November 4, 2010

Greetings

Almost three weeks have gone by since my last blog. I have been blessed in the past weeks with good experiences. The past three weeks have included the last two weeks of my second four week chemo pill regimen and four days of the two week rest from the pill. This second four week regimen has gone better than the first go around. Of course, the first time I did not know what to expect. This time around I could base my expectations on what I experienced the first time, and by way of comparison I can say that the second time around was easier. I also had the benefit of some medication to deal with the nausea and reflux. Both of these side effects did occur but to a lesser degree. Also a decrease in energy was noticed in the last week. The side effects most notably present in the fourth week also held over into the first number of days of the rest week. However, today I am feeling an increase in energy and less stomach and reflux problems.

Although the side effects are unpleasant they have served to remind me of the serious illness that I have. During the first rest weeks and first few weeks of the second chemo regimen I had good energy and little or no side effects leading at times to a positive outlook that may have been unrealistic about the seriousness of my illness. We hope and pray that the good feelings and stronger energy level may be indicative of the chemo doing its job. Next week Wednesday we have appointments for blood work, x-ray and to see the cancer clinic doctor. We hope for good reports.

We remain convinced however, that our situation, yes, our life itself is in the hands of our heavenly Father. He has given us much reason for joy and we know that in the end we depend on Him, and Him alone. Doctors, medication, prayers and communion of saints are all means that He has chosen to use to achieve His ends. We thank our gracious God for all these means. We are convinced that the prayers of saints are of much value to us. (James 5) We are also very grateful for the communion of saints we are allowed to experience so much of. We value the Biblical love so many have shown to us by visits, cards, words of encouragement as we meet in the course of the days, and the prayers that are sent to the throne of God for us.

Numbers of people have spoken of literal prayer lists that they have at their homes. This reminds us of so many others who are also suffering; some with a variety of cancers, others with different illnesses, still others with none physical difficulties. This leads us to the command to bring the difficulties of our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ before the throne of our Father. He is indeed our Chief Physician. We are still living in a world affected by sin, sin that makes us all guilty before God's throne of perfect justice. But there is a solution to our guilt. Our Saviour Jesus Christ has taken on human flesh and blood in order that He could suffer and die as we were destined to do as the result of sin. Through faith in Jesus Christ this payment for sin has been accepted by God as payment for our sin and guilt. We praise and thank God always for such a greeat salvation. Each and every moment of our lives it is our desire to thank God for this marvelous work in our lives.

Adam and Eve were created by God to serve and praise Him forever. They (and in them we too) failed because of our rebellion in wanting to be like God rather than serving Him. But having been graciously and mercifully forgiven of all our sins we now want and must live an obedient life of thankfulness in all we do each and every day. With the help of the Holy Spirit we are able to make an imperfect beginning in this calling. However, soon we will be delivered from this imperfect life which is nothing more than a constant death, and will appear without spot before the righteous judgement seat of God and will reign with Him over all things.

While we await our departure we pray for strength and energy to continue to do His will in all things for as long as He will allow.

With joy and thankfulness in God through Jesus Christ,

Pieter de Boer