The Big Push

During the final days of this year I want to present to you an idea for a New Years Resolution. Since July 1st, the day of Lincoln's diagnosis, I discovered a whole new world that I was missing out on. With a little tiny 3 1/2 iPod screen I began to look into the lives of children fighting for their lives, battling cancer.

My Prayer for This Year

Dear God...before I go on asking for what I think I need next year, let me say Thank you for all the good that has happened to me this year. I want to thank you for the breath that I breathe and the heart that beats in me. This is your gift to me to show me purpose and that my life is not my own but is meant to be given to others. Thank you for my family that supports me in ways that no one else can. We have suffered much in the last few years but you have sustained us with the Love of the family unit. Thank you for my wife who shows that all things Can be done through Christ who strengthens us. Thank you for my daughter who also feel the effects of the recent life altering changes, bless her and help her to be the big sister that she is. Thank you for my son Lincoln. You have given him the gift of life and in 3 short years he has given so many people a reason to have hope and believe in a miracle. He is a very strong Lincoln-Batman and he fights for justice and a cure for all cancer in kids.Thank you also for our parents who are the next biggest support system with the countless blessing that they give to us, even giving what they don't have abundently. Most recently God, I thank you for the friends we have and the friends we continue to make all over the world throught technology and social media. Without this we would feel like we were the only ones in the world facing life as we know it. There is no telling how many people pray to you, for us and it lifts me up to see to it that I make praying for them a priority, whether they have cancer or are just having a bad day. Finally, Thank you for the hospital that is treating our son and many other children with all types of life threatening diseases.

This year I want to ask for only one thing. I'm not asking for anything less that a miracle seeing how you are God and I think you already know. I wish for children all over the world who are faced with life threatening diseases to feel as full of hope and blessing as we have. This is something I know we can all have at anytime as we journey for a cure and I know you can pour it out on us abundantly. We don't know why life is so short and we wonder why you would take a child's life from our family and leave it broken in peices, but you won't let us down on giving us comfort. You gave up your own child and He suffered and die too, but since that day you have given people a reason to believe that you Love us and have a purpose for us as we continue living.

If its not too much to ask, will you bring people together in unity to advances in the awareness, funding and research that is needed for the cure for cancer, cystic fibrosis, epilepsy and diabetes in children? We want to be a part of this together and can't rely on a few people or just our government to do this for us. We have a huge opportunity to add the the efforts but we don't always know how, but you can reveal to each of us our specific purpose in doing our part.

Will you also give great comfort to families greiving the loss of their children these past few years and show them that you are still God on the Throne of Heaven?

All these things I ask in the Name above all Names, your Son Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior.

The Next Chapter

Today as I sat at the dinner table with my wonderful family of 4, I was thinking that this year was a good year. I have many reasons to think how great life has been this year, even over the last 6 months, and now as I reflect I can't see anything that went wrong.

You may find it hard to understand since my 2 1/2 year old son was diagnosed with leukemia on July 1st, but we all fought a good fight against this deadly opponent and so far we are winning. The last few months we have only wanted one thing in life and that was for our son to survive and not be miserable, but in the last few days I have also realized that cancer is a relentless force and still devastates families, even on Christmas day.

Life is too short and you may believe that, but I know that it is when a child has cancer. Sometimes I want to stop and talk to that homeless person on the street corner and share with them how Great their life is. They can breath on their own, eat when they get food and experience little to no physical pain compared to that child with neuroblastoma who is on a morphine drip. When I go to the store and see all of these people lined up to return some electronic gift that wasn't good enough for their needs, I think about the child that can't even enjoy the outdoors for fear of catching a cold because they have no immune system.

This year I have only one resolution, to join forces with those raising awareness for childrens cancer and to find a cure. Even though my son has been in remission only a month after his diagnosis, I have discovered the ugly truth that cancer is stealing young lives single day. Now, as the final few days of 2011 come to an end, I am preparing to stay strong and continue fighting. Will you fight at my side in 2012?

Battle Cry

This year before my son was diagnosed with leukemia (ALL) I heard a lot about cancer from people who knew other people who were fighing for their lives. My thought was, "that's too bad" and I went on with my day. Now that I am faced with a life threatening disease in my own home, I want to scream to anyone who is listening, "LET'S GET MOVING AND FIND A CURE." 

