A friend indeed! July 23, 2014

A song I heard departing church last week was "What a Friend we have in Jesus". The song grabbed and moved me as I walked through throngs of people on their way out. It has been on my mind since. The words are a powerful reminder of His closeness and faithfulness to us. 

Along with feelings of union is the sacrament of communion -- drinking the cup   representing His shed Blood, and eating bread, His broken Body, which draw us intimately closer to our Father. 

THE Father who heals, loves abundantly, performs miracles, and saves. He is same one who rebukes, weeps, forgives sin, fights Satan, and dies on the cross for us. There is rarely a better time to ponder and reflect on our lives, then when partaking in communion.                                      "But let a man examine himself and let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup." I Cor. 11:28                                                                          Going through life's lessons, such as illness, there is a lot of learning to lean and trust on God for tomorrow. Music and the Word of God mean so much to me now. It strengthens, encourages, sharpens and confirms that He is the Healer.

Today, my second round of chemotherapy began, kicking off the next 18 weekly visits. It is a time of preparation and apprehension in a way, but there are things I have learned about chemo. It requires being pierced with needles, and I am thankful for the port in my chest that is used for the IV. My arm veins are saved from harsh chemicals that destroy veins. Then, a combinations of chemotherapy medicines and Benadryl intermingle into my blood, preparing me for sleep. How time flies then! Everyone at the Cancer clinic is there for a cause -- to save lives. It is an amazing place.

Questioning is something one always kicks around in thought. "Why" -me? at this time? for what purpose? my time in Canada - is this what was the best for me? 
Again, and again, the answer is given - "Trust me. Live one day at a time, for I know your tomorrows."


This I will do, to the best of my ability."Every chance I get, I wish to tell others about my journey. The one I trust and have faith in. That is something I can do. It is not by chance that I have entered a new mission field for this time of my life. Meeting strong, courageous patients going through similar adventures. We bond, encourage, share, laugh, and cry --amazing lovely people. God thank you for exposing a whole new world for me -- of learning, experiencing, befriending, and knowing God on a deeper level. We should not be content to just live, but to live it abundantly!


Going over the weekly blood tests today, we specifically focused on the C125 test. This is a tumour marker to show the concentration of cancer remaining in the tumour/ body. This test was first taken in Uganda, and resulted in a 3,000+ count. When I first arrived in Canada it was taken again at 5,000+ -- showing aggressive Cancer growth in the tumour. After the first round of chemotherapy (9 weeks) it was re-taken. 
Today the test read at 13.2 and normal readings are 35 and below. This shows such drastic improvement and for that I give God glory!  YEAH!!

I realize I mention this in most of my blogs, but I want to thank everyone for their continued prayer for this situation. You are a blessing to our family and God is answering those prayers!!

The lyrics to What a Friend We Have in Jesus:

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;

May we ever, Lord, be bringing

All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

by Joseph M. Scriven 1855