 3 o’clock! I understand that until then most everybody got pretty wet and some of the group caught colds and stuff as a result of standing out in the weather most of the day.

The second Saturday was a gorgeous day as far as the weather was concerned. I have to admit to having a lot of apprehension about doing this before I actually participated. I kept thinking, “I don’t have time for this; I don’t need this.” But I knew I needed to do it. Having done it, I am ready to go back. I’m already signed to go June 18th and I’ll sign for August 6th also.

There were seven of us from our church the day I worked. It was a long day. We had to be at the track at 7:00 a. m. and worked until 5:30 p. m. There were breaks during the day but otherwise we stood on our feet. Our job was to take tickets as people drove in the main gate. There were a few walk-ins but most came in cars.

It was a good job because for the most part the people coming in hadn’t started the heavy drinking so we didn’t deal with a lot of drunks. Some of the people working inside the track as the day progressed weren’t so fortunate!

We saw a variety of people-types and cars as we worked the gate all day long. Both fascinated me! There were “old clunkers” of cars and there were Porsches , Corvettes, BMWs, Mercedes Benz—all variety of automobiles.

The people were fascinating, too. Most were pleasant and happy to be going to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Some people were unresponsive to our friendliness. I don’t think I encountered any real grouches. We were told to be pleasant, friendly and encourage people to enjoy themselves at the Speedway so they would want to come back.

On our breaks we got to watch race cars practice or qualify for the race. There were lots of activities in the infield, also. We were able to take in part of a Christian concert on the coca cola stage. Christian artists Sarah Groves. Orlando Ortega and Bebo Norman performed. I only got to hear and see Ortega and Bebo Norman. They were good. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Chaplaincy program presented this concert.

It was a good day. I’m ready to go back. ANYONE OUT THERE WANT TO GO WITH ME? WE HAVE ROOM FOR MORE WORKERS. It is a good way to get to see some Formula One racing or some Brickyard 400 NASCAR racing.

I don’t know what our job will be next time. Our leader from our church is going to request we be assigned to the main gate again but that doesn’t mean they will honor his request, They really liked us, though. Several of the Paid Speedway Staff complimented us on the way we did our work. Maybe they'll let us work at the main gate again!

Jim

posted by jim 3:10 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, June 01, 2005

A GRADUATION DAY EXPERIENCE

A few weeks ago I was privileged to attend the Graduation Ceremony for a young lady in our church. She graduated cum laude from Cincinnati Christian University. The ceremony was held in the College Gym. It was comfortable and there was room for everyone in attendance. The sound system was very good for both music and speaking.

It was an excellent service with good music and interesting and intelligent short speeches by three graduates. One of the outstanding features of the ceremony was the excellent way one of the professors read the Scripture. In my opinion it is seldom that you hear Scripture read well. This man did an excellent job in that department.

After the ceremony had concluded people were just leaving the stands. I had gone down on the floor to talk to someone. We had just begun our conversation when without warning the lights went out. It was somewhat of a shock. We all thought they would come right on again or there would be back up lighting. Neither occurred.
When it became apparent there was not going to be any lights, two impressive things happened. First, no one panicked. There were no screams or stampede to the exits. (Even the exit lights were out.)

The second occurrence took me by surprise. It seemed that everyone in that large crowd who had a cell phone turned it on! Most of them weren’t calling anyone. Apparently they were just using their screen as light! My cell is an older style with a very dim screen that provides virtually no light. But it was interesting to see everyone “light up”. Pretty soon we all headed for the exit nearest to us. It was funny to observe people trying to meet up with their family and/or friends in the dark. Believe it or not, it was easier to do than I would have thought. Eventually everyone got out doors to the light and found their friends and family.

I never did hear why the lights went out. I only learned that they were out over that entire area of the city. I suppose they were off an hour or more at least.

It is hard to believe that a large public building on a good-sized college campus could be constructed without any type of backup lighting in case of such an occurrence. But that building has no backup lights. I am thankful that no one panicked that there were no harmful results.

Jim

posted by jim 3:10 PM 0 comments

Monday, May 30, 2005

BE PATIENT WITH ME , MY FRIENDS!

Okay, Okay! I know it has been one month and one day since I last posted. My apologizes! A million and one things have happened since the last Post. Some of those things have been exciting, some not! But I'll be updating you faithful, patient readers! Here's a "Table of Contents" of highlights (lowlights?) of what has occurred: Attended a college graduation out of town that had an exiting and unusual conclusion; worked all day one Saturday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a group from our church; surprise birthday party for my wife; helped a daughter move; lots of high school and college graduation parties; performed a wedding ceremony in a rather unusual location.

