Thursday 31st March - Lets bow the knee

Good evening. We have had a really nice day and have been productive in lots of the things we have done. We had a good early start and we both generally slept well which was excellent. Anne has really done lots today and our bathroom is a different colour and I have been shopping for food and have enjoyed a well relaxed day. I am feeling better physically and mentally better too. I have enjoyed time cooking and I am looking forward to the weekend. My mum sent me these verses and they were a real encouragement and so I hope they are to you also. Ephesians 3v14-21' For this reason I bow my knees before the father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strenghtened with power through His spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith-that you may be rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breath and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Jesus Christ throughout all generations forever and ever, amen.' Verse for the day: Ephesians 3 Prayer for the day: Pray for Christ to strengthen us and for us to love Him more than anything else. Pray for us to be rooted each day in the word of God. Pray for the success of the chemotherapy and for God to heal me of the cancer. Pray for us to continue to sleep well and for the continued physical strengthening of my body. Pray for our families and for their rock to be God. Pray for us to always witness to the people around us.

Wednesday 29th March - Trust

Good evening. We have had a good and relaxed day but I have had one that has been a little strange emotionally. We both slept reasonably well and my back is feeling stronger than the day before. We had a relaxed and slow morning, spending time within the house. We then went out for lunch, did some shopping and Anne has started to decorate the bathroom upstairs. This afternoon the reality of my death seemed to hit me and well needed the people closest in my life to remind me of what we have and to remain positive. Please pray for my mental attitude and for Christ to continue to be with us. Its funny how a small number of words can be just as much an encouragement and positive help. Proverbs 3 v 5-6 says ' Trust in the Lord and lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways submit to Him and He will make straight your paths'. I am not sure why this is happening and would love some answers but know that God is greater than I am and we need to lean upon His understanding and ways. Verse for the day: Ephesians 3 v 14 - 21 Prayer for the day: Pray for God to minister to us and for Him to be our rock and fortress. Pray for a miracle to take place as only Christ will be able to rid my body of the cancer. Pray for my back and for our physical rest to continue to be excellent. Pray for our families as they walk with the Lord through this. Pray for us to be witnesses to the people around us.

Tuesday 29th March - Humility

Good evening we have had a very strange day. My back was playing up this morning and so I have been resting and sleeping for most of the day which is probably a very sensible thing. Anne has done lots around the house and has looked after me well. My back is now feeling a lot stronger and firmer and we are hoping to go out to small group tonight. We are both feeling physically and mentally upbeat and know Christ is completely with us in all of our situation. We went to small group tonight and we were looking at humility. We are to look to Christ and we shall see our need of Him. Philippians 2 v 8-11 says 'and being found in human form, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every other name so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the father'. Verse for the day: Philippians 2 Prayer for the day: Pray for us to realise our need of Christ each day and for us to bow humbly before him. Pray for our pride to be wiped from our hearts and realise the sinners we are. Pray for the success of the chemotherapy and for our physical recovery each night and day. Pray for us to be able to sleep and for my back. Pray for our families. Pray for people to see their need of Christ.

Monday 28th March - We are blessed

Good evening. We have had a really nice day. I went and played golf this morning and played 9 holes on Woolton golf course and this has been the Monday I have been the best for the past month. Anne has been to the farm and spent time with friends. We have also booked our trip to Disneyland Paris today which is fantastic and a real treat to look forward too. I am coping with the chemotherapy well and generally feeling physically well other than being tired but rest will certainly help that. We have so much to be thankful to God for. God has blessed us with so much and I know I have been blessed with so much from God. Psalm 68 v 35 says 'Awesome is God from His sanctuary; the God of Israel- He is the one who gives power and strength to His people. Blessed be God.' Psalm 144 v 15 says 'Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord.' We are truly blessed in having God as our God. Praise Him for all He has done and will continue to do so in our lives. We have so much we take for granted each day and we should praise the Lord for it so much more. Verse of the day: Romans 5 Prayer for the day: Praise the Lord for all He has done in our lives and for all we have. Praise the Lord for all we take for granted in our lives. Pray for the continued strength of my body and for us to continue to be able to sleep well and do everyday activities. Pray for the continued working of the chemotherapy in my body and for God to take the cancer from my body. Pray for our families. Pray for people to be saved and for them to see their need of Christ.

