MERRY CHRISTMAS

It's Christmas day and I see sunshine, not rain. Isn't it a shame that it takes this day for most of the stores to close and force families to spend time together. I am truly blessed to have all my family together today.

Well, I have a new friend. Mr. G-tube. He's kind of attached himself to me. I'm not so sure that I really like him at this time, but I'm trying to give him a chance. You know, love your enemies. Bob LLoyd thinks I should use it as a surfboard leash??

One of our family traditions at Christmas is enjoying a dinner prepared by none other than our youngest son, Joshua. Last year it was Christmas goose. What a treat. This year we're looking forward to cornish game hens.

Please pray for a complete recovery for my friend Russ Stillwell. He just had a 3 way bypass after suffering a major heart attack. I understand that he is doing well and was even able to get up for a short time today. Praise God! He is currently at Veterans hospital in West L.A. Russ is Paul Jacksons father inlaw and Alicia's Dad from the famous Zacchaeus Tree Band.

I'd like to close with a wonderful psalm today - - - - - - - - - Psalm 107:23-31 (New Living Translation)

Some went off to sea in ships, plying the trade routes of the world. They, too, observed the Lord’s power in action, his impressive works on the deepest seas. He spoke, and the winds rose, stirring up the waves. Their ships were tossed to the heavens and plunged again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror. They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end. “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor! Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.

Let's all praise and thank Him today,

Old Jer

MERRY

CHRISTMAS

May the true reason for the season be your focus this time of year. As Kat and I prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, we are preparing to go into battle also. On Nov. 5, 2008 I was diagnosed with tonsilar cancer. It started in my right tonsil and spread to the lymph nodes in the right side of my neck. Fortunately, it is localized there. On Nov 4, the E.N.T. surgeon removed an enlarged node from my neck. It proved to be cancerous, so the next step was to remove my tonsils and to take other biopsies from my tongue and throat. I was told it wouldn' be too bad if I enjoyed having the worse sore throat I'd ever had, not being able to eat for a couple of weeks, sleeping occasionally, and oh yeah, talking just wasn't happening either. But the up side, I lost 15 pounds.

Then I had a petscan. It's like a catscan with a radio isotope injected into you. It shows where the cancer is in your body. It showed that it was localized on the right side of my neck. After over 20 visits to docs and techs, 3 surgeries and one more due on Dec. 24, I will begin my treatment on Dec. 29th. Treatment will consist of radiation 5 days a week for 8 weeks and chemo 1 day a week for 8 weeks.

This blog thing is kind of new to me, but I will try to keep it updated at least once a week, Lord willing.

I just want to thank all of our friends, all of my family and God's family for all the support and love that you have shown us. Thank you for all the prayers that have helped sustain us. I am truly gloriously overwhelmed.