Thursday, October 26, 2006
ABANDONED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
It seems I have abandoned my blog journal. It has been over a month since I posted an entry. My treatment of this Blog is like a lot of other areas in life: good intentions but no follow through.
Although this Blog has been abandoned, it has not been forgotten. Daily guilt sweeps over me as I think that I ought to Post an entry. But good intentions get you nowhere except maybe.....well, you know where!
In the busyness of life it seems that something (often several "somethings") have to go undone. Unfortunately, posting a journal entry in this Blog has been, for me, the "something" to be left undone.
So life continues at a fast pace. There may be hope for a "slowing down" or at least a lessening of obligations for which I am responsible. But that won't happen until sometime after the first of the year. My church is in the midst of a campaign to commit money for a building addition. This has all been a very positive experience for the church. So many people have worked together to produce quality materials and now the home visits are taking place. December 3rd we'll know how much will be committed over the next 3 years.
The Pastor Search Committee is narrowing in on a likely candidate for the full time Pastor position at the church. Their number one candidate won't be available until June 1, 2007. He is finishing his Masters in Theology at Dallas Theological Seminary. But I don't think I'll wait that long to retire!
Karon's cancer continues to seem to be uncontrollable. The cancer count (or tumor marker) is higher than it has ever been. The tumor in the liver seems to be increasing in size. She will have a CAT scan next Monday and we'll find out Wednesday what's going on. Most likely the Oncologist will change chemotherapy drugs--again. She has had 2 rounds of a new drug but it doesn't seem to be working.
The Oncologist was grave and concerned yesterday. He's not out of options but he is getting to fewer choices of treatment that might work. It seems nothing is working for her at this time.
Next week I begin a time of heavy travel for my company. I hate having to be gone so much. And I have to be gone and not able to attend the doctor visit next Wednesday. I leave Sunday afternoon and won't be back until Thursday night. I travel pretty much for the next two and a half weeks. I don't know yet how or where I am going to get her the help she'll need nights and mornings when I am gone.
Enough for this time. I'd best Post this and get back to work.
Jim
posted by jim 2:29 PM 0 comments
Thursday, September 21, 2006
SCHOOL CHAPEL
Tuesday morning a lady from our church and I had the privilege of doing the chapel service at a small private school. There were 11 kids, maybe Kindergarten or first grade through eighth grade. The lady from our church retired this year after 30 years of teaching middle school science--21 years at one school. She is multi-talented. She played the keyboard, led the kids in singing and gave them some great lessons using science as the basis or illustration. Me? Well I just sort of sat there and enjoyed the whole thing. I did a devotion and prayer at the conclusion of the chapel time. I was sure they had told me the chapel was 30 minutes long. I wound up after 30 minutes but the teacher in the room said, "Oh no! It is an hour!" No problem! The lady with me was more than capable of using the time. We'll go back in a month or two and the lady will get more into science demonstrations, using those to teach about God. She does this at our church monthly for the children in our worship services.
The only black mark on the day is that I was ill before, during and after the program. So I spend the rest of Tuesday and all day Wednesday at home. Not a fun time!
Better now,
Jim
posted by jim 8:59 AM 0 comments
Friday, September 15, 2006
A GREAT TIME
I had a great time on my trip to Alabama last weekend. It was pleasant to drive in a good rental car (2006 Chevy Malibu) and listen to a variety of tapes and CDs. I listened to some good music, some study-type material and some of my favorite fiction writing--mysteries! The weather for the trip was great the entire 4 days. My daughter and I had a great time together and did some serious eating at good old Southern barbecue places. Of course I came home with a lot of University of Alabama clothes for my Grandson and also for myself. And I didn't forget to bring something to others, too. In addition to all these good things, our team (the University of Alabama) won their football game. We had terrific seats at the game, too.
Karon got along well while we were gone. Our other two daughters who live in the area were a great help. Our oldest daughter stayed with her at night and throughout the weekend. I think Karon had a good time with our Grandson as much as possible. She didn't feel very well some of the time and wasn't able to make it to church Sunday. She came down with a cold Monday and still isn't feeling very well plus the side effects of the Chemo.
She had another Chemo treatment this past Wednesday. The other Chemo drugs weren't doing any good. The CAT and bone scans she had this past Tuesday showed that the cancer in the bones and the tumors in the lungs hadn't changed much. But the tumor in the liver had increased in size--again. In February it was one centimeter; in July it was two centimeters and now in September it is three centimeters.
The doctor wasn't so concerned with the size as with the fact that it is growing. So he is trying some different types of Chemo drugs and a different treatment schedule. She will have a treatment once a week for two weeks, then off a week, then another two weeks of treatments and off another week. We don't know how long this will continue. After three or four of these treatments they will do another CAT and bone scan to determine if this is working to reduce the size of the tumor or at least stop the growth.
Karon's brother from San Diego is visiting this week. My very good friend of many, many years and his wife and two adult children will visit this weekend also. So it will be a busy time at the Ewing household.
Until next time,
Jim
posted by jim 1:28 PM 0 comments
Thursday, September 07, 2006
MINI-VACATIONTomorrow I take off by myself for a mini-vacation--Friday through Monday. I'm headed for Alabama and will attend the University of Alabama football game with Vanderbilt University, Nashville, on Saturday. Our daughter from the Atlanta area will come over to Tuscaloosa and attend the game also.
We'll hang out in Tuscaloosa and then after church Sunday head for her place. I'll come on back home Monday.
Our oldest daughter will look after Karon while I am gone. I'll be worried (well,maybe concerned is a better term) but I'm determined to get some rest and have a good time!
Yesterday was the regular doctor visit day and it was also supposed to be Chemo therapy treatment day. However, all that happened was a visit to the doctor. His decision was what Karon hoped it would be: wait a week for any Chemo. Karon's blood work is okay--which is what they usually use to determine if a patient can have a Chemo treatment or not. But in Karon's case her overall condition is not good enough to allow a Chemo treatment at this time. The nerves in her hands, feet and also internally in her throat, esophagus and stomach are all so irritated that it affects her ability to swallow, tolerate food on her stomach, etc.
The doctor is going to change to another chemo drug. This one isn't doing the job. Three weeks ago the tumor (cancer) count was 63.1 and today it was 83.3. It is disappointing that after all the misery of the side effects of the chemo that it isn't having any effect on the cancer count. He is going back to a chemo drug she had a while back--Taxotere. We'll hope it does the job on the cancer cells and that she doesn't have such severe side effects.
She will have a bone scan and a CAT scan next Tuesday. This will show if there is any change in the tumors in her liver, lungs and on the bones. The plan is for the doctor to have the results of these scans when we see him Wednesday afternoon.
So I'll post about the trip when I return. I've been planning this trip for along time. I hope it is all good. Probably not the best time to take a trip but then when is there ever a really good time? I've rented a car for the trip and will head out to get it now.
Jim
posted by jim 2:48 PM 0 comments
Thursday, August 31, 2006
HARD TO KEEP UP WITH EVENTS
It seems life goes by in a flash! When I don't post more often it seems like a lifetime has passed since the last post.
Recently I ordered an Oreck Vacuum cleaner. Got an upright, a canister vacuum and a cordless iron. They came Monday and I've put the vacuums together and used the upright already. I don't plan to use the iron on any clothes! I like the upright really well. Not only does it do a great job, it didn't tire me out nor did my arms hurt when I finished doing the whole house.
