the wiles of the devil

Pastor's sermon Sunday morning reminded me of a song that has taken a new level of meaning in my life. I don't think people realize just how easy it is for Satan to get his foot in the door of your life. I know that preachers frequently warn of it but until it happens to you, you tend to think "ahhh but I won't let that happen to ME!" Satan rarely comes at you straight off with something you would never do. It's a gradual descent, little by little, so subtle you may not notice. That's why it's critical to be sure your foundation is on CHRIST alone, not on works, not on standards or any thing else--because everything else can crumble beneath you as Satan chisels away at your so-called "standards" bit by bit.

"Slow Fade"

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

Good news & bad news -- Pappaw update

Donard had tests on Monday and saw the oncologist for a report on Tuesday. We never give up hope for a good report, but the doctor was not surprised that there were more new spots in both lungs, and the original ones had grown larger in the period without chemo since last November. Also, the tissue around what remains of the rib that was removed has grown. His CEA (cancer indicator from blood work) was around 7 in November and is now 18.2, the highest ever.

It has been six weeks since surgery, and there is one drain tube remaining. The oncologist wants Donard to call when the last tube is removed and he is feeling better in order to schedule a new round of chemo, probably a repeat of a formula he had last fall. While the oncology report was not good, Donard's ability to be awake during the day is improving, and he is feeling better overall. We are grateful there are still absolutely no symptoms from the lung tumors, and as unbelievable as it sounds, pain from surgery has never been a major issue. Weaning off all the pain medication he has been on since December, however, is a very slow process. Physical therapy is planned to begin next week. When Donard is strong enough to return to work, the surgeon wanted him to begin with half-days at first, but Mustang does not want him to return until he can work full time. That may be another couple weeks.

Your prayers, cards, calls, visits, and e-mails have been a continual source of encouragement to all of us. Thank you so much for being an important part of the recovery process, and we are very grateful for your continued prayers.

Gratefully,
Rose Ann

For everyone set up to receive my posts jerry-rigged into their emails if you actually click through to the site there is a video embedded in this post. :-)

Joel-isms

*The kids are all in the livingroom playing Warhawk.*
Joel: "Don't kill me! I don't want to die!"
Me: "Baby that's the point of the game. If you don't want to get killed don't play the game."
Joel: "I don't want to be the point of the game!"


*Joel is messing with the laptop Mom was working on but left for a minute unattended*
Me: "Stop messing with Mom's work."
Joel: "Why mom's working?"
Me: *mumbles something I don't remember what*
Joel: "Buys the food and water and soda?"
Me: "Yup buys the food and water and soda."
Joel: "I like soda."

Clearplay trouble

I've done a bit of Googling and checking on Clearplay's site but haven't found anything that really addresses my problem. When watching a movie it randomly glitches and the video goes black for various amounts of time (from a split second to ten or more seconds). I thought at first there were scratches on the disc but have determined this is not the problem as it did that with a brand new movie that we opened and put straight in. The sound is never interrupted so I thought perhaps it was the cables we were using but those are also brand new. I intend to eventually give customer service a call but thought I would put this out in case anyone else has had this trouble. It has really made such a problem we avoid watching things on it (if we think we can get away with it at all we use the PS3).

Almost four weeks after surgery, Donard has done well according to the doctors, but some areas are yet to improve. He is not gaining strength, sleeps most of the time, and his back and legs tire in just minutes. Blood pressure extremes continue to be an issue, as well. Little to no pain is the good news, and he was able to eliminate the morphine about two weeks after surgery. Since slowly reducing and eliminating the steroid, we are hoping the swelling in his face and neck will subside. One drain tube was removed last Tuesday, leaving only two in place, and the collection bottles were reduced in size, which has made everything simpler. We are grateful for many demonstrations of love that have encouraged us through recent weeks and for prayers that continue to strengthen and sustain us.

You're Not Alone

I search for love
When the night came and it closed in
I was alone
but you found me where I was hiding
and now I'll never ever be the same
It was the sweetest voice that called my name
saying

You're not alone
for I am here
let me wipe away your every fear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest night
and I'm the one who's loved you all your life
All of your life

You cry yourself to sleep
cause the hurt is real
and the pain cuts deep
All hope seems lost
With heartache your closest friend
and everyone else long gone

You've had to face the music on your own
but there is a sweeter song that calls you home
saying

You're not alone
for I am here
let me wipe away your every tear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest nights
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life
All your life

Faithful and true... Forever
For my love will carry you....

You're not alone
for I... I am here
let me wipe away every fear... Oh yeah
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through your darkest night
Your darkest night
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life
All of your life