From time to time, the words of Jesus as He taught people to pray come to mind as I am praying.
Each line is a beautiful example and demonstration of faith. As trials of life come in varying degrees of heat and intensity, the pattern Jesus set for effective prayer has been and continues to be of great value in helping me learn to:
1. Acknowledge God in His station high above my own where He is able to see everything especially what I can't see.
"Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name."
2. Remember that God wants what's best for me. And if I could see what He sees, I'd want what He wants for me too. By aligning with His will, I'm opening myself up for the best of the best solution(s) to my challenges.
"Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
3. Trust in the provident hand of the Lord to send forth manna from His heavens. I must prepare all I can in obedience to His commands. But then I must not put my trust in the fruits of my earthly labors, the arm of my flesh. All my earthly supply may be taken from me in an instant. However, the shelves in the heavenly storehouse are never bare.
"Give us this day our daily bread."
3. Shift to a framework of gratitude. My debts to Christ are infinitely greater that what anyone else might owe me. Instead of focusing on what I don't have or all the supposed wrongs others may have committed against me, I see that I am lost without Him and will gladly forgive the "mote" or small-sized claim I have against others in exchange for Christ looking past the "beam" of my own eye.
"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."
4. Put on the whole armor, ready for battle each day. The war between good and evil rages on. The way of safety is prepared if I will but pray for it and work for it.
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
5. Keep my eye single to His glory. This will help me avoid the ever-present pitfalls of pride and judgment that would otherwise blind me and ensnare me.
"For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen."
God is real. He has blessed me by His grace beyond anything of personal merit. He continues to bless and lift Talitha and our whole family. His goodness is limitless and His capacity and power to rescue and save are endless.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Tongue in cheek
"God gives little children such sweet voices so you won't say 'no' to them."
That was the classic statement of the day made by Talitha's mother.
Seems I'm always being accused of being too much of a softy with Tali.
Now I know that it's all God's doing.
He's the one that gave Tali her sweet, little, can't-say-no-to voice.
And who am I to stand in the way of God's will?
:-)
That was the classic statement of the day made by Talitha's mother.
Seems I'm always being accused of being too much of a softy with Tali.
Now I know that it's all God's doing.
He's the one that gave Tali her sweet, little, can't-say-no-to voice.
And who am I to stand in the way of God's will?
:-)
Sunday, September 5, 2010
A little bit of church
I took Talitha to church for about 10-15 minutes today. We just sat out in the foyer and listened to one song during Sacrament Meeting.
Little by little we'll need to get comfortable taking her to places with a lot of people again. Today was a little step toward that.
Except for the one week I took her to the services at the hospital, Tali hasn't been to church since December 20, 2009.
Before loading up in the stroller to walk to church, I had her lean up against the door to take her picture in her little dress. She was so excited for our little adventure.
Still no further progress with the walking. She just doesn't seem to be able to find her balance without help and doesn't like the unstable sensation.
All in good time.
Little by little we'll need to get comfortable taking her to places with a lot of people again. Today was a little step toward that.
Except for the one week I took her to the services at the hospital, Tali hasn't been to church since December 20, 2009.
Before loading up in the stroller to walk to church, I had her lean up against the door to take her picture in her little dress. She was so excited for our little adventure.
Still no further progress with the walking. She just doesn't seem to be able to find her balance without help and doesn't like the unstable sensation.
All in good time.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Retaining a remission
I've heard the word "remission" used to describe someone who is cancer free (e.g. their cancer is in remission).
In looking up the definition, I found that remission means: "the state of absence of disease activity in patients with a chronic illness, with the possibility of return of disease activity."
That definition seems to fit what we've been told. As reported this last week, the spinal tap shows an "absence of [cancer] activity" in Talitha. However, secondary cancers are always a concern once you've battled the primary cancer into remission.
I guess that's why the doctors say the cancer is in remission and then they keep doing follow-up exams for years and years to monitor and catch it quick if the disease returns.
I vote for permanent remission.
In reading the scriptures, I've found that the remission word is used to describe forgiveness of sin.
Just like physical disease can weaken and even destroy the human body, spiritual disease can weaken and destroy our spiritual bodies.
In doing a quick search of the scriptures online, I found 46 verses that use the word remission as it relates to being healed or forgiven from the adverse effects of sin. In some of those verses, the word "retain" was used (e.g. retain a remission of your sins).
