May 31, 2005 UPDATE – BUSY WEEKEND = GOOD NEWS

The delay in the update is the result of full activities this past weekend, which means God has blessed me in the healing process to more and more. (Probably pushing it a little more than I should but I am learning to make sure I back off and rest.)

GREAT NEWS

I began the week with a bike ride, riding for 80 minutes, all without oxygen on the road. It felt so good to be out. Of course, I as I road, I constantly kept my heart rate and my oxygen saturation level in check. With each stroke of the pedal I was thanking the Lord for healing in my body. On Wednesday, I met Dr. Feibelman for a run / ride. He ran and I rode my bike. It was just about the pace I could keep up with his running, since I am guided by oxygen saturation level and not speed. It was a great time of being able to talk and both of us were just grateful for God’s work in my body.

Based on the progress in my body the team of doctors concluded I should have my PICC line removed, my steroids cut back, and order the study of night oxygen level to see if I can be completely off supplemental oxygen. (I currently use 1 liter at night.)

The study has been done and I am awaiting results.

Psalm 31:19 (New Living Translation) Your goodness is so great! You have stored up great blessings for those who honor you. You have done so much for those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world.

GREAT PEOPLE

The Track Shack Foundation Marathon Training group organized a trip to Ottawa and most of the training group was gone for the weekend. However, some did not go and organized a "Left Behind" half marathon fun run and asked me to be to official starter. It was a fun day for Jan and I to connect with so many great people who had sent encouragement notes, cards, pictures, and financial support. I thank God for them and for the opportunity to connect.

Sunday was a very good day with Winter Park Church. In the midst of my message on how Jesus heals our hurts, I had Jan include her testimony of things that had happened from her standpoint when I went for recovery from the lung biopsy to "Michelin Man." It was a great "God moment" as she shared her from her heart about the grace of God.

When Jan and I thought about Memorial Day, we thought of having a "cookout" and like Jan does, she thinks of people who may not have a place to go for a family gathering. We began thinking of people to invite and the next thing we had a 25 people here to celebrate life, memories, and friendship. Another great day!

Proverbs 17:17 (NLT) A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

GOD’S SPECIAL GIFT

Included in that day was a 2:20 bike ride. It wasn’t fast and I stayed in my required "zone" of heart rate and oxygen saturation level but I road on my old familiar course, and I was able to feel that special feeling of freedom in exercise, while I thanked God all the way. Oh, what a special gift it was.

Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.

God has been so good. Thank you for praying. The healing progress is going on everyday and it’s exciting as little by little God is moving my body to take over disease as we decrease the medications. Thank you for praying and for your encouragement through this process. We have learned the value of both and are grateful for such a bless of friends who care and God who heals, comforts, and does more than we could ever ask or think.

Godspeed,

Bob

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