A grandfather, father, husband, man, child of God who is following Christ Jesus and working out his salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in me, both to will and to work for His good pleasure Philippians 2:12-13)
In August 2011, in the midst of a colectomy surgery it was discovered and later confirmed that I had Stage IV metastatic colon cancer. The colectomy surgery instead became a colostomy surgery, which now means the colostomy bag is a part of my everyday life … with the emphasis on life. God has given us a peace beyond understanding as my wife and I enter into this new stage of our life together. On September 26 I went through my first chemotherapy treatment.
As a result, the subject matter and tone of this blog has changed a bit from its inception just a short time ago. In writing, I am often wrestling with my own personal struggles and beliefs and in the midst God leads me to a lesson He wants me to learn … or sometimes He simply touches me in the revelation of Himself. My hope is that the result you see here might touch your heart and glorify God.
And let me be clear … I am not the only one with something to say. Please join in the conversation sharing your faith, your cancer experiences, etc. I would love to hear from you.
Bernie
I nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award
Thanks for the nomination Dawn!
I prayed for you this morning brother. I pray that His peace that surpasses understanding, His power that holds the universe in place, and His grace that is all-sufficient rest upon you and in you today IN Christ Jesus our Sovereign.
Thanks for the prayers Richard – greatly needed and greatly appreciated!
Just discovered your blog when doing some research on an obscure 19th century preacher..
Way back in 2011, you told a story about a meeting between Archbishop Usher and Samuel Rutherford. Much of the text was almost the same as that used by “my” preacher in a magazine he published in 1832. It would be very helpful to me if you could please tell me where you obtained your version of the story, so that I could compare the two.
May the Risen Jesus be with you as you continue your journey through all your health problems.
Mike Brian
Liverpool, UK
Hi Mike,
I got my account of this story from the little book, ‘The Loveliness of Christ’ with highlights of the letters of Samuel Rutherford that were selected by Ellen S, Lister It was published by the Banner of Truth Trust in 2007. The ISBN-13 is 978 0 85151 956 2. .
Apparently this book was initially published in 1909 by Samuel Bagster & Sons so the book I have is really a reprint of sorts.
Ellen Lister wrote the introduction in 1909 and it is within that introduction that the account of the first meeting between Archbishop Usher and Samuel Rutherford is written – and that I used.
Hope this helps Mike!
God bless you brother!
Bernie