We've had a week of visiting the doctor with Karon. She has had a really rough week or so. She was at the doctor's office Tuesday and Wednesday getting "hydrated" with IVs. Her throat had gotten so she could not swallow anything and her stomach couldn't tolerate anything on it. She's lost another 5 pounds in the last 2 weeks. She basically hasn't eaten anything nor has she been able to drink much since last Thursday or Friday. She has just felt terrible this whole time. She has really lost a lot of weight. Can't keep most of her clothes on!
We both were fearful that it was a cancerous tumor in her throat/stomach that was preventing food and liquid from going down and staying down. But the doctor assured us it is just a side effect of the chemo. (He said he's going to have to reduce the dosage.) So he's doing things to relieve her until the side effects improve. She is scheduled to have another Chemo treatment next Wednesday. We'll have to see if that can happen. Her feet and hands hurt so terribly bad.
Hopefully she'll be able to get some kind of nourishment down soon. She hasn't been able to take her medicines either because of not being able to get anything down her throat. She's been able to work except when she's had to be at the doctor's office getting IVs.
My variety of activities continue. I've been able to get in some great Scripture study in preparation for teaching subjects at church this fall. It's odd but I've gotten more study and preparation done for the fall/winter this August than the previous years when I took a study leave from preaching at church to prepare for the fall. The Sunday teachings are to coordinate with our fall Capital Campaign and I've been trying to think through all that. I've got a pretty good "handle" on what we're going to study between September 17th and December 31st. The next step is to put "meat" on the skeleton outlines I have constructed.
More soon I hope. Regards to all who may read this,
Jim
posted by jim 8:18 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
NEW CAR STEREO SYSTEM
I have had my 1996 Toyota Camry a year and a half. I bought it for a reasonable price but put some money into it to get it in excellent running order. I keep it serviced regularly and so far have had no trouble at all with the car.
When I bought the car it had an AM/FM radio, cassette tape player and, I thought, a CD player. But I could never figure out how to get the CD player to operate. Several people told me, ”Oh, you don’t have a CD player in that car.” For awhile I believed them. But no one could explain why I had all the “buttons and knobs” to operate a CD player and what looked like a place to insert a CD. That fact always puzzled me and finally I decided to put to issue to rest one way or another.
I took it to a great place in our town—about the only reliable place that will work on car sound systems. They have been in business over 30 years. They had expertly repaired the cassette tape player on my Honda for a reasonable price. They are extremely good people. They confirmed: yes, I have a CD player in my Toyota. They tried unsuccessfully to repair it. They got it working but were honest enough to tell me they couldn’t repair it to be reliable.
So I invested in a new system for just a little more money than it would have cost to repair the old CD. And this firm didn’t charge me to try to repair my old CD player.
I like having the radio/CD/cassette player combination. I listen about equally to CDs and cassette tapes. I know some of you would tell me, “Jim, cassette tapes are a thing of the past.” But they are still making them and I have a bunch. Of course the radio is a “must”. And the system even came with a remote. Can you imagine: a remote for a car stereo? My Honda has a six-CD automatic changer/cassette tape/AM/FM radio combination. But I’m content with a single CD player in my Camry. It is a great system and I am glad I invested in it. (And I like the silver look, too.)
Now if I can just get used to how it all works! I’m learning by trial and error, which is the best way I learn. I have a manual but I don’t like reading manuals and trying to figure out what they are trying to tell me. The Christian young man with whom I worked at the audio electronics firm walked me through everything and marked some things in my book. And he said he’s available anytime to answer any questions or give me a “refresher” course. The problem is that their shop isn’t very close to where I live or work.
But I’m enjoying it.
Jim
posted by jim 10:09 AM 0 comments
Thursday, August 17, 2006
MARKING TIME
Time seems to be marked for me by the visits Karon and I make to her oncologist. Three weeks have passed. That’s also how long since I’ve Posted in this Journal.
It seems like each time we go to the Oncologist things seem to be a little worse. Or at least we don’t hear the reports we hope to receive.
It seems that this Chemo drug is no more effective that the previous drug. The tumor marker count had only gone done 2 or 3 points. Of course she’s only had this drug one time before yesterday. The doctor says to continue on the same treatment for a bit longer. He thought about ordering another CT and bone scan but decided to wait until after the next treatment.
The chest x-rays did show that there are now tumors in the lungs, as suspected from the CT scan. At the previous appointment the doctor said there was something in the lung but he thought it was just because she had had the infection that put her in the hospital last month. He said he just wanted a chest X-ray to confirm that it wasn’t anything. The X-ray confirmed that it was “something”. There is one large tumor in the left lung and a smaller one in the right lung. We already knew that there was a tumor in the liver. The last CT scan also showed it had increased in size.
So we continue the process -- take the drugs, trust God for the future, and continue to be grateful for each day and each blessing
Some good news is that our oldest daughter has new job as director at a day care. She is excited about it and started this last Monday. Another bit of good news is that our youngest daughter and her husband are going to make us grandparents again in February. Don't know the "brand" yet!!
The third good news is that our middle daughter, who lives in the Atlanta area, got promoted to a new position and will be working day time hours. She had usually worked from 1:30 to 10:30 p.m. She is very excited and hopes that the shift in hours will allow her a more normal life for both church and social purposes.
Guess that’s enough for this time. I’ll try to Post soon. I am excited about my new car stereo system in my 1996 Camry that has the combined AM/FM radio, cassette and CD player.
There are good things happening at church, too.
Jim
posted by jim 4:14 PM 0 comments
Saturday, July 29, 2006
REPORT ON MY WIFE’S CANCER JOURNEY
Our trip to the doctor this week revealed that the tumor count had gone back up just a little--but mainly the doctor said it had hit a plateau. His conclusion was that the chemo drug she was taking was no longer effective. He started her a different drug with the chemo treatment this week. One of this drug's many side effects is that it effects the heart. So before she could start on the drug, she had to have some kind of heart scan to be sure her heart is functioning normally. It was normal so they could go ahead and give her the treatment that will mess up her heart! Doesn’t really make sense to me but I’m not a doctor. (Thank goodness!)
The doctor said the bone scan showed no new lesions on any of the bones--in fact they looked somewhat improved. The CT scan showed that the spot on the liver had increased in size. The scan also showed something in the lungs but he didn't think it was cancer--probably something from the infection she recently contracted. That’s what put her in the hospital for a couple of days two weeks ago. She has to have a lung X-ray before her next chemo treatment to be sure that it isn’t anything serious.
We had a lengthily consultation with the doctor. I was the most satisfied ever with the amount of time he gave us and with the discussion. He wasn't able to answer all our questions but he at least discussed them with us. He said the reason she hasn't bounced back this time as always before is explained by several factors: the cancer is active again, her body is experiencing some residual effects of such long-term chemo treatments, she had that episode with the infection in her body, etc.
So she had the treatment Thursday. Now we are entering the time when she’s going to feel really lousy for a week or so. Then comes the period of time when her immune system is really low. We’ll have to be careful not to infect her with anything. And she has to stay away from eating green vegetables during this time.
The “Journey” continues.