The simple word cancer has become: Monster, Theif, Child Killer, Destroyer and so on. So now that I know cancers true identity, I can fight it with the weapons I have available. I myself cannot throw money at it and expect it to just disappear like a normal infection and I cannot just talk about my story with my son and expect people to give up everything in their lives as I had to give up in mine to fight this battle. But I can do something that most people will not do on the frontlines of cancer warfare. I will rally as many people as possible and when the moment is right I will give the Battle Cry for people to mobilize in efforts to disband the enemy. This runs the risk of losing many who have been made aware but, like myself before cancer, honestly didn't care that much because it had not infiltrated their personal lives yet. With the pages I use in the world of social media I will shout to get the attention of those in battle to be ready to fight for their lives and the lives of their children. Even if some are lost and distracted by the cares of the world they live in, I will not give up because the Battle Cry must be heard. My latest page "Speak Up to Silence Cancer" @ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Speak-Up-to-Silence-Cancer/272558346126344 will be for anyone of any age to tell how cancer has attacked them or their loved ones. As we talk more about our enemy we will prepare for battle and when the time is right we will together raise the awareness of the world which will bring the funding needed to find a cure. I don't want to sound like I am a Jr. High kid that need your LIKES on facebook, but I need you to show you are ready and to show everyone else that LIKES get peoples attention. People want to know what is going on when 80-100 people Like a story about a child fighting cancer or 5000 people Like a page that will have a significant part in Saving Lives.

Let the Battle Cry continue to be heard and let the LIKES be seen on Facebook like the Biggest and Best House with Christmas Lights in the neighborhood because we need people to see what is going on in the world of cancer. Go now to the links on the left of this page and click LIKE on each one to follow and keep aware.

The Silence has Broken

When it comes to being passionate about things in life, I only have a few that I truly indulge in.
Yesterday I was playing cards which is something I grew up with. My grandma was always up for a challange of gin rummy and I quickly became familiar with the hands I need to win. I like all sorts of games from video games to Texas Hold 'em poker and  I don't waste my time on many other 'fun' activities because I like them too much. I like physical activity from working hard outside in the heat or cold, to playing indoor soccer. My brain would not function normally if I did not have something challenging like this. My family has always been important to me, but with the loss of my grandma and newphew just a year ago, I can't imaging trying to living apart from those closest to me. Now with my son Lincoln's diagnosis of leukemia we have very little that we choose to get caught up in because we don't want our passions to run thin.

My latest passion is something that I never thought I would take on because I never knew I would be affected by cancer so closely. Thankfully since my son is doing so well with his treatment plan I haved turned any distress into motivation to fight his disease. I have also discovered that I am not alone, by any means, because there is a community of people who have been fighting hard against childrens cancer. I started a facebook page and caring bridge for my son, but little did I know that I would find up to 100 other kids that are fighting the same fight. I follow closely and in 5 short months since Linclon's Dx I have seen many lost, too many.

Tonight as my son is in the hospital for part of his treatment plan I want to take cancer awarness to a New Level. I am starting another facebook page that will increase awareness through the stories of those battling cancer. As the Army against Cancer grows there needs to be a Battle Cry to make a big push against this enemy. Through the stories, updates and even news of those lost to cancer are submitted to this page, it will fuel the fire of passion to get rid of cancer once and for all. We will all grow closer as a community and spread the word that We Need a Cure and We Need it Now!
Let the battle cry be heard as we all with one voice "SPEAK UP TO SILENCE CANCER"
Let your Voice be heard @ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Speak-Up-to-Silence-Cancer/272558346126344

A Day in the Life of Fighting Cancer

Two days ago I was looking at facebook and reading a few things about Pearl Harbor and the attacks that happened so many years ago. The first thing I noticed was that it was not talked about as much as September 11th, 2001. It was a long time ago and to this generation of facebook users it is not as fresh in the mind as 9/11.
Today I went with Lincoln and Jenny to Doernbechers Childrens Hospital to stay for the weekend and for the first time I felt like our personal D-day was a distant memory. But that didn't keep me from talking about it anyless. One of the reasons I took the day off work to go to the hospital was because they were having a radiothon to raise money for the hospital that will cure my son. My favorite Country radio station for over 10 years was hosting and asked for people to share there stories on the air. I couldn't resist the opportunity to raise awareness for kids fighting life threatening diseases by using my sons story. I sat down with the radio host and let hundreds of thousands of people listening around Portland and online around the world that we needed their help to find a cure for kids cancer, cystic fibrosis, diabetes and many other diseases. If there was every a time to stand up for something it would be now. We have technology that reaches around the world at lightning speed and people are sitting in the audience waiting for something amazing to happen.

