Well, I looked through my links and found that there are 6 bloggers still hanging on. Good for you all. I haven't had much of a chance to blog recently (like the last few months). But now I am actually blogging again. Amazing, huh?
Let's see... A lot has happened since July...
I am still adjusting to my apartment (and apartment living in general), but I think I should be getting to the end of the unpacking stage soon :) I just got a spare bed from my parents, and it is my cats new favorite place for sleeping. I still have some boxes in theat room that I've been putting off sorting through/throwing away. I'm really good at holding onto junk. I also got a couple of bookshelves so I could finally take my books out of their boxes and somewhere I can actually see them. That has helped a lot in the clearing of the junk pile. My apartment is looking more and more homey every day, or so it seems to me. Last friday I went with my dad, step-mom, brother and sister-in-law to the tree farm and got myself a christmas tree. It is now in a corner of my livingroom, and my apartment has the wonderful piney smell to it (yummy!)
Thanksgiving week was a bit crazy, but God has blessed me soo much. I don't know how or when I found time to sleep, or bake or do any of the things that I did last week, but I did, and I had a wonderful time. (I didn't even fall asleep in the car with all of the driving!) It was great to see all of my family (or most of them, some of them were not there, but I should see them at christmas...) My little cousins are growing soo fast! I requested pics of them from my aunts so I can keep batter track of them. I discovered I really have no pics of anyone around my place, and that makes me kind of sad...
Along a more personal line, I've been going through a lot of internal struggles lately. I had been slipping back into old habits and ignoring my regular devotions. Every time I came to church, I was reminded that I wasn't where I should be, and yet as soon as I got back into my car, I just went back to what I had been doing. And I hated myself for it. Then I had something of a wake-up call, when I realized that one of our sisters had left us. I thought, that could be me, and that is likely to be me, if I keep going this way. And so I picked up my bible, and I can't really discribe the peace that came to me. It was like a fair loaf to one who is hungry. There is still struggles, but now it's like my mind has cleared out again, and I can turn to God and talk to Him when the temptation strikes me. Strangely enough, I also have started keeping house better now, and enjoying it. It is actually somewhat soothing to clean. Strange, huh?
~H
November 27, 2007
July 31, 2007
....dying blogs....
So I come on here thinking, wow, I must have soooo much to catch up on, I haven't been on here in over a month... and I find that hardly anyone else has either.... sad....
Let's see, what can I say about my life the past month.... Cornerstone was sooo fun (even with the bad experience in de-hydration the last night...) I can't wait for next year!
Let's see....
Oh, yeah. I moved. Yes. Into my very own 2 bedroom apartment. I love it, though I don't think its fully sunk in that this is my home now. It's all mine, and only mine. Maybe it will hit me one of these days... Thanks to many loving family members, I am well set-up with furniture and such things. My cat seems to be enjoying being an only cat, though I'm thinking she's going to be getting fat and lazy all by herself when I'm working and sleeping all the time, so I'm seriously considering getting a nice little kitten from the humane society as a playmate for her. The unpacking is going fairly well, though I still have a large pile of boxes waiting to get unpacked/stored away. I currently can't get into my storage area in the basement, though the lardlord has promised to open it for me soon. I am planning on having a nice girls night thing sometime soon, when I get everything settled and all.
Work is going really well. I'm getting trained in on a new position, called floor runner, which is a pretty nice job. I would actually be a backup floor runner, in case the regular one doesn't show up or some such.
Anyway, I should get home and wash some more dishes....
Let's see, what can I say about my life the past month.... Cornerstone was sooo fun (even with the bad experience in de-hydration the last night...) I can't wait for next year!
Let's see....
Oh, yeah. I moved. Yes. Into my very own 2 bedroom apartment. I love it, though I don't think its fully sunk in that this is my home now. It's all mine, and only mine. Maybe it will hit me one of these days... Thanks to many loving family members, I am well set-up with furniture and such things. My cat seems to be enjoying being an only cat, though I'm thinking she's going to be getting fat and lazy all by herself when I'm working and sleeping all the time, so I'm seriously considering getting a nice little kitten from the humane society as a playmate for her. The unpacking is going fairly well, though I still have a large pile of boxes waiting to get unpacked/stored away. I currently can't get into my storage area in the basement, though the lardlord has promised to open it for me soon. I am planning on having a nice girls night thing sometime soon, when I get everything settled and all.
Work is going really well. I'm getting trained in on a new position, called floor runner, which is a pretty nice job. I would actually be a backup floor runner, in case the regular one doesn't show up or some such.
Anyway, I should get home and wash some more dishes....
June 18, 2007
....signing on
yeah... so it's been about a month or so, huh? I bet your all wondering what's been going on.... or maybe not.... but if you didn't, why would you be looking at this blog in the first page? Why not just go and... umm... play some games or watch some videos or something more entertaining?
That said, things are going fairly well. My job has been great so far. I have been told that I'm a fast worker, and that if I want to go full time (since I'm now just a temp) that my lead will put in a good word for me (when I get my hours in. You have to work 520 hours before they'll consider you for full employment). They hours haven't actually been too bad so far. I have had a couple nights where I wasn't sure if I'd be able to keep myself awake until the shift end, but God gives me the energy to pull through. One of my main ideas is that I am not going to start drinking caffiene just to stay awake. I don't like caffiene, and don't want to become reliant on it for my daily energy (not to say anything bad about those who need the extra boost). We did have a hardish week this week, though. We had one temp that was told not to come back (she wasn't working very dhard or some such, and she had a really bad attitude). They hired another girl, but then one of the full timers didn't come in all week (not sure if she quite or was just taking the week off...). One of the other temps quite because they wouldn't hire him full time (he had completed his 520 hours and everything). And so, on the friday night shift, we only had three operators, except that I was only working a half shift (6 hours) and one of the other guys was leaving an hour early as well. Thankfully we only had three machines running, and then one of them had to be shut down because it wasn't working right. I still feel sorry for my lead, though...
