Morning everyone. Yesterday was my normal day for chemo, however it was anything but normal. You see, while Barb was busy working all those years with "Fearful Flyers" she ran into a person who lived in Mexico City and was a fearful flyer.
His precious mother was dying of cancer and he desperately needed to get on a plane to Houston, Texas to be by her side. Obviously, Barb is pretty good at talking people through their fears and she managed to (via cell phone) walk this man through the fear he had of flying and he was able to get on the plane to get to his mother's bedside (that's wonderful now here's the story).
We became good friends over the years and even planned a 3-day get together in Las Vegas, Nevada and had such a wonder full time. To bring the story up-to-date, we had not seen him or her since, until today when he flew into Phoenix just to come and sit with me and Barb while I had my chemo treatment.
I thought that was very generous of him and we talked about a lot of everything and then at one point he said, "David, I do not share in this peace that you seem to have while you visit with these doctors and nurses and you are going through such terrible treatment" (Barb has kept him up to date on my treatment). What a wonderful intro into the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
So for the next 20 minutes or so, I had his undivided attention as I explained what it was that allowed for the peace in my life. We laughed together and cried together and our relationship was even more deeply renewed. However, I explained to him that "now he had a decision to make about Christ." He had always considered himself a Christian man (with a Catholic background) however he had never been confronted with his own sin and mortality until today. I explained to him that he needed to dwell on our conversation and we would come back together and gather his thoughts. Through his tears, he hugged me and was so grateful that someone would take the time to explain the "Truth of the Gospel of Christ" and he would, indeed take to heart our conversation.
So now that you are all informed, you, as Christian men and women are obligated to pray that the seeds planted in Juan's heart will "take hold" and he will start searching and understanding the truth that was shared with him.
Such a wonderful, kind and loving man, I explained that even though that may be so about him, his destiny lay between heaven and hell based on his decision about Christ. And so we will be visiting with him for a few days and you can be sure that "closure" will come to that conversation with our "Good Friend, Juan".
God Bless him and all of you as well,
Dave
(just another sleepless night so let's give God the glory)
Crazy Papa
I'll make 'um an offer
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
I Don't Know; You Tell Me
Tonight, Barb and I shared an wonderful evening with our friends who used to be our next door neighbors and we got to talking about a healing service that they attended while I was in the hospital last weekend (I was supposed to be there with them). Anyway, the doctors were checking my viral loads for the liver (for possible bone marrow transplant) and the last time they were checked they were well over the 300,000 level. Today we get a call from the doctor's office to tell us that the viral load on this current test are practically "non-existent". WHAT???
Okay, so here's the kicker (this is GREAT news of course). We find out tonight that Kim, while at the healing service brought up a photo of me to the front and the pastor laid hands on her cell phone and today we get this news.
I DON'T KNOW; YOU TELL ME. Got a feeling God is already looking for a bone marrow Donner for me. Starting to get exciting.
"For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
Any feedback?
Dave
When things look their darkest, we should always remember, we have a BIG, BIG GOD! I'm betting you guys already knew that.
Okay, so here's the kicker (this is GREAT news of course). We find out tonight that Kim, while at the healing service brought up a photo of me to the front and the pastor laid hands on her cell phone and today we get this news.
I DON'T KNOW; YOU TELL ME. Got a feeling God is already looking for a bone marrow Donner for me. Starting to get exciting.
"For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
Any feedback?
Dave
When things look their darkest, we should always remember, we have a BIG, BIG GOD! I'm betting you guys already knew that.
Monday, April 25, 2011
The Sacrifice Paid Was Too High
Today was Easter Sunday 2011. I like to refer to it as "Resurrection Sunday" simply because that says to me exactly what day and event we are celebrating. I hope that everyone enjoyed their day and I truly believe that some us "met" with our Lord today. My wife and I personally enjoy the fellowship of our entire family for church, lunch and a wonderful afternoon of fellowship with the family in our son and daughter-in-law's home.
Our Pastor shared such a "3 dimensional" picture of our Father's love that is was impossible not to see the "resurrection" in his message.
In his message he helped me to understand that even though I think I try daily (even hourly) to say or do something to present our Lord to the public "The Sacrifice Paid Was Too High" for my efforts put forth from time to time. When I dwell on that statement, it is hard not to realize how much was paid for my salvation. Over and above everything in my life, my greatest care for advancement is for the Lord Jesus Christ. I always try to bring God into every conversation day in and day out. I even have more opportunities when we go for chemo treatment. We have had several intimate Godly conversations while sharing time with these patients.
