Sunday, December 7, 2008

Today did not turn out as planned, but I think some progress was made. Christmas is almost here and none of us have been overly excited. It is a bit difficult to get into the spirit of Christmas after having lost Casey so recently. There are times I go out and see Christmas items everywhere and it is so overwhelming that I would hit a wall and no longer be able not make a complete thought. I have walked out of more than one store in the last few days leaving either an empty basket or a basket with several items inside and unable to make the purchases. But I think progress was made in that area today.

Last night we found out that it was Travis who decorated the “Casey” tree with tinsel and brightly colored Christmas ornaments while we were in Sherman. I became a little braver and bought a Christmas wreath for the door and a cute mailbox for the front porch. Later, Geni and Travis decorated three trees on the front porch with ornaments. Each of the kids has their own tree. Geni’s is purple and silver. Travis’ is multicolored. Then, together, Geni and Travis decorated one for Casey with dark red and gold (for OU of course!) We do not as yet have a tree in the house or a gift purchased, but we are slowly getting there.

Deb Koplen update: Bruce and I visited her today. We read the cards and emails she has received in the past couple of days to her, presented her with a Christmas Tree (the tree used in Casey’s room in Houston last Christmas) and a snowman blanket. She is a pretty sick lady as she has had chemotherapy and radiation in the same week. The mouth sores are beginning to appear. So the term “miserable” is very applicable.

The staff is giving her medication for nausea and pain and tonight they are going to begin a “magic” mouthwash for the mouth sores. I checked her counts today and they are pretty good. The only thing they are supplementing right now is her potassium. She is still experiencing some confusion and does not remember having had radiation earlier this week. It took some talking, but we finally convinced her that she had indeed had some radiation treatments. Deb then ordered us to build a poster for her to be able to see at a glance when she has had the treatments. We will take care of that soon. She needs some visitors and lots of prayers. If you visit her and she is asleep just sign the guestbook and leave a brief note to tell her you were there. Thank you all mighty and wonderful prayer warriors.

1 John 5:4 says, “This is the victory that conquers the world—our faith.” You know, Casey has already achieved victory. He has met the King of Kings face to face and lives in a world where there is no pain, sorrow or tears. Casey is in a place where he is immersed in the perfect love of God all of the time. The reason Casey is in heaven is because of the gift of faith God placed in his heart. You see Casey not only had “faith in the future, but he had power in the present.” While Casey was ill he had all of the tools with which to fight the disease of cancer, but the emotional, mental and spiritual battles one must fight while battling the life altering disease require tools as powerful as chemotherapy and radiation. The tool Casey needed was given to him by the Great Physician Himself. He gave Casey the gift of faith.

God gives us the same gift of faith to battle whatever life throws at us. Victory is what is attained when we let go and let God. When we let God work in our lives and surrender to Him then the His gift of faith is released back to Him and we tell God we believe His way is the The Way.

Christmas will come whether we are ready for it or not. And Christmas will come whether we decorate a tree, hang a wreath or buy a gift. I think the point I am trying to make is that we must prepare not only our homes but our hearts for Christmas. We must prepare for the coming of the Christ Child into the world. Preparing our homes and yards is not nearly as important as preparing our hearts to receive Him in joy. Receive Him in joy by forgiving someone who has wronged you. Receive Him in joy by loving someone not easy to love. Receive Him in joy by listening to someone who just needs to talk or needs a visit or a warm hug. When we receive Him in joy then we become “God with skin on” to those who need to know what joy is all about. As we journey through this season of Advent prepare cookies to fill your tummy, a cup of hot cocoa to warm your chilliness, decorate a tree to fill your eyes with wonder and beauty and then make a place in your heart for Jesus, Son of God.

Take joy in the journey. Love you all bunches, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.

PS Geni has a final on Tuesday and Wednesday. My paper and final are due on the 16th, Bruce’s work has slowed down and he is getting concerned and Travis is singing almost daily for the next two weeks. Say your prayers and we will keep you in our prayers. Gc

Gcapplenotes@aol.com

I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.

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