Hope in the Air and God’s Grace upon Us

December 5, 2016

Hello everyone,

It’s good to be able to update everyone.  Not sure exactly where to start, but here it goes.

I believe the last thing I shared was about going to see the surgeon about removing my gallbladder. We met with him and he advised against doing any kind of surgery.  He and his colleagues felt that it would do more harm than good.  The doctor said the cancer has a chance of spreading more quickly with surgery.  He suggested I continue working on getting my body stronger by eating and getting plenty of nutrition to help in the process.  The problem still remained with my cancer fighting protocol.  I had been off my supplements for several weeks now and could not continue with it in the current state I was in.  We called Dr. Isaacs in NYC and explained our dilemma.  She agreed we needed to find a different way of treatment because I was unable to continue with her treatment.  So, at the prompting of several local friends I agreed to go see a naturopath who also treats cancer alternatively.  She is located right her in Meridian, just a few miles from our house.  Her approach is quite a bit different and it’s taken some getting used to.  Dr. Isaacs' approach was a bit more clinical; my new doc uses a variety of approaches including Chinese medicine; she uses essential oils, acupressure and a space age pad that uses NASA technology to restore the damage in the body.  If you’re thinking it’s a bit out there, so did I until our dear friend is now completely cancer free using her methods.  So, I’m willing to give it a try.  Pray for me to have an open mind and be able to completely follow her treatment.  I know it’s critically important to have your whole heart in it.

I have been experiencing a tremendous amount of pain in my stomach for a while now.  Catching the Flu in early October set things off on a downward spiral from bad to critically worse.  Because of the pain I stopped eating, so my body did the only thing it knew how to do; it started pulling from everywhere else to find what it needed to stay alive; much like you see with people that are starving (picture holocaust victims.)  As a result I have very little muscle or fat on my body to help regulate my temperature.   I am always cold and can’t spend much time out of the house.   At night the pain in my gut intensifies beyond anything I’ve ever experienced before.  I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.  My doctor says my gut is severely compromised and she has ordered me to eat every ninety minutes.  I also take trace mineral drops and enzymes with each meal to help digest food.  At this point it is nowhere near the amount of supplements I used to take, but as my body can handle it they will be increased.  This is a slow and painful process, but the doc is seeing progress and I am slowly becoming a believer in this treatment.  The good thing is I have my doctor near and accessible. I can text or call with questions and updates.   I see her weekly or more often and she is able to work on my body to stimulate my lymphatic system, alter my protocol and gage my progress.

Once again, I want to say thank you to every one of you for your support.  The initial costs of switching over to the new protocol were several hundred dollars.  This treatment like the last, isn’t conventional medicine and therefore not covered by insurance.  We still have several hospital visits, stent replacements, scans and doctor visits where we are making payments on the portion not covered by insurance.  It goes on and on.  I am currently not working and plan to go back in another few weeks when my body is ready.  It’s all in God’s hands.  I have no control and am well aware of that more than ever now.  

Thanks as well to everyone for your prayers.  There have been many calls, texts and posts put out at all times of the night.  Many of you pace the floors and plead for me.  Many of you drop everything right then and there to call out my name to our gracious Lord.  Our church family at Meridian Assembly has stood beside us with immeasurable love and support.  Many prayers by our congregation, Pastor Ed and Kathi and staff have been said over us and on our behalf.  Friends call frequently to check in and get updates on how to pray.  Lulu's girlfriends take her out for meals and coffee to have fellowship and decompress.  They run errands for her or help her with things around the house when she is overwhelmed.  We are overcome by the love we receive.

Besides the health issues I have much to look forward to at this time of year.  Although it’s harder to take the cold weather, I love the Christmas season and am looking forward to spending quality time with my family and friends.  There is hope in the air and God’s grace is upon us right now.  I’m very thankful for everyone He has placed in our lives.  My friends at IDOC have become like family to me and have been so gracious to me.  Several people have had to work overtime and had to adjust their work schedules to cover my shifts.  I can’t say thank you enough.  I truly know you all have my six.  Keep praying and believing, God is not finished with me yet.