So it seems to me that remaining disease-free has application both when speaking of physical challenges like cancer and also spiritual challenges like sin.
There are specific things that we are currently doing and will continue to do throughout Talitha's life to support and preserve her physical state of remission.
The scriptures are very clear regarding the things we must do to receive a remission of sins and then to retain that remission throughout our lives.
As great as our desires are for physical well being, how much greater should be the desires for spiritual well being.
When Jesus was confronted with the criticism of the scribes at the time He forgave the sins of a young man stricken with the disease called palsy, He replied with this classic question, "Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?" (Mark 2:9)
Then Jesus proceeded to heal the physical disease, having just a few moments earlier healed this same young man from the more consequential spiritual disease.
My hope and prayer is that our joy in seeing the Lord raise Talitha from her bed of affliction might be a timely reminder of the even greater, eternal joy to be found in Christ's power to raise us all from our spiritual beds of affliction.
In looking up the definition, I found that remission means: "the state of absence of disease activity in patients with a chronic illness, with the possibility of return of disease activity."
That definition seems to fit what we've been told. As reported this last week, the spinal tap shows an "absence of [cancer] activity" in Talitha. However, secondary cancers are always a concern once you've battled the primary cancer into remission.
I guess that's why the doctors say the cancer is in remission and then they keep doing follow-up exams for years and years to monitor and catch it quick if the disease returns.
I vote for permanent remission.
In reading the scriptures, I've found that the remission word is used to describe forgiveness of sin.
Just like physical disease can weaken and even destroy the human body, spiritual disease can weaken and destroy our spiritual bodies.
In doing a quick search of the scriptures online, I found 46 verses that use the word remission as it relates to being healed or forgiven from the adverse effects of sin. In some of those verses, the word "retain" was used (e.g. retain a remission of your sins).
So it seems to me that remaining disease-free has application both when speaking of physical challenges like cancer and also spiritual challenges like sin.
There are specific things that we are currently doing and will continue to do throughout Talitha's life to support and preserve her physical state of remission.
The scriptures are very clear regarding the things we must do to receive a remission of sins and then to retain that remission throughout our lives.
As great as our desires are for physical well being, how much greater should be the desires for spiritual well being.
When Jesus was confronted with the criticism of the scribes at the time He forgave the sins of a young man stricken with the disease called palsy, He replied with this classic question, "Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?" (Mark 2:9)
Then Jesus proceeded to heal the physical disease, having just a few moments earlier healed this same young man from the more consequential spiritual disease.
My hope and prayer is that our joy in seeing the Lord raise Talitha from her bed of affliction might be a timely reminder of the even greater, eternal joy to be found in Christ's power to raise us all from our spiritual beds of affliction.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Missing sisters
Talitha has been doing pretty good being at home with her mom while Afton and Madeline have been at school. Her sister Malorie hasn't started college yet so she's been around a lot to keep her company.
But today, Malorie drove to Cedar City with Afton and Madeline to spend the night with Elisa who's down at SUU.
Tali was so sad when they left. She's pretty tight with her sisters.
So, this evening, she got to spend some time with her brother, Trevor. They had a good time together while the parents slipped out for a few minutes to regroup and pretend like it was date night.
Everyone seemed to survive just fine.
But today, Malorie drove to Cedar City with Afton and Madeline to spend the night with Elisa who's down at SUU.
Tali was so sad when they left. She's pretty tight with her sisters.
So, this evening, she got to spend some time with her brother, Trevor. They had a good time together while the parents slipped out for a few minutes to regroup and pretend like it was date night.
Everyone seemed to survive just fine.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Tali looks healthy
As Audrey takes Talitha on walks in the stroller, there have been several neighbors and friends who have commented that Tali looks good and healthy. We appreciate the encouragement as we begin looking at what "regular" life with Talitha might be like.
I hope it won't be too many more weeks before Talitha can be at church with us and in other more crowed public places.
She is looking really good.
Her hair has almost covered the scars on the back of her head and her color looks very good. Her eyes aren't as droopy now and other than a runny nose, she doesn't look like she's sick anymore.
She seems to have good energy. Other than her left leg that still has some stiffness that makes it hard for her to balance and walk, she appears to be physically normal.
We'll just keep taking it one day at a time.
Patience...
I hope it won't be too many more weeks before Talitha can be at church with us and in other more crowed public places.
She is looking really good.
