Two weeks ago today was Joyce's last "normal" day before her sharp decline began. It seems like 2 months. Tears flowed some today as I was folding a basket of cloths - some of which were Joyce's. Each article of hers I folded and put away just ached my heart. I went out to the kitchen and cried with my daughter for a minute and then I was OK.
Day 13 began rough with continued restlessness. All nite last nite she was awake and trying to get up. She has no strength in her legs so she had to be constantly held and moved back on the bed. By 8:00 we finally decided it was time to move Joyce to the hospital bed we had set up in the guest bedroom. For her saftey and the health and strength of those caring for her we had to make the move. Her restless continued unabated thruout the day til around 5pm. The doc had called and suggested mixing a couple benadryl's with her regular meds and lo and behold, in 20 minutes she was asleep. She was stirring again around 8pm and at 9 we gave her her next dose of meds including the benadryl and as I'm writing (about 10pm) she's sleeping again. Toni H. is our nite watch angel this evening. If you read this tonite, please pray for her as well.
For a few moments this evening we thought she was about to go but it's still not the Lord's time.
I have a greater peace this evening then I did yesterday. So many encouraging comments have been written - they've become like medicine for my soul. Thank you all for taking the time to pray and comment as the Lord leads you.
His mercies are new every morning and His compassions they fail not!
In His Arm's Still,
Pat and Joyce
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
Friday evening
Day 12 is nearing an end and I hardly know what to write. Joyce has had a far from peaceful last 24 hours. She hasn't slept much and has been very restless. Excessive morphine dosing can in some cases lend to anxiety. We felt her pain was under control so our hospice doc suggested we back off from the quantity and frequency of the morphine and see if that helps.
We did, but her restless continued thru most of the day. This afternoon our nurse was able to help relieve her of some severe constipation and she slept about three hours after that. But around 7pm. she was awake and scooting to the edge of the bed again - a process she does about every 15 minutes - her nurses, her doctor, and all of us who are caring for her have no idea where she is getting the strength to keep doing that! She's not able to really communicate much but she can still laugh, raise her eyebrows at me when I try to get her to lay back down, and occasionally reach her arm around one of our necks.
This evening we switched her pain meds to dilaudid which her hospice doc felt might be less contributing to her anxiety than the morphine. Dianna C. is our nite watch angel. Please pray for her to have strength and wisdom as she watches Joyce thru the nite hours. My daughter has been tending to Joyce's personal needs almost non stop. Please pray for Noelle that she get the rest she needs. Pray for all of us for patience and peace. And as I know you all are doing, pray for Joyce that can relax and sleep and complete her journey.
I did go for a walk this evening just around our neighborhood. My legs felt like they had 20lb weights attached. My mind was just wrestling with the Lord again. Trying to understand His will and purposes in permitting Joyce to go through this as she is - it's just too much to wrap my understanding around. I was trying to examine my own motives in asking for His mercy. Was I being selfish because I'm so tired and just want it all to be over? Maybe that's part of it - honestly I think most of our requests to the Lord have a tinge of selfishness in them - I don't want to struggle; I don't want to hurt; I don't want to see those I love hurt; and I don't readily enjoy having to endure trials. Counting it all joy is easy when everything is easy - but when your world is falling apart it's a whole other dimension of faith.
I think I'm maybe grasping a little more the pain the Father must have felt when Jesus was dying on the cross for my sin. And I know I'm learning more about the pain and agony so many families have suffered in losing a loved one. I hope it makes me more compassionate, softer, less controlling, more able to weep with them that weep. I don't want to be bitter towards God or anyone else. Help me Lord! Help us all to draw near and be what You want us to be!
In His Arm's,
Pat
We did, but her restless continued thru most of the day. This afternoon our nurse was able to help relieve her of some severe constipation and she slept about three hours after that. But around 7pm. she was awake and scooting to the edge of the bed again - a process she does about every 15 minutes - her nurses, her doctor, and all of us who are caring for her have no idea where she is getting the strength to keep doing that! She's not able to really communicate much but she can still laugh, raise her eyebrows at me when I try to get her to lay back down, and occasionally reach her arm around one of our necks.
This evening we switched her pain meds to dilaudid which her hospice doc felt might be less contributing to her anxiety than the morphine. Dianna C. is our nite watch angel. Please pray for her to have strength and wisdom as she watches Joyce thru the nite hours. My daughter has been tending to Joyce's personal needs almost non stop. Please pray for Noelle that she get the rest she needs. Pray for all of us for patience and peace. And as I know you all are doing, pray for Joyce that can relax and sleep and complete her journey.
I did go for a walk this evening just around our neighborhood. My legs felt like they had 20lb weights attached. My mind was just wrestling with the Lord again. Trying to understand His will and purposes in permitting Joyce to go through this as she is - it's just too much to wrap my understanding around. I was trying to examine my own motives in asking for His mercy. Was I being selfish because I'm so tired and just want it all to be over? Maybe that's part of it - honestly I think most of our requests to the Lord have a tinge of selfishness in them - I don't want to struggle; I don't want to hurt; I don't want to see those I love hurt; and I don't readily enjoy having to endure trials. Counting it all joy is easy when everything is easy - but when your world is falling apart it's a whole other dimension of faith.
I think I'm maybe grasping a little more the pain the Father must have felt when Jesus was dying on the cross for my sin. And I know I'm learning more about the pain and agony so many families have suffered in losing a loved one. I hope it makes me more compassionate, softer, less controlling, more able to weep with them that weep. I don't want to be bitter towards God or anyone else. Help me Lord! Help us all to draw near and be what You want us to be!
In His Arm's,
Pat
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Day 11
Today is the 11th day my wife has been in this "in between" state. I really don't know what to think. She is dying - just very slowly. She was restless most of the day - not too troubled but generally incoherent. I was expecting her to pass a week ago - which today seems like 10 weeks ago. The wait is taking a toll on all of us - that's not bad - it's just the reality. Things are happening we know not of in me, in Joyce, in many of you who are following my blog. Only time and circumstances will reveal these things - but for right now we keep doing the best we can to care for Joyce. How much longer can she survive without eating or drinking? I'm beyond trying to put a time frame on that - each time I have she surpasses it. You might think thats good - maybe she's getting better - unfortunately that's not the case - her body continues to deteriorate but her mind and will are not ready to let go - even in her dying she continues to amaze me with her strength....and each time I look at her I'm overwhelmed with how beautiful she is - and I shake my head feeling like it's all a bad dream - this can't really be happening - but it is.
Her nurse adjusted her meds again this afternoon to try to calm her restlessness. We'll see how she does tonight.
