I really feel the need to share a video with you. There are some people that greatly inspire me; Rachel Barkey is one of them. I followed her story long before I was diagnosed with kidney cancer myself.
If you have seen this video I would suggest watching it again. Please take a cup of coffee, relax and take 55 minutes from your busy schedule. You will not regret it, because death is not dying.
On March 4, 2009, Rachel Barkey, a wife and mother of two children had an opportunity to share her hope in Christ in the midst of terminal cancer. What began as a small talk to her church women’s group became an event attended by over 600 women and was an experience that left many with a desire to discover more about Rachel’s journey and faith. Rachel grew up in Chilliwack, BC, the same town where I live. Rachel passes away on July 2, 2009 at 32 years of age.
I pray that you will be blessed by her speech and share Rachel’s hope.
John
Monday, 27 June 2011
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Lord, only speak a few words
In Matthew 8:3 Jesus speaks only a few words, and in one instance He only touches a women to heal. As humans we often look for many words, books and advice. Jesus does it in a few words. Matthew 8 is an amazing chapter with many miracles:
- 3. And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
- a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6 "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly." 7 And he said to him, "I will come and heal him"
- Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. 15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him.
- 31 And the demons begged him, saying, "If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs." 32 And he said to them, "Go.
- Then He (Jesus) rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
Psalm 117: 1Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! 2 For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!
The Lord again has been so good to us. Yesterday I received a call from the kidney specialist Dr. Andreou that he will do surgery on July 25 to remove my cancerous kidney and tumour. The surgery will take place providing that the CT scan will show that the Chemo Therapy has set back the cancer. The CT scan will be done 4 days before surgery. Please join us in prayer that God will bless the means of the Chemo and medical intervention.
On June 16, I started Chemo treatments again, so far I feel pretty good, but do feel a little tired. My appetite is still very good and the 10 Lbs I lost during the first 4 weeks of Chemo I gained back during my 2 week break from Chemo, another answered prayer and great blessing for which we praise the Lord.
I just want to briefly come back to Matthew 8 where Jesus calms a storm:
24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing." 26 And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marvelled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?"
It is with this peace of Christ in our hearts that we go forward each day. We cannot be afraid because we know that God is with us in this trial. He is leading and providing in such incredible and remarkable ways. All we can say is "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?" Thank you for your prayers, messages, conversations, calls and emails. God be with you all.
John
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Friday, 17 June 2011
REGRETS OF THE DYING
Just a short note to let you know that I am doing well, I have been busy with different tasks and will write again next week after I visit Dr. James Bond the lung specialist.
Last night I started Chemo treatments again for the next 28 days. I am feeling pretty good and pray that I will not get the side effects from the Chemo treatments as before.
In the meantime I want to share an article that Dr. David Murray posted on his blog http://headhearthand.posterous.com from Bronnie Ware's blog. Personally it spoke to me, I hope it does the same for you.
Wishing you a blessed weekend and Lords day.
John
REGRETS OF THE DYING
For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.
People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learnt never to underestimate someone's capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance.
When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I didn't work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Bronnie Ware
Last night I started Chemo treatments again for the next 28 days. I am feeling pretty good and pray that I will not get the side effects from the Chemo treatments as before.
In the meantime I want to share an article that Dr. David Murray posted on his blog http://headhearthand.posterous.com from Bronnie Ware's blog. Personally it spoke to me, I hope it does the same for you.
Wishing you a blessed weekend and Lords day.
John
REGRETS OF THE DYING
For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.
People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learnt never to underestimate someone's capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance.
When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I didn't work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Bronnie Ware
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,
For his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:24.
Indeed the Lord is good to me. As I write this I have been one week without Chemotherapy.
What a difference one week makes without Chemo. My weight had dropped by 10 Lbs but I already have gained 5 Lbs back in one week. My appetite is back and food tastes so good again. My strength and energy is taking amazing jumps forward each day. My mouth, nose and feet no longer hurt.
Oh how I rejoice in all these blessings that I so often took for granted in the past. Each day is a new gift, a new blessing and a time to rejoice. Philippians 4: 4 says it so beautiful " Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, Rejoice. "
Yesterday I had to see our Homeopath in Vancouver. It was a gorgeous day packed with sunshine outside and in our hearts. Henrietta and I spent some time at our favourite spot along the ocean, walked, talked and took in the beauty of our Creator and afterwards we went for dinner. How precious these times are to us. It truly is a time to rejoice in the Lord. The Christian can travel by day or night. We are not dependent on circumstances. God is leading us and He will travel the whole journey with us. He will not leave us in the middle and He will not forsake us toward the end. For this God is our God forever and ever, he will be our Guide even unto death. Psalm 48:14.