Sunday 27th March - Praise be to God

Good evening. We have had another good day in which we have been to church and have spent the afternoon out with friends for lunch. We are both physically well and slept well again last night answering yet more prayers. We are both feeling mentally OK although prayer for a whole week without pain, illness or setbacks would be fantastic. We have a great God who is worthy to be praised. Psalm 8 says ' Lord, Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth. You have set out your glory above the heavens.' God is good and we are to praise Him. Verse for the day: Psalm 8 Prayer for the day: Praise the Lord who is worthy to be praised. Pray for our rest and week without pain and illness. Pray for our families and for the Lord to be their fortress and rock in all they are going through. Pray for us to use our time wisely and sufficiently too.

Saturday 26th March - Thank You

Good evening we have both had a lovely day and we both slept really well too. I awoke once but we did once again have answered prayer in regards to sleep. I have been to the men's breakfast and have spent the day with friends and watched a lot of sport. Anne has had a lovely day with the female members of her family at a health spa and enjoyed a massage. We are now resting but dawning upon us the fact that we all lose an hours sleep tonight, how sad.

I have been completely humbled this week. Every day I receive texts, emails, blog messages and facebook messages from people all saying they are praying for us. I am just an average Joe guy born into the world and sit in sheer awe of the amount of people bringing me to the Lord, so thank you because it truly is humbling. Please pray for our battle as the devil would definitely want to make us proud and also bring us down. Ephesians 6v 11 says 'Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes'. 1 Peter 5 v 8 says 'Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour'. The devil though will get his comeuppance. Revelation 20 v 10 'and the devil who deceived them was thrown into the burning lake of sulphur.'

Verse for the day: Psalm 51 v 10

Prayer for the day: Praise the Lord for the family of God. Pray for our bodies to continue recuperate and sleep well. Pray for the success of the treatment and for the cancer cells to be sensitive to the chemo. Pray for our families and for the Lord to be their rock.

Friday 25th March - Bought by Christ

We have had a really lovely day and I am feeling much better, definitely the one where I am feeling physically the best. We slept really well and got one of the best nights sleep we have had in 2 1/2 weeks. Anne has done lots around the house and in the garden and I have made sure that I have rested. Friends have briefly been round to see us which was lovely and a great time of fellowship. Anne has been out to kids work and we are both going to have an early night.

I was reading 1 Peter 1 v 17 - 21 with a friend and it was a real encouragement to know Christ has already bought us. It says 'And if you call on him as father who judges impartially according to each ones deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your father not with perishable things such as gold or silver but with the precious blood of of Christ like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.'

Verse for the day: Romans 1 - 3

Prayer for the day: Praise the Lord for our salvation that has already been bought for us by Christ. Praise the Lord for a great day and for our bodies to sleep well and have another good day tomorrow. Pray for the continued success and working of the chemo. Pray for a good day tomorrow and for us to be an encouragement. Pray for the sleep, physical and mental states of our families. Pray for people to come to Christ.

Thursday 24th March - Chemotherapy

Good evening. We have started the chemotherapy this afternoon and I am still strong this evening. We had a slow morning today and my mum came up to support us during the chemotherapy. We then went and had the treatment and saw our consultant who has put us on constant pain relief and advised us to stop the alternative treatment to give my body the recovery and well being it needs whilst trying to cope with everything else. We have then just relaxed tonight and are going to enjoy some rest.

We read this Psalm in the car before we went for treatment. It has been an encouragement all the way through. Psalm 46 v 1-3 'God is our refuge and strength an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.' V1o 'He says" Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted among the earth. The Lord almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress'.