Regards,
Jim
posted by jim 12:04 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
AN HONOR, A PRIVILEGE AND A PLEASURE
A recent college graduate friend (he graduated at the top of his class from a very tough academic college) has decided to marry. He is excited and happy. I am happy and excited for him.
I do not know his fiancée. I hope he has chosen well. Knowing him as I do, I am confident that he has done so. He has never done anything impulsively or irrationally. He always thinks things through and weighs everything carefully. Of course, when it is a matter of the heart, it is a good thing not to be too rational! :)
I have grown to highly respect this young man. I greatly admire him and trust his judgments implicitly. Rarely have I known a person of any age to have the love for, and dedication to Christ and His Kingdom that this young man has demonstrated throughout his college years. During this time he has willingly given untold hours of service to the Kingdom through his campus ministry organization. And he held a part time job and graduated at the top of his class! He has his priorities arranged in proper order: God, family, school/career. He and possibly 4 other young men I know and love truly demonstrate that they are 1 Timothy 4:12 young men.
This young man has highly honored and deeply humbled me by offering the privilege of officiating at his wedding ceremony. My prayer is that I will honor him and glorify Christ as I fulfill his request.
Thank you, my friend, for this privilege.
posted by jim 9:34 PM 0 comments
Monday, July 24, 2006
SUMMER
Whatever happened to the “lazy, hazy days” of summer? For me, life continues at the same pace, if not faster. I guess that’s because of the lifestyle of activities and obligations, which I have either chosen or accepted.
After a good trip to Louisville last month (see Post for July 6), life settled into its usual hectic pace. Unfortunately, it appears that I gave Karon the cold I picked up on vacation. The doctor said that he couldn’t determine what kind of infection she had, nor could he tell when, where or from whom she got the cold. However, the doctor, his nurses and Karon all agree that I probably gave it to her. So I am the villain!
She got it at the time when her resistance was the lowest following her last Chemo so she couldn’t fight it off. That resulted in a few days in the hospital while they pumped her full of antibiotics and other stuff. She has almost recovered – just in time for another Chemo treatment this Wednesday. We have noticed that, even discounting getting the infection, she really didn’t recover much from affects of the last Chemo treatment. All this is beginning to wear on her emotionally. We sometimes wonder whether the treatment isn’t killing her faster than the bone cancer! She had a CT scan and a bone scan last Wednesday. We’ll get the results this Wednesday when we see the doctor.
For the last few years I have taken a “study leave” the month of August. That just meant I didn’t preach on Sundays nor did I attend meetings during the week. I used the time to plan and prepare for the fall – winter preaching schedule and programming.
I’m not taking one this year. We have so much going on at our little church. We have the building project and capital Stewardship Campaign this fall to raise money for the project. There is a lot of planning and organizing this summer to be able to have the actual Campaign this fall. It didn’t seem like a good time to “lay off” this year, especially since I have so little time to give anyway because I work full time.
Selfishly, I’m a bit disappointed because I have looked forward to a break from the rigors of weekly preparation, along with the weekly presentation. About this time of year I am extremely tired. That tiredness is demonstrated in several undesirable ways. I don’t like it but I don’t seem to break the mold—at least not so far. I also seem to have been in a “spiritual desert” for several months. That’s not a pleasant place to find oneself. I’m praying that I will come to a “spiritual oasis” soon!
posted by jim 3:59 PM 1 comments
Thursday, July 06, 2006
A GOOD TIME
Last week was good. Everything was as planned. I hate it when, even after careful thought and planning, things don't turn out as expected. Often reservations are lost, things are not at the location originally stated--things like that. But most everything was good. The hotel didn't give me the type of room requested. But in this case what I got was even better! It was on the top floor and had extra services without extra charges. One of the best of the "extras" was a full breakfast each day only for those on the top two floors. It was in a special room on the floor below ours. And the breakfast was huge. All you could eat of scrambled eggs, link sausage, bacon, oatmeal, a huge variety of fruit and juices, plus the usual breakfast beverages. Nice!
The Convention we attended was excellent in every way. Well.....every way but one. The Convention and Exhibit halls were freezing. I think it must have been 32 degrees in there. And the hotel lobby was just as bad. I came home with a terrific head cold and lost my voice over the weekend. I am still suffering from the effects of the cold.
Karon has a good idea. Just as public places use to have smoking and non smoking areas, she said Convention Centers and restaurants should have "cold" and "warm" sections! The weather outdoors was great all week but we wouldn't know. Our hotel was connected to the convention center. That made it really nice for us with the wheelchair. Karon did great all week. We didn't get up very early and she managed a nap every afternoon. She was tired when it was all over but did very well.
Yesterday was "doctor day" again. We got another good report. The tumor marker had decreased quite a bit from the last test a month ago. So we're encouraged by that. The doctor said that all the symptoms she is feeling is due to the Chemo. She has been on some type of Chemo consistently for a couple of years and her body is saying, "I don't like this!" Before her next Chemo treatment in three weeks she will have a CT and a bone scan. We're not anticipating any adverse results from these because the tumor marker is continuing to come down.
I'm glad to be back to our "routine"once again. I like my life and and grateful for health to do what I do.
More later,
Jim
posted by jim 12:16 PM 0 comments
Saturday, June 24, 2006
CONVENTION BOUND
Next week we are going to attend a church convention in Louisville, Kentucky. It's not far from home--about a 2 hour drive. And we're staying very close to the Convention Center at a Marriott downtown. I'm hoping Karon will be up to all this. But she really wants to go and is looking forward to it. She should have had another chemo treatment this coming Wednesday but was allowed to put it off a week. I certainly hope she's feeling better by the time we leave Tuesday. She hasn't bounced back from her last treatment very well. She has no energy and those awful sores in her mouth and throat are so painful. The mouth sores look awful, too. Every night when she gets home from work she hits her chair and sleeps there until 9:30 - or 10. I try, but can't rouse her much sooner than that.
The Convention is over Friday noon. We're going to Troy, Ohio, to visit some friends who recently moved there from Indy. We'll be home Saturday afternoon. I've arranged for a guest speaker for Sunday, July 2nd, so we won't have to think about preparations while we are gone or just after we get back.
February of 2005 I bought a 1996 Toyota Camry. I really like the car. I like that it has a radio/tape/CD player. I am just now getting the CD player fixed. People said it didn't have a CD player but all the buttons were there and a slot to insert the CD. Sure enough, it has a player. It should be repaired today so I can get it put back it. It will be nice to have a car CD player rather than my portable walkman I use when I want to play CDs in the car--which I do a lot!
Don't know if I'll post again before we leave for Convention or not. I'm off all next week. Karon has to work a few hours Monday. That's all right because I can use the day to get us ready for the trip. If I don't post before, look for me when I return from the trip. Hopefully I'll have some internet access while I am gone.
Jim
posted by jim 8:19 AM 1 comments
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
STORMY WEATHER
We've had some stormy weather of late. Nothing seriously damaging in our immediate area. But rain and wind. I just get the yard picked up from all the dead branches and leaves that have blown down and -- WHOOSH! -- here comes another wind and more branches and leaves are down. I just came in from picking up the yard -- again! This time we had a rather large branch break but not come completely free from the tree. I asked my neighbor to borrow a step ladder. Instead he came over with a very long-handled limb cutter and cut it off and we drug it over to a brush pile on his property. I am so grateful for his help.