One week from today I will be back on Chemotherapy, I know what most likely will lie ahead in terms of side effects. Please pray with us that the side effects will not be there or less severe than before. Thank you again for your support in prayer and so many other ways.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
John
Before I end this posting, I want share with you a 5 minute video from Francis Chan.
In this short video Francis speaks about Living a Life that Matters -- 'Living Eternally'
Indeed the Lord is good to me. As I write this I have been one week without Chemotherapy.
What a difference one week makes without Chemo. My weight had dropped by 10 Lbs but I already have gained 5 Lbs back in one week. My appetite is back and food tastes so good again. My strength and energy is taking amazing jumps forward each day. My mouth, nose and feet no longer hurt.
Oh how I rejoice in all these blessings that I so often took for granted in the past. Each day is a new gift, a new blessing and a time to rejoice. Philippians 4: 4 says it so beautiful " Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, Rejoice. "
Yesterday I had to see our Homeopath in Vancouver. It was a gorgeous day packed with sunshine outside and in our hearts. Henrietta and I spent some time at our favourite spot along the ocean, walked, talked and took in the beauty of our Creator and afterwards we went for dinner. How precious these times are to us. It truly is a time to rejoice in the Lord. The Christian can travel by day or night. We are not dependent on circumstances. God is leading us and He will travel the whole journey with us. He will not leave us in the middle and He will not forsake us toward the end. For this God is our God forever and ever, he will be our Guide even unto death. Psalm 48:14.
One week from today I will be back on Chemotherapy, I know what most likely will lie ahead in terms of side effects. Please pray with us that the side effects will not be there or less severe than before. Thank you again for your support in prayer and so many other ways.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
John
Before I end this posting, I want share with you a 5 minute video from Francis Chan.
In this short video Francis speaks about Living a Life that Matters -- 'Living Eternally'
Take time to be holy, let Him be your Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Reaching the bottom.
In the last week I could see the bottom of the Chemotherapy pill container come in sight and last night the last Chemo pill went down with much relief. This is going to give me a very welcome fourteen day break from Chemo treatments. In the last couple of days things have been changing again, my appetite is slowly returning and after losing 10 Lbs it appears that it too has bottomed out. I am not as tired as before and my energy level is better than it was. God is answering prayers.
It is beautiful and amazing when the Lord shows His grace, compassion and care when I reached low points, times when I wondered how I would ever get through it all. It is in those times that God showed to me that I am not walking this path alone. It made me think of the famous poem “Footprints” Through these difficult times God has made my faith grow stronger.
Each day I receive a devotion from Grace Gems and want to share the one from yesterday.
Job 23:10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.
The Lord puts all of His people into His furnace! Some are long in melting and refining--and with others the work is quick. But long or short, the Lord will keep His people in the fire--until they are purified! A genuine Christian loses nothing in the furnace, but his dross. He comes forth bettered, purified, refined. He is more humble, his faith is more simple, and his life more spiritual. He shines like molten gold, and reflects the image of the great Refiner. (James Smith 1867)
I pray that this will indeed be so for you and for me. I thank the Lord for His great blessings we receive each day. Again I want to thank you for your prayers, cards and tokens of love. God be with you.
John
Footprints.
One night I dreamed a dream.
I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord.
When the last scene of my life shot before me I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life. This always bothered me and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma.
"Lord, You told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I'm aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I just don't understand why, when I need You most, You leave me."
He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you." Author Unknown.
It is beautiful and amazing when the Lord shows His grace, compassion and care when I reached low points, times when I wondered how I would ever get through it all. It is in those times that God showed to me that I am not walking this path alone. It made me think of the famous poem “Footprints” Through these difficult times God has made my faith grow stronger.
Each day I receive a devotion from Grace Gems and want to share the one from yesterday.
Job 23:10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.
The Lord puts all of His people into His furnace! Some are long in melting and refining--and with others the work is quick. But long or short, the Lord will keep His people in the fire--until they are purified! A genuine Christian loses nothing in the furnace, but his dross. He comes forth bettered, purified, refined. He is more humble, his faith is more simple, and his life more spiritual. He shines like molten gold, and reflects the image of the great Refiner. (James Smith 1867)
I pray that this will indeed be so for you and for me. I thank the Lord for His great blessings we receive each day. Again I want to thank you for your prayers, cards and tokens of love. God be with you.
John
Footprints.
One night I dreamed a dream.
I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord.
When the last scene of my life shot before me I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life. This always bothered me and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma.
"Lord, You told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I'm aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I just don't understand why, when I need You most, You leave me."
He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you." Author Unknown.
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