So yeah, I left early because saturday was my dear cousins wedding day. I've really been of two minds about this marriage since she first announced it, but I was very much reasured at the wedding. I still think they rushed things quite a bit, but... They both seem to have a very good understanding of the Godly responsibility that they are commiting themselves to. It was a fun wedding as well, since it was more or less ren themed (except for the blue grass music...) As a gift for the groomsmen they got them all swords (the real kind) which they wore with their costumes. My cousins brother looked very much like a pirate (especially when he started walking around later with an empty wine bottle and pretending to swig from it, then burst out with "why is all the rum gone?" ....maybe you needed to be there... I also was able to get back together with an old friend at the wedding, and we plan on hanging out again sometime.
Anyway... My dad's chemo is going pretty well so far. He still has hair :) He has actually been able to start going back to work on a limited bases, on the weeks when he doesn't take his chemo treatments. Continue to keep him in your prayers.
Aside from that, the biggest thing in my mind and plans right now is C-stone. It's almost hard to believe that we are going to be leaving in less than a week.... I'm kinda scared, really... And very excited.
Well, that's it for what's going on here I think.... Now you can go back to your games and videos, I'm sure they'll be much more entertaining anyway.
Signing off.....
That said, things are going fairly well. My job has been great so far. I have been told that I'm a fast worker, and that if I want to go full time (since I'm now just a temp) that my lead will put in a good word for me (when I get my hours in. You have to work 520 hours before they'll consider you for full employment). They hours haven't actually been too bad so far. I have had a couple nights where I wasn't sure if I'd be able to keep myself awake until the shift end, but God gives me the energy to pull through. One of my main ideas is that I am not going to start drinking caffiene just to stay awake. I don't like caffiene, and don't want to become reliant on it for my daily energy (not to say anything bad about those who need the extra boost). We did have a hardish week this week, though. We had one temp that was told not to come back (she wasn't working very dhard or some such, and she had a really bad attitude). They hired another girl, but then one of the full timers didn't come in all week (not sure if she quite or was just taking the week off...). One of the other temps quite because they wouldn't hire him full time (he had completed his 520 hours and everything). And so, on the friday night shift, we only had three operators, except that I was only working a half shift (6 hours) and one of the other guys was leaving an hour early as well. Thankfully we only had three machines running, and then one of them had to be shut down because it wasn't working right. I still feel sorry for my lead, though...
So yeah, I left early because saturday was my dear cousins wedding day. I've really been of two minds about this marriage since she first announced it, but I was very much reasured at the wedding. I still think they rushed things quite a bit, but... They both seem to have a very good understanding of the Godly responsibility that they are commiting themselves to. It was a fun wedding as well, since it was more or less ren themed (except for the blue grass music...) As a gift for the groomsmen they got them all swords (the real kind) which they wore with their costumes. My cousins brother looked very much like a pirate (especially when he started walking around later with an empty wine bottle and pretending to swig from it, then burst out with "why is all the rum gone?" ....maybe you needed to be there... I also was able to get back together with an old friend at the wedding, and we plan on hanging out again sometime.
Anyway... My dad's chemo is going pretty well so far. He still has hair :) He has actually been able to start going back to work on a limited bases, on the weeks when he doesn't take his chemo treatments. Continue to keep him in your prayers.
Aside from that, the biggest thing in my mind and plans right now is C-stone. It's almost hard to believe that we are going to be leaving in less than a week.... I'm kinda scared, really... And very excited.
Well, that's it for what's going on here I think.... Now you can go back to your games and videos, I'm sure they'll be much more entertaining anyway.
Signing off.....
May 22, 2007
The Nursery
The Nursery
One Day a man learned he was going to be a father. So he went and built a large room. In the walls he cut windows, and in the ceiling he put lights. He painted the walls and put soft carpeting in the floor. Then he built beautiful furniture and put it into the room. He made blankets and clothing. He even made toys and stuffed animals. He put them in the room he had built in the places he had made for them to go. He looked over every detail of the room, and said it was perfect. The the babies were born. He brought them into the room. He told them, "See this beautiful room, with all that is in it? I made this all for you, because I love you."
Inspired by Genesis chapter 1
One Day a man learned he was going to be a father. So he went and built a large room. In the walls he cut windows, and in the ceiling he put lights. He painted the walls and put soft carpeting in the floor. Then he built beautiful furniture and put it into the room. He made blankets and clothing. He even made toys and stuffed animals. He put them in the room he had built in the places he had made for them to go. He looked over every detail of the room, and said it was perfect. The the babies were born. He brought them into the room. He told them, "See this beautiful room, with all that is in it? I made this all for you, because I love you."
Inspired by Genesis chapter 1
May 01, 2007
well... it's update time!
I know, it's been a while since I last posted. To tell the truth, I really haven't felt like posting lately. Now I do. So, I am. Yeah.