So, as we close the day on another perfect celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ my biggest concern is my thought about "The Sacrifice Paid Was Too High". Pastor used this scripture in his message: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16)
Today I realized even though I feel that most of the time I put "my best foot forward" for my Lord, "The Sacrifice Paid Was Too High" for the effort I have applied. Jesus Christ is my strength, hope and life and I want to be thought of as a "warrior for Christ" when my time is done here.
Was the sacrifice too high for your efforts? How much do you want to give to your Savior?
Happy "Resurrection Sunday"
Dave
Our Pastor shared such a "3 dimensional" picture of our Father's love that is was impossible not to see the "resurrection" in his message.
In his message he helped me to understand that even though I think I try daily (even hourly) to say or do something to present our Lord to the public "The Sacrifice Paid Was Too High" for my efforts put forth from time to time. When I dwell on that statement, it is hard not to realize how much was paid for my salvation. Over and above everything in my life, my greatest care for advancement is for the Lord Jesus Christ. I always try to bring God into every conversation day in and day out. I even have more opportunities when we go for chemo treatment. We have had several intimate Godly conversations while sharing time with these patients.
So, as we close the day on another perfect celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ my biggest concern is my thought about "The Sacrifice Paid Was Too High". Pastor used this scripture in his message: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16)
Today I realized even though I feel that most of the time I put "my best foot forward" for my Lord, "The Sacrifice Paid Was Too High" for the effort I have applied. Jesus Christ is my strength, hope and life and I want to be thought of as a "warrior for Christ" when my time is done here.
Was the sacrifice too high for your efforts? How much do you want to give to your Savior?
Happy "Resurrection Sunday"
Dave
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Light Be!
Today, I went to my regular doctor to get some suggestions on sleeping (as I am having a difficult time) and of course, his answer was more drugs and at a greater strength, so here I sit at 2:53 AM, having taken the prescribed drugs at the greater strength, but for some reason, I feel nothing more than, I suppose "Lethargic"(sp?) but cannot sleep.
Then God reminded me that I was reading through a book on one of my favorite books (Genesis) and I thought about a phrase that I read last night and wanted to share it. (Quoting) "God said, Light be, and light was. Nobody, even today, can tell us what light is. We know what light does, but not what light is. It is one of the most mysterious entities in the universe. In physics it has become the new absolute. And as such, it is at the heart of the famous equation "E=mc2" (energy equals mass multiplied by the speed of light squared) which in turn, ushered in what we know today as the "atomic age" (end quote).
God said, "Light be and light was." That says something very important to me. God's Words are not only legislative but they are very much "executive". When the President of the United States sits down to sign his name to a bill passed by the legislative branch of the Government it becomes "executive". Jesus woke from a sound sleep to "calm the seas" and it became not only legislative but executive as well. His voice saying, "Peace, be still" was not only written into law but it became an "executive" order by the creator of the universe Himself.
When we speak, are our words pondered as legal statements? When we attempt to explain to another that Jesus Christ is Lord, do we speak with the authority as though we have just written, proposed, and signed into "executive order" that Jesus Christ IS INDEED Lord and that is fact?
It reminds me of a sermon I wrote a couple of years back which I titled "My Resume" (I'll explain later). Does our "yay" mean "yay" and our "nay" mean "nay"? If not, then perhaps we could learn a valuable lesson from the first Chapter of Genesis where God said, "Light be" and light was.
Dave
Then God reminded me that I was reading through a book on one of my favorite books (Genesis) and I thought about a phrase that I read last night and wanted to share it. (Quoting) "God said, Light be, and light was. Nobody, even today, can tell us what light is. We know what light does, but not what light is. It is one of the most mysterious entities in the universe. In physics it has become the new absolute. And as such, it is at the heart of the famous equation "E=mc2" (energy equals mass multiplied by the speed of light squared) which in turn, ushered in what we know today as the "atomic age" (end quote).
God said, "Light be and light was." That says something very important to me. God's Words are not only legislative but they are very much "executive". When the President of the United States sits down to sign his name to a bill passed by the legislative branch of the Government it becomes "executive". Jesus woke from a sound sleep to "calm the seas" and it became not only legislative but executive as well. His voice saying, "Peace, be still" was not only written into law but it became an "executive" order by the creator of the universe Himself.
When we speak, are our words pondered as legal statements? When we attempt to explain to another that Jesus Christ is Lord, do we speak with the authority as though we have just written, proposed, and signed into "executive order" that Jesus Christ IS INDEED Lord and that is fact?
