May 27, 2009

On Prayer

Hi Everyone,

Perhaps one of the biggest things that I've learned throughout this entire ordeal is the power of prayer. What would life be like without prayer? I can only imagine! It won't be good, that's for sure. This means of communicating with God is such a great gift. What a joy it is to unlock its mysteries and exercise its power!

My small group is finishing up our study on Ephesians. As I prepared for the study last night, this verse jumped at me. I have always known the first part of it, perhaps because of a song entitled, "Keep on Praying" by Hosanna Integrity. But I don't recall ever really studying the rest of the verse. It goes...

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)
¹⁸And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:18 (NASB)
¹⁸With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

MacArthur gives a great commentary on this verse:

This verse introduces the general character of a believer's prayer life:
1) "all prayer and petition" focuses on the variety;
2) "at all times" focuses on the frequency;
3) "in the Spirit" focuses on submission, as we line up with the will of God;
4) "be on the alert" focuses on the manner;
5) "all perseverance" focuses on the persistence;
6) "all the saints" focuses on the objects.

Other verses on prayer which touch on the same characteristics of prayer:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
¹⁶Be joyful always; ¹⁷pray continually; ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Romans 12:12
¹²Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Philippians 4:6-7
⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:26-27
²⁶In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. ²⁷And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

Matthew 26:41
⁴¹"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

Mark 13:33
³³Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.

Luke 11:9
⁹"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Luke 18:7-8
⁷And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? ⁸I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

1 Samuel 12:23
²³ As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.

I know that if you are reading this now, that you have been a faithful prayer warrior for Chevy, and I thank you for that. My prayer for you is that in praying for Chevy, you yourself have grown closer to the living God. Chevy is doing great! She still has some minor side effects of the drug she's taking now, such as bad acne. But nothing major, praise God! Her hair is growing back. She will have some tests done next month. I will keep you posted on that. Most of all, I believe she has peace. I still don't know why this is all happening, but I trust that God has a plan and that He will see us through. God is good!

In Him,
Cheryl

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May 27, 2009

Sleeping Beauty

Dear Achie,

Mama was right. Go to bed early and get plenty of sleep! At least 8 hours a night! (The same goes for me!)

As our pastor puts it on the radio..."Not a sermon, just a thought!" =P

Love ya!
Siobe

Sleep habits and susceptibility to the common cold.

Arch Intern Med. 2009; 169(1):62-7 (ISSN: 1538-3679)

Cohen S; Doyle WJ; Alper CM; Janicki-Deverts D; Turner RB
Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. scohen@cmu.edu

BACKGROUND: Sleep quality is thought to be an important predictor of immunity and, in turn, susceptibility to the common cold. This article examines whether sleep duration and efficiency in the weeks preceding viral exposure are associated with cold susceptibility.

METHODS: A total of 153 healthy men and women (age range, 21-55 years) volunteered to participate in the study. For 14 consecutive days, they reported their sleep duration and sleep efficiency (percentage of time in bed actually asleep) for the previous night and whether they felt rested. Average scores for each sleep variable were calculated over the 14-day baseline. Subsequently, participants were quarantined, administered nasal drops containing a rhinovirus, and monitored for the development of a clinical cold (infection in the presence of objective signs of illness) on the day before and for 5 days after exposure.

RESULTS: There was a graded association with average sleep duration: participants with less than 7 hours of sleep were 2.94 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-7.30) more likely to develop a cold than those with 8 hours or more of sleep. The association with sleep efficiency was also graded: participants with less than 92% efficiency were 5.50 times (95% CI, 2.08-14.48) more likely to develop a cold than those with 98% or more efficiency. These relationships could not be explained by differences in prechallenge virus-specific antibody titers, demographics, season of the year, body mass, socioeconomic status, psychological variables, or health practices. The percentage of days feeling rested was not associated with colds.

CONCLUSION: Poorer sleep efficiency and shorter sleep duration in the weeks preceding exposure to a rhinovirus were associated with lower resistance to illness.

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May 22, 2009

C.A.M.

I just HAD to post these words from somebody at church who we've been praying for. He was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia about the same time that my sister was diagnosed with lung cancer. I have been following his battle ever since. His blog today articulates very well what I felt after Chevy's PET scan. I do believe that whether or not Chevy's lung nodules all disappear by her next PET scan, she can still live a long life by God's grace. Perhaps it's God's way of making all of us completely dependent on Him every minute of each day. I hope you will all be blessed by his words, and also be moved to pray for him. His blog may be found at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/camwagner.

