Dear all, I've been asked to write this blog by Glen's mum. The weekend has been hard, Glen had another fit and has been in hospital since, he has not really recovered from this second fit and has not been coherent since. Yesterday a scan on Glen's brain revealed a number of additional tumours, including a large one at the front of his brain. These tumours mean that no further treatment is possible and in all probability that Glen does not have long left until God calls to take him to be with him.
Glen is sleeping a lot, but seems to like to know that there are people in the room with him. They are waiting for a hospice space to be organised so that he can be moved. These are words that many of us had hoped and prayed that we would never have to write or to read, but they are not words without hope.
The Apostle Paul in Romans 5:1-11 "1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."
This is the hope that Glen, Anne, Ruth and the family have in this situation. It is not a vague hope but one grounded in God showing his love for them in sending his Son Jesus Christ to die for Glen, so that he is made right with God (justified) can enjoy a relationship with God (reconciled) and a certain hope that he will see God face to face healed and liberated from every physical ailment. The cancer will not win God will.
I would ask you to pray this evening for Glen, that God in his mercy would ensure that he does not suffer and take him home. I would ask you to pray to for Anne, Ruth and the rest of the family, that they would know the certainty of their hope in Christ.
I know Glen would want me to ask this of those for whom death is a terrifying thing. What is your hope? You can know the same hope that Glen knows by trusting Glen's saviour for yourself.
Prayer: Father God we come to you with heavy to hearts and bring our loved friend Glen to you. We pray that you would be merciful to him and take him home to be with you. We pray for his family may they know your strength at this time we ask, may the hope that Glen has and they share sustain them. And may they know your love for them by your Spirit and through your people. Amen.
Monday, 30 May 2011
Saturday, 28 May 2011
Saturday 28th May - A journey
Hi this is Glen's mum posting the blog. Glen came out of hospital this morning, after Anne staying with him. They were both tired and ready for the comforts of their own home and bed. Majority of the day has been sleeping, showering and bathing. This afternoon one of Glen's very good friends, Niall, has called into visit him.
Anne has just called me to say that she left Glen sleeping upstairs, went up to check on him and he was having another fit. So off to hospital again. The Doctor has sent him for a another brain scan and they are concerned again that something is happening.
Bible Reading - Psalm 62 Vs 5 -8 - 'Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I shall not be shaken. My salvation and my honour depend on God, he is my mighty rock; my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge' As we walk this journey with Glen and Anne pray that God would be both theirs and ours rock and salvation.
Pray - Please pray especially for Anne as she loves, cares and supports Glen. Pray for her as she has to make decisions for both of them whilst Glen is ill. Give thanks that God brought them together and how they illuminate God's love for us through their marriage. Pray for wisdom for the medical staff as they treat Glen. Pray that they would also be sensitive to Anne's needs and health. Pray for Glen's health, which over the last few weeks has changed. Pray for the Dr's meeting on Tuesday. As his mum please pray for both Glen and Anne's family as we walk this journey with them. Pray that we would encourage and bear with one another.
Hi this is Glen's mum posting the blog. Glen came out of hospital this morning, after Anne staying with him. They were both tired and ready for the comforts of their own home and bed. Majority of the day has been sleeping, showering and bathing. This afternoon one of Glen's very good friends, Niall, has called into visit him.
Anne has just called me to say that she left Glen sleeping upstairs, went up to check on him and he was having another fit. So off to hospital again. The Doctor has sent him for a another brain scan and they are concerned again that something is happening.
Bible Reading - Psalm 62 Vs 5 -8 - 'Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I shall not be shaken. My salvation and my honour depend on God, he is my mighty rock; my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge' As we walk this journey with Glen and Anne pray that God would be both theirs and ours rock and salvation.
Pray - Please pray especially for Anne as she loves, cares and supports Glen. Pray for her as she has to make decisions for both of them whilst Glen is ill. Give thanks that God brought them together and how they illuminate God's love for us through their marriage. Pray for wisdom for the medical staff as they treat Glen. Pray that they would also be sensitive to Anne's needs and health. Pray for Glen's health, which over the last few weeks has changed. Pray for the Dr's meeting on Tuesday. As his mum please pray for both Glen and Anne's family as we walk this journey with them. Pray that we would encourage and bear with one another.
Friday, 27 May 2011
Friday 27th May - God is listening
Hi this is Glen's mum writing the blog tonight. It has been another difficult day for Glen and Anne. This morning Glen had a small fit and Anne rang the ambulance to take him to hospital, as he was slow in coming around. There was concern that this meant that his brain, which had been stable a few weeks ago, had changed and that he might also have a chest infection. The Dr's sent him for a chest x-ray and for a brain scan.