A special mention to my lovely wife and kids who see me daily suffering and have had to live with me complaining about not being able to help myself.  You three are my pride and joy.  Lucia (lulu), Gianna and Aaron I love you all with everything I am and you make my life complete. 

Because He lives I can face tomorrow,

Dave

For I Know Whom I have Believed


November 12, 2016


Hello All,

I know it’s been a while since my last post.  Since early in October it has been a season of much uncertainty and many ups and downs physically and emotionally.   As I write this there are still some questions unanswered concerning my health and what the future holds.  At times I’ve been in so much pain that I couldn’t think straight; unable to eat or sleep much.  My cancer diagnosis was in January, eleven months ago.  I’m still working and living my life as normally as possible and that in and of its self is a gift from God.  Today, I feel good.  I had a good night of sleep which makes all the difference in the world.

I had an appointment with a surgeon on Wednesday to talk about possibly removing my gallbladder and or rerouting things directly to my small intestine to relieve some pain and get things flowing properly.  We meet again on Monday to get his opinion after consulting with his colleagues as to some options they have for me.  Please pray for wisdom and that we hear the voice of God for what should be done.  I’ve also not been able to take my supplements for several weeks now.   My system has been unable to process them.  I need to get back on them soon, or choose a different treatment.  I want to continue this treatment as I believe it’s my best chance of healing.  It’s been difficult for Lulu and I as you can imagine, but our hope, faith and trust are steadfast.  We rely on the One who is able to sustain us during this season.

“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.


I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
For I am the Lord your God

who takes hold of your right hand

and says to you, do not fear;

I will help you. Isaiah 41:10, 13

I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to thank all of you who are keeping us in your daily prayers and continue to send help financially as you’re able.  Please know every prayer, every word of encouragement and every penny is much appreciated and needed.  I’m still so amazed at all your love poured out toward us. God is so good to this family and we’re eternally grateful.  Lulu and the kids continue to bless me.  They’ve been remarkably strong and supportive during this season.  If and when you see them give them a hug and love on them for a minute. 

In spite of all the uncertainty, I remain steadfast and my faith is unwavering.  It’s like I’ve been given a gift of peace.  Thank you Jesus!  I know that whatever lies ahead for me, God knows the future and has my life in His palm.  Nothing that happens is out of His control.  This brings me much comfort, peace and joy.

I’m looking forward to this coming holiday season.  I love the Thanksgiving foods and I love everything about Christmas.  I’m a Christmas music freak!  On thanksgiving I start listening to Christmas music until January.  I can’t wait!!  When I think of the holidays I can’t help but think also about my extended family and how much I love them.  I’ve been blessed to have a very large family. Both mom and dad have many siblings which means I have many uncles, aunts and a massive amount of cousins.  I love and appreciate every one of you.  We’re all so different but we love each other in spite of our differences.  I look forward to seeing you all and am always so glad we spent time together.  Some gifts have no price and family is one of them.  This season always makes me miss you all and I wish we could be together.

Right now I don’t have a whole lot more to say, except that I value all of you who have reached out to me in whatever ways you can.  I know it’s difficult to find the words to say to someone who is facing what I’m facing and it’s awkward at times.  If you want to know how I’m doing just ask me.  I’ll try to be sensitive to how hard it is to bring up my health.  Most of the time it’s ok to not say anything and I appreciate kind words and cards of encouragement.  I know you care and wish this wasn’t happening, but it is and I’m ok with it. Remember, my trust is completely in God the giver of life. He alone determines the length of my days.

Much love,


Dave

Been Thinking

October 22, 2016

Hello Mi Gente!

It’s been a heck of a roller coaster ride these last several weeks.  I caught the flu and it wanted to take me out, but as God would see fit, I’m still here!   My system practically shut down and I wasn’t eating much of anything for several days.  I lost almost ten lbs. in less than a week.  Not so good for me.   I’m slowly getting my appetite back and enjoying smoothies with heavy cream twice daily.  Thanks, Honey for all your love through this.  The 15^th was Lulu’s birthday but I’m afraid I wasn’t much for celebrating.  We did the best we could and had a great evening making homemade pizzas. The kids and their sweethearts made it special for her.  I love our little family!  God is good.

