Saturday, January 26, 2019

Words that Require Action


This week our grandson, a second grader, heard stories and quotes about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who made a difference in our country with his words and actions.  After the lesson, David was given a paper divided into four parts to complete. 

My name is _________.
I am in _____ grade.




Here is a picture of me.
I have a dream…
I hope that one day…
I will achieve my dream by…







Just like Dr. King, the students were challenged to have an active way to think about, state, pursue, and take ownership of a way to achieve their dream.  Looks like an activity that could be beneficial for us “older” kids as well.

A few quotes of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that he chose to live by:

“Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding darkness to a night already devoid of stars….Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

“You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.”

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”

“The quality, not the longevity, of one’s life is what is important.”

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a constant attitude.”

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”

“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve.  You don’t have to have a college degree to serve.  You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve.  You only need a heart full of grace.  A soul generated by love.”

“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”

“Not everybody can be famous but everybody can be great, because greatness is determined by service.  You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.”

“It does not matter how long you live, but how well you do it.”

“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

“Use me, God.  Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself.”

Dr. King’s contributions and message continue to call us to accept the challenge to be the people God created us to be.  Our words and dreams require action.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:22

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:13-14

Saturday, January 19, 2019

What Now?


The stem cells have been infused, we had a smooth flight home, suitcases are unpacked, and the wash has been completed.  What now?  Due to the stem cell treatments, there are changes I will begin to experience immediately while others will take several months to be noticeable.  Since no two people respond exactly the same it will be interesting to see and document the discoveries.  That being said, by the second day, after the first infusions, I was aware of better circulation.  My hands and feet are not nearly as freezing cold as they usually are.  My sleep seems to be more restful as well.

And now we begin the process of waiting, watching, and observing.  On the day of my last infusions we briefly met a lady and her husband that I had kept up with for over a year.  It was great to put a face with the real live person.  Since she was going for her infusions, our meeting was brief.  Later that afternoon Larry and I were walking the long hallway in the hospital to get in more steps for the day.  On the way back up the hallway we noticed that the hallway had recently been mopped and was still wet.  Not wanting to walk on a newly cleaned floor, or slip, I suggested that we walk outside to the entrance of the hotel instead of waiting for the floor to dry.  We walked a few yards and met up with Katy and her husband!  She had completed her infusions and they were waiting for the van to take them back to their hotel.  I am acknowledging that as another of God’s gifts and not just a coincidence that we were able to visit with them again.  Katy has been all over the world and US to seek treatments for her MS.  She even went to Russia for the 30 day isolation procedure.  Her husband said that the intranasal infusion has by far had the greatest results for Katy.  Although they noticed changes along the way, months four and five brought about the biggest differences.  What a blessing of encouraging words!

So what happens in the meantime?  I continue to live each day to the fullest.  God is continuing to teach and remind me of so many lessons in the process.

The week before we left to go to Cancun, I was talking to someone about going to Mexico for the treatments.  I felt as if God said, “Your being in Cancun for stem cells may not be the only reason or most important reason for you going there.”  Due to that, I wanted to constantly be on watch for ways and opportunities to join God in his work.  I want to be more like that every day while I am home, too.  I also want to take the time to express and show my appreciation whether it’s to doctors, PSA employees who are doing their job without pay during these days, family, friends, or others I encounter.  It also means I need to be willing to exercise and eat nutritionally so the stem cells have the greatest environment to do their work.  Above all, I want God be glorified in my thoughts, words, actions, reactions, and deeds.

A friend recently sent this saying to me.  May this always be my desire.


 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:36-40

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
Psalm 115:1

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Cancun Post #8

Cancun Post #8
January 16, 2019

The stem cell infusions are complete!

Thank you so much for being a part of this journey with us.  God has used your prayers, words of encouragement, and friendship to bless us beyond measure during these days.  I slept well last night and woke up with a Christmas like anticipation and excitement.  

We had breakfast with toddler Lucas and his mom.  Larry prayed for Lucas to be well enough to fly home so their family can be united again.  And then Melissa prayed for me, my treatment, and healing.  What a sweet gift on this treatment day.

The infusion group and family members met in the lobby and we proceeded to the elevator.  One of the ladies we met, who is also having treatment, lives just a few miles from us.  Larry gave her my information so we can keep in contact.  Just like in 2015, we ended up taking another elevator to receive the treatments and passed the sign that says, "Some things have to be believed to be seen!"  I am accepting that as God's gift and challenge to me.

I am including a few more pictures of today with more information noted.  Since having the treatment last Friday, I now had additional questions and things to look for and document.  

 The Son provided a beautiful sunrise


 Nurse Elizabeth was able to insert the IV on the first try!

 Veronica is the Celltex contact in Cancun

 
Checking and double checking that the stem cells are mine



 Double checking my stem cells before the intranasal



 First step is to take a big breath by mouth and 
hold it for 10 seconds during and after infusion

 Breathing out slowly through the mouth


 The bed is tilted back 60 degrees for the intranasal infusion

I stayed tilted back for an additional 10 minutes
after the procedure

After the infusion, Larry prayed for God to continue to bless and use Dr. Salazar and Dr. Camarillo as they continue to study, learn, administer the stem cell infusions.  

I was able to meet the lady from New York that I had corresponded with before she had her afternoon treatment!  More news about that on Saturday.  

