Thursday, June 28, 2012
Disclaimer to Battle Plans Post
By the way, if you read my posts and get this dream picture of what an amazing person I am, please know that I fail and fall like everyone else. In fact, due to an ostomy disaster this morning, my blood pressure which is always low was high due to my response to the mess I had to deal with. I am as real as you and I stumble, I trip, and I fall all the time. I struggle to keep up with my housework. I do school through the summer to keep us on track. I don't always juggle my responsibilities well and have been known to forget to pay a bill. The battle plan post is about the things I preach to myself and choose to do as I turn to the Lord to meet all my needs. Thanks for the sweet comments they do encourage me but I'm as much as a work in progress as you. The good news is you can serve a God, Jesus Christ, who loves even cracked pots such as ourselves in order for His light to shine through.
Chemo Day & Cancer Battle Plans
A while back I told what it was like to get radiation. Today I'll give you details on a chemo day. When you come in to the cancer center for the first time, you realize you have entered a world you never really thought about or envisioned. After you get weighed (again) and all vitals checked, you may or may not have a visit with the doctor. Afterwards, you head to the treatment room where there are lots of chairs with i.v. bars nearby. You will also see all kinds of people. Cancer does not discriminate in any way. Then the fun begins. If you have a port like myself and your blood levels were high enough, you get stuck and the poisons begin to head on in. Others get their chemo through their veins. People read, nap, listen to music or watch movies on their computers, talk to the person who brought them, etc. Many people keep to themselves, but every now and then you get someone to talk to and hear their story. My visit lasts 4 to 5 hours. You get to know the nurses fairly well and they are really great with everyone.
I have been chewing on lately the thought that I am "battling cancer." When my mind envisions a battle, I think of making war plans and pondering good strategies to win the fight. Below are some of the tactics I have been using in hopes of a victory.
1) Being thankful. I Thess. 5:18 says "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." How can we give thanks for cancer? For me it's easier than I thought. I have been surrounded by love like never before since my diagnosis. My children have seen the Lord provide our every need. Besides when you focus on the good of each day, doesn't it seem to change your attitude and it tends to bring joy into your soul. It doesn't mean that every day is easy or that I enjoy driving the porcelain bus or being exhausted. It means finding the good the Lord does send you each day.
2) Laugh...A Lot. Proverbs 17:22. "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." I love a good laugh and fortunately our family laughs a lot. A gentleman told me this week that one of the things some of the folks at church have been surprised about is that whenever they see me I am smiling and how it blessed them. I told him that I am choosing to be happy no matter the results. If I don't make it, I don't want my children's memories of me to be of sadness, stress, fear, anxiety, depression, anger, etc. My younger children may only remember this year if I was to pass. I want them to remember playing games, taking walks, ewing and awing over sunsets, starry nights and little babies. I want them to remember us laughing while living life together. I want them to see how the Lord is really with you when you go through trials and that you can trust Him in all things.
3) Make healthy choices. Whether it's food, physical or spiritual exercise. I even need to make great mental choices....Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." That narrows down my television, reading, and music choices. This verse keeps me from seeing others with a critical eye and talking about others. This may all sound restricting, but it's really freeing. It helps me "see" the good around me.
4) Resting in His Wisdom On front of one of the magazines at the doctor's office today, there was a caption of Sharon Osbourne saying she would not let her son die. I thought really....you believe life and death is in your hands? Wow! I am praying for victory, but I realize that sometimes God uses defeats to accomplish His purposes in our lives. Ps 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. No matter how things look I know God has a plan. Jeremiah 29:11-13 says For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Even Jesus' followers thought His death was a defeat not yet understanding what a victory it was. I found the following illustration a while back from a sermon I read and thought it was a great example of what may have seemed like a disastrous life brought forth a great man.