I did have an opportunity early this morning to talk with her and it seemed she was listening intently. I tried to explain again what was happening to her, what we were trying to do to keep her comfortable, how good the kids were doing, and then I shared some promises from the Word and talked about heaven. It was a very special time and I think she understood most of what I was saying.
This evening, I needed to get out of the house a while and drove down to the beach and went for a walk along the Carlsbad sea wall - a walk Joyce and I did many, many times. The ocean, just after sunset was pristine. Unexpectedly, I felt very alone tho the ocean front was filled with people. I'll never have Joyce by my side walking hand in hand along the beach again. Maybe I should have just stayed in Esco and walked around the block where I only need to deal with cars and barking dogs.
Well, it's around 11pm again and I need to wrap it up for now. His will be done!
In His Arm's
Pat
Her nurse adjusted her meds again this afternoon to try to calm her restlessness. We'll see how she does tonight.
I did have an opportunity early this morning to talk with her and it seemed she was listening intently. I tried to explain again what was happening to her, what we were trying to do to keep her comfortable, how good the kids were doing, and then I shared some promises from the Word and talked about heaven. It was a very special time and I think she understood most of what I was saying.
This evening, I needed to get out of the house a while and drove down to the beach and went for a walk along the Carlsbad sea wall - a walk Joyce and I did many, many times. The ocean, just after sunset was pristine. Unexpectedly, I felt very alone tho the ocean front was filled with people. I'll never have Joyce by my side walking hand in hand along the beach again. Maybe I should have just stayed in Esco and walked around the block where I only need to deal with cars and barking dogs.
Well, it's around 11pm again and I need to wrap it up for now. His will be done!
In His Arm's
Pat
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Wednesday
Today the Lord gave more peace. Tho Joyce had a few times of agitation and discomfort, it wasn't as pronounced as yesterday. We've begun administering her meds every 2 hours now instead of every 4. Her blood pressure continued to drop today - 98/50 - so her body is much slower in absorbing the meds. Again we thank God for all the wonderful ladies who have taken round the clock shifts to sit in our bedroom and watch over and pray for Joyce. Noelle and her fiance, Paul, have been with me also for the past couple of weeks. And even with all the help, we are presently fighting mental, emotional and physical exhaustion. We were preparing for her departure a week ago and she just wasn't ready to let go.
Joyce still hangs on this evening - just an amazing drive to survive in my sweetheart. Mercifully, she hasn't been as distressed today - increasingly disoriented but not as fearful.
Noelle, Paul and I have been going for walks in the evening and tonight's was quiet and contemplative for the three of us. We were just lost in our thoughts. I know her passing isn't far away - but at times it seems like what we're enduring will never stop - I know down the road we'll no doubt look back at this time and see it as fairly quick and even now I'm thanking God for His mercy.
I try to think about life without her and it's like hitting a forcefield - I can't imagine it. She is still here and my heart will not allow me to go past today.
I did hear the results of my CT scan last Friday. Bottomline was some obstruction/constricting of the colon but no evidence of cancer. Surgery is an option but not an immediate necessity. I will be setting up an appointment with a surgeon to discuss the pros and cons of surgically removing the problem area - in the meantime, as many of you my age are dealing with, NO nuts, seeds, popcorn, corn, etc. and high fiber. Maybe I'm gonna need to learn how to cook :-)
So as we get ready to go thru the 10th nite of Joyce's journey to glory, we pray again for the Lord's mercy upon her. The chorus of Greg Fadness's song, Might be Today come to mind:
"It might be today I look into Your eyes; Might be today I see Your face; Might be today You place Your wounded hands; On my tear-stained face, it might be today!"
In His Arm's, Pat
Joyce still hangs on this evening - just an amazing drive to survive in my sweetheart. Mercifully, she hasn't been as distressed today - increasingly disoriented but not as fearful.
Noelle, Paul and I have been going for walks in the evening and tonight's was quiet and contemplative for the three of us. We were just lost in our thoughts. I know her passing isn't far away - but at times it seems like what we're enduring will never stop - I know down the road we'll no doubt look back at this time and see it as fairly quick and even now I'm thanking God for His mercy.
I try to think about life without her and it's like hitting a forcefield - I can't imagine it. She is still here and my heart will not allow me to go past today.
I did hear the results of my CT scan last Friday. Bottomline was some obstruction/constricting of the colon but no evidence of cancer. Surgery is an option but not an immediate necessity. I will be setting up an appointment with a surgeon to discuss the pros and cons of surgically removing the problem area - in the meantime, as many of you my age are dealing with, NO nuts, seeds, popcorn, corn, etc. and high fiber. Maybe I'm gonna need to learn how to cook :-)
So as we get ready to go thru the 10th nite of Joyce's journey to glory, we pray again for the Lord's mercy upon her. The chorus of Greg Fadness's song, Might be Today come to mind:
"It might be today I look into Your eyes; Might be today I see Your face; Might be today You place Your wounded hands; On my tear-stained face, it might be today!"
In His Arm's, Pat
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Troubling day! 6-26
It's a little past 10 on Tuesday evening. My bride does not want to go. Today was more of a fight of the will it seemed. She was weaker physically but more active mentally - and that is so difficult to watch - I think because when we hear her voice and can get a response of some kind to a question, our hearts leap for more - yet we know the process of dying is continuing - and our hearts keep breaking. Those of you following along on this blog know that we were preparing for Joyce to leave us a week ago. She had taken a horrible turn downward and then sort of leveled out at this mysterious place between this life and the next.
Our nurse said that after 4-5 days of similar vital signs, this morning she showed a drop in her blood pressure. With circulation becoming more difficult, the medications for pain and anxiety can become less effective - a condition that usually occurs in the final day or two before passing.
It seemed that Joyce's meds were not keeping her comfortable thru most of the day. She had a few times of laughing and recognizing family but seemed more fearful most of the time. It was like she was calling out to people she knows for help or answers. She had one word questions like "Why?" and "Purpose?" We have increased her meds some this evening and hope she's able to have a calm night.
Many of us would like to think that right before death we'ld see angels or the Lord Himself and that we'ld hear the beautiful worship of heaven and all would be a calm peaceful passing from our old tents into our eternal homes. I haven't seen that yet. Maybe something's going on in the realm of the spirit that niether we nor Joyce can see with our human capacities. But it seems that her body and mind are fighting harder than ever to not let go. When we try to assure her that it's OK to let go she, several times this evening, said "No!" And it leaves us all frustrated that we can't make it better.