Joy in Giving

"Joy to the World, the Lord had come, let earth receive her King!"

I'm sure you have all heard this song and sung it a time or two, but I was wondering if you have Felt it this holiday season?

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

As Thanksgiving approaches and kicks off the Holiday season I am "making a list and checking it twice" for all of things I am thankful for. The first thing that comes to mind,

The Wages of Cancer

I was listening to the radio yesterday morning and my favorite people Mike and Amy were joking around as they always do until they started talking about cancer. There was something on the news the day before about how people are at a greater risk of getting cancer from sitting, that's right from sitting in one place for too long.

I hear a lot of really off the wall medical research but this one made me LOL. Mike then began to talk about all of the other things like that we do to much of that cause cancers like smoking and drinking and eating that cause too much stress on the body and cause normal cells that reproduce to mutate and become rapidly growing cancer cells. He thought if sitting would cause cancer then smoking and drinking wouldn't cause anymore damage, but he would only eat lettuce from now on.

It was all in good humor but if cancer is caused from doing to much of anything then that's suggesting it is our fault. So my question is, what has a child done too much of to deserve cancer?  I'm going to let you think that one through for about one second until I say "absolutely nothing" because no child deserves cancer and no child has Done too much of one thing to deserve a death sentence. So why do kids get cancer? Why do adults get cancer? Why do some things put you at greater risk than others? What risks if any are there for children? There is no happy answer for these questions but there is something that I find as the heart of the matter, something deeper than flesh and blood, something spiritual.

The Bible says "For the wages of sin is death... (Romans 6:23 NIV)

Notice that it does not say that the wages of Cancer is death? Of course it doesn't say that and it doesn't say a lot of other things that lead to death, but it does say exactly what does lead to death. I don't know of any medical studies that research Sin but I still know it leads to death. I know that we are all capable of sin and I know that no one is immune from sin and I know that no one can ever be free of sin until they are free from the temptations that we feel from the body we live in. I'm not saying kids deserve death from cancer because they are disobeying their parents and not going to bed on time or asking for candy after refusing to eat dinner, but what I am saying is that we are all, from the very dawn of our beautiful lives, born into a body that will one day fail us and this because of the sin of mankind. We were born into a curse that sentenced us to death in a body that will perish with a soul that will be judged. It's still sounds to harsh for a boy like Lincoln who smiles with dimples and pretends to be Batman and shares his favorite things with his Daddy, but its true. So why does God let bad things happen to good people? Read the book, read Romans, specifically chapters 6-8 and get the bigger picture that ours lives are so, so temporary and that with an eternal perspective we will one day reap the benefits of the Kingdom of God. Yes there will be sin and yes there will be suffering but among them will be blessings in this life that cannot be measured, the greatest of which is Gods plan of redemption from sin for anyone willing to receive...

...but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 NIV)

Images of Hope

When you imagine something, you are creating images in your own mind of what might be close to reality, for example, when you imagine a hospital you think of people in hospital rooms on beds getting ready to go into surgery or coming in from the emergency room. What you don't imagine when you let your imagination run wild is the reality that you have never seen until you get there. You may have been to a hospital to welcome a newborn into the world and to congratulate the parents and help them in the recovery process but usually that is where it ends when you think of kids in the hospital. No one imagines what I have seen while I have been in the hospital with my son. You won't let it go that far. It is to painful to bear the thought of kids hooked up to feeding tubes, accessed to ports with bags of medication hanging off of their drip trees as they walk around the halls. No one imagines a playroom in a hospital because kids aren't supposed to be there for that long. No one imagines school taking place for kids who cannot leave because they never know when they will get sick to their stomach from the powerful chemotherapy. And no one imagines a button that will administer morphine to a child constantly in pain. This is the world we live in, an unimaginable world of pain and misery kept behind locked doors in the oncology units for kids.

