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Special Thanks to You
Isn't it amazing that people take time out of their days to pray for you? For others? What a selfless act to go to God and inquire on behalf of another. I was talking with a friend of mine at work today...someone I don't often see, but with whom I share an understanding of life via Christianity, so she asked how Jeseca's doing. I shared how the doctors have told us (essentially) that there is no cure, and that Jes is having to deal with pain off and on. She said she was praying for us, and that God is in the business of miracles. How amazing. God places people in our lives to encourage us, to lift us up, and to help us in times of trouble. If you are one of those people for us, Thank You from the bottom of our hearts. You are extraordinary, and we pray that God will bless you many times over for your faithfulness. And Laurel, know that you brightened my day. Thank you, thank you, thank you. JG Labels: Jeseca's Fight Against Cancer
Now vs. Then
We made it. I don't think we've stayed at a more luxurious hotel than The Venetian. Oddly, one of the weirder moments of my life took place today. I'll upload a picture later and you'll see what I mean. Dat and Tran are along, too. Poor guys...they got hit with an outrageous dinner bill ($100+ for two entrees, a soda and milk). Funny how things work out like that. We stayed pretty conservative with a small order of sushi and sashimi and still spent $50. Good food though. I've got to say that it's so different to come here as a believer in Christ. Where I once had a blast spending a ton of money gambling, drinking more than I care to recall, and basically making the ordinary fool look wise, I now see just how damaging this town can be. To anyone. It doesn't matter who you are, Vegas has nothing to offer but ruin. Thankfully we're here as the result of the good people who support me at work. I just hope I can learn something worthwhile for them! As for Jeseca, she's still in pain. I don't know how or when that will go away aside from God taking action. Maybe I shouldn't know. Sometimes I wonder if it has something to do with me. Am I praying enough? Am I walking with the Lord enough? Being honest with yourself can be tough. I also recognize that the enemy of my soul wants me to believe it has everything to do with my inability to walk and talk with God continually. What a battle this walk is. Thank God for His grace. Just watching her inspires me to be a better man and a better Christian. She is so courageous, for her trust is firmly planted in Christ. She's amazing, and I am honored to be her husband. One thing is certain: God has an awfully large plan for her life; she's only halfway there, and the best is obviously yet to come. JG
Off to Vegas
This week I will be attending a conference to learn about Adobe's new software suites. The conference will be held at The Venetian in Las Vegas and should be great. I'm taking Jes along to give her a break from the kids and all of the other responsibilities. Funny that we are going to the city that never sleeps for rest. I know the time will be good for her to recuperate. Ricky Page was the guest speaker today at The Rock. He was great. He relayed a statement his friend made after losing his wife to cancer. Ricky asked him if he was mad at God for losing such a beautiful person. His response: "No way! She's in Heaven now with the Lord's arms wrapped around her...in no pain, and rejoicing! How could I be mad at God for that?" Awesome. What love for his wife. Thanks for opening my eyes even more, God. JG
Fragile, but still going strong
 I realize more each day just how fragile Jeseca is, and how amazing it is that she is still alive. I am also witness to the awesome power of God and His flawless love for us. I have spent the past 48 hours wondering if Jeseca was nearing the end. Last night was the worst night we've had, with Jeseca lying in agony on her back and sides, and literally not breathing for short amounts of time. We spent eight hours today at the doctor's office/emergency room trying to find out why she is in so much pain. The tumors in her liver are causing inflammation to the outer wall of the liver; cramping her right diaphragm, and causing shortness of breath and sharp, stabbing pain with every inhalation. Thankfully, our oncologist prescribed an anti-inflammatory/pain killer that we believe will help her get some sleep. Here's what's amazing about God, though. Cancer covers nearly 75% of her liver, yet today's blood results showed her liver is functioning perfectly. How can you explain that other than God's hand is upon her, sustaining her, holding her tightly in His right hand and preparing her for another day? You can't. There is no other explanation. God is simply great. He's awesome. Cool. Wonderful. Fantastic, trustworthy and wholeheartedly in love with my wife. And He will keep His promise. God is "the bomb." JG Labels: Jeseca's Fight Against Cancer
Never stop asking
Miles talked about a number of things in today's quiz about the book of Numbers, but he reminded us of when Jacob wrestled with the Angel of the Lord (Christ), and how he wouldn't let go until He blessed him. Each night I pray for and with Jeseca, thanking Almighty God for keeping His promise to sustain her on her sickbed, and asking that He complete it by restoring her from her bed of illness. ( Psalm 41:3) Can I be sure that God will do it? Based on the fact that He is always truthful, I am so glad to say that I can. So just like Jacob, we will not let go of the Creator of the universe until His promise comes to pass. Looking forward to better days for my wonderful wife... JG Labels: Jeseca's Fight Against Cancer
Ahhh the weekend
After a week of press about the Airport Authority's mailer, some work on other projects, building our Isagenix team web site and having a sleepover with three additional boys in the house, I am so glad to see the weekend's here. Jes and I did get a mid-week break, though, and played the redesigned and newly re-opened Sail Ho Golf Course. Not bad for what I think will be a great course for shoring up my short iron game. In the end, I got to spend another day with Jeseca, and for that, I am grateful. One day at a time... I read Numbers 13 again a couple of days ago...about the 12 spies. We all know the story, but what really got me was how Caleb silenced the others and told Moses and the Israelites that they could go in and take the land. The others had just described it, how there were giants in the land, and yet Caleb knew that they could take it because he knew God...he knew the nature of God personally. He was confident and without doubt. I want to be like that. God asks us to put that kind of trust in Him so we can go beyond what we know and believe and into the Promised Land He has for our lives. But we will never find out what's on the other side until we completely sell out to Him and allow Him to take us beyond our own levels of comfort. God is calling to our hearts to strive for more, to reach for more than what we can do on our own. I want to try. Labels: Jeseca's Fight Against Cancer
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© 2006-2008 Jon Graves. All rights reserved. |
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