We have a postage stamp size garden space where, in years previous, we have had green beans, carrots, tomatoe plants, some flowers, etc. But this year neither of us have the energy, time or inclination to do anything with that space. So the weeds grew up. I spent a bit of time this afternoon, after picking up the yard from the limbs and leaves, hoeing the weeds out of that garden space. So now it looks better from a distance! It will have to be done again--several times--before the frost comes this fall. But it looks better for now.
That's sort of like our lives. We think we've "weeded" our lives and the next thing we know, they are back in some form or other. It seems I've been experiencing that a lot lately in my own life. I wish there was some "weed spray" I could use on those pesky habits in my life to get rid of them.
Last weekend (Friday night to be exact) I got up on the roof of my house and blew the limbs off the roof and out of the gutters. The gutters weren't as bad as I thought they might be. But I'm glad that's done. That is like the weeds--it will need to be done again, especially this fall when the leaves begin to fall! But the limbs and twigs that get on the yard also get on the roof and in the gutters--even though we have gutter guards.
Karon is feeling really ill today. She worked but came home early because she didn't feel well. She has been asleep ever since. She doesn't know all that's been done in our yard yet.
I have a "day trip" tomorrow. And I finally "hit the jackpot" with the car rental. They gave me a 2006 Cadillac to drive! Leather seats and all the "bells and whistles". Too bad I won't have it for several days instead of just over night and a day.
I better think of something Karon can eat. Because of the condition of her stomach, mouth and throat, there isn't a lot she can manage.
Jim
posted by jim 7:13 PM 0 comments
Monday, June 12, 2006
A GOOD DAY
Sunday was okay. We have a lot of high school youth and adult sponsors on a Work Camp Mission trip to Michigan. We missed them being in our worship time. Our Middle School (Junior High) youth and sponsors are leaving Saturday for a Work Camp Mission Trip to West Virginia. They are going to help a struggling church to re-build after some storm damage or something.
I have begun a series of messages on the topic of "THE DESTINIES OF MAN". Last Sunday we talked about beginning life in the world as an infant in innocence. Then we discussed the Age of Accountability--what is it, when is it, etc. The message seemed to be well received. Next week we are talking about who is in the world. We'll talk about the moralist and the sinner. I'm excited about this series because it will be an opportunity to do some old-fashioned Bible teaching. Sunday we'll talk about the Bible people of Cornelius, Saul of Tarsus; Nicodemus and the Rich Young Ruler as examples of good moral people who thought they could "earn" salvation by their morality. But it can't be done! There is salvation only in Christ. But there are a lot of people in the world, and even in the church, who have the same thought process as these Bible men had at one time.
Karon is pretty well "done in and out" right now from her Chemo. She probably sleeps half the time. She is still working and I don't see how she does it. But she comes home and sleeps for 3 hours or so before she even gets anything to eat. She's losing quite a bit of weight. But it is hard to eat during this time after the Chemo because of the side effects.
I'll have a busy week at work. No out of town trips this week but some trips around this area and lots to do in the office as well. But it is all enjoyable and I am thankful to have the job I enjoy.
I am sorely missing some of the contact I have enjoyed with some special friends. I miss the personal, telephone and email contact I have had with some very special friends who are far from me geographically but who are near and dear to my heart. *sigh" Loneliness is a funny thing. It takes various forms. And I am noticing it can lead to difficulties in dealing with other areas of life as well. And loneliness isn't necessarily rational either. I can think of a dozen reasons or more why I shouldn't be lonely. But that doesn't change the fact that I greatly miss having contact in some form or other with those special people in my life. *double sigh*
Jim
posted by jim 10:07 PM 1 comments
Saturday, June 10, 2006
A DAY AT A TIME
That's the Biblical way of life. Karon had her Chemo treatment Wednesday and those awful side effects are beginning to kick in. This will be a rough weekend and into the first part of next week. She was quite disappointed that the cancer count (tumor count) hadn't gone down more. But at least it had gone down. Three weeks ago the count was 108. This week it was 100.8.
Our oldest daughter is looking for employment. She is college-degreed and has experience in both child care (classroom and director experience) and in Administrative Management work. I'll be glad when she is settled into a job.
Got some studying to do for tomorrow so better get back at it.
Regards,
Jim
posted by jim 1:34 PM 0 comments
Monday, June 05, 2006
I GUESS IT WAS OKAY
Sunday morning at church went okay I guess. It was too long. I had no idea I would talk as long as I did. But I had a lot to say! All the visions for the future of our church seemed to be received well. The announcement of my planned retirement apparently was accepted without much reaction. I got a few comments afterward but not an avalanche of comments or reaction. We'll see what the future weeks bring. But all in all it was okay.
The day had some disastrous events. After church our 18-month old grandson locked himself and the car keys in my daughter and son-in-law's car. It took the police to get into the car and retrieve the keys. Fortunately someone from church was with my daughter when it occurred so there was a cell phone available. Hers was also locked in the car.
After retrieving her keys she ran out of gas. The same fellow from church who had the cell phone when the keys got locked in the car brought some gasoline for the car. Then I was able to drive the car to get it filled with gas while my daughter and grandson shopped at Wal-Mart! She had walked to Wal-Mart with the boy after the car ran out of gasoline. Life in the fast lane!
Jim
posted by jim 8:45 AM 1 comments
Saturday, June 03, 2006
RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
Tomorrow at my church I will announce my retirement plans. I hope it is received in the way the leaders and I intend. In my prevous Post I explained my reasoning and how it will be done. I can't help wonder what the reaction will be. Of course some are already aware of the transition plans. But some are not. When the sermon is over I hope everyone present understands how right this is for the church and how the timing of it all is right.
A Preacher once said, "I stayed at my church for 44 years. It should have been 40!" I don't want that to be said of me.
There are three ways for a minister to leave a church. He can be carried out, kicked out or walk out. I want to walk out.
In my next Post in this Journal I'll let you know how it all went--at least from my pespective.
Jim
posted by jim 9:04 AM 0 comments
Thursday, June 01, 2006
READY FOR SUNDAY
I am about ready for Sunday. I finished the first – and very rough – draft of my sermon last night. Well, it was really this morning about 2 a. m.! But I think I’m pleased with it so far. The purpose is to cast vision for the future of our church regarding our Capital Stewardship Campaign and building addition program. I will introduce the people we have selected to lead us in the Campaign and also the financing part.
As a part of the message I will announce the transition plans for my “retirement” and introduce the Search Team. All in all, it should be a good Sunday. I hope it will all be received well.
I am excited about the future of our little church. The Leadership and I feel this is the right time to transition to a full time minister. The church has had full time ministers in the past. I think they are ready again. It will be a financial “stretch” for them but the potential is there. I hope the whole church will see this as a “positive” for the church.
What pleases me most is that in announcing my “retirement” none of this will be tied in any way to my family situation or Karon’s battle with cancer. We’d be doing this now even if she were in perfect health. It is just the right time to make the transition. We’ll see how it all works out. I plan to tell the church Sunday that, “man proposes and God disposes!” Proverbs 16:9 says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”
We are also in the process of beginning Small Group Bible studies throughout the church. That can be a very healthy thing for the church if it is done right. We’ll spend the summer preparing and training and launch the groups in the fall.