No child should have to Imagine the world we live in because they have spent most of their lives in the hospital, but you who have lived such a comfortable life should open your eyes and your heart and quit imagining a world without this kind of suffering because it is real. Make an adult decision today to quit letting your imagination get the best of you, and realize you can help kids across the nation and in your own city. Here are a few things to stop thinking about and start doing. Donate blood, it's easy quick and can save lives. Become a volunteer at a hospital, it's time well spent that you won't regret. Spread the word about childhood cancer, there are limitless and creative ideas to do this with. Consider becoming a bone marrow donor, I know I am. Stop complaining and jumping on the bandwagon, I know there are other causes out there but complaining just allows you to feel better, when the alternative of pressing forward with your cause is far more productive. Donate money, you do this every day for many other things and people who don't even care about you, but these children care and if it was your child you know you would be asking.

Now imagine a Cure, imagine no more hospital stays, imagine kids becoming people who will use their story of hope for good in their adult lives because somebody gave unconditionally to save their lives. Now that you have created this image in your mind, make a choice, take action and even lead the way for others. One day soon the images that we dream about will come true, our kids will come home and we can all enjoy holidays and birthdays together again.

 

More than Conquerors

It's early in the morning and everyone is still sleeping on the 10th floor of the oncology unit at Doernbechers children's hospital. Usually it is pretty quite around here. Most of the kids stay in their rooms for various reasons, but I have met a few from ages 1-18. For the most part this place can be pretty peaceful except when trying to take Lincoln's temperature are 2am. I did hear something I don't want to hear in the room next door, a nurse calling for morphine because the young child was in pain. I would rather hear someone throwing up than needing such a powerful pain reliever for someone so young. Yesterday when news channel 8 was here filming kids receiving costumes I saw some of the happiest faces. When someone shares a gift with the kids who are constantly in their rooms, their faces light up as if they knew they were going home, but even though they aren't they find a moment of joy and new hope and strength to fight cancer. I was talking to a girls dad who was from Salem and she did not want anyone to know about her cancer. I hope to talk to her more about setting up a page or Caring Bridge so she can see how hundreds of people would help her fight this disease. I read about a couple of kids in other hospitals this morning fighting their cancer and sending out the message to pray for miracles. To think that all the kids out there who we never hear about is too much to bear and to think that even today one in this hospital could lose their fight is just as bad. For now though Lincoln and Jenny and I feel the thoughts and prayers of all of you who keep up with us and we thank you. When I say God is on our side, I mean he sends his army of people to support us and when I say God is for us and not against us, its impossible to think that anyone would stand against children with cancer.


What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? No, in all these things we are More than Conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31, 37-39 NIV)

Unfinished Business

Here we are at Doernbecher's Children's Hospital again in Portland Oregon. Since July 1st we have been here at least once a week on average. Today Lincoln had blood drawn and counted and he was good to go on his next course of chemotherapy. It's still a little bit strange saying Chemotherapy,

Children of Change

It's 5:48 am on a Sunday and I have been awake since about 4, but I don't like to waste anytime that I am given, even when it is early, to reach beyond my personal universe and find a way to make a difference. You see, every day there is something or someone demanding our attention.

Time for a Break

Vacation, vacation, vacation is the only thing I have been thinking about for the last month. I have worked nearly 2000 hours this year already where normal full time jobs (40hrs a week 50 weeks a year) end. Now as I think about how fast this year has gone by I need some time to process it.

Happy Birthday Lincoln

Today is my son Lincoln's 3rd birthday and as I sit here tonight with him watching his new Batman movie I think about how much of a blessing he has been in 3 short years. For two and a half years we watched our baby boy grow up into this Terrific toddler. He was doing so well as every parent would expect until that fateful day July 1st, 2011 when he was diagnosed with leukemia (ALL) In the last three months our world has stopped and we have counted each moment a blessing because we did know if it could be our last. Today as he is in remission his little body still battles the drugs that both help and hurt it. He has had an incredible amount of support from friends family and the Children's Cancer Community. He has people thinking about and praying for him all over the US, Afganistan, England, South Africa, Australia and many other places. He prays each night for Mommy, Daddy, Emma, Lincoln, Jesus, cousins friends and all the Sick Kids. His favorite color is Green and Yellow is the first color he learned to recognize, so he obviously likes Green Bay like his daddy. Buzz and Woody are his favorite toys along with Cars and "guys" which are any comic book hero, especially Batman. He doesn't get to go many places anymore but he loves to play at home and visit Grammy's across the street all the time. He got to Make a Wish and gets to go to Disney Land next year, maybe for his birthday. He loves everyone he meets and looks forward to seeing them again and again.
One day I hope we can celebrate his birthday with all the people that have supported him so he can meet all of you. We want to start a foundation in his name soon so we can spread awareness and fund the critical research that is so close to finding a cure for the number 1 killer of children. Everynight Lincoln asks "When the Sun comes up can we do that?" My hope is that he will be cured completely in a very short time and that other kids will wake up one day with the sun and with a cure.