Verse for the day: Psalm 46

Prayer for the day: Pray for God to be our refuge, strength and fortress. Pray for our bodies to be well rested tonight and for us to recover well from the treatment. Pray for the success of the treatment and for the cancer cells to be killed and tumours shrink. Pray for our families and for God to minister and strengthen them also. Pray for people to come to come to Christ. Pray for us to be able to enjoy each day that we have.

Wednesday 23rd March - Treatment

Good evening. We slept much better last night so thank you for your prayers and would value the same for tonight. We are starting treatment tomorrow which is a little scary as its make or break time; as to whether the cancer is going to go or not. We have had a good day going for a walk in the park and catching up with family and friends. We have both rested this evening and enjoyed some wind down time.

Psalm 18 v 3 - 7 'I called to the Lord, who is worthy to be praise and I have been saved from my enemies. The chords of death have entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of death the grave coiled around me, the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to the Lord for help. From His temple He heard my voice, my cry came before Him into His ears. V 30 'As for God His way is perfect. The Lord's word is flawless, He shields all who take refuge in Him.'

Verse for the day: Psalm 18

Prayer for the day: Pray for God to be with us in all we are going through. Pray for the treatment to work and for God to take the cancer using the chemo. Pray for both of us to sleep well and be able to get good rest for tomorrow. Pray for our families as we go through intense treatment that the Lord would be their rock too. Pray for people to be saved.

Tuesday 22nd March - Zion

Good evening. We have had a bit of an eventful couple of days and why there was not a blog yesterday. I was vomiting for most of last night and due to my back pain could not keep tablets down and so ended up spending 4 hours in A and E. We have then spent today trying too sort the pain out in my back. The chemotherapy starts on Thursday and is in the form of an IV drip every 3 weeks and will last an hour each time. I will have 3 rounds and then be assessed to see if it is working and either carry on or stop. This needs real prayer for the success of the chemo for us to be able carry on. This may be intense and need a good strong body and so another prayer point.

I was reading a book in the bath this morning and it quoted these verses that really struck me. Isaiah 35 v 8 - 10 'and a highway will be there and it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there nor any ravenous beast they will be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing, everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them and sorrow and sighing will flee away'.

Verse of the day: Revelation 21

Prayer for the day: Pray for God to be our rock, salvation and all we need in our difficult time. Pray for both of us to sleep well and for our bodies to be refreshed and well rested before chemotherapy starts. Pray for the success of the chemotherapy and in 9 weeks the tumours to have shrunk. Pray for our families who are worried about us and for God to be with them tonight.

Sunday 19th March - Just to be with you

Good afternoon. I am writing feeling much better still. I struggled at times to sleep last night to the detriment of my wife for which I feel guilty and so would value prayer for this not to happen again. We went to church this morning and it was great to worship the Lord and hear His word preached. Thank you to His people who were also an encouragement. We are heading out for tea with our small group and then heading to a Michael Card concert (not that I know who he is) with friends. I am physically well and we are praying for God to bless and use both treatments we are about to go through.

Instead of verses I wanted to post some lyrics to a song I have been listening to this afternoon. Its called Just to be with you, hence the title and says 'I'm face to the ground forsaking my pride, leaving my will My burdens behind. All I want, all I need. Is just to be with you, just to be with you.' It carries on later and says 'but you said I belong, you say I am yours. Nothing compares to knowing you more. You made a way for me saviour, I'm yours forever'. The lyrics are so true and are really encouraging. The link to the video on YouTube is below, listen to it if you so wish. http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8PNk9V5EHY&NR=1

Verse for the day: Philippians 2 v 1-11

Prayer for the day: For us to want to grow more like Christ and have all his fullness dwell with us. Pray for the success of both the treatments and for the cancer to go. For us to take each day as it comes,use it for His glory and use it fully. Pray for our families and for them to have the spirit of the Lord be their rock. Pray for my body to be upheld and for both me and Anne to be able to sleep well.

Saturday 19th March - Grace

Good afternoon. What a beautiful sunny day we have been able to enjoy. We had a nice steady morning after a reasonable nights sleep. We caught up with jobs around the house. We have then gone for a walk around the park to enjoy the sunshine. We have then come and watched some sport and are heading out to our pastors house tonight with some friends. We are both feeling good mentally and physically and are praying for the success of the chemo.