Saturday night we have a Hawaiian Luau. Should be fun. The weather promises to be good for an outdoor event. We’re having a barbeque prepared by one of the church guys on a huge outdoor roaster.
Jim
posted by jim 9:59 AM 0 comments
Friday, May 26, 2006
WOW! WHAT A LONG TIME!
Posting to this Journal is like a lot of things in life—the longer you put it off, the harder it is to get started. It has been over 5 weeks since I posted an entry. A lot has happened but I don’t know where to begin. My life is so multi-faceted: work, personal, family and church life.
Work is wonderful but has been extremely busy. That’s partly why I haven’t posted more often—but not the only reason. But work (which has included some travel) has kept me from doing a lot of things I would normally do. Church is busy, too. We’re trying to build an addition and that is very time-consuming with meetings and more meetings. One team of people has been meeting with Consultants to select someone to lead us in a Capital Stewardship Campaign. This would be a campaign to teach our people the Biblical concept of Stewardship and get financial commitments to our building project over a 3-year period. This team has also been interviewing companies that would potentially lend the church money for a new building addition in case we don’t commit enough money to pay for the entire cost. If we build what we would like the cost would be over a million dollars.
This is a terrific team and they work together well and make good, informed, intelligent and Biblical decisions. Working with them has been a great pleasure. They have met faithfully every week for quite some time. But attending the meetings and doing between-meeting contacts has been time consuming.
Now we have formed a Search Committee to look for an Associate Pastor who would eventually replace me as Pastor. Hopefully this would happen sooner than later. But the idea is we would work together for a time so we would have a “soft-landing transition” from my ministry to the next Pastor. It has been time-consuming selecting and recruiting this additional ministry team. But we have a great team in place. They will be announced and introduced to the church Sunday, June 4th. That promises to be a great Sunday. But I’ll write more about that in the next Post.
Since my last Journal Entry Karon has resumed her Chemo treatments. She stopped the chemo after Nov. 28th. The Tumor count was down to 25. The count went back up over 130. Karon had not felt well for several weeks with aches and just run down feeling so it was no surprise that she needed to get back on chemo again.
The treatment is given every three weeks but they are different drugs this time. The side effects have been a lot worse than the ones with the other Chemo she had been taking -- numbness and tingling in hands and feet, extreme fatigue and weakness, mouth sores, joint and muscle pain and of course hair loss and extreme nausea.
There have been times Karon has not been able to get out of bed. She missed work a few times – which she hates to do. There was even one Sunday she was unable to get to church. She seems to be better today so hopefully she’ll have a couple of weeks to feel good again before having another Chemo treatment.
Yesterday was her birthday. She wasn’t well enough to go out or anything. Our daughter and her family moved into a new house yesterday. It is closer to us, in the same town but on the other side of town. We all went up there last night for a “house warming-birthday party. We sat around with boxes and furniture in the house but not placed. But we had a good time.
Guess I’d better save something to about which to Post next time. My goal is not to wait so long between Posts!
Jim
posted by jim 4:11 PM 1 comments
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
A GREAT BIRTHDAY AND A WONDERFUL EASTER SUNDAY
I promised to journal about my birthday party. I have put it off only because I don't know how to put into words the wonderful experience I had. There were a lot of friends from several churches with whom we have ministered over the years. There were 98 people in attendance. The power point of pictures was well done. The young man from my church who interviewed me was absolutely terrific. He had done his homework and asked great and relevant questions. He even used a few props. It was very effective. His closing, following the interview, was so well done and so touching. I have thought about it often. What a great friend he is. My insistance that he is the only one whom I would allow to interview me was vindicted. He was absolutely outstanding. Because of his skills and caring nature all our goals for the interview and the party were accomplished. I am grateful to my wife and daughters for all the work and effort that they put into planning, setting up and carrying it off. Normally I don't like much ado made over by birthday. I just prefer that it sort of come and go and maybe spend it quietly with family and a few friends with whom I feel especially close. But I have to admit I thoroughly enjoyed this birthday party. It was so good to see so many good friends from years back. I'm very glad they didn't try to make it a surprise. It was fun getting to help plan and the set up for the party.
Easter at our church was also very special. We nearly broke our previous record attendance set last Christmas--just three people less in attendance. The worship team planned and led an excellent worship servie. We had a lot of visitors, many of whom may return on a regular basis.
After services, we came home, took a nice nap and then the family joined us at our house for a nice Easter dinner and a pleasant afternoon.
Yes, it was all good!
Jim
posted by jim 9:35 PM 1 comments
Monday, April 03, 2006
This is the invitation the family sent out. Any and all of you are welcome to attend if you are free. You dont' need to RSVP if you don't want to. For directions to the building go to www.countryside-fellowship.org and click on the picture of the building to bring up a map.
Join in the celebration of
Jim Ewing’s
70th birthday
Saturday,
April 8, 2006
Tribute ceremony begins at 2:00 pm with reception immediately following.
Countryside Christian Fellowship
600 West 500 North
Lebanon, Indiana 46052
RSVP to LeDena Ewing at
lewing485@yahoo.com or (317) 337-0094
Please, no gifts. He is too old to carry them home!
posted by jim 10:24 PM 0 comments
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
My family has prevailed! They have wanted to have a big "celebration" to recognize my birthday. It is not what I would choose. I prefer to just "let it happen" without fanfair or drawing attention to myself. Usually I get my wish. But they think this one is one of those "milestones" that merits a special observance.
So Saturday (the day after the actual birthday) they have planned an observance at our church. Karon calls it a "Pre-Obituary Service"! She and the girls are making it a time when people will learn all about my past life. Well, not "all about it", but enough! A young man from our church who is a Sophomore in college is going to "interview" me. Of all the people who might to do, he is one of the very few I would trust to do this. I respect him highly and he and I have a good relationship. So that part should be fun.
We just want it to be entertaining and informative. So I have spent some time reviewing my life and putting some things on paper for my "interviewer" to work with. He and I met this evening and we have a handle on the direction we want this to take. It should be good. My friend is very intelligent and very capable of pulliing this off and making it a success. He has lots of ideas--none of which he has shared with me! So we'll see.
The family has invited our whole church and in addition they have sent special invitations to people from our other churches. Should be quite a crowd. I hope no one is bored!
Besides the interview, we'll have some very special music from a good friend who is an outstanding piano player. And of course, there will be cake and visiting.
This old man will probably be exhausted by the time it is over. We're also having a family picture taken that morning.
I'll let you know how it all turns out!
Jim
posted by jim 9:56 PM 1 comments
Thursday, March 30, 2006
NOW WE KNOW
Karon and I saw the Oncologist today and the results of her tests last week do not show anything significant in the ovary area. They will continue to watch that with the CAT scan every two to three months.
The MRI did show that the liver has now been affected by the cancer. It is probably not a new type of cancer but the breast cancer that has spread to the bones and now has spread to the liver. The treatment plan would be the same as before, same type of Chemo.
They will continue with the shot of Fosladex one more month to see if we get any good results. The doctor said it usually takes 2 or the shots (a shot once a month) to see if it is going to have any positive affect on bringing down the tumor marker. The tumor marker had gone up from 53 to 85 this month so we need to do something.