Firstly, my dad is doing pretty well. Today he's going in for his third chemo treatment. He's still doing pretty good, though he is getting worn out, and for a few days after each treatment, food really holds no appeal to him. He is starting to loose some hair, but it hasn't started coming out in clumps or anything yet. He was able to go down to his brothers wedding last weekend, and had a good time, though he did say he was very tired out after it. I went over to celebrate my birthday with him this past week, and we had a good time. My step-mom made a really tasty pineapple upside down cake. They are both hoping dad can keep his hair at least until my brothers wedding, which is coming up really really soon! If not, Mary's all ready to go and buy him a really nice wig :)
Speacking of the wedding, I really hope that I'm going to be ready for it. My dress is in the shop right now getting fixed up, and should be done by next monday (you know, only five days before the wedding...) I have been asked to sing a duet with my uncle for the wedding as well, and since he lives about... 5 or 6 hours away, we aren't going to be able to get together to practice until the day before the wedding. Thankfully, it's a song I've known since I was 11, so it shouldn't be that bad...
Now, for what you've all been waiting for! (or maybe not...) I got a job!!!!! It's a plastice moulding job through a temp agency, and it's full time. It's 12 hour shifts (which is a lot, I know) but it's only 3 to 4 days a week. And the best part is, it won't interfere with church! (Well, I won't be able to come to work days, but other then that...) I'll be headed over there tomorrow to check out the place, and then as soon as I get everything squared away with my current job, I'll be starting. I'll even have someone to carpool with. It's soo exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time! And of course, the thing that makes me the most excited, is that I can start serving in the coffeehouse and get back into the descipleship classes again! Yay!!!!! Uf... it's been a hard month...
Oh, everything is sooo exciting right now! Except maybe giving my two week notice... I'm really really not looking forward to that. I'm sure everything will work out alright though.
Wow... this summer is going to be soo... busy and wonderful and different then any summer I've had before. What with Cornerstone, working this job, and hopefully moving out, I can honestly say this summer is going to be life-changing. I guess it's time to hold on for the ride!
Firstly, my dad is doing pretty well. Today he's going in for his third chemo treatment. He's still doing pretty good, though he is getting worn out, and for a few days after each treatment, food really holds no appeal to him. He is starting to loose some hair, but it hasn't started coming out in clumps or anything yet. He was able to go down to his brothers wedding last weekend, and had a good time, though he did say he was very tired out after it. I went over to celebrate my birthday with him this past week, and we had a good time. My step-mom made a really tasty pineapple upside down cake. They are both hoping dad can keep his hair at least until my brothers wedding, which is coming up really really soon! If not, Mary's all ready to go and buy him a really nice wig :)
Speacking of the wedding, I really hope that I'm going to be ready for it. My dress is in the shop right now getting fixed up, and should be done by next monday (you know, only five days before the wedding...) I have been asked to sing a duet with my uncle for the wedding as well, and since he lives about... 5 or 6 hours away, we aren't going to be able to get together to practice until the day before the wedding. Thankfully, it's a song I've known since I was 11, so it shouldn't be that bad...
Now, for what you've all been waiting for! (or maybe not...) I got a job!!!!! It's a plastice moulding job through a temp agency, and it's full time. It's 12 hour shifts (which is a lot, I know) but it's only 3 to 4 days a week. And the best part is, it won't interfere with church! (Well, I won't be able to come to work days, but other then that...) I'll be headed over there tomorrow to check out the place, and then as soon as I get everything squared away with my current job, I'll be starting. I'll even have someone to carpool with. It's soo exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time! And of course, the thing that makes me the most excited, is that I can start serving in the coffeehouse and get back into the descipleship classes again! Yay!!!!! Uf... it's been a hard month...
Oh, everything is sooo exciting right now! Except maybe giving my two week notice... I'm really really not looking forward to that. I'm sure everything will work out alright though.
Wow... this summer is going to be soo... busy and wonderful and different then any summer I've had before. What with Cornerstone, working this job, and hopefully moving out, I can honestly say this summer is going to be life-changing. I guess it's time to hold on for the ride!
March 15, 2007
Cancer Update
I thought this time that I'd just let you read the e-mail that my dad sent out to the family...
Hello Everyone,
I had my visit with with Dr. Nambudiri, my oncologist today. I found out that the tumor I had was a stage 3B type 2 cancer. This means, in a nutshell, that it is a moderately aggressive cancer that may have begun to spread in my body. I will definitely will have to undergo chemotherapy since without treatment, there is a 42 percent chance of the cancer returning.
Unfortunately, it is going to be a long course of treatment. I will be taking three to four different medications, some every two weeks and another possible treatment every week One drug needs to be administered over two days every two weeks via a pump attached to my blood stream to a port which will need to be mounted in my chest. I will be having blood tests taken every week to monitor my blood count among other things to make sure I am doing OK. The whole treatment will last at least six months!
The doctor said that people react in various ways to the treatment. I will most likely be able to work in at least some capacity as long as I am not too tired or ill. Obviously, my many visits to the clinic will take one to three days a week, so that in and by itself will keep me from working full time for a while. I will not be physically restricted and the doctor said that I should try to eat well and get as much exercise as I am able to. If my immune system become suppressed, during those times I may have to avoid contact with crowds or people who are sick. This will also be monitored. I also may have trouble with nausea but the doctor said that they have good medications now that control it.