Ephesians 2 v 8 ' For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves it is the gift of God'. Hebrews 4 v16' let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need'.

Verse of the day: Matthew 28 v16-20

Prayer for the day: Pray for God's grace to be with us in all our days. Pray for the success of the chemotherapy and for the alternative treatment. Pray for my body to remain physically strong. Pray for our families and for the Lord to be their rock and fortress.

Friday 18th March - Feeling Strong

Good evening I am feeling much better today and have had a really good day. Anne has been into school to check her status regarding work and to see her work colleagues which was a real time of blessing. I enjoyed being well and spent some time watching TV. We then went for a walk as it was a really nice day and this was fantastic. Anne has gone out to do her children's work and we are looking forward to a restful evening. Thank you for all your prayers for me to get stronger as today I really am.



God is our strength and His word has so much to say about this. Exodus 15 v 2 says' The Lord is my strength and my defense. He has become my salvation. He is my God and I will praise Him, my fathers God and I will exalt Him'. Isaiah 12 v 2 declares' You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to His people. Praise be to God.' and finally 1 Peter 4 v 11' says 'If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength of God provides so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ' We need to wait on the Lord's strength and trust in Him.



Verse of the day: Jeremiah 16 v 19



Prayer for the day: Praise the Lord for me being stronger and better. Continue to pray for my body to get better and for me to be ready for the chemotherapy. Pray for God to heal the cancer, whether it be through the chemo or by a miracle. Pray for both of our families and for the Lord to continue to be their strength and rock. Pray for our witness and that we would always look to Christ.

Thursday 17th March- Sovereign God

Good evening. We have had a good day and I am feeling slightly better than I was yesterday. My mum came up to see us which was really lovely and a time of blessing. We then met up with Pastor Rob from our church. We made the decision today not to wait around any longer for the trial and start chemotherapy. This is now going to take place next Thursday and we are meeting the Macmillan nurse to go through the process etc. These both need a lot of prayer as I need to be well to cope with the chemo and for it to work.

All things are in God's hands. Acts 17 23-26 and 28 says 'God who made the world and everything in it....is Lord of heaven and earth...He gives to all life, breath and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of man to dwell on all the face of the earth and has determined their preappointed times. In him we live and move and have our being'. We can only live by God and for God. We were given breath by Him and He deserves our praise in all situations.

Verse for the day: 1 Peter 1 v 14

Prayer for the day: Pray for God to continue to carry us and be the rock of ages within our situation. Pray for me to continue to get stronger and my body to recover. Pray for the chemotherapy to work and for God to use it to take the cancer. Pray for our families and for the Lord to be their rock. Pray for people to come to Christ.

Wednesday 16th March - God is our refuge

Good evening, it's Anne here tonight as Glen is feeling very rough again. We both slept well and woke up feeling very positive. We went out to the local farm shop and then after lunch meet a friend for coffee (or green tea in Glen's case). But since then Glen has deteriorated and could not manage any tea. I have spoken to the doctor we saw in Durham and she is very puzzled by Glen's deterioration and has recommended he just has water tomorrow. Please pray for wisdom in this situation and for Glen to feel better.



We continue to trust in the Lord and look to Him for guidance. He is our Rock and fortress. Psalm 46 says 'God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.' We know that God is will us every step of the way.

Thank you for all your prayers and support, we really do appreciate it.

Verse for today: Psalm 46

Prayer for today: Please pray for wisdom and guidance in Glen's treatment. Please pray for Glen's health to be restored for the glory of the Lord. Pray that the Lord will be our refuge and strength and for our families to know His presence too.

Tuesday 15th March - Trust

Good evening we have had another relaxed day. I did not have an amazing nights sleep and was very rough this morning. This meant that I needed to rest for my body to be able to recover. We have therefore taken time to relax and allow this to happen. We have seen friends tonight too and am praying for a better nights sleep. We are not getting results until Friday and so will not know the treatment plan until next Wednesday.

