Update August 15 “A Time for every matter under heaven”

I am sorry for the lack of updates on my blog.  The last two weeks have been a bit difficult for me.  This last chemo and the end of radiation really hit me hard.  I have been nauseated and vomited almost every day since completing my treatments.  I had a visit with the Doctor today and he says that the next two weeks should bring a bit of improvement.

Please pray for the pain in my throat to go away.  The burn in that area creates a lot of phlegm and as that collects in the throat area it causes me to gag and I begin to get sick to my stomach.  I am constantly coughing up phlegm and would encourage any of you to invest in Kleenex products as I am going through boxes of tissue on a daily basis.

I cannot express my gratitude for all of the prayers and all of the cards I have received over the past months.  I know there are hundreds if not thousands of people praying for Janette and me.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

3 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

²    a time to be born, and a time to die;

       a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

³    a time to kill, and a time to heal;

       a time to break down, and a time to build up;

⁴    a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

       a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

⁵    a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

       a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

⁶    a time to seek, and a time to lose;

       a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

⁷    a time to tear, and a time to sew;

       a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

⁸    a time to love, and a time to hate;

       a time for war, and a time for peace. ^[1]

I know that I am going through a season in my life.  My Doctor and I talked about how God still has a purpose for me and that there is much that God wants me to accomplish.  I am grateful for a Doctor that is unashamed of his faith.

We are born on purpose and God has purpose for all of us.  I celebrate the life of Roy Savage today.  He has entered into the promise of eternity.  That is our ultimate destination, but while on this Earth, Roy fulfilled his God-called purpose. He was such a great friend and mentor for me. I will miss him but I know that he is in the wonderful presence of God.

Today I broke down in the Doctors office as we talked about Roy. The Doctor also knew him and was touched by his humble spirit.   The Doctor was so encouraging to me and we would end our discussion talking about the joy of serving our Lord even through our mourning.

There has been a time to kill the cancer cells in my throat and now it is a time for healing.

Indeed, there is a time for everything.  I do not understand why I have been going through this season, but I am.  The healing is not as quick as I would like for it to happen.  But in the end, I know that God is sovereign and that He is in control and He has a divine purpose for my life.  Time will help me to discern what God would have me to learn.  For there is a “time for every matter under heaven.”

^[1]The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ec 3:1–8). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.