Monday, February 15, 2010
Compared with my first treatment cycle, I’m sleeping better this time around but am more queasy and still getting around slowly.
By the mercies of God, present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12 :1
In my religious congregation, it’s customary to start out each morning with an act of oblation – an offering of our day and life to God to cooperate in the work God wants to accomplish through us.
Carpe diem is the Latin phrase meaning – “Seize the day”.
I normally approach a day wanting to squeeze so much out of it. These days I just want to pass the day, get it over with and get closer to a time I feel energetic and whole. But, we can only offer God who we are and what we have in the moment.
God takes me just as I am, and being able to only give a little each day, is a humbling reminder of the need to turn things over to God, who’s really the one in charge. When I accept that, there are still many things I can do to love God and serve others, no matter how I feel.
I went to the office for a couple of hours in the morning, mostly to read mail and reply to lots of messages.
After lunch, I managed another visit up to the business office for afternoon break and just to check up on folks. Becky from accounting approached me from behind and didn’t recognize me at first – the sides of my head now almost match my slick top! We joked as I “reintroduced” myself.
The snowboarders on the Olympics may have more height on their jumps and more style points, but they don’t have more fun than our kids who took advantage of the snow and scrambled up and down the hills leading down to the football field. It would be nice for them to dream big, like earning a gold medal.
For now, it’s most important that they exercise and enjoy those moments of laughter and camaraderie.
Their laughter sure enriches my life.
Glad to see you have another treatment cycle behind you and hope you get stronger each day. Mike and I celebrated our 25th anniversary yesterday so we have reached a milestone. God has been with us throughout and it has helped. You were a contributor to our success so we thank you for that.
Take care of yourself and God Bless
So glad you are “resting”. Arrive home last night. It was a 11 hour ride -instead of only 8! The snow was bad all the way home.You know how they show the Pope kneeling and kissing the ground when he lands ina different country? Well, that’s how I felt last night when I arrived safely home!!
Stay warm and dry – and safe, and be assured on my prayer!
Hi Father Steve
I love your positive attitude and approach to God and Life. Yes, The Gold Metal would be quiet and accomplishment for the kids. I’m sure they would love it. We had fresh snow here in Pa. again. I don’t remember when I shoveled so much snow in a winter. good exercise i suppose. He that is faithful over little is faithful over much. We can only do so much at certain times. Keep up the good spirits and we are right there with you. Have a great day. keep Smiling–The Clappers!!!!
Father Steve,
Your words are an inspiration to me and the financial difficulties present in my life. Through you, God’s reach is far and much appreciated. Joy, strength, and peace to you through our Lord, Jesus! Cyndi
Thank you for sharing so much..Most people forget that sharing means a lt..Human experiences are here, I think..to share….Yet so many people will not share their illness..worries..grief..but it is all so important.We are not perfect..but I think that when we sharte the lesser happenings..we give something very important to the world. I will share this..: I am in many ways very alone…and I often very lonely.. It’s rare that anyone shares anything with me.., especially their life situation.I miss that.Most people only share their perfection..So thank you, Father Steve..for acknowledging your greatness..in such a loving way..and the perfection of God through you. Know that you are always in our hearts..and we pray often for you . Mia Archer
Dear Fr. Steve,
I just sent my belated Christmas gift and wanted to comment on your recent email to me about your illness. I will pray for you tonight, though I am a non-practicing Catholic. I still keep my Roman-Catholic relationship with God through daily/evening prayers. It is sometimes difficult to accept God’s will…. If anyone can, YOU can. I am SURE you will recover!!
With kindest regards, Bob Mayer
Dear Fr. Steve, We were sorry to hear about your health problem. We just wanted you to know that our prayers will be with you. Thank you for letting everyone know, you are a very good man and God will watch over you always. God Bless You Angeline & Kenny Dunford
JESUS MARY JOSEPH
MARY MY MOTHER 17 Feb 2010
Dear Fr Steve —
Ash Wednesday this morning. Boy! did he get me good on the forehead! (I’m kidding..I like it..it’ll stay there all day.)
You will continue in my prayers for healing from Our Healer (Our Savior) and his mother Mary.
Here’s a smile for you > If you think you alone cannot achieve great things, you’ve never been in bed with a mosquito.
Love in Jesus Christ .. John (& Kathleen)
Dear Father Steve, Got your note, Wish I had known sooner. I do pray for you every night I hope you get this message, I am not very good at finding thing on the computer.Will have to follow you more closely. How do you have the strengh
to write your blog. Know what you are going through, my brother had coloc cancer. He got through it and so will you. We may be going past your way in September We may just stop in. I guess your trips to the different cities is on hold for awile. God bless you keep up the good spirits and we will be praying for you
Dear Father Steve,
Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts. Isn’t it amazing how brave and steady we can be all because of God working through us. We really are never handed anything we can’t handle. God bless you. You’re doing beautifully! 🙂
Father Steve,
I want you to know I hold you in my heart with prayers for great blessing – for healing, hope, faith, strength, humility, patience and endurance. Today (2/17) I received your letter with news of your cancer diagnosis. My heart goes out to you, as I feel some of that “scary” feeling you acknowledged. May God reward your great love and faithful service with blessings and healing.
I am deeply touched by your entry for 2/15 – the apt quote from Romans, your own statement that we can only offer God who we are and what we have in the moment but He takes me as I am, and curtailed activity being a humbling reminder of God’s sovereignty and Providence.
Blessings and peace to you, Fr. Steve
Appreciated the letter advising of your cancer. You will be in my prayers. I have several family members who have fought the fight against cancer and won, so take heart. Chemo is very difficult, but a happy disposition, resting on the God of our creation is a great source of strength. Knowing that God loves you, cares about your sufferings and wants to use you through this experience to shine His love upon the children and others is what matters. May the peace that passes understanding be yours during this time.