Giving Up

I was watching a commercial on TV about the newest and most powerful devices in technology and started to feel the need to get my hands on one. Bigger, better, faster, mobile I WANT IT, I NEED IT, I'LL DO ANYTHING TO GET IT. At least that thought crossed my mind until

Exceptional Expectations

September 17th, 2011 is a day I never thought I would see the way it was, not 30 years ago, not 10 years ago, not a year ago and especially not After my son, Lincoln's diagnosis. Today was a day I would never believe would happen in my life, but let me go back in the beginning for awhile.

Over 30 years ago, I was Lincoln's age, nearly 3 years old. The only care in the world was how much time I could play outside, that is until I found out my brother would be born very soon. Now I had something to look forward to. Someone I could go to the park with and run around the neighborhood with and cause trouble with. We could walk to school, play soccer and go fishing with our cousins. We would become teenagers together and sneak out at night and get caught together. We would find girlfriends and get married and have children. This is something I could foresee as part of my life and for 30 years I saw a lot of what I expected.

We married our wives only a month apart 10 years ago. Getting married was a little hard for me to believe. I never really had a girlfriend but I knew I would find the only one I wanted. I had a couple of friends named Jenny but I thought the name Jenny Jones was too good to be true. Nonetheless, I found her and only a year and a half after meeting her we were married. I knew we were meant to be together and I knew she had mommy written in her future. Almost 3 years later we had our daughter Emma and after a few short years we would expect our son Lincoln. Another 10 years that were not to hard to predict.

During this last year watching our daughter and son grow into brother and sister, we expected to have moments of joy and frustration. Letting our daughter grow up from being our baby into a big sister, and watching our son walk, talk and eat on his own were things we had to adjust to but we knew would happen as they should. Everything in my life was just as straight as could be until July 1st cut the high wire, tight rope we had been walking, and our families world came tumbling down because of cancer.

From that day until now the only thing we could expect was that we would breath in....breath out....and take one day at a time as we focused on our sons journey. We knew that we had everything and nothing that we needed for this battle, but we would fight for him anyways. Everything was going as planned since the day of his diagnosis except for one thing. The one thing we have not come to expect was what I realized today: THE UNEXPECTED.

I have been reading about so many children with cancer that I have lost count. After reading so many stories of the horror that these children have to endure and all of the unexpected challenges they have had to face, I can humbly say, we have been blessed. Our little Lincoln, although he suffered through his first month of chemo, has what I believe is the Favor of God on him. God has sustained his little body and kept his side effects nearly nonexistent. He has never been sick or thrown up, he has not lost his hair, and he has not had a fever of 100.4 yet. He is eating, sleeping and playing as a little boy should. He is doing So Well, that I never expected it to be this great. It makes me feel like it's too good to be true, but I know now what to expect. I expect that as my world has been exposed to those fighting for their lives with cancer, I will use every resource available to see to it that these kids feel the Favor of the Lord God Almighty, wether they expect it or not. I'm sure the next three years will have many twists and turns but when I count up all the blessings that could not be expected, it gives me hope for our journey and the completion of it. This is the Hope I have for you and for me: For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Romans 8:24, 25 NIV)

Hope for what you do not see, expect the unexpected and you will find blessing in disguise.

Two Towers

Today started out as an above average Monday as far as being motivated. I was heading to the beach for work but I had to go alone. The weather was great, cool and no sun. I had to stop for gas since I was driving 95-100 miles so I checked Facebook and found what I would describe as the first plane hitting tower one, a little girl was taken by cancer, this after having it for only four months. Since this is not the first child that I have been aware of earning their angels wings, I went on about my day and worked until 5:30 with a 2 hour drive home.

When the focus was off of work I Became Angry! Each day I learn of another child or two through the children's cancer community, but in the last 4 weeks I have heard of 8 kids who have died from this disease. I started to fume at the ignorant lives people live and the money they worry about, but they have no clue that children are dying from a disease that has so little attention. I remember how different I, myself was before Lincoln's diagnosis. I didn't know so I didn't care about anything but me and my life. I needed money for this and that but now I hate money for what it was and I wish I could just give it all away like a bad gambling problem to children's cancer research. What I am realizing is that it all begins with awareness. With the powerful tools we have these days we can communicate so fast and to so many, but we need to be effective because people can even become numb to it on Facebook.