It reminds me of a sermon I wrote a couple of years back which I titled "My Resume" (I'll explain later). Does our "yay" mean "yay" and our "nay" mean "nay"? If not, then perhaps we could learn a valuable lesson from the first Chapter of Genesis where God said, "Light be" and light was.
Dave
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Another Little Walk With Jesus
A precious member of the Hospital Ministry of Calvary Chapel Surprise came by to visit me and Barb, and what a blessing it was. Let me first share with you what he quoted to us:
"The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou doest prepare a table before me and mine enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER! (emphasis added).
Now what I would like to do is go through passage of scripture in red ink and tell you how it spoke to me, please.
"The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not want. As I have looked back over my life, God has surely granted me more than I could have ever wanted in life. I live with the most precious "Caregiver" in the Universe, namely Barb (she also goes by Mom, Barbie and Grammy). I have also, been blessed with 3 of the most adorable children that God could have ever chosen for my temperment, lifestyle and life ideas. Boastfully speaking, I know with assurance that these three children of mine look at me as a "Hero". Not because of my unwavering decisions in life or my extra unusual success in the business world, but rather because they have always gleaned a level of Spirituality from me, that not of my own but from the giver of life, Himself. The only thing I KNOW I did right with my kids was to introduce them to Christ. He took over from there. He makes me lie down in green pastures, (He has given me mental rest like no other). He leads me beside quiet waters. (He has granted me peace like no other). He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. (He has been my morning wake-up call and evening bedtime chat for multiplied years now and He's got a lot to say). Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou doest prepare a table before me and mine enemies; (He knew before I was even conceived that I would walk this particular trial and used a lot of years preparing my heart to deal with it. I am proud that He wanted me as a "tool" in the middle of these trials. I have learned that it is better to mention Jesus to someone than to have them pay you a weekly income until you retire. (BTW, I've been fired for that...Praise God. He knew that a little old lady would be frightened to death in a desperate situation, not unlike mine and decided that I would be the one to sit next to her when the prompt came to share (her name is Sandy and she now walks with God). He has (and this has been a rough one) taught me over the years to pray for those who mean me harm. Over the last 35 years, He has been molding and shaping my heart, for His Glory. Thou hast anointed my head with oil; (Last night, Sunday, was only the second time in my 59 years of life that someone has put his hands on me in prayer and anointed me with oil. And freaky or not, I had a very warm and fuzzy feeling all night long. My cup overflows. (The love and compassion in my heart has grown 1000 fold over the years and I see "tears" in my saucer these days). Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, No matter what the home, life, or health situation looks like on the outside, I am 'blessed of ALL men' in my life) and I will dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER! (emphasis added). (and to top the whole thing off, I have a home in glory that will surpass anything the nails could build down here)
Now I was privileged to meet this man for the first time in my life, last night as he came into my home to share the love and faith of Christ with a "troubled physical body" and today he has already called back to check on me after my first day of chemo to see how I was doing. Sometimes we open our doors and allow "ANGELS" to come in and dine with us and we don't even know it.
Well God has given me over 5 years since the original diagnosis and I am happy with that, but wanna know what I think? My faith in God tells me that I can beat this one too. Now don't think if I say that being with Jesus in Paradise is a "cop-out" for "beating this one too because it''s not. My doc told me I could get another couple years of remission from this new cancer with this treatment and it was God who was the deciding factor. BTW, I know it was just the first treatment today, however, I feel fine.
Ain't God Great?
Dave
"The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou doest prepare a table before me and mine enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER! (emphasis added).
Now what I would like to do is go through passage of scripture in red ink and tell you how it spoke to me, please.