Our hospice nurse did say this morning that the changes could acclerate downward very quickly pretty much at any time now. But she could also fight like this for several more days. And it's just not neat and pretty. We wonder at times is it still possible that she could pull out of this? With the Lord we know that all things are possible. We also know God in His purposes allows people to die - He permits the natural process of dying usually without interference. If the Lord were to miraculously heal Joyce she would have greater clarity of thought and begin to desire food and water - so far she has had niether for the past 9 days now. The body adapts amazingly quickly to inceased dosing of morphine - so if the disease was controlled or gone she would be markedly alert and engaging.
Have I lost hope? Let me say clearly that my hope is not in this frail life to continue forever. My hope is in Jesus Who will give eternal life in heaven. So I'm not mad at God for allowing Joyce to go thru all this - I don't like it - I wish it were different - but I know what's on the other side - and I know her pain and fear and doubt today will soon be swallowed up by Life eternal.
We just have to go through this and I pray God will be glorified!
In His Arm's (still)!
Pat and Joyce
Our nurse said that after 4-5 days of similar vital signs, this morning she showed a drop in her blood pressure. With circulation becoming more difficult, the medications for pain and anxiety can become less effective - a condition that usually occurs in the final day or two before passing.
It seemed that Joyce's meds were not keeping her comfortable thru most of the day. She had a few times of laughing and recognizing family but seemed more fearful most of the time. It was like she was calling out to people she knows for help or answers. She had one word questions like "Why?" and "Purpose?" We have increased her meds some this evening and hope she's able to have a calm night.
Many of us would like to think that right before death we'ld see angels or the Lord Himself and that we'ld hear the beautiful worship of heaven and all would be a calm peaceful passing from our old tents into our eternal homes. I haven't seen that yet. Maybe something's going on in the realm of the spirit that niether we nor Joyce can see with our human capacities. But it seems that her body and mind are fighting harder than ever to not let go. When we try to assure her that it's OK to let go she, several times this evening, said "No!" And it leaves us all frustrated that we can't make it better.
Our hospice nurse did say this morning that the changes could acclerate downward very quickly pretty much at any time now. But she could also fight like this for several more days. And it's just not neat and pretty. We wonder at times is it still possible that she could pull out of this? With the Lord we know that all things are possible. We also know God in His purposes allows people to die - He permits the natural process of dying usually without interference. If the Lord were to miraculously heal Joyce she would have greater clarity of thought and begin to desire food and water - so far she has had niether for the past 9 days now. The body adapts amazingly quickly to inceased dosing of morphine - so if the disease was controlled or gone she would be markedly alert and engaging.
Have I lost hope? Let me say clearly that my hope is not in this frail life to continue forever. My hope is in Jesus Who will give eternal life in heaven. So I'm not mad at God for allowing Joyce to go thru all this - I don't like it - I wish it were different - but I know what's on the other side - and I know her pain and fear and doubt today will soon be swallowed up by Life eternal.
We just have to go through this and I pray God will be glorified!
In His Arm's (still)!
Pat and Joyce
Monday, June 25, 2007
Monday Evening
Just gave Joyce her 11pm meds and we're all about to turn it in for the nite. An OR nurse friend of ours is spending the nite watch with Joyce allowing my daughter and I to get a little sleep. We had a home health aid come by this afternoon and give Joyce a real good sponge bath. She seemed refreshed and sure smelled good afterward. She's still having periods of really deep sleep and then sudden awareness. Sometimes it's a little humorous and other times it's a bit frightening - especially when she is trying to express fear, concern, or discomfort. Most of the time a few soothing minutes with her calms her down. She doesn't seem to be fighting quite as hard today. Still it's a wonder that she is still clinging to life here. We are praying God gives her just a little glimpse of the glory that awaits her to ease her fear of just letting go.
We keep assuring her how much we love her and how much we will love and take care of each other when she's gone. Gently letting her know it's all going to be OK. It's getting harder for me to see her and talk to her because when I do she tries to move and think and want's to say things but then goes blank - and the end result is mild agitation and often then she shows signs of pain or discomfort. Maybe we're still too connected and just sitting next to her often seems too much to bear for both of us.
She usually calms down on her own, but today we had to increase her meds a couple of times.
She's sleeping now - pretty deep - and as I laydown to try to catch a few hours - the last thought on my mind is the Lord recieving her to Himself...and the knock on my door that she's gone. His compassions they fail not! Great is His mercy and faithfulness.
Good night!
Pat
We keep assuring her how much we love her and how much we will love and take care of each other when she's gone. Gently letting her know it's all going to be OK. It's getting harder for me to see her and talk to her because when I do she tries to move and think and want's to say things but then goes blank - and the end result is mild agitation and often then she shows signs of pain or discomfort. Maybe we're still too connected and just sitting next to her often seems too much to bear for both of us.
She usually calms down on her own, but today we had to increase her meds a couple of times.
She's sleeping now - pretty deep - and as I laydown to try to catch a few hours - the last thought on my mind is the Lord recieving her to Himself...and the knock on my door that she's gone. His compassions they fail not! Great is His mercy and faithfulness.
Good night!
Pat
Monday afternoon 6-25
Hi Friends and Family!
Well Joyce continues to hold on to life! Her hospice nurse told us this morning that the death process for younger cancer patients, who had been healthy except for the cancer, often takes longer than those who were older and suffering from other ailments. In Joyce's case her heart is strong, her kidneys have not been diseased, her mind is still processing...and she's just not quite ready to go. She does not seem to be distressed nor in much discomfort or pain. Her lungs are clear and no bed sores either. Her blood pressure and pulse were a bit fainter this morning but still pretty normal 118/80 with a pulse of 96 and only a slight temp. When she is awake she is often laughing softly...several times today she'ld say out of the blue, "That's funny!" and "Ya know what?"
It could still be a few more days but things could also change very quickly. So we love her while we wait! Theresa P. was with her this morning and read to her a lot from the Word - Joyce had some longer periods where she was awake but not agitated - thanks Lord for that! Christi O. is with her now and it's pretty quiet in the house again today.
Thanks again for continuing with us in prayer and the lifting of our arm's as we wait.
In His Arm's,
Pat
Well Joyce continues to hold on to life! Her hospice nurse told us this morning that the death process for younger cancer patients, who had been healthy except for the cancer, often takes longer than those who were older and suffering from other ailments. In Joyce's case her heart is strong, her kidneys have not been diseased, her mind is still processing...and she's just not quite ready to go. She does not seem to be distressed nor in much discomfort or pain. Her lungs are clear and no bed sores either. Her blood pressure and pulse were a bit fainter this morning but still pretty normal 118/80 with a pulse of 96 and only a slight temp. When she is awake she is often laughing softly...several times today she'ld say out of the blue, "That's funny!" and "Ya know what?"