God has yet again answered our prayers as the brain scan shows no difference to the one undertaken a few weeks ago. Glen is staying in hospital overnight, and they have very kindly arranged for him to be moved to a side room so that Anne can stay with him tonight. If he has no further fits then he should be able to come out tomorrow. They are also starting him on meds to make sure he has no further fits.
The last few weeks has been quite a rollercoaster for Glen and Anne, but through the fiery furnace walk they have kept God at the centre of their lives and He has been faithful in answered their prayers especially for medical support this week.
I know that they count it a priviledged that so many people are walking this journey with them, and the prayers that are offered on their behalf.
Isaiah 54 vs 10 reminds us that even though everything around us seems to be difficult God still loves us and shows us compassion. 'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfalling love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed. says the the Lord who has compassion upon you" God's love, hope and promises are the one constant in our lives.
Bible Verses - Psalm 23.
Prayer:- Give thanks for Glen and Anne's faithful witness of God's love, hope and promises. Give thanks that through this fiery furnace we can see God at work. Pray for a restful night for Glen and Anne. Pray for the meeting with the Dr on Tuesday. Pray for the medical staff Glen and Anne meet, that as in 1 Peter 3 they would always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks them the reason for the hope that they have. Pray for Anne as she loves, supports and cares for Glen.
Hi this is Glen's mum writing the blog tonight. It has been another difficult day for Glen and Anne. This morning Glen had a small fit and Anne rang the ambulance to take him to hospital, as he was slow in coming around. There was concern that this meant that his brain, which had been stable a few weeks ago, had changed and that he might also have a chest infection. The Dr's sent him for a chest x-ray and for a brain scan.
God has yet again answered our prayers as the brain scan shows no difference to the one undertaken a few weeks ago. Glen is staying in hospital overnight, and they have very kindly arranged for him to be moved to a side room so that Anne can stay with him tonight. If he has no further fits then he should be able to come out tomorrow. They are also starting him on meds to make sure he has no further fits.
The last few weeks has been quite a rollercoaster for Glen and Anne, but through the fiery furnace walk they have kept God at the centre of their lives and He has been faithful in answered their prayers especially for medical support this week.
I know that they count it a priviledged that so many people are walking this journey with them, and the prayers that are offered on their behalf.
Isaiah 54 vs 10 reminds us that even though everything around us seems to be difficult God still loves us and shows us compassion. 'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfalling love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed. says the the Lord who has compassion upon you" God's love, hope and promises are the one constant in our lives.
Bible Verses - Psalm 23.
Prayer:- Give thanks for Glen and Anne's faithful witness of God's love, hope and promises. Give thanks that through this fiery furnace we can see God at work. Pray for a restful night for Glen and Anne. Pray for the meeting with the Dr on Tuesday. Pray for the medical staff Glen and Anne meet, that as in 1 Peter 3 they would always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks them the reason for the hope that they have. Pray for Anne as she loves, supports and cares for Glen.
Thursday, 26 May 2011
Thursday 26th May - Trust in Him
Good evening we have had a mixed day and will continue to be on our knees praying for the consultancy meeting we are having on Tuesday. Anne has popped out here and there and we also had a visit from the district nurse to see how we are going. The sleeping tablets I have been taking have meant I have been sleeping for most of the day too, therefore we going to stop these so please pray for sleep. I have been stronger physically in lots of ways but still need prayer to sleep well and be able to deal with what every day life brings.
Psalm 13 says 'Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say 'I have overcome Him" and and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord's praise for He has been good to me.' Praise the Lord we can always trust in Him.
Verse for today: Psalm 13
Prayer for today: Pray for sleep and continued strength. Pray for God's will to be done at the meeting on Tuesday and for the right medication to be available. Thank God He is our sustainer and rock. Pray for our families too.
Psalm 13 says 'Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say 'I have overcome Him" and and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord's praise for He has been good to me.' Praise the Lord we can always trust in Him.
Verse for today: Psalm 13
Prayer for today: Pray for sleep and continued strength. Pray for God's will to be done at the meeting on Tuesday and for the right medication to be available. Thank God He is our sustainer and rock. Pray for our families too.