So now we know what God has always known. The Bible says, "Our times are in His hands." We are glad of that.
Got to head for work. I'm traveling again today--quite a distance this time but back tonight.
Jim
posted by jim 7:27 AM 0 comments
Friday, March 24, 2006
15 YEARS
This week Karon celebrated 15 years at our company. She started the same month I did, just two years later. The Company gave her a jewel box with a 15 year medal on the top of the box and her choice of one of several gifts.
Several folks had anniversaries at our work this month. One was 8 years, one 14 years. A lot of people have been at our company for a long time. It is a good place to work.
Speaking of work, I'd better finish getting ready and head that direction. It is a busy, busy time at work. I've been bringing work home each night.
Tomorrow is our Leadership Conference at church. Everything is ready. About 40 people have registered. I'm praying it is a good day.
Jim
posted by jim 10:22 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
17 YEARS AND COUNTING
Things change. People don't like change but it would be bad if nothing ever changed. Some things improve and some deteriorate. But nothing remains static. We who love God and Christ seek to grow more Christ-like. Sometimes it seems we are achieving that--sometimes we seem far from that ideal.
This month has had its share of "ups and downs". There have been things that have brought me closer to Christ and the holiness I desire. Then I allow activities or certain things to take place in my life that definitely do not indicate greater holiness and Christ-likeness.
Tomorrow Karon has her ultra sound and MRI. We won't know the results until next week. That is the time we will learn what God already knows. And we know He loves us and cares for us--no matter what. We're praying that the "shadows" on the ovary and the liver are only shadows and not indicative of something more sinister.
This month I celebrated the completion of my 17th year at my "day job". I am glad to be able to say I have worked for one place for that long. I had always had as a goal to complete 10 years at one job. I am thankful to have been able to exceed that benchmark--and still counting. They have been good years. I hope to continue working there for the forseeable future.
Jim
posted by jim 11:13 PM 1 comments
Saturday, March 11, 2006
DRY RUN
Karon and I both thought she had an appointment with her OB/GYN doctor this afternoon at 4 p. m. We both had it on our calendars. So I got off work early to take her. When we got to the doctor's office the door was locked. Knocking brought no reponse. I went across the hall to another office and inquired. The lady tried calling the doctor's office--no answer. She looked out the window and said it looked like the doctor's van was in the parking lot.
So we got back in the car, loaded the wheelchair in the trunk and left. Drove a bit and then went to MCL for an early dinner. At least we beat the crowd!
When we got home and checked the appointment card it is for April 10th, not March! I guess that happens when one has so many different doctors to keep straight. Currently Karon sees 7 different doctors in the course of time.
Oh well, we had a nice early dinner and a long evening at home! She had a long sleep when we got home and I even had a little nap later in the evening. We'll see what this weekend brings. Lots of basketball, that's for sure. And we are looking forward to going to some friends' house tomorrow night (Saturday) for dinner and a nice visit.
Jim
posted by jim 12:13 AM 0 comments
Thursday, March 09, 2006
GOOD NEWS FROM THE DOCTOR
Karon and I went to the orthopaedic surgeon today. He told her she could begin to do more things, like cross her legs, sit in her reclining chair, get in and out of bed on her own.
He also told her she could get in on either side of the car and begin driving. That was good news to her--scary news for me! :) He also told her she could go back to work part time, 4 hours a day, beginning next Monday. She is glad about that. She's been very bored here at home these past several weeks.
The doctor also said she could have the MRI that the oncologist has ordered. So that will happen the afternoon of March 22nd. We'll spend the afternoon having ultlra sound and an MRI. It will probably be the next Wednesday, March 29th, before we learn the results of those tests. They are trying to find out if the cancer has spread to the ovary and liver. The CAT scan showed some abnormality on these organs but it could be nothing at all. We'll have to wait and see.
Jim
posted by jim 7:31 PM 1 comments
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
LOWER HALF, THEN UPPER HALF OF THE BODY
I am referring to areas of my body that have been afflicted with various illnesses recently. These are hopefully somewhat short term but nonetheless miserable. I have already journaled about my trips to the hospital precipitated by severe abdominal pain 2 weeks ago. There is no diagnosis or explanation for my misery during that time. Hopefully it won't return.
Last Friday I began to evidence symptoms of the upper chest and head cold that so many have had--really sore throat, loss of voice, cough, stuffy head and sinus--you know the feeling! It was a miserable weekend and I didn't feel much like spending any time in front of a computer. Sunday was horrible--for me and the church. I felt miserable and sounded as bad. The poor people had to suffer through an unpleasant-sounding presentation of God's Word. Everyone was very gracious. It is hard to get any rest day or night with all the coughing. My left ear canal has been seriously affected with this miserable stuff. I'm hoping to feel better soon. I do hope next Sunday isn't as miserable for everyone as last week.
Other than my miserable-sounding voice, we had a great day at church. People are so receptive to God's Word. And the new Sunday school format was well received and well attended. Never have we had so many stay on a Sunday morning for the study of His Word. And the class was excellent. God showed up in a big way.
Tomorrow Karon and I go back to her orthopedic surgeon to see what is the next step. She's hoping to be allowed to do more. One big question for him will be can she have the MRI the Oncologist has order for later this month. They want to do an ultra sound and an MRI to determine what is going on with the abnormalities showing up on the right ovary and the liver. We're praying it is just a "false positive" and not the spread of the cancer. But God knows and is in control of it all. Your prayers are appreciated and valued highly.
Jim
posted by jim 1:56 PM 0 comments
Friday, March 03, 2006
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
It's Friday already. A lot of my work teammates have begun their weekend already. Most of them have already left the office. I wonder what each of them has planned for the weekend?
I hope my weekend isn't so hectic. We begin a new format for our Sunday school this Sunday. A lot of work has gone into making it happen successfully and smoothly. Of course there will always be those details that get snarled. I had a wise man one time tell me, "The details will hang you every time!" It seems like we can cover the "biggies" but those little details, if unattended, can derail the best of plans. I hope things go smoothly Sunday morning.
The Oncologist found the results of Karon's CAT scan. He called yesterday and said she needs more tests! There are a couple of internal organs that don't look right. The suspicion is that the cancer has spread to these internal organs. But we won't know until we get the results from more tests. We're sure keeping the medical profession in business! Our prayers are that the additional tests will show no cause for alarm. But it's better to find out sooner than later if something is amiss.
We made our first-ever purchase over the QVC shopping network last week: a camera and card. We already have a good camera but, much like our DVD/VCR player, it seems too complicated for easy use. This new camera may be as complicated as the old one, but with one difference. Instead of having to sit down with thick book which is written so only an engineer could understand it to figure out how to use the camera, a really good friend sat beside me last night and taught me the uses of the camera. That has made all the difference in the world. Now I can read the book (maybe) and it will make sense. In the meantime, I can take pictures, put them on my PC and email them to whomever I wish whenever I wish. Look out all you people--you could be getting a myriad of pictures from me via email! And we know someone to whom we can give our other camera who will be able to use and enjoy it.