And the music goes on…

Thankfully Becky and I were able to go to the hospital together on Wednesday to get the results of my biopsy and have a follow up consultation. Becky’s Parents were able to babysit so that was great. We got up early and made great time. Got my blood taken and went up to the clinic to get our “great” news. Well…

It seems my biopsy shows that I still have .5% cancer in my marrow. This is really the same amount I had after chemo round 1 and round 2. I’m still 100% my sister’s DNA but the cancer is just hanging out. Our doctor gave us a good analogy. When buy fresh-cut flowers, we take them home and put them in water. Those flowers can live for quite a while in the water even though they are cut off from their life source. So we are trusting that while this cancer has been cut off from it’s source, my old marrow, it will die in due time. Trusting and depending on God to finish the miracle.

Even though I hate to talk about other cases, I did ask the doctor if most bone marrow patients with acute leukemias usually see their cancer totally gone at this point(even if there is a relapse down the road). She said yes but…my type of leukemia is so rare and unique, it is difficult to compare. Remember I’m special! There are other forms of blood cancer that do take a while to dissapate. That is what I’m expecting. Becky also asked if I could have been at .5% for a long time and our doctors guess it could be possible. So there is always the possibility that I can live a very healthy and full life with this in my system.

As Becky and I left the clinic arm in arm, not getting the fantastic news we were joyfully expecting, hoping and praying for, God gave my wife some needed wisdom. Becky said “this is God’s way of keeping us totally dependent on Him and on our knees”. It’s true. I feel better, I’m able to do more and more things and have more energy each day. It was easy for us to think we were, in some way, close to being out of the woods. Especially since we thought we earned it. Wheather we’re healthy or sick, 100% dependence on God is where we know we need to be. This is certainly a good reminder.

Yesterday I called a good friend of my sister Kate’s who has been battling cancer for quite some time. J.P. Mellis is a wonderful man who works for Samaritan’s Purse and I knew he would have some words of wisdom for me. Even if it was just someone to talk to who’s going through the same marathon, it was good for me to speak with him. J.P. so wisely reminded me that all of my days are numbered, even before I set foot on this earth. Psalm 144:4 says “Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow.” As I believe this to be true, there really is no worth in me worrying or stressing about this news or any news to come (even though I do!). My days are set. Sure I hope and believe they are many more to come, and yes I will do everything in my power to stay healthy and alive, but ultimately my lot is secure.

All in all this is certainly not the worst news possible. The cancer has not grown. The pathologists actually can’t even see it under the microscope. It takes the great work of machines and the flow symmetry to detect this .5%. And so, we press on. Live every day to it’s fullest as best as possible. By the way, today was a pretty darn good day. Much time spent with the family. What else can I ask for???

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May 22, 2009

God Works -- from Chevy's Multiply blog

God works!

May 21, '09 9:35 PM
for everyone

it amazes me how sometimes our devotional readings fit us to a T. The past months that I have been regularly doing it (though I have been lax lately), many a days, the messages suit the situation I'm in, emphasizing God's for me and the fulfillment of His promise.

Today, it says, God works as soon as we commit to Him.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this. Psalm 37:5

The literal meaning o this verse is : Roll your way onto Jehovah and trust upon Him, and He works." This brings to our attention the immediacy of God's action once we commit, or "roll" burdens of any kind from our hands into His. Whether our burden is a sorrow, difficulty, physical need, or ceoncern over the salvation of a loved one, "He works".

When does He work? "He works" now. We act as if God does not immediately accept our trust in Him and thereby delays accomplishing what we ask Him to do. We fail to understand that "He works" as we commit, "He works" now! Praise Him for the fact that this is true.

Our expectation that He will work is the very thing enabling that Holy Spirit to accomplish what we have "rolled" onto Him. At that point it is our grasp, and we are not to try to do it ourselves. "He works!" Take the comfort from this and do not try to pick it up again. What a relief there is in knowing He really is at work on our difficulty!

And when someone says, "But I don't see any results", pay him no attention.

"He works" if you have "rolled" your burdens onto Him and are "looking unto Jesus" (Heb 12:2 KJV) to do it. Your faith may be tested, but "He works". His Word is true! V.H.F.