It could still be a few more days but things could also change very quickly. So we love her while we wait! Theresa P. was with her this morning and read to her a lot from the Word - Joyce had some longer periods where she was awake but not agitated - thanks Lord for that! Christi O. is with her now and it's pretty quiet in the house again today.
Thanks again for continuing with us in prayer and the lifting of our arm's as we wait.
In His Arm's,
Pat
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Peaceful
Joyce has been in a deep restful sleep so far today. The morning was rough tho. Last Wednesday she had a catheter put in which never stopped bothering her. This morning her nurse agreed with us that it would be best for it to be removed. We'll stick with diapers from her on out. The moment it was removed Joyce calmed and relaxed and went to sleep. That was about 6 hours ago and she's still resting quietly.
The house has been quiet today as well. We've all been able to take a deep breath and rest as well. Our watching "angels" continue round the clock to sit with Joyce and we are so greatful for their love and care. Our God is an awesome God! How good it is to see the Lord's love for Joyce in action thru His servants.
More later - Pat
The house has been quiet today as well. We've all been able to take a deep breath and rest as well. Our watching "angels" continue round the clock to sit with Joyce and we are so greatful for their love and care. Our God is an awesome God! How good it is to see the Lord's love for Joyce in action thru His servants.
More later - Pat
Real early Sunday
12:30 am. Joyce is sleeping peacefully after a pretty restless day. Lots of dear family were over to see her throughout the day but about 3pm. I just felt she couldn't handle any more visitors and needed quiet. She may be physically extremely weak but her mind is still processing all that's going on around her. She hears everything and those of you who know Joyce know that if people are in her house she needs to be engaging with them and serving them. She can't speak much or move off her bed but I know in her mind and heart she wants to.
So I asked everyone to pack it in and head home and that I wanted Joyce to have quiet for the next couple of days. Everyone graciously complied and Joyce had a much better restful afternoon and evening. Robbi R. is our nite watch angel. As my friend Chuck P. often says, "perhaps today!"
Got to get some sleep! Good nite!
Pat
So I asked everyone to pack it in and head home and that I wanted Joyce to have quiet for the next couple of days. Everyone graciously complied and Joyce had a much better restful afternoon and evening. Robbi R. is our nite watch angel. As my friend Chuck P. often says, "perhaps today!"
Got to get some sleep! Good nite!
Pat
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Sat. morning update 6-23
Joyce had a restful nite. Kelly K. did the nite watch with her and she said Joyce woke up a couple of times and asked "What's happening?" and another time she just said, "Hi Kelly" and went back to sleep after Kelly talked to her a bit and read to her from the Bible. This morning around 7 Joyce was awake and more alert than all day yesterday! She wanted to sit up on the edge of the bed and gave her little laugh to things we were saying to her. My son called on his way to work and I put him on the speaker phone. He said Hi Mom! and Joyces eyes brightened up and she said, clear as ever, "Hi Jordan! How are you doing?" These things may not seem like much but to all of us who were preparing to be awakened in the middle of the nite with the word that Joyce had passed, it was so very special to hear her sweet voice once again.
She's back into a deep sleep again now. We're at peace here at the house.
Have a blessed day in the Lord today...and go out of your way to appreciate and love those close to you!
In His Arm's,
Pat
She's back into a deep sleep again now. We're at peace here at the house.
Have a blessed day in the Lord today...and go out of your way to appreciate and love those close to you!
In His Arm's,
Pat
Friday, June 22, 2007
Friday - late 6-22
It's been another day of wondering "When Lord?" As I left for my CT scan at Kaiser San Marcos around one this afternoon, I whispered a goodbye to Joyce just in case the Lord decided to bring her home while I was gone. But she made it peacefully thru the day and we are greatful for that. Not too much moving around but still a few smiles when she was briefly awake - which has usually happened when we give her her medications every 4 hours. Many friends stopped by throughout the day to share their love for her and our family.
Our hospice nurse said she could pass in the next day or two. We don't want to loose her but we also don't want her to remain in the state she is now in any longer. They call what we are going thru a "death watch". I like to think of it as a birth watch. Joyce is about to experience the total hope of our salvation. She is about to recieve a new habitation that will last forever - I can only imagine!
We have had so many wonderful people watching and caring with us...and so many more who want to help - our cup runs over! Thank you all so much for your kind and encouraging words and faithful prayer - it will never be forgotten - ever!
In His Arm's,
Pat
Our hospice nurse said she could pass in the next day or two. We don't want to loose her but we also don't want her to remain in the state she is now in any longer. They call what we are going thru a "death watch". I like to think of it as a birth watch. Joyce is about to experience the total hope of our salvation. She is about to recieve a new habitation that will last forever - I can only imagine!
We have had so many wonderful people watching and caring with us...and so many more who want to help - our cup runs over! Thank you all so much for your kind and encouraging words and faithful prayer - it will never be forgotten - ever!
In His Arm's,
Pat
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Thursday nite 6-21-07
We continue to wait. Joyce has been resting deeply most of today. She has very little pain and is comfortable in her own bed in her own bedroom in her own home - with family in and out all day. That's how she wanted it. We had a houseful of people today - mostly family and it was hard for many but wonderful how we all were helping each other thru.
Someone called us wondering why Joyce wasn't on an IV for fluids. The reason we switched over to hospice was because our goals had changed. We were no longer interested in further treating the disease as further treatment would only cause more pain and weakness. We knew that as the end approached we didn't want to be in and out of hospitals and stuck with needles.
The goal has been to keep Joyce as comfortable and pain free as possible as she prepares to go home. Giving more fluids at this time would be tantamount to prolonging her pain and suffering.
Joyce is ready for her new body - and this is the path she has chosen.
We pray for the Lord's mercy to take her home soon now. Her earthly tent is about worn out. Glory with her Savior awaits! Come quickly Lord Jesus!
Pat
Someone called us wondering why Joyce wasn't on an IV for fluids. The reason we switched over to hospice was because our goals had changed. We were no longer interested in further treating the disease as further treatment would only cause more pain and weakness. We knew that as the end approached we didn't want to be in and out of hospitals and stuck with needles.
The goal has been to keep Joyce as comfortable and pain free as possible as she prepares to go home. Giving more fluids at this time would be tantamount to prolonging her pain and suffering.
Joyce is ready for her new body - and this is the path she has chosen.
We pray for the Lord's mercy to take her home soon now. Her earthly tent is about worn out. Glory with her Savior awaits! Come quickly Lord Jesus!