There are few things in life more valuable than our friends. By this standard, Karon and I are much wealthier than Bill Gates! One of those really special people, a good friend, came to our house last night and brought us a meal for which we had been longing--Pizza Hut Pizza! Was it ever good! We had a great time of fellowship and sharing. He's the one who gave me my camera lesson. Thank you, _____. You blessed us so much last night. Today has been better because of last night's blessing. The most valuable thing anyone can give another person is the gift of some of their time.
I'm hoping for some rest this weekend. But that probably won't happen.
Jim
posted by jim 2:04 PM 0 comments
Thursday, March 02, 2006
NOT MUCH NEW
I went with Karon to the Oncologist today. Not a whole lot new to report. The bone scan done last week does not show any new problems. The tumor marker count did go up to 51 so that is up about 20 from the last time we were there. He did not get the results back from the CAT scan which shows if cancer has moved to any new places in the body. So we continue to wait on more detailed direction before moving on. Karon did not start back on the chemo again so she is still getting that vacation. He did start her on a new cancer treatment--an injection of Faslodex, which is a monthly shot of hormone for this type of metastatic breast cancer. It takes about three months of these injections to know if it is going to have any positive effect in controlling the cancer. If this works to bring the tumor count back down that will delay also having to start back on chemo. The tumor count is an "early indicator" of what the cancer might be doing in the body. It tells the doctor quicker than the bone or CAT scans what might be going on in the body with the cancer. The fact that the count continues to increase means the cancer is no longer in remission but active again. A tumor count of 51 is above the "normal" or "remission" range of 0 to 38.
Beside the injection, Karon got the bone-strengtening medicine Zometa by infusion into the vein and also a steroid drug. All these drugs have side affects which sometimes seem worse than the disease they are supposed to cure or control.
There are several possible side affects of the injection she received today. And the steroid usually causes a reddness of the face and inability to sleep. She hasn't gotten the facial reddness yet but she said a bit ago that she could already tell she wasn't going to be able to sleep. I thought she was having trouble sleeping before!
I had to go to a meeting at church tonight. Because the doctor's appointment and her treatment ran late, I was late getting there. But it was an overall good meeting. These are good men!
It is about 12:30 a. m. Thursday. I need to head for bed. Even if Karon can't sleep, I need to try to get some.
Jim
posted by jim 12:20 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
TOMORROW IS DOCTOR DAY--ONE OF THEM
When you have an on-going physical condition (or conditions) you become well acquainted with medical personnel of all disciplines. Tomorrow Karon and I go to her Oncologist. We know she won't get a chemotherapy treatment because they still have to wait on that to see what is going to happen regarding the hip replacement surgery.
But we'll find out the cancer (tumor) count. Two visits ago it was somewhere around 25.2. The last visit it was 30.7. Both of these numbers are within the "normal" or "remission" range. We wonder what the count will be tomorrow. Karon hasn't had a chemo treatment since November 28th, due to her hip surgery.
Tomorrow we'll also get the results of the body CAT scan and Body survey she had done last Thursday.These scans will show if the bones are staying the same or if there are new lesions caused by the cancer being active again. It only determines when she has to start back on chemo. We see the hip surgeon on March 9th and so no chemo at least until after that date.
We continue to be blessed and are thankful for God's faithful care through all the medical personnel and through so many Christian brothers and sisters. It is great to be a part of a big family--the Family of God!
We continue with life as we know it these days. Karon's spirits are okay but she now has those moments--usually in the night--when she's not so "up". But I tell her that's allowed! I have such a hard time knowing what to say when she asks, "Will I ever feel better?" I think she's getting pretty discouraged with it all but she won't let on. I notice that she more willingly takes more pain medication. She sleeps hardly at all any night, but does get some rest toward morning and usually a nap during the day. Thus a "good night's sleep" isn't something in our experience very often.
Work is getting very busy and will only increase until about June. I work with the banks and Savings and Loans that are a part of the Indiana Bankers
Association group health insurance Trust, regarding their group health insurance. Their annual renewal is May 1st. There will be a lot of activity regarding that for the next several months.
And there are a lot of exciting things taking place or getting ready to take place at our little church--all of which require time-consuming attention. But it is good that the church is so "alive" and "on fire" to be what God wants for His church in our community. We're seeking to build an addition to our building, which means raising funds both by commitments and financing. Then there are the plans to be decided and all the "hoops' that you have to go through to do any type of construction in today's world. We begin a church-wide revamped Sunday school progam this Sunday. It sounds like a great format. I'll try to Journal about it soon. And our financial stewardship and worship attendance has been steadily increasing. We averaged 95 in worship attendance for February.
March 25th we have an all-church leadership conference led by a very capable Christian from Cincinnati Christian University. Dr. Roadcup will lead the Conference that day and we're provided a Continental Breakfast and a great lunch to the attendees. And there's no cost to attend! Our goal is to help us learn the steps to take to grow to the level God wants for our church.
I guess all this keeps me going! But I am physically, mentally and emotionally tired. But I think Scripture says something about when we are the weakest, He is the strongest. So we continue in His strength.
Jim
posted by jim 8:23 PM 0 comments
Monday, February 27, 2006
WEIRD
I know I'm weird. Statistics prove it. Here's what I mean: I love my "day job". I look forward to going to work each day. I look forward more to Mondays than I do Fridays. I enjoy the weeks more than I do the weekends. I hear people at work grumbling because it is only Monday and they're longing for it to be Friday. When Friday comes they can't wait to get out of there and many often leave early on Fridays.
I greatly enjoy where I work; I enjoy the people I work with; I enjoy the work I do. And I am treated very well by my company and by the people with whom and for whom I work.
But I know that's weird. Statistically every survey shows that only about 20% of the working force -- at the most -- enjoy what they do. The other 80% hate their jobs and everything about it.
I am thankful to my God for my situation. I know that it is only by His Grace that I have been allowed to be where I am. Believe me, I don't take it for granted. And I realize that it could end at any time for a variety of reasons. But I'm thankful and I will enjoy it as long as God allows me to be there.
Hope at least some of you are also in that 20%!
Jim
posted by jim 10:10 PM 2 comments
Sunday, February 26, 2006
GREAT DAY!
A great day today. Very bright sun although quite chille out without a coat. We had a great crowd at church. They were very responsive to the worship team (which did an excellent job with the music and the entire service). We even had a choir sing--which is unusual for us. But they sang a great song well. You could tell they enjoyed singing. The song was a break from the usual type of choir number and very well received.
The folks were receptive to the message. We talked about the Bible under the heading, "The Word for the World." They enjoyed the introductory things we did. First was an excercise with a calculator. We even had enough calculators so most everyone could either use or see one. Then we did a Top Ten List of how the Bible would be different if written by college students. Too bad none of our many college students were home for the weekend. :(
There were requests for the message which is not flattering me or puffing me up but shows they want to study and share with others. Next week we're going to continue the study about the Bible, talking about the Authority, the Activity and the Application of the Word of God.
All this is leading up to a whole new structure of Bible study during our Sunday schoool, beginning next Sunday. A new adult class will be a survey of the Bible in a year, team taught be several excellent teachers. There will be another adult class on prayer and a young adult class on Joshua and Judges. There are classes for all age kids. We've recruited several new teachers for these classes, too.
We have asked people to register themselves and their children for these classes. It is exciting that many people who have never been a part of our Sunday school have signed for the new Bible survey class.