He also talked to us about a new treatment just becoming available that involves using antibodies to help fight cancer cells. This treatment has been successfully used in fighting advanced cancer and studies are now under way to determine how effective this is in fighting my type of cancer. Side effects of the treatment are mild and few. If I took part in the study, I would have a 50 percent chance of getting the antibodies and 50 percent chance without. In both cases, I would get all of the traditional and proven medications. Since the traditional treatment is not 100 percent effective, I think that I will take part in the study since it sounds like it could be very effective with little risk, but I will find more information about it before I sign up.
Tomorrow I have an appointment to have x-rays of my chest and a CAT scan of the rest of me to determine if any tumors have appeared elsewhere. Next Thursday I will talk to Dr Nambudiri to discuss the results of the tests and when chemo will begin. Let's hope that another tumor has not formed. Later, I have an appointment with the surgeon to talk about what is involved with installing a port in my chest. That will most likely occur the following week. I don't yet know for sure, but chemo will probably begin the first or second week in April. There is definitely a lot of stuff to sink in!
Anyhow, I am feeling pretty good physically right now and have been walking quite a bit. There now is very little discomfort left from the surgery, so that is good! I think that I am in good spirits and I try to laugh a lot to keep the demons away. :-D
Again, thank you all so very much for your prayers and kind thoughts.
Bob
Hello Everyone,
I had my visit with with Dr. Nambudiri, my oncologist today. I found out that the tumor I had was a stage 3B type 2 cancer. This means, in a nutshell, that it is a moderately aggressive cancer that may have begun to spread in my body. I will definitely will have to undergo chemotherapy since without treatment, there is a 42 percent chance of the cancer returning.
Unfortunately, it is going to be a long course of treatment. I will be taking three to four different medications, some every two weeks and another possible treatment every week One drug needs to be administered over two days every two weeks via a pump attached to my blood stream to a port which will need to be mounted in my chest. I will be having blood tests taken every week to monitor my blood count among other things to make sure I am doing OK. The whole treatment will last at least six months!
The doctor said that people react in various ways to the treatment. I will most likely be able to work in at least some capacity as long as I am not too tired or ill. Obviously, my many visits to the clinic will take one to three days a week, so that in and by itself will keep me from working full time for a while. I will not be physically restricted and the doctor said that I should try to eat well and get as much exercise as I am able to. If my immune system become suppressed, during those times I may have to avoid contact with crowds or people who are sick. This will also be monitored. I also may have trouble with nausea but the doctor said that they have good medications now that control it.
He also talked to us about a new treatment just becoming available that involves using antibodies to help fight cancer cells. This treatment has been successfully used in fighting advanced cancer and studies are now under way to determine how effective this is in fighting my type of cancer. Side effects of the treatment are mild and few. If I took part in the study, I would have a 50 percent chance of getting the antibodies and 50 percent chance without. In both cases, I would get all of the traditional and proven medications. Since the traditional treatment is not 100 percent effective, I think that I will take part in the study since it sounds like it could be very effective with little risk, but I will find more information about it before I sign up.
Tomorrow I have an appointment to have x-rays of my chest and a CAT scan of the rest of me to determine if any tumors have appeared elsewhere. Next Thursday I will talk to Dr Nambudiri to discuss the results of the tests and when chemo will begin. Let's hope that another tumor has not formed. Later, I have an appointment with the surgeon to talk about what is involved with installing a port in my chest. That will most likely occur the following week. I don't yet know for sure, but chemo will probably begin the first or second week in April. There is definitely a lot of stuff to sink in!
Anyhow, I am feeling pretty good physically right now and have been walking quite a bit. There now is very little discomfort left from the surgery, so that is good! I think that I am in good spirits and I try to laugh a lot to keep the demons away. :-D
Again, thank you all so very much for your prayers and kind thoughts.
Bob
March 08, 2007
Job Hunting and Road Trips
Well, as most of you know, I'm currently looking for a second/new job. The problem is that I hate job hunting. It is the hardest thing to make myself do, and if I can find an excuse not to, I usually don't (which is the big problem here). That being said, today I am actually forcing myself to get out there and put in some applications. I've been working on a list of places (some which have been told to me by wonderful people at church). Some I'll be able to do here at home (which is soo nice), and some I'll actually have to hit the streets on. I'm going to need lots of prayers on this (not only for finding the right job, but just for getting out there to look).
In other news, tomorrow I'm going to be driving about 5 hours away to visit my aunt, uncle, and cousins, and go to the yearly Gala put on by the group my cousins are in. I've been going now for around 6 years (pretty much since my oldest cousin joined) and this will be her last year in it. It's always a wonderful show. The the group is called Accompany of Kids. You should check out the website if you have the time, I believe they have sound clips and photos and such on there. And if it makes anyone interested, I'll be going again next year (the gala is always the first 2 weekends of March), and you're invited. My aunt likes company (as long as she knows who's coming).
*Edit: While on the job hunt, I ran across this. Enjoy!
In other news, tomorrow I'm going to be driving about 5 hours away to visit my aunt, uncle, and cousins, and go to the yearly Gala put on by the group my cousins are in. I've been going now for around 6 years (pretty much since my oldest cousin joined) and this will be her last year in it. It's always a wonderful show. The the group is called Accompany of Kids. You should check out the website if you have the time, I believe they have sound clips and photos and such on there. And if it makes anyone interested, I'll be going again next year (the gala is always the first 2 weekends of March), and you're invited. My aunt likes company (as long as she knows who's coming).
*Edit: While on the job hunt, I ran across this. Enjoy!