Psalm 37 v 3-7 'Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pleasure. Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of the heart. Commit your way to the Lord trust in Him and He will do this; He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. '

Verse for the day: Genesis Ch 1

Prayer for the day: Pray for God to continue to be our rock and fortress. Pray for a good nights sleep and for my body to recover from the rough night last night. Pray for the treatment to come around swiftly and for us to be wise in our choice. Pray for our families and the Lord to be their rock.

Monday 14th March - Rest

Good evening. We have had a good day of rest and recuperation. My back is much better but due to paracetamol and so I pray and hope I will be able to sleep well tonight. We are both feeling well and have been encouraged by the support, love and generosity of so many people.

Colossians 1 v 15-20'He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by all things in heaven and on earth, visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things and in him all things hold together. And He is the head of the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead that in everything He might be preeminent. For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell and through Him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven making peace by the blood of the cross.'

Verse of the day: Isaiah 41 v 1o

Prayer for the day: Pray for the Lord to be our rock, fortress and shield in all that we need. For both me and Anne to be able to sleep well tonight and be well rested. Pray for treatment and for the results of the test to be God's will. Pray for our families and for God to be with them as they deal with everyday life. Pray for people to come to Christ because of our suffering.

Sunday 13th March - We do not walk alone

Good evening. As I write this I am feeling much better than I have the last few days both physically and mentally. We have been out to church this morning, a real blessing. We then came and had some lunch, visited friends and have then been to church again. My back is feeling much better today, an answer to prayer and I slept better last night. I have had a good day with food too and I enjoyed some of the rugby too.

It really is great to have brothers and sisters in Christ to walk with in our situation. Philippians 2 v1-3 says 'if you have any encouragement of being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship from His spirit, if any tenderness and compassion the make my joy complete by being complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vein conceit but in humility consider others better than yourselves'. I write that verse as people in our church family and people outside have really humbled us and been such an encouragement, support and real prayer warriors. The amount of people praying for us is staggering and a real testament to all those people and to the love and character of God. Thank you as it really does mean so much.

Verse for the day: Psalm 63

Prayer for the day: Pray for us to have the attitude of Christ first in all things. Please continue to pray for my body to recuperate and be strong. For both me and Anne to sleep well tonight and be well rested. Pray for our families and God to be their fortress and rock. Pray for us to hear from the hospital earlier this week than later. For the treatments that they will work and for God to take the cancer.

Saturday 12th March - God is our Rock!

Good afternoon we have had another day of rest due to my back being painful. We are heading out tonight to watch football and have a games night which should be a fantastic night and I hope I win more than I lose. We are both mentally well and know God is in control of our situation and so cry out to him in prayer. Can I say thank you to my family who have shown us compassionate support and prayer along with the friends we have in Liverpool, it means so much we have so many people to turn too.

Psalm 18 'I love you O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and fortress and my deliverer.' 1 Peter 3 v 14' but even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.' V18 'For Christ also once suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body, but made alive in the spirit.'

Verse of the day: Romans 8 v 37-39

Prayer for the day: For God to be with us in the midst of our suffering and for us to look to Christ in all that we do. For my body that it will be made strong by the Lord and for us to sleep well tonight. For our families and for the Lord to be their rock and fortress too. For swift news about treatment and results of the biopsy. For people to come to Christ because of our suffering.

Friday 11th March - Hope

Good evening. Its been a bit of a roller coaster week. New treatments, long journeys, my body being weak, time with friends and 'The Kings Speech'. I always wondered why people who are in times of trial are told to take it hour by hour but this week I really do. I feel like this is the week where the devil seems to have attacked and succeeded the most. I am again not feeling amazing and this stresses me as I think the cancer is getting worse. Please pray for physical recovery, sleep and for the peace of the Lord.

