7-8-07

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July 8 Journal

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“I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move.

Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20

As the Bible verse says, “Nothing will be impossible for you.” Three months ago my doctor was pretty clear that I wouldn’t be returning to work. My health just wouldn’t allow it. She said, “The viral infection from this past fall had just been too tough on your body.” I listened to her, but as always, I had a different outlook. I continued to diligently pray and do everything I could to increase my strength. A few weeks ago my doctor reluctantly said, “I can’t believe I’m doing this, but you clearly are a miracle. I can’t believe you are the same person I was treating three months ago. I will write a letter to your principal letting him know you are ready to return to work. You are amazing.” Praise God. He is the amazing one! Three days later I had a teaching contract offered to me and I signed it. Praise God again. I am returning to the classroom in September to resume my full time teaching position at Fife High School.

“Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do.

But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”

The past couple months I have really stepped up my physical conditioning. I’m riding harder and longer than I have in a long time, I’m lifting weights to improve my muscle strength, and I’m doing other exercise classes to improve my overall fitness. I feel so good right now. Definitely the healthiest I‘ve felt in a long time. I know my cancer could come back at any time, but for now I’m doing great and I am living each day to its fullest. Trying to predict my future doesn’t do me any good, it only makes me worry. Everyone knows worry accomplishes nothing.

My other goal is to continue trying to improve myself as a person. With the Lord’s help I want to be the best husband, father, and friend I can be. There are challenges involved in all three, but I know the Lord will help me with all of them.

Our family kicked off our summer with our annual trip to Spokane to participate in Hoopfest. We had a great time. My youngest son, Tanner, was coached by his older brother, CJ, and they placed 2nd overall. The best they’ve ever done. Kyler couldn’t play because he is playing varsity basketball this summer for his high school. We stayed with our good friends, the Hogues, and had a wonderful time with them. Royce and I went for our annual ride together and it was beautiful. Spokane is an awesome place to ride.

With all I have been through I have developed a passion to pursue a cure for the disease that has been such a battle for me. I have joined Team in Training again, an organization where athletes compete in various events to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society . I will be participating in the Honolulu Century on September 30. I am doing the ride to make myself stronger and to make a difference in the lives of people facing this horrible disease. I consider every pedal stroke one step closer to a cure. I did this event in Lake Tahoe two years ago and our local team raised over three million dollars for Leukemia research. I know one of the reasons I am still alive is a result of the breakthroughs in Leukemia research in the last ten years. I am also excited to share that my pastor will be joining me on the ride. Very cool.

Next to my savior, my family is my greatest blessing. Being healthy again is such a gift and it is so nice to feel somewhat normal again and not to have cancer be the primary focus of our lives. It is, and always has been, my hope and prayer that the Lord will give me many more years with them. Can you believe how big the boys are getting? I’m a wimp compared to them. Fortunately we have Michelle to keep them in line.

Why a picture of our family dog? Why not? He is such an important part of our family. We got him right after I was diagnosed as a distraction from all the stresses of the cancer and as a comfort to our boys. Rawley has exceeded our expectations in every way. He’s fun, smart, and the most loving dog you’ll ever meet. There have been many days where I was really down and Rawley would snuggle up to me and just lift my spirits with his loving eyes. He can sense my mood better than most people can. He may not be one of our children, but he is definitely a very special part of our family and we love him dearly.

I look forward to writing again in a month or so with more updates on my health, family, and other stuff. I will even include some photos from my Team in Training rides. May the Lord bless and keep all of you and carry each of you reading this through your own personal trials and challenges.

Prayer Request:

•Continued renewal of my health and strength and that the cancer doesn’t return.

•CJ’s knee heals completely so he can be at the top of his game during his Senior basketball season.

•Our roof can be replaced this summer without being too big of burden financially.

•My many friends dealing with cancer. Just pray for cancer patients in general and for a cure to be found soon.

•Preparations involved in getting ready to teach school again in the fall.

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