I continue to work full time but sometimes feel like I need to be home more often to rest, heal and be with my family.  Only God knows the timing of it all and what I need most.  My hope, faith and trust are in The Master’s hands and I have peace in knowing that.   I love the fall weather and colors.  Idaho is such a beautiful state and I’m glad we live here.  It’s been a bit tough getting used to the cooler weather but I enjoy the change and crisp cool air during the day; not so much at night though.

 

I’ve been thinking about a few things lately.  I’ve been thinking about our church, Meridian Assembly, and feeling grateful for the beautiful people that have come along side and shown genuine care and concern for us right now when we so desperately need it.  We’ve been part of that church for the past 11 years since moving to Idaho and feel very connected to so many people there.  I love my church family.  Many of you know I work for The Idaho Department of Correction.  I just want to give a little love to my IDOC family; especially those at SBWCC that have gone out of their way to show their love for me in so many different ways.  I love you and count it a blessing to work with you all. 

I’ve also been thinking about the brevity of life and how fragile our existence on this earth really is.  I’ve been  reexamining  the decisions I’ve made throughout my life and wondering how different my life would have been if I’d truly taken the bull by the horns and thrown caution to the wind; letting the chips just fall where they fell.  I have lived such a cautious, careful life and wonder what life would have looked like if I’d been more adventuresome.  I have always admired people that live life to the fullest and wonder if that makes a difference in their happiness.   I’ve also always been an outgoing, melancholy bit of a loner kind of guy.  I love people but I prefer my solitude.  Never been much of a hobby kind of guy.  I don’t have many things I’m passionate about and feel like I just have to do them.  I don’t have a bucket list and don’t see the point.  Most things I care about are within my grasp.  I love my family and would die for any one of them one hundred times over. 

I’ve been thinking about how blessed I am to have such an amazing beautiful wife who loves me just the way I am; faults and all. I’ve never been able to give her the things in life she deserves.  I don’t make much money and never have.   We’ve never been on any special vacations together because the money has never been there.  We’ve always lived pay check to paycheck.  She’s had to make so many sacrifices and put her desires aside for me and the kids.  I am grateful she was able to stay home with the kids as they were growing up.  This was important to her.  This decision insured we’d never have much.   Lulu always made due with what was available to her.  She’d get the kids new clothes and shopped in the thrift stores for herself.  She hated doing the bills each month, but did them anyway because it stressed me out so much.  Lulu I wanted to give you so much but I couldn’t.  Lulu, I love you more than life itself.  You, my love are a virtuous woman.  I have never regretted marrying you and I know you don’t either.   I love your passion for music, for our children and for our Lord.  You deserve so much more in life.  You have learned to be content with little. Now we need God’s abundant blessing for the remainder of our lives.  Oh, don’t get me wrong; He has always been there for us in our need.  The last several months have proven that to be true.  I continue to be blessed and humbled by everyone that has reached deep down inside their pockets and has given to us so generously.  Thank you all so much.  Your prayers have been felt and I know they still continue on.  Keep praying!

Recently, I’ve felt like we’ve come up against a wall that needs to be torn down in the spirit through prayer.  Those of you that understand spiritual warfare will know what I’m talking about.  It’s been a struggle to stay positive and I’m still recovering from the effects of the flu.  Our funds have dwindled down to a very slow pace.  Sometimes we have to wait to place a full supplement order and often skimp on good quality foods that I need to follow this program I’m on.  We’re doing all we can to save where we can, but it’s usually not enough.  We know how to live with very little; we’ve been doing it a long time.  Pray for a breakthrough so that I can continue this program without the stress and worry I’m currently under. 

I’m remembering what I heard God say to my spirit in the beginning of this whole thing, “you are not going to die, and it’s not your time yet.”  Several people heard the same thing including Pastor Ed.  Keep reminding me of this and lifting me up in your daily prayers.  When the heat is on, it’s not very comfortable.  The heat is on very high right now and I’m chaffing under it.  I look forward to what I will look like after this fire is turned down.  I trust in the One who is able to keep me from falling.