In all this resting I get to watch a bit of TV. In all this its clear to see the world needs a hope greater than this world can offer. Take the Tsunami today or the people of Juarez (2200 people murdered every year - about 65 a week) or the parents of the 5 year old boy who died on the ski slopes by a ski bike. Well there is one Christ. Psalm 65v 5 'You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the HOPE of all the ends of the earth and the farthest seas.' Romans 8 v 24 'for in this HOPE we were saved. But hope that is already seen is no hope at all. Who HOPES for what he already has? ' Ephesians 1 v 18 'I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the HOPE to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people'. Titus 1 v 2 ' in the HOPE of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time'. Hebrews 10 v 23 'Let us hold unswervingly to the HOPE we profess, for who He who promised is faithful'. These were just some of the verses that could have been put. What a HOPE we have and what a hope so many people need.

Verse for the day: Revelation 21

Prayer for the day: For the Lord to be with us in the midst of our situation. Pray for God to perform a miracle and heal the cancer by His mighty hand. Pray for both of us to sleep well and be well rested tomorrow. Pray for our families and for the Lord to be their rock and fortress. Pray for us to use our time wisely and be able to take each day as it comes. Pray for treatment news to be swift and in God's time.

Thursday 10th March - Love

We have had a good day and are both well rested. The Lord has blessed us with good sleep and with healthy bodies. We went to a farm today and picked up lots of veggies. We have watched a bit of TV and have spent time doing bits in the house. We have been at a friends house tonight and have rested more. We are still waiting to hear from the hospital as to what is happening with treatment and would value prayer for this.

Luke 12 v 4-7 says 'I tell you my friends do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who after your body has been killed has authority to throw you into hell. Yes I tell you fear Him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are worth more than the sparrows.' What truth and how much does God love us!

Verse for the day: Genesis 1

Prayer for the day: Pray for God to be our strength and for us to look to him. Pray for God to mightily use the treatment we are about to embark. Pray for continued rest and for us to sleep well. Pray for God to save because of our situation. Pray for our families.

Wednesday 9th March - Refuge

We have had a good day today,one of rest and time spent with the word of God. I have started the alternative treatment of diet and supplements and it has gone well although vegan recipes without wheat are hard to come by. We both slept well last night and was an answer to prayer and physically we are feeling much better. We are finally going to see 'The Kings Speech' tonight with friends and so are looking forward to a relaxed night.

2 Samuel 22 starts with David saying 'The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer: my God is my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and saviour. ' Who could disagree with David? We like David mess up and need the Lord and like David are saved by the grace of the Lord.

Verse of the day: Psalm 73

Prayer for the day: Please pray for us to fix our eyes upon Christ and cherish him. Pray for rest and relaxation. Please continue to pray for our families. Pray for wisdom in what to do and when. For God to bless, use and work through the treatment.

Tuesday 8th March - The Lord is our help.

Good evening. We have had a busy day and one in which lots has been done. I have spent most of the day asleep, both in the car and in bed this afternoon due to feeling unwell. My wife has been an absolute superstar making sure everything is OK, shopping and sorting out what supplements I have to take and when. We are both extremely tired and would value prayer for a good nights sleep.



Over the next week or so we should be nearing the start of treatment. God is in control of all we have been through and are about to go through. Psalm 121 says 'I lift my eyes up to the mountains, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth. He will not let you foot slip; He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed He who watches over Israel will not sleep nor slumber. The Lord watches over you the Lord is your shade on your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm, he will watch over your life;the Lord will watch over you coming and going both now and forevermore.'

Verse for the day: Romans 8

Prayer for the day: Pray for the Lord's strength, peace and comfort to be with us. Pray for us to have wisdom to implement the treatment plan we have been given and that it is not too restrictive. Pray for a good nights sleep and for us to be well rested tomorrow. Pray for our families. Pray for the treatment to be used by God and take the cancer from me.

Monday 7th March - Treasuring Christ

Good evening we have had a productive, safe and blessed trip to Durham. We were with the lady providing the treatment for over 5 hours but felt at peace with her. She really did have a compassion for our situation and wanted the best for us. I am really tired and did not sleep amazingly well last night and so would value a good nights rest tonight. We are staying over in Durham tonight with Anne's brother and wife (Thanks for the offer Gemma). Generally I am feeling well and have few symptoms. The Dr we met today said she would do both treatments, the chemotherapy and the alternative and so we are praying for God's confirmation in this.

