God & Country Day

Today was our annual God & Country Day patriotic celebration at church. It was awesome as usual. I was surprised in the 8:30 a.m. service when about 30 bikers showed up for worship. They are members of the Augusta Christian Motorcycle Association (The Resurrected Riders) and had heard about my illness. They took up three entire rows in the center section, then following the service they circled around me and prayed for my healing. What a blessing!

Pastor Mike McAdory and our music/worship department put together another outstanding patriotic celebration today, including a color guard from nearby Fort Gordon. During the prayer time, we gathered each of our active & retired military personnel at the altars and had special prayer for our country's leaders and military troops. I shared some thoughts from John 14 on "Jesus The Hope", and we had a wonderful altar response at the close of the service where many people received help & hope from Christ!

Thanks to the generosity of Laurie Reese and Kelly Cox, we were able to give out "Hope Bracelets" to everyone in attendance today as a reminder to pray for my healing. Through internet searches, and Ebay bidding, they were able to acquire 750 bracelets for our congregation and friends. What a boost to my faith to see hundreds of church attenders wearing their bracelets in support of me.

Thanks to the kindness and generosity of a church member, my daughter Melody was able to fly home for my birthday this weekend. She arrived last night and brought me a special gift....my youngest granddaughter, Karlee!! We are really enjoying their visit, and Karlee is keeping all of us laughing and smiling. Once again, please keep my son-in-law, Ben, in your prayers. He is playing both Mom & Dad this week with Rylee back home in Oregon. He is a great husband, father, and pastor! Thanks, Ben, for sending Mel & Karlee to see us! I love you!

This has been my toughest post-chemo stretch to date. Since I had my treatment on Thursday this week (instead of Tuesday), I am still suffering from the many side effects. I spent most of Saturday in bed, and I am really affected by the July heat. I was feeling about 50% today, but the Holy Spirit especially helped me with anointing for preaching. Unfortunately, I got overheated on the platform and I am suffering some consequences of dehydration this afternoon. After a good supper, and some ICE CREAM CAKE, I should be good as new!! The best news, I have NO treatments this coming week!! PTL!

I am looking forward to a great family celebration tomorrow for Independence Day, which also happens to be my 49th birthday! We will enjoy just being together as a family, and of course, lots of food and fun! I will try to post some pictures on this site on Tuesday. Thanks for your love! Thanks for your support! Most of all, thanks for praying and believing for my healing. I love you!