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Wednesday 25th May - Praise Him
Good evening we have had a slightly improved day. We both slept well and ended up having 8 hours sleep. We have then taken things slowly and we had a visit from a cancer consultant to see how best to control the pain I have been having. This afternoon I have slept lots, watched TV and generally tried to relax. Anne has once again pottered around the house and looked after me very well. We would really value prayer again for the pain treatment we have been given and for us to sleep well again.
Psalm 9 says 'I will praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all you marvelous works. I will glad and rejoice in you: I will sing praise to your name, O most high. Have mercy on me O Lord, consider my trouble from those who hate me, You who lift me up from the gates of death. That I may tell of all your praise. In the gates of the daughter of Zion. I will rejoice in your salvation'. We are to sing to the Lord and put our trust in Him. He is our shield and defender and walks with us as our strength.
Verse of the day: Proverbs 3 v 5-7
Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for all He has done for us and we have a place of refuge in Him. Praise the Lord I have had help to get the pain under control and ask him to continue to aid us in our sleep and physical state. Pray for the drug treatments to be available and for God to open the door(s) He wishes us to walk through. Pray for our families and for the Lord to be their strength. Pray for people to come to faith in Christ.
Psalm 9 says 'I will praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all you marvelous works. I will glad and rejoice in you: I will sing praise to your name, O most high. Have mercy on me O Lord, consider my trouble from those who hate me, You who lift me up from the gates of death. That I may tell of all your praise. In the gates of the daughter of Zion. I will rejoice in your salvation'. We are to sing to the Lord and put our trust in Him. He is our shield and defender and walks with us as our strength.
Verse of the day: Proverbs 3 v 5-7
Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for all He has done for us and we have a place of refuge in Him. Praise the Lord I have had help to get the pain under control and ask him to continue to aid us in our sleep and physical state. Pray for the drug treatments to be available and for God to open the door(s) He wishes us to walk through. Pray for our families and for the Lord to be their strength. Pray for people to come to faith in Christ.
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
Tuesday 24th May: Everlasting hope
Good evening we have had a very difficult day and one in which the cancer seemed to really take hold of my body in numerous ways. We both did not sleep well; with us being awake at 1,3,5 and then eventually getting a few hours of sleep at the end. Our community Macmillan nurse came today and has increased my pain relief, she has also arranged for a consultant from the hospice to visit us tomorrow. Hopefully this will help us get the right level of medication, so I am more comfortable. My mum came for the day which was really nice and a good support.
Peter in his first book declares to the world 'Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.' Thank the Lord we have an eternal hope.
Verse for the day: 1 Peter 1:3
Prayer for the day: Please pray for wisdom tomorrow as we review my medication. Pray for sleep this evening and renewed strength for tomorrow. Pray for our families as they walk this difficult road with us.
Peter in his first book declares to the world 'Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.' Thank the Lord we have an eternal hope.
Verse for the day: 1 Peter 1:3
Prayer for the day: Please pray for wisdom tomorrow as we review my medication. Pray for sleep this evening and renewed strength for tomorrow. Pray for our families as they walk this difficult road with us.
Monday, 23 May 2011
Monday 23rd May - A move in the right direction
Good evening. We have had a much better day today and one where I am feeling much better and stronger. I slept much better than I have over the last few days and this helped me to be much more refreshed and relaxed when I awoke. I have enjoyed a body strengthening day and friends came around to visit this afternoon. I have also been out for a bit of light retail therapy. Anne has been out here and there and was also entertaining our guests. Praise the Lord I am feeling better just need to be on our knees asking for this blessing to continue.
Paul says in Romans 8 v 28-29 'and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers or sisters. We were chosen by and God and for the service of His name amazing. God loves us so much, even death on a cross.
Verse of the day: 1 John 1 v 4-10
Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for my return of strength and ask Him for this to continue due to His mercy. Pray for news from the hospital and how we are going to move forwards. Pray for sleep and a continued reliance upon the Lord. Pray for me to be able to lead and go to target camp next week. Pray for the upholding of our families. Pray for us having eyes only for Christ and for Him being the rock on which we build all things.
Paul says in Romans 8 v 28-29 'and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers or sisters. We were chosen by and God and for the service of His name amazing. God loves us so much, even death on a cross.
Verse of the day: 1 John 1 v 4-10
Prayer of the day: Praise the Lord for my return of strength and ask Him for this to continue due to His mercy. Pray for news from the hospital and how we are going to move forwards. Pray for sleep and a continued reliance upon the Lord. Pray for me to be able to lead and go to target camp next week. Pray for the upholding of our families. Pray for us having eyes only for Christ and for Him being the rock on which we build all things.
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