Her hair has almost covered the scars on the back of her head and her color looks very good. Her eyes aren't as droopy now and other than a runny nose, she doesn't look like she's sick anymore.
She seems to have good energy. Other than her left leg that still has some stiffness that makes it hard for her to balance and walk, she appears to be physically normal.
We'll just keep taking it one day at a time.
Patience...
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Rebirth and the 100 day mark
Our friend sent a very enthusiastic happy-birthday email to us for Talitha. In the message she said, "It is a rebirth and such a miracle. I am grateful to God for his mercy."
I love that.
Today marks the important 100-day point since Tali's third and final BMT birthday.
On May 24th I wrote:
"We had quite a celebration at the hospital this morning as doctors, nurses, techs, administrators, and various other hospital staff packed into Talitha's room to sing "Happy Bone-Marrow-Transplant Birthday to You". The singing was awful as advertised and exhilarating. Her last transplant!"
It seems like yesterday and forever ago.
The high-dose chemo had completely eliminated her bone marrow over the weekend and the infusion of her "transplanted" cells marked the beginning of a new life as the new bone marrow engrafted over the ensuing 11 days.
Tali will have another MRI on the 10th of September. Then we'll meet with the BMT doctors on the 15th for a final debrief before being passed back to Oncology for the official start of the long-term monitoring phase of this journey.
In light our experiences with Talitha, I've pondered the scriptures that talk about rebirth or being born again.
The Bible describes a brief, but important meeting between the Savior and Nicodemus:
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
"Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
"That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
"Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." (John 3:3-7)
There's something very sacred about following Christ and taking upon us His name and becoming His children.
"And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.
"And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.
"And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found at the right hand of God, for he shall know the name by which he is called; for he shall be called by the name of Christ." (Mosiah 5:7-9)
I'm grateful that Talitha has been granted a fresh start, a new birth, a new lease on life.
One day just a few short years from now, Tali will have a chance for yet another rebirth. Just like Nicodemus, she will get to choose to enter the waters of baptism and formally take upon herself the name of Christ. At that sacred time the symbolism of birth will be evident as so beautifully stated in Moses 6:59:
"...inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory."
I'm grateful for the words of eternal life that sustain us during this mortal sojourn. I'm grateful for the hope I have that has been made possible by Christ. I've come to know for myself that being born of Him is worth it even when the trials of faith at times seem heavy to bear.
The good news and foundation of His gospel can be simply stated: those that are born of Him are also saved by Him.
I love that.
Today marks the important 100-day point since Tali's third and final BMT birthday.
On May 24th I wrote:
"We had quite a celebration at the hospital this morning as doctors, nurses, techs, administrators, and various other hospital staff packed into Talitha's room to sing "Happy Bone-Marrow-Transplant Birthday to You". The singing was awful as advertised and exhilarating. Her last transplant!"
It seems like yesterday and forever ago.
The high-dose chemo had completely eliminated her bone marrow over the weekend and the infusion of her "transplanted" cells marked the beginning of a new life as the new bone marrow engrafted over the ensuing 11 days.
Tali will have another MRI on the 10th of September. Then we'll meet with the BMT doctors on the 15th for a final debrief before being passed back to Oncology for the official start of the long-term monitoring phase of this journey.
In light our experiences with Talitha, I've pondered the scriptures that talk about rebirth or being born again.
The Bible describes a brief, but important meeting between the Savior and Nicodemus:
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
"Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
"That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
"Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." (John 3:3-7)
There's something very sacred about following Christ and taking upon us His name and becoming His children.
"And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.
"And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.
"And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found at the right hand of God, for he shall know the name by which he is called; for he shall be called by the name of Christ." (Mosiah 5:7-9)
I'm grateful that Talitha has been granted a fresh start, a new birth, a new lease on life.
One day just a few short years from now, Tali will have a chance for yet another rebirth. Just like Nicodemus, she will get to choose to enter the waters of baptism and formally take upon herself the name of Christ. At that sacred time the symbolism of birth will be evident as so beautifully stated in Moses 6:59:
"...inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory."
I'm grateful for the words of eternal life that sustain us during this mortal sojourn. I'm grateful for the hope I have that has been made possible by Christ. I've come to know for myself that being born of Him is worth it even when the trials of faith at times seem heavy to bear.
The good news and foundation of His gospel can be simply stated: those that are born of Him are also saved by Him.
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