February 22, 2007
the results are in
well, today we got the news. The doctor said they got all the cancer from the colon and bladder, but the bad news is that they did find some cancer cells in the lymph nodes. This means that as soon as he is healed, he will have to be starting chemo. He is healing well, they gave him his first actual food today (since sunday all he had been allowed was ice cubes). He's been up and walking around a bit, and the doctor says that he may be able to go home tomorrow. We're all thankful that he is recovering soo quickly. Though it is sad that he will have to have the chemo, I know that there is a reason for this, and trust God in everything that is going on. Thank you all for your continued prayers for all of us.
February 20, 2007
update
Well, today was my dad's surgery. The sergeon came and spoke to us just a bit ago, and he says everything went well. They had to remove a small peice of the bladder, but they seem very positive about having gotten everything. Dad's now resting, and soon we'll be able to go and see him. He'll be in the hospital at least till this weekend, and we'll know how the test results go on thursday. It's been a long day of waiting, but everything seems very hopeful at this time. I thank you all for your thoughts and prayers on this. They really have helped us all.
February 05, 2007
Random Thoughts
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This picture is one I found a while back, and loved it. It's of some valley in California that you can see off the freeway or somesuch. I used it as a background on my computer for a whle. I just love the colors...
Yesterday Kayla gave me a "prayer shawl" (it looks like a very warm very large scarf, being almost two feet wide and at least eight feet long) that her grandma had made. I love it, it is soo warm and comphy (though very magenta in color, which is something new to me...) It's called a prayer shawl because you pray the entire time you make it.
I recently have been in the mood for watching old eighties movies. So I went and got "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitters Dead" from the video store. It was great fun. I also got "Fried Green Tomatoes", which is one of my favorites. Next I want to watch "Son in Law", which I am getting from the library (since that is by far the cheapest way to get movies). If anyone can think of any other "classic" eighties movies, tell me, so I can watch them.
As far as books go, I am currently reading "Just As I Am" The Autobiography of Billy Graham. I love it. He has such a down to earth style of writting, and he's not afraid of laughing at himself. His childhood really helps me connect with him (not that I grew up as he did, but that lifestyle has always been one I love and admire). I've really grown to have a deep respect for his wife as well. I really suggest reading it if you haven't (and don't be scared away by the length, it really isn't that bad once you get into it).
I have been currently informed that I have OCD. I never really thought I did, but after a conversation durring the fold and staple, I really started paying attention to my actions and reactions, and I have come to the conclusion that yes, I do have this sad condition, but it rather selective in nature (or so I believe). I guess the only way I'll learn the severity of it is if/when I get married. I don't think this is a bad thing to have, as long as I watch my attitude about it. If I'm constantly getting annoyed about co-workers messing up things and such, then there is a problem. I don't know...
Well, now I have spent nearly 3 hours messing around on blogger, updating my blog, reading everyone elses, commenting, and playing around a bit. Ech... I think it's time to go and do something useful for a while...
Update
Just thought I should update you about my dad. He's gone in and talked to the surgeon. They set a date for his surgery, on the 20th of this month. The surgeon is supposed to be very good at this kind of surgery, and is also well-known and well-liked. He informed my dad that this kind of cancer is a slow moving variety, so the chances are high that it hasn't spead at all, and should be very easy to remove. They also took care of all the preliminary tests and such, so that everything will be ready to go on the 20th. Dad's really doing well. He is thankful for all the prayers going his way. He says he is concerned, but not scared.
It has been a very long, and somewhat difficult week. There has been some other news that I've recieved lately that has caused me some concern (though I really cannot speak of it on here). It seems like this has been a hard week for many people at church. I guess this should be an encouragement to us. It means we're doing something right. It would be nice to have a bit simpler week this week though...
P.S. In other news, the cat is healing fine, and really seems to be enjoying all the extra attention, and living in the house. So far he has not had any fights with the three resident cats, and I hope to keep it that way.
It has been a very long, and somewhat difficult week. There has been some other news that I've recieved lately that has caused me some concern (though I really cannot speak of it on here). It seems like this has been a hard week for many people at church. I guess this should be an encouragement to us. It means we're doing something right. It would be nice to have a bit simpler week this week though...
P.S. In other news, the cat is healing fine, and really seems to be enjoying all the extra attention, and living in the house. So far he has not had any fights with the three resident cats, and I hope to keep it that way.
January 29, 2007
Of Cat Fights and Colon Cancer
Yes, I know, it's been a while since I last posted. There has been a lot going on, and somehow, even when I get to a computer, I just don't get around to an update. Well, as you can tell by the title, I have at least a couple things of interest to share.
Now as many of you know, this summer we had a cat adopt us, and has lately been living in our garage (comfortably supplied with a heated water dish, a full food bowl, and a warming pad to lay on. He's gone from being a small bony creature, to a large chubby garfield-ish cat. This past weekend my step-dad noticed that he (the cat) had a puffy cheek. So today I got to take him into the vet. Now this same thing has happened before to his leg, so I had an idea of what was going to happen. The vet took him into the back room to remove the puss and shave away the hair (so that it would stay clean), and came back to tell he that he had some infection around the wound and that it would have to be cut away. I left him there, and returned later in the day to pick him up. He now has a largish hole in the side of his face, which gives him a very strange appearance (to say the least). He is going to have to stay in the house (likely in a bathroom or the entryway) for a couple weeks so that it can stay clean and heal properly. He took it all very well, and doesn't even seem to notice it. (He didn't react much to his other injury either, he's just a tough cat). Hopefully this incident will teach him to stop fighting with other cats. (I'm not holding my breath on that, though.)