Prayer requests:
* gratitude to God for His provision during these days
* that the stem cells God created will be used to bring about healing
* for God's love and light to be evident in our lives in our thoughts, actions, reactions, and deeds
* safe travels home on Thursday - and no turbulence

I love you, LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
     my God is my rock, in whom I  take refuge,
     my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:1-2
 






















Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Cancun Post #7

Cancun Post #7
January 15, 2019

One of God's sweet blessings to us during our time in Cancun has been our taxi driver.  Sergio is a friend of the Cancun Celltex consultant as well as a well respected driver by the employees of the hotel where we are staying.  He is a very safe driver, keeps a clean car, and loves his family well.  Thus, we have felt comfortable to travel about the city with him.  Today Sergio took us to the dock for an excursion to Isla Mujeres.  We took a 30 minute ferry ride to the  island.  After arriving we walked about a half of a mile to rent a golf cart to tour the island.  One side of the island is mostly shops, tourist excursions, swimming with the dolphins, beaches, homes of the town's people.  The opposite side has amazing views of the water, beautiful beaches, and huge modern homes.  We toured for about 4 hours and then ferried back to the dock.  Sergio was waiting for us when we arrived.  Knowing this was probably our last taxi ride while we are here, we thanked him for his wonderful service to us during our time in Cancun.  Sergio later emailed Larry a message of how much he enjoyed meeting him and being our taxi driver.  He calls Larry, Pastor Larry. 




This evening we enjoyed another great meal at our hotel and were able to encourage a mom.  The lady, her young son, Larry and I were the only ones eating inside tonight.  The son was fussy and you could tell she was embarrassed.  We stopped by their table on the way out.  She apologized and we assured her we were fine and being with them made us homesick for our six grandkids.  The husband and daughter flew home to Canada on Sunday, but she and the son had to stay behind because he had hand, foot, and mouth disease.  Hopefully they can fly home tomorrow.  The little boy was laughing and eating by the time we left.  We found out that the lady has done the equivalent of Campus Crusade mission work in Canada.

Prayer requests for Wednesday:
* stem cells to clear customs on time
* the stick for the IV will go well
* successful Intravenous and Intranasal procedures (beginning around 7:45 a.m. Houston time)
* the stem cells will give renewed energy, strength, and restored health
* our gratitude and appreciation can once again be expressed for all of my medical team
* that I will have the chance to meet a woman who is having treatments tomorrow that I have only communicated with online
* for us to see and take every opportunity to point others to Jesus

We are so appreciative of you partnering with us in your thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement.  God is answering your prayers and we are most grateful.  We have felt His peace, presence, joy, and hope during these days.  I am praying that the same will be true for you as well.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 

Monday, January 14, 2019

Cancun Post #6

Cancun Post #6
January 14, 2019

There were rain showers and misting rain all day long.  We were able to walk outside by the pool on the roof between the showers.  The top floor also has a gym. While Larry exercises, I walk laps and enjoy a beautiful view of the city through the huge plate glass windows.

Since we didn't make plans for other activities, due to the rain, we accomplished quite a bit by staying at the hotel.  Larry was able to take care of some necessary work business and I finished a book with another ready to start.  In between times, we walked laps in various places, did some visiting with hotel personnel, and enjoyed not being in a hurry.  We'll both have our 10,000 steps before dinner time tonight.

One of my prayers for this week has been that I would somehow have an opportunity to adequately express my thanks and gratitude to Dr. Salazar, Dr. Camarillo, and the medical personnel for their willingness to take a risk to add the administration of stem cells to their practices.  There seems to be so little time during the procedure to do that, but it's something I really wanted and needed to do.  I had even thought about it again this afternoon and prayed that God would give me the chance to do that.  While I finished walking around the hotel lobby, Larry had already completed walking the long hospital hallway.  He had seen Dr. Salazar and Dr. Camarillo and they had spoken.  Larry came and met me just as I was entering the hallway and told me the doctors were there.  Have you ever been overwhelmed that God was answering your prayers in a way you hadn't planned and was giving you a desire of your heart?  I was able to sit with the doctors and express everything I wanted to say and listen as they talked about the blessings of seeing people have a better quality of life.  

Grateful today for all of you who continue to pray for Larry and me, for changes in weather, for a loving God who gives you the desires of your heart when you delight in him, and for joy and hope in the journey.  

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

But God has surely listened and has heard my prayer.
Psalm 66:19

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:3-6

Sunday, January 13, 2019

Cancun Post #5

Cancun Post #5
January 13, 2019

Last night we went to a Mexican Food Restaurant across town to eat with a couple who were here for the wife to receive stem cell treatments.  It was a most enjoyable evening of great food and fellowship.

We started this morning livestreaming the "State of the Church Address" by our pastor, Dr. Duane Brooks, from Hebrews 12:1-2.  What a great reminder to start the year.
     1. What will we stop doing in order to finish well?
     2. Whom will we look to and see to finish well?
     3. What will we do to finish well?

This afternoon we went to visit new friends who were staying at a hotel on the beach.  The 22 year old daughter is here for stem cell treatments.  She and her mother are friends with two of our mutual friends.  We will definitely be keeping up with them when we return home.







Please pray:
* that others will see Jesus in us during these days
* that we will take and make the time to reach out to others
* for meaningful conversations with waiters, waitresses, and cab driver
* willingness to let go of even the good to make room for God's best
* healing to continue

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3