At the age of seven, he had to go to work to help support his family. At nine, his mother died. At twenty-two, he lost his job as a store clerk. At twenty-three, he went into debt and became a partner in a small store. At twenty-six, his partner died leaving him a huge debt. By the age of thirty-five, he had been defeated twice when running for a seat in Congress. At the age of thirty-seven, he won the election. At thirty-nine, he lost his reelection bid. At forty-one, his four-year-old son died. At forty-two, he was rejected for a land officer role. At forty-five, he ran for the Senate and lost. At forty-seven, he was defeated for the nomination for Vice President. At forty-nine, he ran for Senate again and lost again. At the age of fifty-one, he was elected President of the United States. During his second term of office, he was assassinated. But his name lives on among the greats in U.S. history--Abraham Lincoln.
I'm still believing in the Lord's victory over this disease in my body. I am not lacking faith. I feel as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did in Daniel 3:17-19 "our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” I do believe God can heal me. Until He tells me otherwise, I believe He is willing. But if not, I still choose to praise Him.
5) Trusting in His Providence This was one of the words the children learned in VBS. The dictionary defines providence as "the foreseeing care and guidance of God or nature over the creatures of the earth. God, especially when conceived as omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence." I love this definition because He is a wise and benevolent Father who watches over us. You can trust Him. What battle are you in? Whatever it is I hope that you can find some things to be thankful for, that you can laugh, that you make wise choices, that you find His peace, and that you trust in His providence.
3) Make healthy choices. Whether it's food, physical or spiritual exercise. I even need to make great mental choices....Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." That narrows down my television, reading, and music choices. This verse keeps me from seeing others with a critical eye and talking about others. This may all sound restricting, but it's really freeing. It helps me "see" the good around me.
At the age of seven, he had to go to work to help support his family. At nine, his mother died. At twenty-two, he lost his job as a store clerk. At twenty-three, he went into debt and became a partner in a small store. At twenty-six, his partner died leaving him a huge debt. By the age of thirty-five, he had been defeated twice when running for a seat in Congress. At the age of thirty-seven, he won the election. At thirty-nine, he lost his reelection bid. At forty-one, his four-year-old son died. At forty-two, he was rejected for a land officer role. At forty-five, he ran for the Senate and lost. At forty-seven, he was defeated for the nomination for Vice President. At forty-nine, he ran for Senate again and lost again. At the age of fifty-one, he was elected President of the United States. During his second term of office, he was assassinated. But his name lives on among the greats in U.S. history--Abraham Lincoln.
5) Trusting in His Providence This was one of the words the children learned in VBS. The dictionary defines providence as "the foreseeing care and guidance of God or nature over the creatures of the earth. God, especially when conceived as omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence." I love this definition because He is a wise and benevolent Father who watches over us. You can trust Him. What battle are you in? Whatever it is I hope that you can find some things to be thankful for, that you can laugh, that you make wise choices, that you find His peace, and that you trust in His providence.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Five Deadliest Myths About Colorectal Cancer
TRUTH: Colon Cancer is the #2 cause of cancer related deaths in men and women!
Myth #1: Only Old People Get it
Statistically, your odds are greater as you age but 7% of people get it younger than 50. (Yep, I'm in the 7%!)
Myth #2: Colorectal Cancer is a Man's Disease
Nope, an equal opportunity disease striking men & women with similar frequency.
Myth #3: No One in My Family Ever Had Colorectal Cancer, so I'm Not At Risk
80% of people who get this cancer did not have it in their family before.
Myth #4: I Don't Need to Worry, I feel Fine
This is the worst myth of all. The average-risk individual's colorectal cancer begins as a polyp that transforms over the course of years into cancer. Don't wait until you feel bad to get screened.
(That's what I did. I had felt fatigued for a loong time but blew it off as busy mom, lots of children, home schooling, etc. It wasn't until I had changed stools and blood did I get checked and then it was a huge tumor the size of a man's fist.)
Myth #5: Colorectal Cancer Always Starts with Blood in the Stool
This is based on some reality but you cannot always see the blood. It may be microscopic. Some don't bleed at all.
Good News: 90% of colon cancer is curable when caught early enough. Please be sure to get a colonoscopy when your doctor recommends or earlier if you have any symptoms. I know it seems embarrassing, but you are out of it when it's done and it's a lifesaver.