We were listening to John Piper this morning (given to us by a friend) talking upon Romans 8 and treasuring Christ. Paul in v18 says 'I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us'. John Piper and Paul qualify that we are to suffer and that it is worth it due to what is to come - heaven. Paul further says in v6-7 'the mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law nor can it do so' . Piper says nothing should come before Christ, we should love him first and everything else second. We should sacrifice all for him and our lives should be lived for him. People put this world, relationships, dreams, alcohol, sex, themselves above Christ and that's why Paul says the flesh is hostile to God. Can I urge you to sacrifice all for Christ as He sacrificed all for you!

Verse for the day: Romans 8

Prayer for the day: Praise the Lord for what He has done for us and for us to sacrifice all for him. Pray for wisdom in the treatment choices we make and for the Lord to bless and use the treatment for the cancer. Pray for rest tonight and for a good nights sleep. Pray for our families. Pray for strength and for us to enjoy the time that we have.

Sunday 7th March - Blessed

Good evening. We have had a lovely day and completed so much. We were truly blessed to be able to worship the Lord at church this morning and spend time with His people. We heard 2 sermons and were encouraged that the Lord is with us in our strife and He is in control of it all. Me and my brother then went to the Liverpool vs Man Utd game which was excellent except the result as a Man Utd fan. We then again went to church this evening and are now spending time resting. We are feeling at peace about our situation and are both tired but physically well.

I love reading Job and would love one day to call my child by this name. Job is afflicted by the devil, all his livestock is taken and all his children but yet he still gives the Lord praise. Job 1 says 'at this Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then fell to the ground in worship and said: Naked I came from my mothers womb and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord take away; may the name of the Lord be praised'. The Lord's character does not change in any situation and he works for the good of His people. We are blessed in many a way and praise the Lord for it.

Verse for the day: Philippians 1 v 12-18

Prayer for the day: Praise the Lord for His character. Pray for wisdom about the treatment options we have before us and the Lords guidance in this. Pray for rest tonight and for God to heal my body of the cancer as only He can. Pray for strength and peace in the Lord. Pray for our families.

Saturday 7th March - Decisions?

Good evening. We have been deliberating today between a few possible treatment options. We were informed on Monday of an alternative treatment using diet and supplements to tackle the cancer based around the book by Phillip Day 'Cancer: Why were still dying to know the truth' and a clinic in Mexico's treatment of cancer. The diet is a strict vegan one and also uses apricot kernels, B17 and other supplements to starve the cancer and boost the immune system to kill it. There has never been a medical trial into this treatment but one of our families know of 2 people who went through this treatment and are alive 15 years later but still living with the cancer. It does not claim to be a cure and 100% successful as we are dealing with cancer but is an option God is allowing us to pray whether we should take. We are meeting a lady in Durham on Monday to discuss this treatment and how we would go about it. This would mean not taking the chemotherapy and so is a big decision for us to make. We would really love people to firstly pray for God to shut this door if it is not something we should do and secondly for wisdom to make the right decision.

James in chapter 1 v 5 says 'If any of you lacks wisdom you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given unto you'. The Lord gives generously when we ask and we are asking for wisdom in making the right choice. We were thinking today about how much we have been blessed since our difficult situation came about. Psalm 89 v 15 says 'blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence Lord.' We have been blessed and the Lord has been with us in it all.

Verse for the day: Psalm 46 (God is our refuge)

Prayer for the day: Please pray for Monday that if it is not the path we should be taking the Lord will close the door. Please pray for wisdom to make the right decision in which treatment we should do. Pray if it is just a 'quack' treatment this will be made clear to us. Pray for our families and for the Lord to support them during this difficult time. Pray for rest and recuperation. Pray for the Lord to heal my body from this disease.

