I was able to get a good bit of writing done today which was a blessing.  After a long walk I got down to business.  This “not traveling” thing is really a bit weird but it’s still early I suppose.  I am working and preparing as if a call could come at anytime.  We are also spending some time getting the house in order.  Like I’ve said in the past when I’ve been off the road…we find ourselves doing things to the household that others who don’t travel for a living do everyday.  Because we do travel, some things get put to the back burner and so we try and take care of them during times like this.

We are experiencing a little bit of a conflict of feelings with Mr. Shurley’s (Patty’s dad) oncologist appointment results today.  He has been experiencing a good bit of leg pain, as he describes it.  The local practitioner, who has not spent the quality time with him as we would like, has dismissed it as neuropothy.  Nerve pain.  And that’s it.  We’ve encouraged him to speak to home health about this and still it’s been dismissed.  Well, his “every other week” treatment of chemo came up this time his treatment nurse asked him basic questions.  He told her about the pain in his legs that wakes him during the night and she said that was a direct result of this particular chemo med, so they are suspending the treatments for another 2 weeks where, by that time, the oncologist can look over everything and make a treatment decision.

The conflict?  We are excited to know of the possibility that he can sleep through the night and have a day with little pain.  Or that this is even the cause and not something more serious like actual nerve problems.  On the other side, the 2 previous times that treatments have ceased, the lymphoma raised its ugly head.  Conundrum.  Please join us in this prayer, will you?

Thanks for checking in.  Lots to rejoice in!
John

Here it is…the first day of 2013.  January…….Ahhhhh, the winter solstice.  Only not here.  Not in south Alabama!  I took a walk this morning in sunny and 65 degree weather.  It’s beautiful for sure and the bug population love it!  We are scheduled for some clouds and a bit of rain later this week that is supposed to bring cooler temps but this is weird!

Although we are home, we are in touch with our parents everyday, of course.  Both my mom and Patty’s dad are down a bit right now.  The health issues seemed to have leveled off for the time being and we are so grateful to the Lord for that.  Patty’s dad has lost 2 Sunday School class members to death the past 3 weeks.  You know, when you are on up there in years and have been battling the issues like he has, seeing these men, these friends, go on to be with the Lord, is a bit harder than normal.  Mom, experiencing another in the series of “first” since dad’s passing is having a little harder time with the New Years celebration.  The poor weather they are experiencing is not helping either.  They have heavy rain and colder temps.  Not exactly weather to celebrate.  I’ve talked with her today and she is going to play everything by ear, she says, as to whether she tries to get out to run any errands.

I enjoyed leading worship in my home church this past Sunday.  Beginning tomorrow, January 2nd, I will begin preparations for the upcoming year of ministry.  The schedule is pretty thin right now but we have exactly what God wants us to have on our calendar and we are thankful.  Pray for His will and way in this evangelistic ministry in 2013.

Blessings,
John