Also, although colon cancer is a scary disease, don't walk in fear. II Timothy 1:7 states that God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Information found at "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Colorectal Cancer", by Mark Bennett Pochapin, M.D.
Myth #1: Only Old People Get it
Statistically, your odds are greater as you age but 7% of people get it younger than 50. (Yep, I'm in the 7%!)
Myth #2: Colorectal Cancer is a Man's Disease
Nope, an equal opportunity disease striking men & women with similar frequency.
Myth #3: No One in My Family Ever Had Colorectal Cancer, so I'm Not At Risk
80% of people who get this cancer did not have it in their family before.
Myth #4: I Don't Need to Worry, I feel Fine
This is the worst myth of all. The average-risk individual's colorectal cancer begins as a polyp that transforms over the course of years into cancer. Don't wait until you feel bad to get screened.
(That's what I did. I had felt fatigued for a loong time but blew it off as busy mom, lots of children, home schooling, etc. It wasn't until I had changed stools and blood did I get checked and then it was a huge tumor the size of a man's fist.)
Myth #5: Colorectal Cancer Always Starts with Blood in the Stool
This is based on some reality but you cannot always see the blood. It may be microscopic. Some don't bleed at all.
Good News: 90% of colon cancer is curable when caught early enough. Please be sure to get a colonoscopy when your doctor recommends or earlier if you have any symptoms. I know it seems embarrassing, but you are out of it when it's done and it's a lifesaver.
Also, although colon cancer is a scary disease, don't walk in fear. II Timothy 1:7 states that God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Information found at "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Colorectal Cancer", by Mark Bennett Pochapin, M.D.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Tordoff Tournament for Cancer - June 9th
It seemed surreal that a golf tournament was even being planned for us. Someone, Mychelle Vaughn, whom I met a few years earlier in a Women's Sunday School class found out I had cancer and felt led to do this huge undertaking. We were both new at Kiokee 3 years ago. She said I wrote her an encouraging note that she keeps in her Bible still. To be honest, I have no memory of it. I do remember praying with and for her. Never underestimate the power of kindness and how the Lord may use it to bless you!
I had chemo the Monday before the tournament and felt great that day. Tuesday came and I honestly thought "yes, no side effects for me this time." Then Wednesday came. Let me just say that being that sick and having an ostomy bag should be an illegal combination. Thursday the sickness continues. We were wondering if I would be able to make it and asked for prayer. Friday I was slightly nauseated but WORLDS better than before. I could finally touch and drink cold items which I could not due to the side effects of one of my "poisons". I had enough energy to "move". My mom's good friend Sally said it right when she said there is no good way to explain the kind of tired that chemo gives you but all poured out and empty comes close . The bone pain from the shot to build my white blood cell count began this day mostly in my right femur. We were happy to wake up Saturday not ill. We had to get up early to meet at Bojangles. When we arrived there were motorcycles and a Fox 54 news reporter. My mother, my daughter Cindy's family, and my brother-in-law Wendell also met us. We ate breakfast and then were told that we were being escorted to the event. Besides Wendell, I didn't know but one other person that showed up that morning to spend their hard earned money to ride their own bike to our golf tournament. We thanked a lot of strangers for showing up. My children were pretty excited and Emily, 7, loved the sparkly helmet and the bedazzled motorcycle.
We took a 30 minute ride out to the golf course and were shocked to see how many people were already there.
We walked up and were greeted by Mychelle who introduced us to some of the many people who helped her. One of the groups she worked with was "The Sons of Thunder". They seemed genuinely excited to meet us and to be able to do this for us. Their love for the Jesus and others was apparent immediately. After introducing me surrounded by my family, Bernard Martin shared scriptures and then they surrounded me and prayed. The Holy Spirit showed up.
Then they told me that I was to begin the tournament and then the golfers were off. My mother, daughter and her two children, my eldest son (who worked all night the night before) and his girlfriend, and my 4 youngest children hung around the club house. I needed to stay out of the sun and my bone pain was spreading. Rusty, Nicholas, and Timothy played on a team with a friend. Brandon, my son-in-law, his father and two other friends were on another team. Many of Rusty's friends and coworkers from Richmond county showed up this day to support us. All the children had a blast! It was such a beautiful spring day, blue skies, white puffy clouds, and a wonderful breeze.