Pat
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
In His Time
It's about 11pm. and our family still waits for what God wants to do. Joyce had a good nite last nite - good in that it was uneventful and painfree. Dr. Nick spent the night with us and about 6 in the morning I was awakened by my daughter telling me Joyce was sitting in a chair facing the open door of our patio and eating a plum from our plum tree. Sure enough, Nick had her in her bathrobe sucking on a ripe plum and breathing in the fresh air of a beautiful morning.
That's all she had to eat for the rest of the day. And she had only a couple sips of water all day. So it's been nearly four full days with next to no solid food and probably less than 6 oz. of liquid. Our hospice nurse said things will likely be accelerating in the next couple of days. We had a bunch of folks stop by to see Joyce and I today - and it was a blessing to be loved so much.
Unfortunately Joyce seemed uneasy about so many people coming into her room. She can't talk at this time so we don't know what she was actually feeling - tho I suspect she knew something was wrong - and later this evening, while Noelle, Jordan and I were with her on our bed, she kind of cried, "I don't want to die!" That just ripped us - we were hoping she wouldn't be scared - and she seemed a bit frightened by everything...who wouldn't?
Please continue to pray for God's angels to soothe her still active mind. Pray for the peace that passes all understanding to guard her heart. Pray for me and the kids for patient endurance - we know the end is getting close.
God keep us all in Your strong, loving arm's!
Pat
That's all she had to eat for the rest of the day. And she had only a couple sips of water all day. So it's been nearly four full days with next to no solid food and probably less than 6 oz. of liquid. Our hospice nurse said things will likely be accelerating in the next couple of days. We had a bunch of folks stop by to see Joyce and I today - and it was a blessing to be loved so much.
Unfortunately Joyce seemed uneasy about so many people coming into her room. She can't talk at this time so we don't know what she was actually feeling - tho I suspect she knew something was wrong - and later this evening, while Noelle, Jordan and I were with her on our bed, she kind of cried, "I don't want to die!" That just ripped us - we were hoping she wouldn't be scared - and she seemed a bit frightened by everything...who wouldn't?
Please continue to pray for God's angels to soothe her still active mind. Pray for the peace that passes all understanding to guard her heart. Pray for me and the kids for patient endurance - we know the end is getting close.
God keep us all in Your strong, loving arm's!
Pat
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Tuesday, 6-19
Joyce had a peaceful, painfree night last night and day so far. She wakes up briefly when we give her her medications every 4 hours and was able to have a few bites of solid food this morning - but nothing but a few sips of water throughout the day so far. We've had a lot of family at the house today and it's been a real blessing having them all around - we are blessed to have a loving close biological family as well as our agape spiritual family.
Please continue to pray for God's mercy on Joyce. We know He has an appointed time for her.
In His Arm's,
Pat
Please continue to pray for God's mercy on Joyce. We know He has an appointed time for her.
In His Arm's,
Pat
Monday, June 18, 2007
Waiting 6-18-07
This is a very sad and heavy time for our family. My Joyce is declining a lot quicker than any of us anticipated. We were hoping for months and instead may only have days. After a horribly pain filled day yesterday she has been calmer and not hurting much today. She has been sleeping deeply thru the nite and most of the day today but with only a few minutes here and there of awareness. My son and daughter are with me and we have a few friends and other family members with us round the clock the past couple of days.
It's really hard to express what I'm feeling right now. I've counseled hundreds of families over the years of my ministry that have had to face a family member's death but it's a lot different when it's happening to you. Our hospice nurses have been so helpful in not only caring for Joyce but helping me and my family prepare. I go between moments of great peace and overwhelming agony. The Lord is with us - when the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say, "Blessed be the name of the Lord" You give and take away - my heart will choose to say, Lord blessed be Your name!"
I just can't imagine life without her - I know the Lord will sustain - I just can't even picture it right now. Thanks for continuing in prayer for us - the Lord of mercy hears.
In His Arm's,
Pat
It's really hard to express what I'm feeling right now. I've counseled hundreds of families over the years of my ministry that have had to face a family member's death but it's a lot different when it's happening to you. Our hospice nurses have been so helpful in not only caring for Joyce but helping me and my family prepare. I go between moments of great peace and overwhelming agony. The Lord is with us - when the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say, "Blessed be the name of the Lord" You give and take away - my heart will choose to say, Lord blessed be Your name!"
I just can't imagine life without her - I know the Lord will sustain - I just can't even picture it right now. Thanks for continuing in prayer for us - the Lord of mercy hears.
In His Arm's,
Pat
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Sat. morning 6-16
Hi Friends!
Joyce probably had her best night sleep in many days last night. And as a result, so did I :-)
She's having a calm, pain free morning so far. And her thinking is a lot clearer as well.
Again, I can't thank all of you enough for continuing to pray for us thru these crazy days!
In His Arm's, Pat
Joyce probably had her best night sleep in many days last night. And as a result, so did I :-)
She's having a calm, pain free morning so far. And her thinking is a lot clearer as well.
Again, I can't thank all of you enough for continuing to pray for us thru these crazy days!
In His Arm's, Pat
Friday, June 15, 2007
Friday nite 6-15
I don't think I could begin to fully describe the emotional roller coaster the past couple of days have been! In brief, Wednesday nite, as I was beginning my prep for a colonoscopy Thursday, Joyce began hurting again and it only worsened thru the nite. We were up all nite and she was still hurting and out of it when Pastor Richard picked me up to take me to the clinic for my procedure. I was exhausted and numb and just begged for God's mercy on Joyce. Her faithful sister, Nancy, stayed with her while I was gone. The day was also hard on Joyce but slowly we started getting a handle on her pain.
I got home around 1pm and was pretty zonked from the sedation they gave me prior to the scope - which didn't go very well. The doc encountered a mass of some kind that prohibited him from doing the complete scope of the colon. I have to get a CT scan next Friday and then meet with a GI surgeon - whatever it is it probably needs to go - so we have this to deal with.
Today was a better day in some respects and rougher in others. Pain wise Joyce was doing much better - but she was also very disoriented couldn't put her thoughts together. The hospice folks were over this morning as well and they were trying to orient me to end of life issues - which was just ripping me up inside. But later in the afternoon, after a long deep sleep, Joyce woke up and, tho still a little loopy, was up with us for the rest of the evening, took a shower, had dinner watched some TV with Noelle, our daughter, and had a very calm and pain free time. I'm about to crash now and pray we both can sleep thru the nite without incident.
God bless all of you as you continue to lift up me and my family - we appreciate your love and care beyond words. Stay close to Jesus and keep serving one another - that's what our spiritual family is all about!
In His Arm's,
Pat
I got home around 1pm and was pretty zonked from the sedation they gave me prior to the scope - which didn't go very well. The doc encountered a mass of some kind that prohibited him from doing the complete scope of the colon. I have to get a CT scan next Friday and then meet with a GI surgeon - whatever it is it probably needs to go - so we have this to deal with.
