Monthly Archives

July 2015

Journey

Overwhelming

Posted on July 30, 2015

For the most part, today was a good day. I spent some time with a friend out on the waters fishing. It was good to get out and try and get my mind off of things. We talked about many different topics and sometimes we didn’t talk at all. It was good just being in the moment. I catch myself drifting at times. Thinking about the possibilities of the next few steps and then thinking that this is all still a dream. I don’t think it has truly set in yet. I think when I meet with my doctor and we talk about the plan of action it will become more real.

Later in the day my mind started to think about how amazing it has been to receive countless texts, Facebook messages and phone calls. It is overwhelming to say the least. I know our family is being cared for through all the encouragement we have received.. I spoke with a friend last night who is battling brain cancer. It was great talking with him and at the end of our conversation we prayed for one another. It was a special moment. He prayed with such honesty and sincerity. It was a real encouragement to have him pray for me and I hope in some small way I was able to encourage him.

I just want to say thank you to everyone who has gone out of their way to send me or Jamie a note of encouragement. It may not seem much to you, but to us it is huge. So THANK YOU! Your words have power! They are a source of encouragement and strength in this season of life. So please know you are making a difference in our lives. Remember, no matter what He is still good!

Sean

Journey

Waiting Can Be Hard

Posted on July 29, 2015

How many of you struggle with waiting? I know I do. Here are some fascinating facts about how we spend the days of our lives.

99,117 hours: spent at work.
136 days: women spend getting ready
23,214 hours: spent washing clothes.
115 days: spent laughing.
653 hours: spent waiting for trains
6 months: how long we end up waiting in line.
20 weeks: spent being on hold.
11 years: spent sitting in front of the television.

Crazy! Now don’t ask me how someone came up with these numbers, the reality is everyone has to wait. Right now I am still waiting on getting my MRI results back. It has been somewhat difficult. You allow yourself to think negatively and then you snap out of it only to find yourself thinking the worse again. Ultimately, I know it will all work out, but waiting can be hard. Today I got my cancer clinic appointment, but again, I have to wait. The appointment is set for August 23. Next week I have my CT scan and hopefully that will be it until I see my doctor. One of the issues we face when it comes to waiting is our attitudes. When I am in the line up at the grocery store or at the traffic light my attitude isn’t always the greatest. When I am waiting for answers I can have the propensity of having an impatient attitude. I want all that to change. I want to become more level headed when it comes to things. I want to have a big picture attitude. Knowing that no matter how long I have to wait, everything is going to work out. As I write this post a Bible passage comes to mind…

2 Corinthians 4:17(NLT)

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!


Journey

Don’t Let It Define You

Posted on July 29, 2015

Labels lie! Yet for many of us we believe them. There is power in our words. Some of us wear the labels like a badge of honor and others find their identity in them. It’s not healthy or right. Some labels we put on ourselves and others are given to us by others. I will not allow this cancer to define me. Everyday I will make a conscience decision to remind myself who I am and who I belong to. I am sure some days will be good and others will be difficult, but I know there is a bigger picture. I don’t know what that bigger picture looks like but at least I know the One who does. I trust Him because He is good.

Journey

I Kissed The Burger Good Bye

Posted on July 28, 2015

One of my most favourite burgers of all time is the White Spot Bacon Cheddar Burger. It is so messy and delicious. It isn’t a burger I eat on a weekly or even monthly basis but it is one of my favs. When I found out about my cancer, I knew I needed to make some serious lifestyle changes. My eating habits especially. Well, the other night I decided to get the Bacon Cheddar Burger one last time. It was good, but not memorable. I need help with discipline. Food is a weakness for me but I know I need to make serious changes to do my part in fighting this. One of the changes I have made is listening to my wife more. Jamie has introduced a lot of ‘juices’ into my diet. Some I have enjoyed and others that are just putrid! Oh well, this is just one of the many changes I will be making in the days ahead to improve my overall health.

What lifestyle changes do you need to make?

Always remember – no matter what, He is still good!

Journey

MRI

Posted on July 27, 2015

I had my MRI today. It was the first one of my life. I was a little nervous at first as I didn’t know what to expect. The big round tube they stick you in isn’t that big and during the MRI it is quite loud. It took about 30 minutes and now I have to wait for the results. A MRI ( Magnetic Resonance Imaging )is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. My doctor ordered one to see if the tumor in my colon has spread or if it is isolated. I feel God’s peace and favor through this journey especially because I am told my MRI happened quite quickly.

My family and I feel very supported at this time. Many people have called, texted, or have sent encouraging messages which mean a lot to us. We continue to pray for healing and that whatever happens during this journey, God would be glorified. I was thinking yesterday about the past few months I had been preaching at church about how those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ have been bought. The life you now lead is not your own, you have been purchased by Christ. It encouraged me to think about that and remind myself and God that I have been bought. He owns me. It makes me feel a lot better knowing He is in control rather than me. No matter what happens, He is still good!

For those who are wondering, the cancer I have been diagnosed with is colon cancer. FYI. Thanks for all your comments, prayers and words of encouragement. It means a lot!

Sean