The golfers finished around one and lunch was served. My good friend Frankie and her family showed up a bit before this time along with my son-in-law's mother and sister. Afterwards, they handed out the trophies and prizes. It was a lot of fun. Then they auctioned off a lot of donated things and we couldn't believe the generosity of so many. We were beyond touched.
They did the rest of the raffle here. They also sold t-shirts and hero cards which they are continuing to sell for us!
I know I've forgotten many details and don't even know where to begin thanking so many people. Forgive me. But we are so very grateful to everyone involved making this day a fantastic memory for our family. We won't ever forget how special everyone made us feel. After the tournament, they decided the Tordoff Tournament Against Cancer would be an annual event and next year we'd get to help another family. I can't wait to bless somebody else the way we've been blessed.
To hear the entire interview you may need speakers. Below it is the version that made t.v.
I had chemo the Monday before the tournament and felt great that day. Tuesday came and I honestly thought "yes, no side effects for me this time." Then Wednesday came. Let me just say that being that sick and having an ostomy bag should be an illegal combination. Thursday the sickness continues. We were wondering if I would be able to make it and asked for prayer. Friday I was slightly nauseated but WORLDS better than before. I could finally touch and drink cold items which I could not due to the side effects of one of my "poisons". I had enough energy to "move". My mom's good friend Sally said it right when she said there is no good way to explain the kind of tired that chemo gives you but all poured out and empty comes close . The bone pain from the shot to build my white blood cell count began this day mostly in my right femur. We were happy to wake up Saturday not ill. We had to get up early to meet at Bojangles. When we arrived there were motorcycles and a Fox 54 news reporter. My mother, my daughter Cindy's family, and my brother-in-law Wendell also met us. We ate breakfast and then were told that we were being escorted to the event. Besides Wendell, I didn't know but one other person that showed up that morning to spend their hard earned money to ride their own bike to our golf tournament. We thanked a lot of strangers for showing up. My children were pretty excited and Emily, 7, loved the sparkly helmet and the bedazzled motorcycle.
We took a 30 minute ride out to the golf course and were shocked to see how many people were already there.
Then they told me that I was to begin the tournament and then the golfers were off. My mother, daughter and her two children, my eldest son (who worked all night the night before) and his girlfriend, and my 4 youngest children hung around the club house. I needed to stay out of the sun and my bone pain was spreading. Rusty, Nicholas, and Timothy played on a team with a friend. Brandon, my son-in-law, his father and two other friends were on another team. Many of Rusty's friends and coworkers from Richmond county showed up this day to support us. All the children had a blast! It was such a beautiful spring day, blue skies, white puffy clouds, and a wonderful breeze.
The golfers finished around one and lunch was served. My good friend Frankie and her family showed up a bit before this time along with my son-in-law's mother and sister. Afterwards, they handed out the trophies and prizes. It was a lot of fun. Then they auctioned off a lot of donated things and we couldn't believe the generosity of so many. We were beyond touched.
We got home around 3:30 or 4 and rested until 5. We then left to Crazy Turks for dinner. This restaurant offered to give us 10% of proceeds that day for folks who put their receipts in the donation box. We had delicious food and lots of great laughs.
I know I've forgotten many details and don't even know where to begin thanking so many people. Forgive me. But we are so very grateful to everyone involved making this day a fantastic memory for our family. We won't ever forget how special everyone made us feel. After the tournament, they decided the Tordoff Tournament Against Cancer would be an annual event and next year we'd get to help another family. I can't wait to bless somebody else the way we've been blessed.
To hear the entire interview you may need speakers. Below it is the version that made t.v.
Friday, June 8, 2012
When it Rains, it pours .... like a Hurricane!