Our whole goal is to get more people into the Word of God and more of the Word into people. We're praying it all goes well. A lot of prayer, planning and preparation has been expended.
Now I'm ready for a nap. Sundays totally exhaust me.
Jim
posted by jim 3:04 PM 0 comments
Saturday, February 25, 2006
It's late--and Something Has To Go
That refers to the hour of the night and my Posting on this Blog. It's not that I've "run dry", rather I have "run out of time". So much has happened, so much is happening, so much is going to happen. I'm not at all sure how I am going to keep up with all of it. Something has to go. I'm not sure yet what. Some things--some responsibilities, some activities--cannot go. Others I don't want to let go. Somthings I'd like to let go but don't know how or if I can.
Lately I have toyed with the idea of letting this Journal go. Most of you may think I have already let it go, it has been so long since I've Posted. At this point I'm not willing to let it go. But then if I am not doing it (or those who may still read it) justice, why keep it? If there is no good reason then I suppose it should go. But just now I don't want to let it go. I have no clue what I will do or what I should do about some things.
I was slowed down this week. Maybe later I can post a bit more detail but I spend an evening and the next afternoon in the emergency room of one of our local hospitals. Some of the greatest abdominal pain I have ever experienced hit me in the evening after I had traveled for my work all day. Thankfullly I was home when it hit although I had not felt well all day.
After blood tests, X-rays, a CAT scan--no diagnosis. That is the most frustrating part. The doctor said maybe a virus or as likely--stress. So I stayed home from work the next two days. I seem better now but watching what I eat somewhat carefully.
Tomorrow is church. I think I'm ready. But I need to get some rest before tomorrow.
Hopefully I'll have more to say sooner than I have recently Posted.
Jim
posted by jim 10:54 PM 0 comments
Thursday, January 26, 2006
HOME A WEEK…
Karon has been home a week today. It has been a week of a different life style than what we have been used to living! So far we are “hanging in there”! We are grateful that Karon doesn’t have to go out to a physical therapy place. She just does exercises at home. She went to church last Sunday and to a Medical Lab last Tuesday to have blood drawn. That will be a weekly occurrence for awhile.
She can get around with assistance. By assistance I mean, help to get in and out of bed. She is sometimes able to get out of bed but still needs assistance to get back in bed. She uses the wheelchair and a walker some. A lady from our old church, Traders Point, comes each morning to get her up, showered and dressed. Then she gets her breakfast, helps her with her physical therapy and puts things where Karon can reach them for her lunch. This allows me to keep working. Sometimes I can come home for a bit during the day but not always.
Karon has a lot of pain in the leg between the knee and the hip, but not much in the hip area. This is because the cancer and subsequent radiation have killed off the nerves in that area. But the doctor’s office said today that the pain she is having is probably just due to the amount of surgery they had to do on the hip and leg.
Nights are the worst. For whatever reason, Karon isn’t able to sleep at night—at least not very well for very long. She doesn’t sleep that much during the day, either. We try to stay up as long as we can. But we just get her situated in bed and I get laid down, and we’re up again. It is a bit better than it was the first 3 or 4 nights. It was up about every 20 to 30 minutes. It is hard for her because she can only lie on her back. That’s a tough position for someone to try to sleep who has always been a “stomach sleeper”.
I’m able to catch a “wink or two” (or so it seems) before needing to get up to help her out-and-in-of-bed, get a drink, take pain medication, or whatever else is needed.
About 3:30 a. m. (this morning it was 4:30 a. m.) she is usually able to get to sleep and is usually able to sleep until 6:00 or 6:30 a. m. when I have to get up. So we help her get settled again and I get ready to go to work.
After a week of this I am a “tired puppy”. (Oh for a good night’s sleep straight through!) But the good news is that God is faithful and I’m still able to function—sort of--at most levels. It is hard to get everything done that I need to for church and I’m falling behind in that area. That provides its own kind of stress. We have a lot of things going on and some major things coming up in the future that need my attention.
People from both Countryside and Traders Point are furnishing food for us. That is a big help but it is still the matter of getting it ready, serving, eating and then the clean up. I’m getting pretty good at dish washing! The dishwasher is a help, but there’s still the items that can’t go in it.
We appreciate all the prayers for healing and strength. We are giving thanks and praise to God for all He has done and is doing. I hope I’m not complaining TOO MUCH! But this Journal provides a place to put some thoughts that otherwise should be deleted.
I’ll try to have a better post soon.
Jim
posted by jim 11:12 PM 1 comments
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
KARON COMING HOME
Tomorrow (Thursday) is the day Karon is scheduled to be released from the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana. We have a 9:30 a. m. doctor’s appointment to get clamps removed and X-Rays taken. Hopefully we’ll get some questions answered about continued physical therapy—when and where; questions about restrictions, etc. Karon says she is going to church with me Sunday. We’ll have to see about that. If the doctor says she’d better take it easy a while, I’ll either get someone to preach and stay with her or find someone to stay with her during church time. I already have someone lined up to preach if need be.
I’m expecting that my time for most anything will be limited to none for a while. I suppose Posts on this Journal will be less frequent. (I know—you’re thinking, “They haven’t been all that frequent now.”) It will be a challenge to add another responsibility to my “plate”. It seems like work, church ministry and home responsibilities already keep me busy. Something will have to be “let go” to be able to give Karon the kind of care and attention I want her to have and that she deserves. She will need a lot of care as well as doing the household duties she normally assumes. Sleep and rest will probably be one of those things that will be “let go”.
I think there will be people who can help during the day some so I’ll be able to go back to work next week. We’re still praying for Karon’s disability application from work to be approved. That will take a lot of the financial stress away if it is.
Her care and treatment at RHI has been less than the facility’s reputation led us to expect. There were several instances that were disturbing. Some instances involved giving of medication and others were patient treatment issues. But I told her this morning—one more day and one more night! We’ll be glad for her to be home.
I’ll try to post with some regularity.
Jim
posted by jim 9:01 AM 1 comments
Thursday, January 12, 2006
KARON’S PROGRESS
Karon went through surgery fine. It took about 2 and a half hours. She tolerated the surgery well and by evening was pretty much out of the anesthetic.
The doctor said when he got into the hip area it was a "mess". There had been no healing in the last year and a half since the break. The bones were dry and mostly powder. So the doctor wasn't able to do a typical, traditional hip replacement. He put a "stem" down into the femur bone (thigh bone) and tried to secure it there with some type of antibiotic glue, or cement. He "ground up" some stuff and put it in the ball area and tried to hold it in place with clamps. I can't imagine exactly what they did and it sounds gross. I really don't understand it all.
The doctor said we can hope (some of us will be praying) for healing, but from the human standpoint there is no reason to expect healing this time because none took place before. The hope is that there will be enough scar tissue develop to create some stability for what the doctor did today. If not, the ball will come out of the socket. The doctor didn't have an answer when I asked him what we would do then.
They had Karon up that evening with a little weight bearing on the leg. She has had Physical Therapy twice a day while at the hospital. Today she is being transferred to Rehabilitation Hospital of Indian (RHI). Depending on how she gets along, she'll be there a week or two.
We are grateful for God’s blessing and the prayers, love and support of all our friends.
Jim
posted by jim 11:58 AM 0 comments