As to the other topic of this post. Last week (as many of you were informed), my dad went in to get a checkup, since he had been bleeding oddly. He had a colonoscapy (I'm not sure how to spell that...) where they put a small camera into his colon to check around. They found one area that looked suspicious and so took some samples to be tested. The doctor informed him that it looked like cancer, though they wouldn't be certain until the results came back. So we had a week of waiting. Today he went back in to here the news. It is colon cancer. They said that he'll need to have surgery within the next month or so to get it removed. If it hasn't spread at all, they should be able to remove it all then, otherwise he'll have to start chemotherapy. Right now he's most sad about not being able to be active out-of-doors this spring (he usually taps trees). We could all really use some prayers, this is going to be a hard process. Though he regularly attends church, I'm not sure if he is actually a christian, and that's what worries me the most right now. I know I can count on you for your prayers. Thank you all.
Now as many of you know, this summer we had a cat adopt us, and has lately been living in our garage (comfortably supplied with a heated water dish, a full food bowl, and a warming pad to lay on. He's gone from being a small bony creature, to a large chubby garfield-ish cat. This past weekend my step-dad noticed that he (the cat) had a puffy cheek. So today I got to take him into the vet. Now this same thing has happened before to his leg, so I had an idea of what was going to happen. The vet took him into the back room to remove the puss and shave away the hair (so that it would stay clean), and came back to tell he that he had some infection around the wound and that it would have to be cut away. I left him there, and returned later in the day to pick him up. He now has a largish hole in the side of his face, which gives him a very strange appearance (to say the least). He is going to have to stay in the house (likely in a bathroom or the entryway) for a couple weeks so that it can stay clean and heal properly. He took it all very well, and doesn't even seem to notice it. (He didn't react much to his other injury either, he's just a tough cat). Hopefully this incident will teach him to stop fighting with other cats. (I'm not holding my breath on that, though.)
As to the other topic of this post. Last week (as many of you were informed), my dad went in to get a checkup, since he had been bleeding oddly. He had a colonoscapy (I'm not sure how to spell that...) where they put a small camera into his colon to check around. They found one area that looked suspicious and so took some samples to be tested. The doctor informed him that it looked like cancer, though they wouldn't be certain until the results came back. So we had a week of waiting. Today he went back in to here the news. It is colon cancer. They said that he'll need to have surgery within the next month or so to get it removed. If it hasn't spread at all, they should be able to remove it all then, otherwise he'll have to start chemotherapy. Right now he's most sad about not being able to be active out-of-doors this spring (he usually taps trees). We could all really use some prayers, this is going to be a hard process. Though he regularly attends church, I'm not sure if he is actually a christian, and that's what worries me the most right now. I know I can count on you for your prayers. Thank you all.
December 07, 2006
martyrs of the Philippines
These days we've gotten rather used to hearing about all that we are doing in the Philippines, so much so that it almost just seems like it's an extention of our lives here. And yet, it is a place where persecution is a real thing. Here are a couple of eye opening stories that I've found recently that have made me think a bit when I hear people mention the Philippines. Both of these occurred in 1992.
"We have your nephew," said the handwritten note. "If you surrender to us, we will return the boy to his parents." Brother MT stared at the message. It was from the leaders of the New People's Army (NPA), the military arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines. People in many parts of the Philippines have been threatened and persecuted for years by this group of terrorists.
Brother MT is an evangelist in the Philippines. He travels regularly into the mountains to preach to the terrorist groups. Peter, his eight-year-old nephew, frequently went with Brother MT on his evangelistic trips. He was a special help to him in children's meetings in the mountain villages.
Because of pressure from the NPA, Brother MT was often forced into hiding. Still, as a result of his ministry, some of the NPA soldiers had given their lives to Jesus Christ and left the organization. MT had counted the cost and was prepared to give his life for the Gospel, but he was not prepared for this! He knew there was no hope that his surrender would save his nephew. He knew they would both be killed; still, he hesitated.
The boy's parents insisted that MT ignore this order and continue his evangelistic outreach. As a result, the parents gave their son for the Gospel. Peter was killed on Good Friday, April 17, 1992. He was tortured for three hours and suffered very much. His hands were tied with wire, and the terrorists struck his in the legs and head with an ax. Finally, he was beheaded.
The abductors have warned the boy's parents and MT that if they do not stop their ministry, they will return and torture them. Brother MT is continuing his dangerous work in the mountains among the terrorist groups.
The service was over. Jackie Hamill, a young Australian prison evangelist, was excited about what God was doing. She had felt the love of Jesus reach out to these inmates. Jackie and fourteen members of her church had traveled to the Philippines to minister in a military prison there. They were concerned for the lost souls of the inmates, many od whom were Communist guerrillas in prison for murder.
Suddenly, the quiet was broken by the sounds of fighting and gunshots. The inmates were rioting and had overpowered the guards, seizing their guns and ammunition to make an escape.
The evangelists were taken hostage and held for three days. During that time, Jackie and one other girl were raped repeatedly. But even in the moments when she suffered the greatest shame, Jackie prayed for her captors and spoke to them about God's love. Her face did not show panic, revulsion, or hatred, but glowed with the brightness of God's light.
During her imprisonment, she led the team in singing God's praises and presented the Gospel to her captors. One of the rioting inmates threw down his gun and recieved Jesus as his Savior.
On the third day, there was a shoot-out between the prosoners and soldiers who came to stop the riot. Jackie and Juliet, 16-years-old, were shot. Even as Jackie lay dying, she raised her hands to God, praying for the rioting inmates and for the soldiers. She died while singing to God.