Today was a better day in some respects and rougher in others. Pain wise Joyce was doing much better - but she was also very disoriented couldn't put her thoughts together. The hospice folks were over this morning as well and they were trying to orient me to end of life issues - which was just ripping me up inside. But later in the afternoon, after a long deep sleep, Joyce woke up and, tho still a little loopy, was up with us for the rest of the evening, took a shower, had dinner watched some TV with Noelle, our daughter, and had a very calm and pain free time. I'm about to crash now and pray we both can sleep thru the nite without incident.
God bless all of you as you continue to lift up me and my family - we appreciate your love and care beyond words. Stay close to Jesus and keep serving one another - that's what our spiritual family is all about!
In His Arm's,
Pat
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Tuesday, 6-12 - late
Thanks for all the kind and supportive comments and encouraging emails. Each day, since we decided to stop Joyce's chemo and switch over to hospice care, has been a challenge. Joyce has had several episodes of severe abdominal/pelvic pain and they have been exhausting both for her and I. Her nurse upped her morphine again this morning and she had a painfree but pretty zoned out day today. It's a fine balance we're learning between effective pain control and clear thinking. We both have had moments of emotional crumbling when her pain is bad - please pray that I might have extra strength in those times - and that the Lord would put His arm's around her.
And right in the middle of all this, I had to see my heart doc today and have to fast tomorrow and drink some gross chemicals in prep for a colonoscopy on Thursday - no stress here :-)
I think Switchfoot had a line on one of the songs from "Beautiful Letdown" : "...my fears have worn me out!" Not completely, but I'm being taken deeper in my faith than ever before to trust that He has not given me a spirit of bondage again to fear - but of power and love and a sound mind!
I know we're not the only one's hurting in the church. We know of many who are also battling cancer and other illnesses and need His comfort and our compassion and care. Help us all Lord to be Your hands and arms and words to those in need around us in these days.
Blessings! Pat
And right in the middle of all this, I had to see my heart doc today and have to fast tomorrow and drink some gross chemicals in prep for a colonoscopy on Thursday - no stress here :-)
I think Switchfoot had a line on one of the songs from "Beautiful Letdown" : "...my fears have worn me out!" Not completely, but I'm being taken deeper in my faith than ever before to trust that He has not given me a spirit of bondage again to fear - but of power and love and a sound mind!
I know we're not the only one's hurting in the church. We know of many who are also battling cancer and other illnesses and need His comfort and our compassion and care. Help us all Lord to be Your hands and arms and words to those in need around us in these days.
Blessings! Pat
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Sat. June 9
Well I need to give you all an update. In a nutshell, Joyce decided to stop all chemotherapy this past Wednesday and I agreed with her. After reviewing the results of her recent scans and tests we were told the present chemo she is on is no longer effectively acting against her cancer.
The statistical chances of any other chemo being effective were less than 15% and the side effects of the other treatments would likely be worse because of her weakened condition already. Also, further treatment, would not, even if it worked, extend her life more than a few months and she would probably be very sick during that time. Without any treatment the doc said she statistically had 4 to 6 months left - maybe 8 tops - given the amount and types of chemo she has had and the advanced stage of the cancer. We know God may have another timetable!
So after a couple of days of reflecting and talking and praying we decided to change course and switch from paliative care to hospice care. It's really kind of a relief to move ahead now and see what God may do. We are thankful for all the treatment and care she recieved over the past three and a half years and we have peace that we did everything possible medically and now it's time to focus on quality of life. Thru hospice she will still have the same nurse and doc we had in the paliative care program and she will continue to recieve all the medications and care she needs to help keep her as comfortable as possible.
She is not bedridden and though she has periods where the pain is really bad, it usually doesn't last more than a few hours, and then she's OK and able to be up and doing things - like shopping :-). I took her Thursday and Noelle took her yesterday. She had a rough evening last nite but slept good and is ready to get her hair done this afternoon! We're just praying that her body will have some time to rid itself of the toxins from all the chemo and that she'll be able to enjoy life for a while.
Again we want to thank all of you who continue to be so faithful in praying for us - we feel very much loved and cared for!
In His Arm's,
Pat
The statistical chances of any other chemo being effective were less than 15% and the side effects of the other treatments would likely be worse because of her weakened condition already. Also, further treatment, would not, even if it worked, extend her life more than a few months and she would probably be very sick during that time. Without any treatment the doc said she statistically had 4 to 6 months left - maybe 8 tops - given the amount and types of chemo she has had and the advanced stage of the cancer. We know God may have another timetable!
So after a couple of days of reflecting and talking and praying we decided to change course and switch from paliative care to hospice care. It's really kind of a relief to move ahead now and see what God may do. We are thankful for all the treatment and care she recieved over the past three and a half years and we have peace that we did everything possible medically and now it's time to focus on quality of life. Thru hospice she will still have the same nurse and doc we had in the paliative care program and she will continue to recieve all the medications and care she needs to help keep her as comfortable as possible.
She is not bedridden and though she has periods where the pain is really bad, it usually doesn't last more than a few hours, and then she's OK and able to be up and doing things - like shopping :-). I took her Thursday and Noelle took her yesterday. She had a rough evening last nite but slept good and is ready to get her hair done this afternoon! We're just praying that her body will have some time to rid itself of the toxins from all the chemo and that she'll be able to enjoy life for a while.
Again we want to thank all of you who continue to be so faithful in praying for us - we feel very much loved and cared for!
In His Arm's,
Pat
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Wed. 6-6
The news from Joyce's oncologist wasn't what we hoped for. She is not having chemo tomorrow. We're gonna need a few days to evaluate her options. I'll probably miss a couple days on Proverbs. I'll fill in more over the weekend. Love to all! Pat
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Tues. 6-5; Prov. 5
Quick update. Just got home a couple hours ago after spending most of the day in the ER at Kaiser in San Diego. Joyce again woke early, around 5am. with severe abdominal pain that didn't let up all morning despite all her pain meds - nothing touched it. Our palliative care nurse thought it would be best to get her evaluated in the ER. After 6 hours and a couple of tests that were inconclusive as to the direct cause of her pain which finally let up mid afternoon, the doc said she could go home if she wanted to - which she did. He gave her some antibiotics because of a slight bladder infection they found - but he didn't think that was the cause of her pain. She's sleeping soundly right now, 9pm, and I'm pretty wiped out. Wasn't able to even look at Proverbs 5 til right now.