Chemo went fine Monday and I thought that this time around I was immune to the side effects. I prayed I would be :D. Tuesday was great. Wednesday and Thursday were awful. In fact, they are a blur. I cannot believe two days have past that I was so ill. In fact, I threatened not to go back. Today I am queasy and tired, but not dying feeling. Meanwhile, I awoke this morning to find out my husband's cabinet shop was broken into. ONE.....MORE.......THING.......really? His spray guns are gone and a box of tools. They suspect they may be back for the big stuff. I am so tired from the chemo but strangely enough, still encouraged. Maybe it's the encouraging notes I get in the mail while still in the storm, the regular influx of meals, or even the big gift we got yesterday. I am sure I didn't even seem very grateful. I was so very sick. Yesterday a sister in Christ delivered gloves, gauze, the shirts my children needed for camp, an outfit each for my two smallest, laundry detergent, dish washing detergent, dish washer detergent, and $40 towards tennis shoe for the boys. The storm is raging. The robbery felt like sneaky sideways hurricane winds. But God....He is here. And I am thankful.
Psalm 103
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust.
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children's children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children's children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
22 Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
22 Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Preaching to Myself Tonight
Went to chemo #1 of 8 in this second round of poison with my Aunt Fran. Thanking her so much to hang with me since she lives north of Atlanta and just wants to bless me by taking me each visit the way my Aunt Joan from Alaska did last time. Need prayers to get white blood count up since they want to give me a shot on Wednesday to up my counts (ouch!). Also need prayers not to dehydrate. Tricky stuff with meds that make you sick and other meds that constipate. It gets even more complicated when you have an ostomy. Overall tonight, I'm just tired and having a hard time drinking without strange pain (side effect of one of the meds). Thanks for all the prayers....I know I could be much worse. Praising God in the storm!
Saturday, June 2, 2012
I asked the Lord....a hymn from John Newton
Click here if you want to hear the music while you read the words.
I asked the Lord that I might grow
In faith and every grace,
Might more of his salvation know,
And seek more earnestly his face.
`Twas he who taught me thus to pray
And he I know has answered prayer,
But he has answered in a way
That almost drove me to despair.
I'd hoped that in some favored hour
My lord would answer my request,
And by his love's constraining pow'r
Control my sins and give me rest.
Instead of this he made me feel
The hidden evil of my heart,
He let the angry powers of hell
Assault my soul in every part!
Then with his own strong hand he seemed
Intent to multiply my woes,
Blocked all the grand designs I schemed,
Crushed all my dreams, and laid me low,
"Lord, why is this?" I trembling cried.
"Will you pursue this worm to death?"
"This is the way." The Lord replied,
"I answer prayers for grace and faith.
"These inward trials I employ,
From self and pride to set you free.
I break your plans of earthly joy,
That you may find your all... in me."
In faith and every grace,
Might more of his salvation know,
And seek more earnestly his face.
`Twas he who taught me thus to pray
And he I know has answered prayer,
But he has answered in a way
That almost drove me to despair.
I'd hoped that in some favored hour
My lord would answer my request,
And by his love's constraining pow'r
Control my sins and give me rest.
Instead of this he made me feel
The hidden evil of my heart,
He let the angry powers of hell
Assault my soul in every part!
Then with his own strong hand he seemed
Intent to multiply my woes,
Blocked all the grand designs I schemed,
Crushed all my dreams, and laid me low,
"Lord, why is this?" I trembling cried.
"Will you pursue this worm to death?"
"This is the way." The Lord replied,
"I answer prayers for grace and faith.
"These inward trials I employ,
From self and pride to set you free.
I break your plans of earthly joy,
That you may find your all... in me."
Friday, June 1, 2012
Called Out & Called Names
My boys and I were discussing Matthew 4 last night where Jesus walked by and saw Peter and his brother Andrew fishing. He called them to follow Him and he would make them fishers of men. James and John were even repairing their nets with their father Zebedee when Jesus called them out. I asked them if they could imagine working with their own father helping to build cabinets. A stranger strolls by and calls them out and tells them to follow him, and he would make them builders of men. Imagine dropping it all, leaving your Dad and following him. They had opinions of how their father would handle that! Zebedee must have seen or sensed that this was a call from God on their life or I cannot imagine he would not have tried to stop them. I can imagine Zebedee coming home, his wife finishing up dinner and asking where her sons are. He may have answered, "Oh a stranger named Jesus came by and asked them to go with him. And they went!" It made us just chew on the thought of what it must have been like to have been drawn like that.