"We have your nephew," said the handwritten note. "If you surrender to us, we will return the boy to his parents." Brother MT stared at the message. It was from the leaders of the New People's Army (NPA), the military arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines. People in many parts of the Philippines have been threatened and persecuted for years by this group of terrorists.
Brother MT is an evangelist in the Philippines. He travels regularly into the mountains to preach to the terrorist groups. Peter, his eight-year-old nephew, frequently went with Brother MT on his evangelistic trips. He was a special help to him in children's meetings in the mountain villages.
Because of pressure from the NPA, Brother MT was often forced into hiding. Still, as a result of his ministry, some of the NPA soldiers had given their lives to Jesus Christ and left the organization. MT had counted the cost and was prepared to give his life for the Gospel, but he was not prepared for this! He knew there was no hope that his surrender would save his nephew. He knew they would both be killed; still, he hesitated.
The boy's parents insisted that MT ignore this order and continue his evangelistic outreach. As a result, the parents gave their son for the Gospel. Peter was killed on Good Friday, April 17, 1992. He was tortured for three hours and suffered very much. His hands were tied with wire, and the terrorists struck his in the legs and head with an ax. Finally, he was beheaded.
The abductors have warned the boy's parents and MT that if they do not stop their ministry, they will return and torture them. Brother MT is continuing his dangerous work in the mountains among the terrorist groups.
The service was over. Jackie Hamill, a young Australian prison evangelist, was excited about what God was doing. She had felt the love of Jesus reach out to these inmates. Jackie and fourteen members of her church had traveled to the Philippines to minister in a military prison there. They were concerned for the lost souls of the inmates, many od whom were Communist guerrillas in prison for murder.
Suddenly, the quiet was broken by the sounds of fighting and gunshots. The inmates were rioting and had overpowered the guards, seizing their guns and ammunition to make an escape.
The evangelists were taken hostage and held for three days. During that time, Jackie and one other girl were raped repeatedly. But even in the moments when she suffered the greatest shame, Jackie prayed for her captors and spoke to them about God's love. Her face did not show panic, revulsion, or hatred, but glowed with the brightness of God's light.
During her imprisonment, she led the team in singing God's praises and presented the Gospel to her captors. One of the rioting inmates threw down his gun and recieved Jesus as his Savior.
On the third day, there was a shoot-out between the prosoners and soldiers who came to stop the riot. Jackie and Juliet, 16-years-old, were shot. Even as Jackie lay dying, she raised her hands to God, praying for the rioting inmates and for the soldiers. She died while singing to God.
November 27, 2006
Our family in Christ
A story to encourage you and show you that many have gone before; we are not alone.
Anila met Perveen at school. As their friendship grew, Anila gave Perveen a Bible and taught her Christian songs. Perveen quickly learned Christian songs and began to teach them to her younger sister when her parents weren't home. Perveen's parents soon learned of the songs. Being strict Muslims, they were not happy about tham. But rather than confronting Perveen right away, they had her younger sister try to find out where she was getting this Christian influence.
Anila eventually invited Perveen to a Good Friday service. When the young Muslim heard the Gospel presentation, she immediately accepted Jesus. Perveen became very excited about her new relationship with Jesus and saw great changes take place in her life. She read her Bible and praised God boldly. Anila knew that, before long, her friend would encounter opposition from her family.
Perveen's parents were furious when they learned of her conversion. They had previously arranged for her to marry a Muslim man. When Perveen again refused, she ran away.
When Perveen's parents could not find her, they accused Anila and her pastor of kidnapping her. They had Anila arrested. Anila was slapped and beaten in front of her parents for over nine hours. Finally she was taken to prison.
Anila's pastor and his family were taken to prison on the following day. Anila and her pastor experienced horrible tortures in jail. She was whipped sixteen times (five times would make a normal man pass out). When they were released, Anila could not sit for two months, and her pastor could barely walk from the bruises on his hips and thighs.
Perveen was later found by her family. In Muslim nations, children are often severely beaten for converting to Christianity. Others are killed by their own parents or siblings for apostasy, converting to another faith.
To restore the honor of his family, Perveen's brother stabbed her to death. He then turned himself in to the local authorities. As is not uncommon in such stuations, he was eventually released without incident.
Anila was then arrested on charges of kidnapping.
She was imprisoned, then released on bail a little more than a month later. She and her family went into hiding, as their lives were threatened by radical Muslims.
In May, 1999, Anila was acquitted of all charges. Praise God for the prayers of faithful believers around the world! Continue to pray for her protection as she remains in hiding.
"I have seen the world," Anila said, "and it has nothing good. Jesus is my only peace."
Peace to you all,
~H
Anila met Perveen at school. As their friendship grew, Anila gave Perveen a Bible and taught her Christian songs. Perveen quickly learned Christian songs and began to teach them to her younger sister when her parents weren't home. Perveen's parents soon learned of the songs. Being strict Muslims, they were not happy about tham. But rather than confronting Perveen right away, they had her younger sister try to find out where she was getting this Christian influence.
Anila eventually invited Perveen to a Good Friday service. When the young Muslim heard the Gospel presentation, she immediately accepted Jesus. Perveen became very excited about her new relationship with Jesus and saw great changes take place in her life. She read her Bible and praised God boldly. Anila knew that, before long, her friend would encounter opposition from her family.