If I ever get courage enough to say, "No" to some things and quit volunteering for other things, I may be able to make time to Post on a more regular basis!

One of the things I hate most about my "busyness", is that I have neglected my friends. I hate that. I want to do better about emailing them, telephoning them and getting together.

But in all this "busyness" I have continued to pray for you, my friends. And I think about all of you many times a day.

I'll be back soon.

Jim

posted by jim 10:00 PM 0 comments

Friday, April 29, 2005

WOW! WHAT A CAR!

I'm a traveling man again! This week I've been able to work from my office. Beginning today, I'll be traveling through next Friday. I'll be in my office some, too. But I'll be out a lot. Fortunately I'll not have to be out over night any. That is enjoyable but it is hard, too. I'm not here to help Karon at night and in the mornngs. And being out in hotels is difficult in other ways, too.

So I have another rental car. But this time it's a great car! It is a silver '04 Pontiac Grand Prix --loaded! I'm not going to mind driving this car at all! It's cool!

I still like my Honda and Toyota very much. But this car is the best of all the rentals I have driven over the last year. It's loaded.

I'm off to Bloomington, Indiana, in a little while. That's the main campus of Indiana University. I'm not going to the University, however. But I may drive around the campus a bit.

Well, I've got to get ready to head out in my silver Grand Prix! Boy! I'll have to find the cruise control and use it. That car has a lot of "ponies" under the hood! And I can't afford a speeding ticket. Even though the State of Indiana is short of money, I've got better places for the money God has allowed me to manage for Him than to hand it over to the State for a speeding fine!

Jim

posted by jim 7:20 AM 0 comments

Thursday, April 28, 2005

IT'S A GO!

Karon's doctor decided her body was sufficiently recovered to continue the oral chemotherapy treatments again. He has decided to lower the dosage once again. He said, "I don't want your hands looking like that!" He is hoping this lower dosage will not cause such severe side effects but will still destroy the cancer. He said it would somewhat slow up the process as far as putting the cancer into remission.

We have always gotten the prescriptions filled at a large chain pharmacy. Since Karon has been on this expensive (and I do mean expensive!) cancer drug, it has been a really bad hassle to get the medication. They insist on shipping it from Florida and wanting to take 5 to 6 days to get it to us. We have insisted we need it sooner than that and they have gotten it to us in 3 days. But it has been a real hassle.

Finally I decided, "I'm not putting up with this any longer." So I went to a drugstore/pharmacy. It is still a chain but it is not a general merchandise chain. I am very pleased with the treatment I got. No hassle, they had the drugs in stock and filled the prescriptions in about 10 minutes after we completed the paperwork to get set up as a first-time customer. The pharmacist was kind and professional. She had a demeanor that made you feel at ease right away. And best of all, I walked out of there with the necessary medicines. And it didn't cost me any more than had I continued to put up with the ill-treatment I was getting at the other place.

I had been "threatening" to change for quite a while. Why did I wait so long to make the change? The new location is so quiet and less crowded. And it is more convenient to my house and work. It is located half-way between home and work.

Oh well, that's me! Not always able to make up my mind and act on something as timely as I should!

Jim

posted by jim 10:45 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

THIS 'N THAT!

I haven't posted in awhile. That's not because there is nothing happening! It is a time factor and where do you begin and end?

Karon and I go to her oncology doctor tomorrow. We are confident he will okay her to take her next infusion therapy treatment and start back on the oral chemotherapy. Her hands and feet have healed a lot in these past several weeks since she has been off the treatment. This is the longest she has gone between oral chemo treatments. But her hands just don't heal. It is sad to think that she has to go back to that pain and suffering so soon after it quits hurting so bad. But if it continues to bring the cancer into remission we can only be thankful. We won't know until May 18th if the cancer is continuing to go into remission or not.

So many great things happening at our church, Countryside Christian Fellowship. I personally am excited about all the mission trips in which people in our little church are participating. In May a person from our church is going to Costa Rica on a mission work trip. A team of 10 (four high school youth and six adults) are going on a work trip to Pennsylvania for a week in June. Also in June two from our church (and maybe more) are going to the Ukraine for two weeks. And some folks from our church are going on a mission work trip to West Virginia.

Besides all this, we are gearing up to provide at least half support for one of our young ladies who is going long term to minister in the Ukraine. This will challenge our church to have a global vision. We are also still planning to add on to our building to make more room for more people who need to know Christ and need to grow in Him.