"The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not want. As I have looked back over my life, God has surely granted me more than I could have ever wanted in life. I live with the most precious "Caregiver" in the Universe, namely Barb (she also goes by Mom, Barbie and Grammy). I have also, been blessed with 3 of the most adorable children that God could have ever chosen for my temperment, lifestyle and life ideas. Boastfully speaking, I know with assurance that these three children of mine look at me as a "Hero". Not because of my unwavering decisions in life or my extra unusual success in the business world, but rather because they have always gleaned a level of Spirituality from me, that not of my own but from the giver of life, Himself. The only thing I KNOW I did right with my kids was to introduce them to Christ. He took over from there. He makes me lie down in green pastures, (He has given me mental rest like no other). He leads me beside quiet waters. (He has granted me peace like no other). He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. (He has been my morning wake-up call and evening bedtime chat for multiplied years now and He's got a lot to say). Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou doest prepare a table before me and mine enemies; (He knew before I was even conceived that I would walk this particular trial and used a lot of years preparing my heart to deal with it. I am proud that He wanted me as a "tool" in the middle of these trials. I have learned that it is better to mention Jesus to someone than to have them pay you a weekly income until you retire. (BTW, I've been fired for that...Praise God. He knew that a little old lady would be frightened to death in a desperate situation, not unlike mine and decided that I would be the one to sit next to her when the prompt came to share (her name is Sandy and she now walks with God). He has (and this has been a rough one) taught me over the years to pray for those who mean me harm. Over the last 35 years, He has been molding and shaping my heart, for His Glory. Thou hast anointed my head with oil; (Last night, Sunday, was only the second time in my 59 years of life that someone has put his hands on me in prayer and anointed me with oil. And freaky or not, I had a very warm and fuzzy feeling all night long. My cup overflows. (The love and compassion in my heart has grown 1000 fold over the years and I see "tears" in my saucer these days). Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, No matter what the home, life, or health situation looks like on the outside, I am 'blessed of ALL men' in my life) and I will dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER! (emphasis added). (and to top the whole thing off, I have a home in glory that will surpass anything the nails could build down here)
Now I was privileged to meet this man for the first time in my life, last night as he came into my home to share the love and faith of Christ with a "troubled physical body" and today he has already called back to check on me after my first day of chemo to see how I was doing. Sometimes we open our doors and allow "ANGELS" to come in and dine with us and we don't even know it.
Well God has given me over 5 years since the original diagnosis and I am happy with that, but wanna know what I think? My faith in God tells me that I can beat this one too. Now don't think if I say that being with Jesus in Paradise is a "cop-out" for "beating this one too because it''s not. My doc told me I could get another couple years of remission from this new cancer with this treatment and it was God who was the deciding factor. BTW, I know it was just the first treatment today, however, I feel fine.
Ain't God Great?
Dave
Monday, January 31, 2011
Just Some Thoughts
I have prayed hard and discussed, in detail with my family, the options given whether chemotherapy again or no chemotherapy and have decided that it is God's Will that I proceed with the treatment so I have only one point I want to make clear and hopefully it will not have to be made until some years in the future:
I don't want it said of me, at my memorial, that "he stands before Jesus Christ because of those he may have taught or lead toward Christ."
I don't want it said of me, at my memorial, that "he stands before Jesus Christ because of those he may have ministered to or assisted in some Godly fashion."
I want it said of me, at my memorial, that "he KNEELS before his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in grateful humility because he knew the importance of the sacrifice of his soul to a Holy God."
David Stallings
(Serving a Holy God until He comes for me)
Presently chemotherapy is set to begin on February 14, 2011...Happy Valentine's Day, to my sweetheart of 40 years.
I don't want it said of me, at my memorial, that "he stands before Jesus Christ because of those he may have taught or lead toward Christ."
I don't want it said of me, at my memorial, that "he stands before Jesus Christ because of those he may have ministered to or assisted in some Godly fashion."
I want it said of me, at my memorial, that "he KNEELS before his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in grateful humility because he knew the importance of the sacrifice of his soul to a Holy God."
David Stallings
(Serving a Holy God until He comes for me)
Presently chemotherapy is set to begin on February 14, 2011...Happy Valentine's Day, to my sweetheart of 40 years.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Hello
Yes, it's me, Dave...I'm back...for now. Some very extreme changes in my health (which are not really an excuse for not writing) but what the heck. I needed some time to clear my brain. The good thing is that it is small enough so that I didn't have to take too much time.
Anyway, just a note tonight to let you know, I will try to get back into the devotional "saddle" and start sending once again. Lot's of changes in my life over the past several months but since I love talking about myself, I am sure you'll hear about them.
In the meantime, God is STILL in control and will be posting again in a few days. Hope you are all still out there. And of course, BTW, I need more prayer than I have every needed before so if you can, won't you please petition God for me when you think about it?
Dave
Anyway, just a note tonight to let you know, I will try to get back into the devotional "saddle" and start sending once again. Lot's of changes in my life over the past several months but since I love talking about myself, I am sure you'll hear about them.
In the meantime, God is STILL in control and will be posting again in a few days. Hope you are all still out there. And of course, BTW, I need more prayer than I have every needed before so if you can, won't you please petition God for me when you think about it?
Dave
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