   

Lord, You are more precious than silver;
Lord, You are more costly than gold;
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds;
And nothing I desire compares with You.

Love you all,

Dave

Just What We Need

September 25,2016

Well, here I am again!

It’s Sunday afternoon and I’ve had a blessed and full weekend.   I’m on day four of my five day detox cycle.  This one makes me very irritable and I’d like to apologize to all of you that have had to live with or work with me these last few days.   I’m taking a bulking agent that targets my large and small intestines.  I think I can say I know what it’s like for women on their monthly cycle.  I will forever be more sensitive around females during “that time of the month.”   My hat’s off to you ladies.

Our trip to NYC was a success!  Doctor Isaacs says I am doing great and am on target.  All indicators are neutral or have started to go down.  The cancer cells are mostly inflamed and appear to be larger but are not.  When the supplements target the cancer and begin to break it down, white blood cells rush to the area and it appears to be “worse” before things start looking better.  Actually it’s a good sign that our treatment is working.  The next six months will be critical in attacking this monster.  She upped some of my supplements and added about four or five to my daily intake.  Now I’m taking over 200 supplements a day instead of just under 200.  I know what you’re thinking; when you’re taking that many what’s a few more?”  That’s what I thought too.  Lulu was a bit concerned about the amount of weight I’ve lost, but Doctor Isaacs said that my weight loss was normal for anyone who is eating exactly what their body needs.  In fact, she said, I could lose ten to twenty more pounds and still be just fine.  Not sure, but I think Doctor Isaacs might have been calling me fat! Lol

I continue to feel great most of the time.  I do have my moments and I try to rest more on days that my body is telling me I need it.  Work can be very stressful, but I really try to leave it at work and not take it home with me.  After my encouraging meeting with Doctor Isaacs I have much more resolve to give this treatment all I have and more.  Thank you all so much for believing in me; loving me and my family with your gifts and prayers.  God always comes through just in the nick of time.  When we arrived home we weren’t sure how we were going to make a much needed supplements order, but God used some new and beautiful friends to bless us with just enough to complete our order.  He’s amazing and I love how you are able to be blessed by giving to us in our need.  I am well aware for most of you, to give is a step of faith.  I also know that it’s in those moments when it doesn’t make sense on paper to give and you do it out of obedience, that your biggest blessings come.  I look forward to hearing how you were blessed by your giving to us in our need.  God is faithful and always cares for His own.  He’s worthy of all praise!

Our trip to the Big Apple this time was a variety of new experiences.  We stayed in an apartment instead of a hotel.  We used public transportation instead of taxis most of the time.  We didn’t eat in any restaurants; we shopped at the local market and ate in.  We walked to Whole Foods and ate from their buffet.  We used Uber and ended up being late to the airport and missed our flight home.  We flew back on standby all the way home; never sat together, but met several new people!  We did all this in the attempt to save some money; some things we’ll do again and some not so much.  Our splurge this time was a carriage ride through Central Park.  It started out beautiful with little sprinkles of rain and ended up in a torrential downpour.   We made the best of it and quickly realized we could have been walking in the rain; instead we were semi dry in a covered carriage.  NYC is a true melting pot of color, sights and smells.  I love the city but can only take it a few days at a time.  I loved taking the subway and being among people that live there day in and day out.  I look forward to our next trip in March.

We arrived home very tired Thursday night and then had the eighty year old newlyweds at our door early afternoon on Friday; (the wedding Lulu attended in Michigan the Saturday before heading to NYC.)  It was wonderful having them stay with us until Tuesday.  I love the wisdom and life lived stories people of that age have.  I want to be them someday.  God is good and we were blessed to have them in our home.  Auntie Easter and Freeman we love you both. Thank you for blessing us with your presence.  They were heading to Reno next then to Los Angeles and on to San Diego before driving; stopping along the way back to Michigan where they live.  Keep them both in your prayers for good health, stamina and safely.  They are truly eighty years young and not old! 