Then we discussed how cool it would have been to be called the "Sons of Thunder." (I wish you could hear the way I would say it....slow, almost a whisper, full of power and mystery.) It doesn't really tell us why Jesus called them Sons of Thunder, but having five boys I have lots of ideas. I wonder if they were tough guys. My boys (and girls) from the time they were little if they fell, got hit, or hurt at the church that we belonged to for 16 years you would hear an adult say something like "Oh my!" with a bit of a gasp. Then another parent who focused in well on the situation would usually say something like "oh, it's okay, it's a Tordoff." It's not that we didn't allow them to cry if they were hurt, but I guess because we didn't allow a lot of "drama" that maybe they decided they were too busy playing to cry most of the time. I really don't know? I also wonder if James and John weren't what we would call strong willed or stubborn. Remember at one time they wanted to call down lightning from heaven and destroy some people that were causing problems. What we would call a problem child, He may have seen the strength they had when directed and focused rightly. I want my guys to be strong-willed against evil and stubborn for the Truth.
I went to bed chewing on these thoughts. We were all called out when we were saved, weren't we? Our jobs and environment may not have changed, but we changed and are continually being changed. We have challenges and struggles in this life. The Lord uses these challenges to sanctify us. We may want to fight back like the Sons of Thunder, but the Lord wants us to be like Him full of grace and mercy. There will be times when like the Sons of Thunder we must confront with hard truths from Scripture, but it must be done in love for the purpose of change. I also hope that when we are called out to do "hard things" that we don't hesitate to obey. I would have wanted to get the okay from my Dad when I had been called out from the boat. Then I'd go home to say goodbye and hug my mom. I'd get all my affairs in order, pack my bags, etc. But what Jesus wanted them to do was simply obey. Phew, I hope I would have and pray I will.
We may not have a cool name like "the Son of Thunder" but the Lord lovingly calls us "children of God". What a wonderful name!
Then we discussed how cool it would have been to be called the "Sons of Thunder." (I wish you could hear the way I would say it....slow, almost a whisper, full of power and mystery.) It doesn't really tell us why Jesus called them Sons of Thunder, but having five boys I have lots of ideas. I wonder if they were tough guys. My boys (and girls) from the time they were little if they fell, got hit, or hurt at the church that we belonged to for 16 years you would hear an adult say something like "Oh my!" with a bit of a gasp. Then another parent who focused in well on the situation would usually say something like "oh, it's okay, it's a Tordoff." It's not that we didn't allow them to cry if they were hurt, but I guess because we didn't allow a lot of "drama" that maybe they decided they were too busy playing to cry most of the time. I really don't know? I also wonder if James and John weren't what we would call strong willed or stubborn. Remember at one time they wanted to call down lightning from heaven and destroy some people that were causing problems. What we would call a problem child, He may have seen the strength they had when directed and focused rightly. I want my guys to be strong-willed against evil and stubborn for the Truth.
I went to bed chewing on these thoughts. We were all called out when we were saved, weren't we? Our jobs and environment may not have changed, but we changed and are continually being changed. We have challenges and struggles in this life. The Lord uses these challenges to sanctify us. We may want to fight back like the Sons of Thunder, but the Lord wants us to be like Him full of grace and mercy. There will be times when like the Sons of Thunder we must confront with hard truths from Scripture, but it must be done in love for the purpose of change. I also hope that when we are called out to do "hard things" that we don't hesitate to obey. I would have wanted to get the okay from my Dad when I had been called out from the boat. Then I'd go home to say goodbye and hug my mom. I'd get all my affairs in order, pack my bags, etc. But what Jesus wanted them to do was simply obey. Phew, I hope I would have and pray I will.
We may not have a cool name like "the Son of Thunder" but the Lord lovingly calls us "children of God". What a wonderful name!
See what kind of love
the Father has given to us,
that we should be called
children of God;
and SO WE ARE. I John 3: 1
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