Suffice it to say that the whole chapter is about avoiding immorality - which in our day we all need to ponder and act according to the wisdom of God revealed here, and not forget that: the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He ponders all his paths. Prov 5:21
Thanks for your prayers! Pat
Suffice it to say that the whole chapter is about avoiding immorality - which in our day we all need to ponder and act according to the wisdom of God revealed here, and not forget that: the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He ponders all his paths. Prov 5:21
Thanks for your prayers! Pat
Monday, June 4, 2007
Mon. 6-4; Proverbs 4
Joyce had a rough night last night - lot's of pain in her hips mostly. She sleeping well this morning but could you take a moment and just lift her up to the Lord today?
In Proverbs 4 we have a compact strategy for avoiding temptation and particularly for navigating thru the flood of immorality all around us today.
6 actions in these 2 verses if practiced, will see you thru.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on.
1. Don't enter the path (don't go thru the door) Don't even start in the direction of the way of the wicked.
2. Don't walk in the way; give no appearence of evil; don't allow your lifestyle to be associated in any way with evil.
3. Avoid it! Pretty simple but so difficult for many. Don't bring it into your house; don't go out of your way to find it; and if it pops up in front of you - flee from evil.
4. Don't travel upon it - not even once in a while;
5. Turn away from it! Guys especially - it's that look of lust that opens the door and starts you down the path of sexual sin. Guard your eyes. Starve your eyes from looking and your mind won't dwell on it. Bounce your eye's - turn away from the pretty girl who is not your wife! Remember this fellows - sexual sin is getting a "buzz" from any woman or depiction of a woman other than your wife. Wisdom says turn away - if you do you'll guard your heart.
6. Pass on. Don't linger around the evil way. It calls out to you - you pass right on by.
We're all confronted with evil every day - try putting into practice these "power verses' from Proverbs 4 today and walk in the right, good way!
In His Arm's, Pat
In Proverbs 4 we have a compact strategy for avoiding temptation and particularly for navigating thru the flood of immorality all around us today.
6 actions in these 2 verses if practiced, will see you thru.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on.
1. Don't enter the path (don't go thru the door) Don't even start in the direction of the way of the wicked.
2. Don't walk in the way; give no appearence of evil; don't allow your lifestyle to be associated in any way with evil.
3. Avoid it! Pretty simple but so difficult for many. Don't bring it into your house; don't go out of your way to find it; and if it pops up in front of you - flee from evil.
4. Don't travel upon it - not even once in a while;
5. Turn away from it! Guys especially - it's that look of lust that opens the door and starts you down the path of sexual sin. Guard your eyes. Starve your eyes from looking and your mind won't dwell on it. Bounce your eye's - turn away from the pretty girl who is not your wife! Remember this fellows - sexual sin is getting a "buzz" from any woman or depiction of a woman other than your wife. Wisdom says turn away - if you do you'll guard your heart.
6. Pass on. Don't linger around the evil way. It calls out to you - you pass right on by.
We're all confronted with evil every day - try putting into practice these "power verses' from Proverbs 4 today and walk in the right, good way!
In His Arm's, Pat
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Sun. 6-3 & Proverbs 3
Well it really was a beautiful day! Our services at CCE were sweet and I was blessed to teach through Luke 14 on Hinderences to being a Disciple. Hadn't taught in three weeks and nearly lost my voice at the end of the day. Joyce had a pretty good weekend as well - she and Noelle got to look at wedding dresses on Saturday! This evening I drove up to Murietta to see the grandkids before a pre-pastor's conference dinner with a bunch of Calvary pastor's at the Outback Steak House in Temecula - so stuffed.
Prov 3:5-8 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. (NKJ)
Prov 3:25-26 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.(NKJ)
As a young believer back in 1971, Proverbs 3:5-6 were the first verses of the Bible I memorized. So early in my walk I was learning the importance of trusting God and walking by faith. 36 years later I'm still learning to trust God and walk by faith. It's really a daily choice we all have. I can choose my way or seek to know and walk in His way. When I choose His way over my way I grow - that's a fundemental foundational fact of the christian life.
May the Lord be your health and strength and confidence as you walk with Him this coming week.
Love ya! Pat
Prov 3:5-8 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. (NKJ)
Prov 3:25-26 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.(NKJ)
As a young believer back in 1971, Proverbs 3:5-6 were the first verses of the Bible I memorized. So early in my walk I was learning the importance of trusting God and walking by faith. 36 years later I'm still learning to trust God and walk by faith. It's really a daily choice we all have. I can choose my way or seek to know and walk in His way. When I choose His way over my way I grow - that's a fundemental foundational fact of the christian life.
May the Lord be your health and strength and confidence as you walk with Him this coming week.
Love ya! Pat
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Proverbs 2 - 6-2-07
Proverbs 2 is packed with "how to's"! Verse 20 sums up the result of walking with the Lord and growing in His wisdom and understanding: the good life! Walking in the way of goodness is what I want and need every day! And God doesn't leave me clueless on how to do that.
Read thru this chapter carefully and you will find detailed instruction on how to not only seek the Lord but also on how to avoid wickedness and immorality. The wicked man and the immoral woman are constantantly at work to distract you and I from walking in goodness.
Deliverence from the way of evil comes: When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, Discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you; Prov 2:10-11
Prov 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding;7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk uprightly;8 He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints.9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice, Equity and every good path. (NKJ)
Stay on the good path today! Let God's wisdom fill you that you might not only honor Him but also bless and care for those around you.
In His Arm's, Pat
Read thru this chapter carefully and you will find detailed instruction on how to not only seek the Lord but also on how to avoid wickedness and immorality. The wicked man and the immoral woman are constantantly at work to distract you and I from walking in goodness.
Deliverence from the way of evil comes: When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, Discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you; Prov 2:10-11
Prov 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding;7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk uprightly;8 He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints.9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice, Equity and every good path. (NKJ)
Stay on the good path today! Let God's wisdom fill you that you might not only honor Him but also bless and care for those around you.
In His Arm's, Pat
Friday, June 1, 2007
sorry
Sorry about the extra punctuation marks in my last post. I composed part of my devotion in Proverbs in MS Word and for some reason when I pasted it into my blog it didn't copy correctly.
We're trying to figure out why that happened - and how to prevent it from happening again.
Also, some have commented that the backround graphic overpowers the text after the first couple of paragraphs. I was told that may be a browser problem. It doesn't seem to happen with Internet Explorer as the browser but it's a problem with Firefox. we're going to try and just delete the open Bible graphic - as soon as possible.
Blessings! Pat
We're trying to figure out why that happened - and how to prevent it from happening again.