What is going on in my head these days? So glad you asked; let me tell you.  I’ve been praying for quite some time for a home group to connect with during this difficult time and God has answered.  We were privileged to attend a startup group last night and are both very excited to see how it will shape up.  Love the hosts and everyone that attended.  All but one couple is new to us including the hosts.  They are all from our church.  Some of them we sit next to every Sunday and didn’t even know each other before last night.  The group is quite diverse in age, back grounds and life experiences.  I love it!  Looking forward to what God will do with this group. 

I’m in a good place right now and continue to go through the Bible daily with The Daily Audio Bible.  This has anchored me and keeps my attention focused on God and His goodness.  I love that it is a worldwide community of people.  Check it out if you can; https://dailyaudiobible.com/ .  You will be blessed.   I am amazed daily at the greatness of God’s love toward me and my family even in the smallest of things.  The last several years leading up to my cancer diagnosis were very hard and extremely lean years for us as a family.  I can go into details, but I’ll spare you for now, except only to say, I can see a bit more why God kept us there for so long.  He was preparing us for this tough battle and we needed to be strong to battle this demon of cancer.  When we are weak He is strong and sustains us through it.  Every day is still a battle but I’m a bit more hopeful and am completely convinced that God has directed us to fight this way.  I love who my family is becoming.  I love who I’m becoming and the list goes on and on.   I’m feeling quite hopeful as I draw closer to His goodness during this time.  I’m learning to lay my life down daily in order to gain it back completely transformed into His image.  What a privilege it is to serve the God of all creation who desires to know us intimately.

Please continue to pray for His provision over the next few months as we move forward more aggressively.  Please share my story and needs with friends, post links on Facebook, share my giving page and blog.  Let’s keep it alive by sharing it again.  It would be nice to be able to pay off the medical bills we are making monthly payments on along with having a surplus in our treatment account.  The monthly stress of figuring out how we’re going to make our supplements orders can be and is tough.  Pray for creative ways of fund raising that won’t take a lot of effort by either one of us.  Dealing with keeping me on track on a daily basis is a full time job and doesn’t leave much time to focus on working to raise money, but we’ll do whatever God gives us the grace to do.  Keep us in your daily prayers; pray a hedge of protection around us continually.  The enemy would like nothing better than to destroy the testimony of God in our lives. 

Have a blessed time as we approach the holidays that will soon be here.  Not looking forward to winter; I’m always cold these days, let alone when the weather gets colder. 

Love you all,

Dave

I Choose To Honor And Love You

September 3, 2016

Hello everyone,

It’s been a while since my last post, but here I am!  Got through my latest stent replacement, MRI, oncologist visit and phone consult with my doctor in NYC; all while continuing to work full time.  I’d say that’s a good thing for someone who is in the biggest battle of his life!  Yep, I press on with renewed resolve to live a healthier cancer free life.  I’m also at the tail end of my five day cycle of detox.  This one always kicks my butt.  The fifth day is not a fun one, but tomorrow is a brand new day!

 My sister Joanne tells me my dad is looking and doing much better.  I can’t imagine what he feels like but my prayer for him is for God’s healing power to sustain and cover him.  I also pray that Dad allows Jesus to be his closest friend and that he will emerge as a new and refined vessel of honor for God.   Please continue to lift him up in your daily prayers.

September fourteenth is just around the corner now.  This is the day I meet with Dr. Isaacs in NYC.  As I said before, we purchased our airline tickets and booked our first Airbnb accommodations.  I’m a bit apprehensive about staying in a stranger’s home, but it was much more cost effective this way.  Also, Lulu has the opportunity to fly ahead of me to attend her eighty year old aunt’s wedding in Michigan.  This aunt is like a second mother to her.  She asked Lulu to come out for the wedding.  I’m so happy she’s going. I’m sure a break from me and being able to be with her family will be good for her.  She has not seen her relatives for many years, some since our wedding twenty three years ago.  Of course, this will make getting me ready to be gone for a couple of days really challenging.  But I’m grateful she has this opportunity.  She’ll meet me in NYC on Tuesday and we’ll fly home together Thursday.  Our kid’s will be on their own for a few days.  They’re both over eighteen and I’m sure they will be fine. 