I got home tonight to hear the crash of the second plane into the second tower, another little girl has finished her journey. At this point I was a little more sad. Everyone else was posting about her too. She was a close friend of another little boy who died a month ago.

My son is in remission, these two girls are also cancer free, but their families are devastated.

My goal right now is to effectively bring awareness to the world. Facebook pages are a great way to do it. This is what our goal should be, get all Facebook Support Pages that started in September or before to 1000 likes by the end of the year. This will take a combined effort of the community to share it until it happens. Not everyone sees everything, everyday on Facebook or Caring Bridge so since this is our month to do it Facebook will be our soap box and we will overwhelm it until Gold becomes the new pink.

Children's Cancer awareness must happen so more kids can have a Christmas this year and birthdays next year. Let's make it happen, we can do it if we do it together.

Join us by signing the Petition http://thetruth365.org/petition/ and join my Blog Group for Exclusives to Brian's Phirst Blog @ http://www.facebook.com/groups/132084550254587/

My Personal 9/11

Have you ever had a day when everything was going just perfect? You wake up in a good mood, your plans for the day feel relaxed and you have time to sit down and enjoy your coffee without spilling it on the way out to warm up the car. The sun is shining and even though it's early it's not too cool? I remember a day like this about 10 years ago. It was a day when my wife and I could wake up and go to work without a care in the world. Everything was so much at peace that morning of September 11th, until I heard the phone ringing. It was my mom calling in tears asking if I had the tv on. I had no idea that this would be the biggest tragedy I had ever experienced as I watched the horror of the twin towers in flames, people screaming and jumping from buildings and finally the collapse and the smoke and the news of the other planes crashing elsewhere. The memories still seem so close and the entire country feels the pain still today on the 10th anniversary of our nations greatest attack within our own borders.

While the events of 9-11 cannot be compared, there are many feelings that have reappeared over the last ten years. Only a month after this happened my wife and I went out of town for the weekend to my parents house in Washington. On Sunday morning my wife got a phone call and was struck with emotion as she received the message that our apartment had caught fire starting in our unit. We would find out later that no one was hurt but a lot of property was damaged and we were liable. We tried to fight it but the evidence was too strong and we cut a deal to pay $12,000 in damages. We could only bear the burden and turn to God for comfort. It was quite the blow after 9-11, this time very personal.

The next spring I lost funding for my job and had to take something at minimum wage until I started working at the RV factory. My wife also lost her job and our brand new car payments seemed to big even though it was the only debt we had. My car also died and I had to drive 45 miles a day to work.

These personal upsets would not compare to what would happen the in these last few years. My wife's grandpa passed away after a stroke, her other grandpa would lose his leg, my grandma passed away, two of my aunts had cancer, my mom was diagnosed with  Parkinson's, and to top the list of tragedies my 7 year old nephew Conner would finish his life long battle to cystic fibrosis. These were all the beginning of what I hoped would be the end of a very long and difficult ten years. I tried to convince myself that this curse was over and we would not see anything like it for a long time.

I surprised my wife on her birthday this year by going to a concert of a favorite American Idol contestant, Danny Gokey, and we went out together on June 30th for our anniversary not knowing this would be a little break in our lives until the very next day that our own son was diagnosed with leukemia.

While I have experienced such pain and suffering from my personal 9-11, I know these things are a world away from what so many are experiencing with their kids and cancer. At this moment a little girl is preparing for her angel wings. A little boy who went ahead of her yesterday, is free of cancer and suffering, but his family is reeling from his passing only four months after his diagnosis . A teenager is leaving videos of herself singing on You Tube because her time is short. A grandma  is taking her grandchild in for surgery because the parents have to work to keep their insurance. There are So Many in need today because they are having a personal attack from this terrorist we call cancer. There is No Cure, but there Is a way to get closer to finding one.

On this September 11th, the same month that is Children's Cancer Awareness month, I want to pledge to myself and those reading, that I will fight the terrorism that comes to the families of these children. I will promote awareness, raise money for expenses and I will be a part of the community that Will find the cure to end cancer once and for all.