Friday 4th March - Peace

Good afternoon. We have had another well rested day and have spent the time preparing for family coming tomorrow. We are both feeling well physically and mentally and due to the Lord feel at complete peace about it all. We are going to see Disney on Ice this evening and are looking forward to an evening of fun and laughter. We both slept well and are enjoying the time we have together.



Peace is a funny word. Peace when placed into google is understood as harmonious, without violence and the absence of hostility. Peace within the Bible comes from the Lord, its a blessing and also a fruit of the spirit. The Lord wants us to be peacemakers and we are given a peace about life from Him. Romans 15 says 'may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.' We are trusting in Him and we definately know both the peace and the joy only the Lord can give. We are completely at peace and we have a hope that is everlasting.

Thank you for all your prayers.

Verse for the day: Genesis 1 (How amazing is our creation)

Prayer for the day: Pray for the continued peace, joy and hope of the Lord to be with us always. Pray for God's will in which treatment we end up on and the results of the brain scan. Pray for our rest and for our families also and the Lord to be their rock and fortress too. Pray for my physical well being and recovery.

Thursday 4th March - Conquerors

Good evening. We have had a restful day in which myself and Anne have spent time with one another resting. We went out to tea with friends which was really lovely and a blessing to us. We are trying to spend the time waiting wisely and have enjoyed the time we have been given. I am feeling well and the Lord really is keeping us both during this time. We slept well also which was a real blessing.

Romans 8 v 37 says 'no in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us'. We are conquerors because of what Christ has done for us. When we say sorry to people it takes time for that pain to heal but with Christ we come before Him and admit our sin and he takes it from us, makes us conquerors of death, have a eternal crown with Christ and eternal life. What an amazing God we have. Whatever happens with our situation God does not change, whatever happens and our hope will not fade or spoil. We are praying whatever treatment we have God will heal but if not God does not change and He does not love us any less.

Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Verse for the day: Psalm 46

Prayer for the day: Please pray for a strength only the Lord can give and for a peace only He understands. Pray for wisdom and God's will in the treatment that takes place. Pray for my continued strength and for the healing of the cancer from my body. Pray for our families as they live and deal with the cancer on a daily basis. Pray for rest, relaxation and sleep over the next few days.

Wednesday 3rd March - Will of God

Good evening. We have had a busy and enjoyable day. I played golf this morning and we then had lunch with a friend which was a real time of blessing. We then went to the hospital to sign some paperwork. We will find out the results of the biopsy within 10 days. The biopsy is to test whether there is a defect within my melanoma and the clinical trial is to test people who do not have it. We need to pray for the will of God in which treatment plan happens. We then had tea with friends - another blessing.

We are resting in the will of God and know we are in the greatest hands we could be in. God has been our rock and fortress throughout our situation. Psalm 46 one that has spoke to me throughout our situation says 'God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.' God is always with us in our situation and He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Verse for the day: Romans 8 v 28

Prayer for the day: Please pray for us to continue to rely upon the Lord. Pray for his will to take place in terms of treatment and for the results to be in His hand. Pray for the brain scan that will take place within the next 2 weeks that it will be stable and the tumor will have gone. Pray for our families and their reliance upon the Lord and for the support they get. Pray for our rest and for us to take each day at a time.

Tuesday 1st March - Love

Good afternoon I am feeling much better mentally but have struggled a little with my physical state today. Anne has met people for coffee and spent some time with friends. My back has been hurting and so have spent the day resting and enjoying some time to myself. We are meeting our consultant to sign some papers tomorrow to commence a biopsy of my tumors. We are also heading for small group and watching the football tonight too.

We know God is in control and praise Him that we have salvation already. I know people should not have favourite passages but one of mine is 1 John 4. John says 'This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.' God loves us more than any, He upholds us and we can be bold and claim eternal life because of Christ. What an amazing truth.

Verse for the day: 1 John chapter 4

Prayer for the day: Please pray for our upholding in the Lord and for Him to be our rock. Pray for my physical body that I would be upheld by the Lord. Pray for our meeting tomorrow that it would be blessed by the Lord. Pray for our families and the Lord being their rock and strength too. Pray for our sleep and rest that we would be wise in our decisions.