Perveen's parents were furious when they learned of her conversion. They had previously arranged for her to marry a Muslim man. When Perveen again refused, she ran away.
When Perveen's parents could not find her, they accused Anila and her pastor of kidnapping her. They had Anila arrested. Anila was slapped and beaten in front of her parents for over nine hours. Finally she was taken to prison.
Anila's pastor and his family were taken to prison on the following day. Anila and her pastor experienced horrible tortures in jail. She was whipped sixteen times (five times would make a normal man pass out). When they were released, Anila could not sit for two months, and her pastor could barely walk from the bruises on his hips and thighs.
Perveen was later found by her family. In Muslim nations, children are often severely beaten for converting to Christianity. Others are killed by their own parents or siblings for apostasy, converting to another faith.
To restore the honor of his family, Perveen's brother stabbed her to death. He then turned himself in to the local authorities. As is not uncommon in such stuations, he was eventually released without incident.
Anila was then arrested on charges of kidnapping.
She was imprisoned, then released on bail a little more than a month later. She and her family went into hiding, as their lives were threatened by radical Muslims.
In May, 1999, Anila was acquitted of all charges. Praise God for the prayers of faithful believers around the world! Continue to pray for her protection as she remains in hiding.
"I have seen the world," Anila said, "and it has nothing good. Jesus is my only peace."
Peace to you all,
~H
October 11, 2006
Another One
The Question: "Where did you live in sixth grade; what was your favorite part about that place and why?"
The Answer: I lived in two places at the same time while in sixth grade (and all of my childhood, actually). With my mom, I lived in a nice house on the north side of town, and my favorite thing about it was that I lived in the big basement room and had my own bathroom and such. With my dad, I lived in a largish house just south of town, and my favorite thing was that we lived on a big tree covered hill with a creek at the bottom. It was fun :)
Alright, what's your answer everyone?
(If your wondering about the two house thing, my parents got devorced when I was around 1 yr old and would go back and forth from house to house daily (no joke))
The Answer: I lived in two places at the same time while in sixth grade (and all of my childhood, actually). With my mom, I lived in a nice house on the north side of town, and my favorite thing about it was that I lived in the big basement room and had my own bathroom and such. With my dad, I lived in a largish house just south of town, and my favorite thing was that we lived on a big tree covered hill with a creek at the bottom. It was fun :)
Alright, what's your answer everyone?
(If your wondering about the two house thing, my parents got devorced when I was around 1 yr old and would go back and forth from house to house daily (no joke))
October 05, 2006
Something to blog about....
So, I was given a blogging topic, and it is: (drum roll please)
"What do you consider to be the most popular food in the world and why? Support your answer with either facts or well thought out logic."
And my answer is: Ramen
Yes, Ramen is the most popular food in the world. If you need a reason why, then you're a sad sad person who needs to get a life. You should also read all the WoTs articles about the wonders of Ramen.
What is your opinion? Do you agree? Why or why not?
"What do you consider to be the most popular food in the world and why? Support your answer with either facts or well thought out logic."
And my answer is: Ramen
Yes, Ramen is the most popular food in the world. If you need a reason why, then you're a sad sad person who needs to get a life. You should also read all the WoTs articles about the wonders of Ramen.
What is your opinion? Do you agree? Why or why not?
September 27, 2006
umm....yeah
I thought it was time to post something again... the only thing is, I don't really have anything of import to speak of at the moment... maybe next week...
September 14, 2006
thoughts on death
Well, yesterday when I get home from church,I find out thatmy great-grandma had past away sometime in the morning. The funeral will be this saturday up in the small little town where she lived for most of her life. In a way, it is a big relief for much of the family, mostly because she was getting really bad memory loss. She didn't really recognize anyone anymore and such. The only thing that's really been onmy mind lately is, was she ready to die? I really don't know. I haven't seen her much in the past few years, and with her memory loss and all... well... I guess it's all in God's hands. I'll find out one day.
This past year I've come to understand death and what it's about much more clearly. I have no fear of dying, and I only pray that no one will be sad when I pass. I will be living the real life then. I'm not trying to be calous about it or anything, I know that missing people when they die is natural. But I don't want people to mourn.
One thing I've been thinking on lately(and I know this may sound strange to some people, but oh well) is that... well... I read stories about how in communist countries and such, they'll try and get info out of people by torturing someone they care about in front of them. My thought is this: I believe it would be easier for me to see a fellow believe tortured and killed in front of me then an unbeliever. I know where the believer is going, and also the unbeliever. It would be terrible to see someone being sent to eternal seperation from God right in front of my eyes. Do you understand?
Okay, that's enough for tonight...
This past year I've come to understand death and what it's about much more clearly. I have no fear of dying, and I only pray that no one will be sad when I pass. I will be living the real life then. I'm not trying to be calous about it or anything, I know that missing people when they die is natural. But I don't want people to mourn.
One thing I've been thinking on lately(and I know this may sound strange to some people, but oh well) is that... well... I read stories about how in communist countries and such, they'll try and get info out of people by torturing someone they care about in front of them. My thought is this: I believe it would be easier for me to see a fellow believe tortured and killed in front of me then an unbeliever. I know where the believer is going, and also the unbeliever. It would be terrible to see someone being sent to eternal seperation from God right in front of my eyes. Do you understand?
Okay, that's enough for tonight...
September 04, 2006
August 31, 2006
Wow!!!!!
thebro-hardz has actually updated!!! Everyone should go check it out! There's even pictures and stuff!
*is very amazed*
*is very amazed*
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