As September 11th approaches and we remember all those lost on that day, let's not forget that we all fight for our freedoms, but we do not fight alone. There will be many battles and we cannot fight them all, but we will fight for the ones closest to home and we will win if we do not give up. Our kids are our future and we must fight for them first and foremost. Let's begin with the end of childhood cancer.

Join my blog group for exclusives to Brian's Phirst Blog http://www.facebook.com/groups/132084550254587/

Waves and Wildfires

The destructive force of children's cancer is like the tidal wave that overtook Japan's shorelines last year. If you watched any of the footage like I did in the middle of the night, you saw how there was no escape from the mighty ocean waters.

Are You Aware?

September 1st is going to be the beginning of a lot of new changes. Kids are going to school, families are finishing their summer vacations and the weather is trying to cool down. New routines begin and staying up late comes to an end, but for families with cancer all things can change in an instant. September is the month for the Awareness of Childhood Cancer and as I say while playing poker, "I'm ALL-IN!"

This September many will mourn those lost in the attacks on the day of 9/11, but many more will not realize that 46 kids will be diagnosed with cancer and 7 will lose theirs lives each day, everyday, all year long. While there are many efforts to promote the newest TV episodes, reality shows, awards events and movies, those who fight to save their own children will be overlooked. This month you can make a choice by choosing to be ignorant of the fact that kids can be cured of cancer, or choosing go help make people aware throughout the most powerful tool available today, social media and the Internet. There is no time to lose and our children are our future, so why not take the batteries out of the tv controller and save a few bucks from your daily caffeine fix and be a part in making a difference for a family who will spend more on medical bills than they make in a year.

Our children, the ones who fight for their lives daily from brain tumors, blood cancer, sever pain and loss of their ability to just be kids. These kids are superhero's and no one can fight like they do and they deserve all that we can give them. That is why I created "The Red Carpet Kids for the Cure"

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Carpet-Kids-for-the-Cure/168832049858369

 

This is a way you can become aware and dive into their world. Just by bringing awareness you will cause ripples to become waves of destruction for cancer. Just by clicking "like" on a cancer awareness page, you are spreading the word to people who will donate thousands to research. All you have to do is mention someone you know that has a suffering child and people listen for a reason to give whatever they can. Small steps lead to great leaps and we are so close to so many cures that just need your attention for one month. Don't let this moment pass when the moment presents itself to your heart. There are cancer survivors and there are those who barely survive because their child was lost. Pray, give, and don't look back, Today is Your day to Choose and these kids need you.

Like the Page http://www.facebook.com/theTruth365film

Sign the Petition http://thetruth365.org/petition/

Help Talia (T365 preview) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DJmjzCwalM&feature=plcp

Celebrate the Kids http://www.facebook.com/redcarpetkidsforthecure

Speak up to Silence Cancer http://www.facebook.com/speakuptosilencecancer

To My Celebrity Kids:

Today is the end of the longest two weeks of this summer. It has been very hot working outside and is almost more miserable than the cold winter rain. The end of the summer means new beginnings for us though.

Lincoln is on a short break from his daily chemo treatment but still visits weekly for blood counts. He is becoming more familiar all the time with his treatment, even calling the port access his Snakey. Emma has naturally played outside all summer but soon will find herself tired and going to bed early as school begins. Jenny and I are doing well, but we have our moments with Lincoln and feel the stress of the feelings he has.

I have been keeping up with other kids who are fighting like Lincoln and I have noticed a need that could be met. The last thing I would ever want to happen is to let my sons illness consume me. So I want to keep ahead of any potential grief and start giving to others in their time of greatest need.
I am starting a Facebook page the will be like many others dedicated to children and families in their suffering, but with a unique, fresh flavor. I won't announce the name of it until I set it up and launch it into cyber space, but it will share awareness with many other pages about the devastation of a child's disease and how to find hope in impossible circumstances.

Since my blog has had 6000 hits and Caring Bridge has 5000 (relatively small in comparison to many others) I see fit to continue to draw attention to those who need it most. Everyday you hear about celebrities who make millions of dollars and spend it on meaningless things, but its not everyday that you hear about extraordinary children who fight for their lives and deserve to be heard about. When enough people raise these children up, they will be heard from, money will be raised and a cure will be found.

Wouldn't it be great if Every Celebrity would personally sponsor a group of children with specific illnesses until a cure could be found. I hope each child who fights their battle daily would achieve celebrity status because they are the ones who deserve celebrity like attention. For all kids who have fought, who still battle on and who have been laid to rest, your Red Carpet Event is coming and your stories will be heard until your cure is found.