Also, some have commented that the backround graphic overpowers the text after the first couple of paragraphs. I was told that may be a browser problem. It doesn't seem to happen with Internet Explorer as the browser but it's a problem with Firefox. we're going to try and just delete the open Bible graphic - as soon as possible.
Blessings! Pat
Proverbs 1
Proverbs 1 – Devotional
Throughout the month of June I’ld like to share some truths to think about by going through the Book of Proverbs. We’ll look at one chapter a day and focus on a verse or two to fix our minds and hearts upon.
Today we’ll be in Chapter 1. First a couple of things about Proverbs in general.
One of the values of the education recieved from Proverbs is that it helps you sift out
things worth thinking about. It helps you distinguish between the essential and the
trivial. This, in turn, brings security, not the security that comes from doing what others
do, but the security based solidly on the truth of the Lord, your personal ideals gained
from the ancient wisdom of God.
Much in our world clamors for our attention, effort, and time. Proverbs provides you with
wisdom that will help you navigate thru the difficult and often frustrating twists and turns
of life and give you a set of standards to judge the true value of things in the world. Eims
Dr. Harry Ironside wrote: There are two ways of learning the emptiness of the world and the true character of sin. The most common way is to tread the thorny path oneself and thereby taste fully the bitterness of departure from God. The more desirous way is to accept His Word regarding the character of sin. This enables the obedient disciple to say:
Ps 17:4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of Your lips, I have kept away
from the paths of the destroyer.
Once a business executive was asked the key to his tremendous success. He
responded, “Two words, good decisions.” The interviewer then asked, “How do I learn to
make good decisions?” He answered, “One word, experience.” “But how do I gain
experience?” The executive said, “Two words, bad decisions.”
Folks, there are 2 ways to learn in life. From your own experiences, or from the
experiences of other people. The fool has to always make his own mistakes. The wise
man learns from others. Why learn the hard way? Be wise, not otherwise!
The wisdom of Proverbs has been give to us that we might not stumble or fall into a pit
along the road of life.
The word "Proverbs", MASAL in the Hebrew, means "to be like, to be compared with."
And what the writer will do is draw from life's experiences, and write down short, concise
thoughts, that we can learn from and apply to our lives.
The primary purpose for this book is to make us wise. And wisdom does not necessarily
come with age, but it comes as we apply the truths of God's Word to our lives.
Prov 1:5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
The mature Chistian is the one who is able to look at and see the areas in his or her life
that need to fall into that proper relationship with God - and Scripture wants to teach us
about how we relate our daily lives to God in all the experiences we face.
The mature chistian wants to integrate into all areas of his life this Biblical perspective -
that's growing in true wisdom.
A wise man stays teachable and seeks out ( and heeds) wise counsel.
The wise man here is not a wise guy "know-it-all" who has all the answers and is never
wrong. Just the opposite here. The wise man listens to people; he knows he has not
arrived.
Understand this paradox folks: the more we learn, the more we realize there is yet
more to learn. The more you know, the more you will realize how much you don't know!
One more verse to think about today:
Prov. 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
If the purpose of this book is to make us wise, then the goal of this book is to bring us
into a deeper relationship with the Lord, to fear the Lord, to hate evil. You see, all
Biblical wisdom must begin with a right relationship with God.
Do you have that relationship with the Lord today? Confess your sin today and receive by faith Christ’s forgiveness of your sin, made possible for you by His death on the cross in your place. If you already know Him, yield to His wisdom about life here before heaven.
Tomorrow – Proverbs 2
In His Arm’s, Pat
Throughout the month of June I’ld like to share some truths to think about by going through the Book of Proverbs. We’ll look at one chapter a day and focus on a verse or two to fix our minds and hearts upon.
Today we’ll be in Chapter 1. First a couple of things about Proverbs in general.
One of the values of the education recieved from Proverbs is that it helps you sift out
things worth thinking about. It helps you distinguish between the essential and the
trivial. This, in turn, brings security, not the security that comes from doing what others
do, but the security based solidly on the truth of the Lord, your personal ideals gained
from the ancient wisdom of God.
Much in our world clamors for our attention, effort, and time. Proverbs provides you with
wisdom that will help you navigate thru the difficult and often frustrating twists and turns
of life and give you a set of standards to judge the true value of things in the world. Eims
Dr. Harry Ironside wrote: There are two ways of learning the emptiness of the world and the true character of sin. The most common way is to tread the thorny path oneself and thereby taste fully the bitterness of departure from God. The more desirous way is to accept His Word regarding the character of sin. This enables the obedient disciple to say:
Ps 17:4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of Your lips, I have kept away
from the paths of the destroyer.
Once a business executive was asked the key to his tremendous success. He
responded, “Two words, good decisions.” The interviewer then asked, “How do I learn to
make good decisions?” He answered, “One word, experience.” “But how do I gain
experience?” The executive said, “Two words, bad decisions.”
Folks, there are 2 ways to learn in life. From your own experiences, or from the
experiences of other people. The fool has to always make his own mistakes. The wise
man learns from others. Why learn the hard way? Be wise, not otherwise!
The wisdom of Proverbs has been give to us that we might not stumble or fall into a pit
along the road of life.
The word "Proverbs", MASAL in the Hebrew, means "to be like, to be compared with."
And what the writer will do is draw from life's experiences, and write down short, concise
thoughts, that we can learn from and apply to our lives.
The primary purpose for this book is to make us wise. And wisdom does not necessarily
come with age, but it comes as we apply the truths of God's Word to our lives.
Prov 1:5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
The mature Chistian is the one who is able to look at and see the areas in his or her life
that need to fall into that proper relationship with God - and Scripture wants to teach us
about how we relate our daily lives to God in all the experiences we face.
The mature chistian wants to integrate into all areas of his life this Biblical perspective -
that's growing in true wisdom.
A wise man stays teachable and seeks out ( and heeds) wise counsel.
The wise man here is not a wise guy "know-it-all" who has all the answers and is never
wrong. Just the opposite here. The wise man listens to people; he knows he has not
arrived.
Understand this paradox folks: the more we learn, the more we realize there is yet
more to learn. The more you know, the more you will realize how much you don't know!
One more verse to think about today:
Prov. 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
If the purpose of this book is to make us wise, then the goal of this book is to bring us
into a deeper relationship with the Lord, to fear the Lord, to hate evil. You see, all
Biblical wisdom must begin with a right relationship with God.
Do you have that relationship with the Lord today? Confess your sin today and receive by faith Christ’s forgiveness of your sin, made possible for you by His death on the cross in your place. If you already know Him, yield to His wisdom about life here before heaven.
Tomorrow – Proverbs 2
In His Arm’s, Pat
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