In June a good friend, possibly my best friend, is coming from a long distance to visit me. I can't put into words how excited I am about that. This is going to be a highlight of my life. It will be a short visit, like the click of a shutter on a camera lens. But I plan to make the most of every second he is here. I have such high hopes and big dreams for this visit. I am praying that God makes it the highlight I am anticipating for this visit. When I think of it I can hardly wait. I'll be so excited--more than I ever am at Christmas. I already know how sad I'll be at our parting. But I'm praying not to let that take away from the joy of my friend being here. I will experience the gamut of emotions--joy, laughter, excitement. fun, fulfillment and sadness at his leaving. I know I'll cry. Hopefully not in front of him, but I can't guarantee it.

Enough of this rambling. I don't usually do this but I guess I needed an outlet today. This gives you a glimpse of the "tip of the iceberg" of things that are going on in my world. I know your world is equally busy, exciting thrilling and fulfilling.

Jim

posted by jim 4:25 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

NOT YET -- MAYBE ONE MORE WEEK

Karon had to go alone today to the oncology doctor. I had to be out of town for my company.

Her hands are not yet healed enough to allow her to go back on the chemotherapy treatment. The doctor hopes more healing of her hands will take place in this next week.

she goes back again next Wednesday. I hope I can go with her. I may have to be out of town again. I'm not sure whether I'll be out Tuesday or Wednesday--or both days.

Because she didn't start on the chemo she didn't get her monthly infusion treatment for bone strengthening either. Hopefully she'll get that next week also.

It is a strange waiting game!

Jim

posted by jim 5:35 PM 0 comments

Thursday, April 14, 2005

A GOOD REPORT

Karon and I went to the oncologist yesterday (as I mentioned we would in my last entry!) It was a good report. The cancer (tumor) count had been 145; then it went to 106 and yesterday it was 71! That’s a praise! God is using the chemo drug to kill off the bone cancer.

There are drastic side effects, which I have mentioned in a previous entry. The most difficult one is the destruction of tissue and nerve endings in the hands and feet. Karon’s hands were not healed enough to allow her to continue the chemotherapy treatment. So she gets to wait another week. She was happy to be able to wait! The hope is that the hands will heal enough for her to continue the treatment next week.

But the good news is that the cancer is “on the run”. Even better news is that we can praise God and use this as a testimony to some who need to know that God does hear and answer prayer. It re-affirms the faith of all of us who pray not only for this but also for many other things. Many of you reading this know that I pray daily for many of you. I will continue. God DOES hear and answer. It is not always the way we expect and sometime not the way we want. But He is in control of our lives. I’m happy about that.

Thanks to all of you reading this who so faithfully pray for us. It is not in vain!

Jim

posted by jim 5:40 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

I STILL LIKE IT…

My 1996 Toyota Camry, I mean. I got it about March 1st to replace the Hyundai I totaled. It took two additional trips to “Tom, the Toyota Technician”. But now it runs like a sewing machine—like the “well-oiled machine” it is! I got 34 miles per gallon on the most recent tank. That’s good considering the price of gasoline right now!

It’s good to be able to drive something you enjoy. I enjoy driving the cars I own more than any of the rentals I drive for work. We also have a 2002 Honda Accord EX, which Karon drives most of the time. That’s a really nice car, too! It has sunroof, dual air bags and dual side air bags, a cassette tape player and a 6-CD changer, among other features.

I listen to a lot of books on tape when I am driving. My Camry has only a cassette tape player. It is a very good player though, and I really like the way it sounds and operates. But a lot of things I like to listen to are on CDs. For my birthday Karon gave me a CD player with car radio converter. It is a really nice one and has a radio as well as CD player. It is equipped with a remote control. This will make it safer for me to drive and listen and operate the CD player! Now I’m all set to listen to either cassette tape or CD when I’m driving my Camry!

Also for my birthday I received a recorded version of John Eldridge’s book, “Wild At Heart.” Several people have recommended it as excellent reading material. I am anxious to get started with the “reading”.

Today is another of our many “doctor days”. This time it is the Oncologist. Yesterday it was the dermatologist. Today we learn whether this most recent round of Chemo that Karon has undergone has reduced the cancer count. We’ll learn if she goes on another round of the oral Chemo. This has been her “week off” of the chemo. Her hands haven’t healed much and they are very raw and painful. This is just one of the side effects of this treatment. She’ll also have her infusion therapy today.

I guess that’s what’s on my mind right now. At least what I want to Post!

Jim

posted by jim 2:10 PM 4 comments

Someplace to think outloud and maybe someone will think back.

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