We’re getting ready to place an order for more supplements on Monday; had to wait to order this time.  We didn’t quite have the funds to make a full order.   Also, we received a bill from the hospital for nearly a thousand dollars.  It’s the deductible we’re required to pay and then the insurance will pay the rest for this next year.  This is for the stent replacement, MRI and oncologist visit.  We also have a balance for last year that we’re making monthly payments on.  I just wanted everyone to know some of the other areas of need we have.  Please continue to lift us up in your prayers. Please consider giving as you’re able and want to invest in a great cause; me!  Either way I have always believed and continue to believe that where God leads He will provide. I want to also say thank you to everyone that has given lately.  It's what has sustained us over the last few weeks and I'm so grateful.

I also want to talk about my state of mind.  The last few weeks have been rough for me.  The reality of having cancer is a tough one to bear.  I’ve been going through the why me’s and I can’t believe this is happening to me's.  I battle feeling sorry for myself too.  I’ve been thinking about what life would be like around here without me.  I have seen death all around me recently also several people I know or know of have lost their battles with cancer.  I sometimes think "what makes me any different?  What makes me think I deserve to be here when several around me are now gone?  They were great God fearing people.   Why would God heal me when He didn’t them?  What makes me special?"  This all brings fear to my heart and I sometimes buckle under it.  I think about the enormous costs of choosing alternative treatment and having to beg my friends and family for money constantly.   I also feel the need to always be positive because people have given to my cause expecting me to be well.  I can’t let them down.  I haven’t made adequate provisions for my family; what will happen to them if I die?  The list goes on and on. 

I spend a lot of time wrestling with these thoughts recently.  I also have days where I rise above it all and truly believe I’m going to win this battle and be the biggest witness of God’s healing mercy.  I’m in the Bible daily and listen to music that lifts my heart.  I pray for everyone that I know that needs prayer.   I’m constantly reevaluating my life and trying to draw closer to God.  I’m also resolved to know Him like I’ve never known Him before.  How can I ever be the same after this? I can’t.  It’s impossible to experience what I’m experiencing and not be changed.  I want to touch the heart of God.  After all, I was created for His glory and He delights in me.  I know one thing for sure; I’m being refined like gold and the only way to refine gold is through the fire.  This is how gold is purified. The more times in the fire the more pure the gold is. 

I listen to the daily audio bible every day. Lulu and I have been listening daily for several years now.  We just finished the book of Job.  This book is always challenging for me.  I have always found it hard to believe that a good God would allow a good man to experience such heart ache and pain.  God knew Job so well and He knew his heart.  God also restored everything that Job lost and more.  Job lived a prosperous long life after all his suffering.  God also revealed Himself to Job and Job saw God and understood Him like never before.  Job was a righteous man to begin with, but after going through the fire Job saw God in a completely different light.  God was so much more than Job ever imagined He was.   Job repented for who he thought God was because he understood and saw Him with refined eyes now.  God revealed Himself to Job.  What a gift!

I want this fire in my life to change my love and understanding of God too.  Lord reveal yourself to me.  This is my prayer.  Help me to trust you in the midst of this storm.  I choose to honor and love you.

Dave

Fifty Three

August 13, 2016

Well it’s been a while that I posted anything.  Life’s been busy and going by fast.  In just a few short days, on the 18^th to be exact I will celebrate my 53 birthday.  Normally it would just mean I’m definitely middle aged!  Now, for me it means a whole lot more.    It means I’ve survived 8 months longer that I thought I would have at the beginning of this year.  It’s a milestone.  Every day of life is a gift of God to live for Him.  I am by no means perfect and I fail on a daily basis.  Just spend some time with me and you’ll see.  It’s only by His grace and mercy I’m still here.  I’m healthier than I’ve been in a long long time.  I’m looking forward to being 53 years old.  Not a problem for me.  I welcome it with open arms.  It’s called perspective and I get it now more than ever.

