Pastor's Blog

Our daughter, Daphne, went for her weekly lab work today.  Last Friday, her count was at 125 having fallen 106 points.  That was good.  We knew that God was in control.  Today, her count has once again increased.  That is not good.  We know that God is still in control.

So, Daphne is now facing surgery (9/22 tentative date) and a totally different type of chemotherapy regiment.  Her doctor says that her body must be resistant to the type chemo she has been receiving.  Thus the move to a stronger treatment.

I said when we started on this journey that I do not like being on this side of the fence.  I can only imagine how Daphne feels.  She has previously worked as a RN (she is a NP) in an oncology center.  I am told that she was good at it too.  Two folks who have told me that are Amy Huhn and Rick Sharpe, owner of Rick’s Sporting Goods in Mobile.  Daphne was one of Amy’s mother’s nurses and Rick’s wife’s nurse too.  Rick’s wife passed from this life several years ago but he still speaks glowingly of the care Daphne gave to his wife.  Amy has spoken very kind things about Daphne as well.   Amy’s mother continues in her battle against cancer.

While Daphne does not have a malignancy (folks, I know it is confusing), she is now facing some of the very same issues that  the folks she “nursed” have faced.  Hopefully, that will help her in this battle to get her number to zero.  I feel certain it will help her in the years ahead as a NP.

So, we simply ask for your continued prayer support.  Daphne needs it.  Her dad needs it!  Thank you!

P.S. – Deidra is scheduled to give birth on 9/29.  I have asked them to coordinate the birth and the surgery so they will happen on the same day.  Easier on me!  LOL!

P.S.S. – What type surgery you ask?  You never ask a woman that question!

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 10:1-11:16 2 Corinthians 12;11-21 Psalm 56:1-13 Proverbs 23:6-8

The tests that were scheduled for Caryn yesterday did not take place because some of her levels were not at the correct point.  The plan is to do those tests today.  The pain medications seemed to be helping manage the pain yesterday.  Keep praying as the doctors try to pinpoint the origin of this malignancy.

I want to give props to Claire Turner who is a nurse at the hospital where “C” is a patient.  Claire and her husband, Phillip, are faithful members i.e. Sunday mornings & evenings, Wednesdays of the Friendship family.  Claire has not been “C’s” nurse but I have observed her people skills while she has been on the job.  Claire has compassion for the patients.  She gives excellent care because she cares.  It blesses me to see a member of the Friendship family being like Christ as they go about their job!  Good job, Claire!  (She gave me $50 to write about her – you think I have written enough to warrant that amount?)

They will have a memorial service for Brenda Timberlake and Lisa Thompson’s maternal Aunt, Martha Crumpton, in Alabaster today.  Pray for them as they travel and attend the service.

Eula Mae Blackmon’s sister-in-law was taken to the hospital by ambulance yesterday morning.  The situation was dire whenever I spoke to Eula Mae via the phone yesterday afternoon.  Pray.

Mike & Dottie Clark will be our guests this Sunday morning for both services.  Mike will be preaching.  I have always enjoyed sitting under his preaching.  I encourage the members of the Friendship family to attend these services.  I will be preaching in the evening service.

It is a little after 6:00AM and Lisa is upset with me as I was supposed to have the groceries here before daylight.  Decided to hit the mower early and do Walmart either later today or tomorrow.  She is not happy with my decision!

The Bible speaks of the trials and tribulations that we all will face in this life.  Tomorrow looks to be a “t&t” day for me – LOL!  Details coming!

I pray that you will have a great Friday with Jesus.