I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me. Psalm 57:2

One beautiful trnslation of this verse says, "He will perform the cause I hold in my hand". That makes it very real to me today. The very thing "I hold in my hand" -- my work today, this concern that is beyond my control, this task in which I have greatly overestimated my own abilities -- this is what I may "cry out" for Him to do "for me", with the calm assurance He will perform it. "The wise and what they do are in God's hand" (Eccl. 9:1) Frances Ridley Havergal

The Lord will follow through on His covenant promise. Whatever He takes and holds in His hand He will accomplish. Therefore His past mercies are guarantees for the future, and worthy reasons for continuing to cry out to Him. Charles H. Spurgeon

taken from Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman

May this help us to remember that God is only waiting for us to come to Him, and He will surely work on our behalf.

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May 19, 2009

Your love is better than life

Just marveling at God's goodness today. In a week or two, it will be 7 months since Achie was diagnosed with this dreadful disease. And yet, God has been faithful. May I never cease to praise Him for all He has done!

Psalm 63:3-4 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.

Psalm 68:19-20 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah. Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.

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May 12, 2009

More pics from Subic

Here are just a few of the pics taken by my 'camera-shy' family. :o)

0316 is our brother Michael. The rest of the people in the pictures with Chevy are cousins.

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May 11, 2009

Weekend at Subic

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all of you who have been asking about Chevy. Thank you for always remembering her in your prayers. I will try to post more than I have lately...but things have really been smooth. God is so good! Chevy is still on Tarceva (oral lung cancer drug) and will undergo some sort of imaging (PET?) in June.

Chevy just got back from a weekend trip to Subic (former U.S. military base in the Philippines) with family. I have no idea what on earth she is doing in this picture =P, but I thought it was a fun pic to post! I will ask her the next time I talk to her.

This is my prayer for Achie today...

I will lie down and sleep in peace,
       for you alone, O LORD,
       make me dwell in safety.
                                 Psalm 4:8

In Him,
Cheryl

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April 16, 2009

Immeasurably more!

Ephesians 3:20-21

²⁰Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Last night at small group, this verse touched me deeply. The first thing that came to mind was Chevy...and the realization (or reminder!) that God CAN do SO MUCH MORE than what we ask or what we can possibly imagine. We had a discussion about what that 'power' is that's at work within us. I think it's H.S. power! I'm still digesting this verse, as it is very profound.

Anyways, I thought I'd share. Hopefully, this will give you great encouragement in continuing to pray for Chevy, as well as encouragement in your own daily struggles.

Cheryl

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April 14, 2009

Easter

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all had a blessed Easter celebration.

Chevy, my brother, and mother all went out of town for a 3-day church retreat. This is a Holy Week tradition for the church family and one that I miss. My husband and I watched The Passion of the Christ again last Saturday. We are making this a yearly tradition. It is such a powerfully moving movie. I am still astonished at times at the depth of Christ's love for us and what He did on the cross. I mean, how could He do that?! How could He have endured such humiliation and agony? But the answer is simple -- perfect love.

I loved our pastor's Easter sermon. He cited four pieces of evidence pointing to the veracity of the resurrection. First, the evidence of the Roman soldiers who were put to death if they ever lost their prisoner. This proves how well-guarded Christ's tomb was and how impossible it would've been for His disciples to steal His body. Second, the evidence of the Jewish leaders, who went to great lengths to conceal the truth of Christ's resurrection. All they had to do was to produce Christ's dead body, but they couldn't, because there was no such body, for HE IS RISEN. Third, the evidence of eyewitnesses. Fourth, the martyrdom of Christ's disciples. I love how our pastor always says, "Follow a dead savior and you'll end up just like him." And conversely, "Follow a risen Savior and you'll end up just like him!" Oh, what glorious bodies we will have!

Chevy is doing well on the oral drug Tarceva. She had some minor stomach upset and her rash/acne is worse than ever, but no major side effects. Praise God for that!

On behalf of Chevy and my entire family, I thank you all again for your continued prayers. Let's pray for COMPLETE healing in the Lord's perfect time. God bless you all.

Cheryl

Jeremiah 30:17: '...But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD...

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March 30, 2009

Faith

I just wanted to share a few verses that touched me during Bible Study last Wednesday. It reminded me of the kind of faith that I must have, and how faithful our Lord is.

Hebrews 11:1

¹Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 10:23

²³Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Chevy is doing well. She is currently on the oral drug called Tarceva, and I don't know how long she will be on it. She seems to be tolerating it well, praise God.

I will be posting infrequently here if things are all well. So please subscribe to this posterous so can receive an email notification once something is posted.

Thanks once again for your continued prayers for our family.

Cheryl

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