This past Thursday I had my third stent replacement.  Although it didn’t go perfectly it was successful.  The doc says I have “weird anatomy” therefore making the procedure more difficult.  I apparently have a single chamber connecting the tube that goes to my pancreas and the tube that goes to my bile duct, and most people have two separate ones.  The instrument broke during the procedure and they had to start all over.  It took about an hour this time, half the time as before; I’d call that progress!  As a result, I’m still pretty tender and have been taking it easy.  Against my wife’s wishes I decided to vacuum the downstairs and was pretty tired afterwards.   I had to lie down for a while after that.  I have also been off my supplement for few days to give my system a rest. I will start back up Sunday.  The Doctor was pretty impressed with my condition and even paid me a few compliments.  He even suggested leaving the stent out if things continue to progress like they are.  Praise God! No blockage at all he said.  Next Friday I have another MRI scheduled and a follow up visit with the oncologist.  I’m expecting great results as well.  Keep me in your prayers.

Treatment update and news:
We just booked our accommodations and flights to NYC for my September 14^th follow-up appointment with Dr. Isaacs.  It nearly drained our treatment account.  We’ll need to make a supplement order again by the end of the month.  Our last order was again 1,000 dollars.  If you’ve been wondering when you should give the time would be as soon as you’re able.  The office visit will cost $900.00.  Again, this is about the hardest thing for me to do.  I hate, hate asking for your help, especially knowing so many of you have been very generous to us already.  I know it’s a stretch for most of you and a sacrifice. You’ll never know how grateful we are.  Many have been giving and sending all along as you’re able and several have given by purchasing our t-shirts and hoodies.  Thank you.  Please know your investment is not in vain and you get to see your money in action in my life and as they say, the proof is in the pudding. 

I love each and every one of you.  I know you love me and my family, and we are eternally grateful.

His Love is Better Than Life,

Dave

God Is Not Finished With This Guy!

July 24, 2016

Here’s what I’m thinking today.  The last thirty days have gone by fast.  I went to San Diego three different times.  I got back last Monday, went back to work on Tuesday and a wedding yesterday.  For someone who’s supposed to take it easy I’ve been on the go a lot.  I’m very grateful to everyone who has helped make this difficult but exciting month possible and memorable.   I cannot ever say my family is not loved.  Many have gone out of their way to show their love.  We’ve had two cars given to us.  Meals have been lovingly prepared for me while I was gone and away from my family.  Places to stay were provided for me and my family while in San Diego.  The use of a vehicle and a car rental were provided for us.  Several reached into their wallets and gave financially to make sure we had what we needed.   Several purchased t-shirts and hoodies to help fund our pending trip to NYC in September.  I had several lovingly lay hands on me and asked God to bring His miracle working power in my body.  I had the privilege of being used of God to help someone have peace of mind before going home to see Jesus face to face.  Gianna and I were used of God to help my brother Indio get ready for his meeting with the Savior by singing several songs of praise at his bedside, ushering in the peace of God just days before he died.  Gianna was used again to help bring peace to a dear saint of God who went home to be with Jesus just a couple of days ago.  I’m so proud that my kids use the gift of music to glorify God.   I know He is well pleased and my soul is glad today.

I want to mention someone who has been by my side the last 23 years.  She not only is my wife she’s my best friend.  She’s the one who prepares all my special meals.  She gets my nearly 200 supplements a day ordered and packaged so they’re ready for me to use as I need them.  She loves Jesus and it shows in how she loves me and our nearly grown kids.  “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.  The heart of her husband does safely trust in her, so that he shall have no more spoil.” Proverbs 31:10-12.  We have had our share of heartaches and many more joys throughout the years and my intention is to enjoy many more together with you.  You are my hero, Lulu.   I have never regretted the day I said “for better or for worse in sickness and in health” to you in front of all those witnesses.  I love you more than life itself.

Health update:  We are getting close to having to book our flights for NYC in September.  Please continue to pray and ask God how you can help.  We still have some shirts and hoodies available for purchase.  Look in the “Other Fundraiser’s” tab on this blog site as to what’s available.  You can also order them directly from us.  Facebook message me or Lulu and we’ll tell you what we have.  https://www.youcaring.com/david-garcia-515242 (giving site)

By the way, I’m feeling great these days and looking forward to complete healing.  Keep praying and believing with us.  God is not finished with this guy!

Much love,

Dave