Seasons Change

Lincoln's appointment went very well today. Very well except when he was told he would not get his Snakey (his port accessed) He threw a fit because he does not need medicine for the next two weeks.
I'm just guessing but I don't think he realizes that this is a good thing :)He is happy at home now and doing very well, thanks to everyone who thinks and prays for him. Now that we can all have a little break, we can shift our focus to other matters.

First of all and more importantly I have become Aware of the cancer community in Oregon and around the world. I am also aware of other children's diseases that have recently taken lives and I can't help but do something about it. Before I go on I want to ask You, who have become aware of our story, to help me by doing what you are already doing for us, by praying and thinking about these children as I share awareness of their stories. They need an outpouring of support as they face odds that seem medically and financially impossible. There will be new diagnosis children, kids in treatment and even terminal patients that need all we can give them.
I will do my best to share awareness but I won't have all the answers, at least yet. I want them to see what I've seen through Caring Bridge and Facebook and I want to help families who don't have a Caring Bridge to have one even if I have to set it up and write it for them. Every child with a disease deserves more attention than the latest celebrity gossip. I am passionate about this and I am committed for life but I need your help.

We are now looking into financial aid and discounts because our health care system is at a very challenging time. I am also facing an early end to our season of fencing with up to six months of slow business. I am a manager but I am an installer and my job depends on sales. I'm not asking for handouts, but I am looking for all avenues that are available for aid. Even with the health insurance that seems so relatively now, we will give up everything for our son. We only wish we could help others who need it more. We trust God with everything as He has proven over and over that he provides us with our every need.

We are coming up on the school year and will start a new routine with Emma. We will have more homework time and less play time, early to bed and early to rise. We will need to focus more on family time as we have been pulled in many directions this summer. We also look forward to seeing family and friends we have been missing all summer.

In October Lincoln will be in the hospital for a few days as part of his treatment. I will spend my paid vacation time which will be hard because I am giving up precious jobs that pay well. I do need a break though because last year I waited until November for some days away.

We are all feeling great right now because we know we have your love and support and we need it daily. Thanks again, Brian, Jenny, Emma and Lincoln.

Someday

It's 11:15 pm on Friday night and I was just falling asleep when my mind started racing. My wife is sleeping in Lincoln's room as she has been all week

Trespasses

Have you ever been driving down the road and seen something that needs improvement. Someone's lawn needs to be mowed, someone's fence needs to be straight, someone's house needs to be painted?

Victimized

Today was just like any other day most recently. We got up, I went to work, Jenny and Lincoln went to clinic and Emma got to go see her friend Barbra. Today would have been like any other day most recently except for one thing....

Epic Hope

Everyone knows I believe in God on the first day they meet me. That doesn't mean I am trying to make you a believer, I just want you to know I have hope in my life, and that is not something you can deny in me. Now if you believe I have something to hope in that you discover you need, then we will have that conversation about believing in God, but if I do not exhibit hope under any circumstance I give you every right to refuse the belief in my God.

There are many things that you can hope for. You can hope for success with you job, you can hope to fall in love, you can hope you are healthy wealth and wise. You feel hope when you hear a love song or watch a romantic movie, when you buy a house or pay off a car or when you accomplish something that is going to send you forward in life, but ask yourself, can I PUT MY HOPE IN THIS?

But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Romans 8:24, 25 NIV)

Is it possible to put you hope in something you already have? Or is hoping FOR something different than hoping IN something or someone? What happens when hope is lost and there is no hope left?

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

Ironically, as we choose to put our hope in things that will inevitably fail, we are lead to have greater hope. But if we continue to hope in these things that only disappoint and cause suffering then what hope do we really have?

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 23:17, 18 NIV)

The Bible says:
And 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. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:5-8 NIV)

Even when there are Epic Failures in the things we choose to hope in, God does not fail. People fail, money fails, health fails but Hope in God will not fail!

In his name the nations will put their hope." (Matthew 12:21 NIV)

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him. (Psalm 62:5 NIV)

An Ordinary Day

Today I feel like everything in my life is the same as it was at the end of June, over one month ago. If you asked me how I felt yesterday I would have told you I feel like I did at the beginning of July, when my 2 year old son was diagnosed with leukemia.

Games

One of my favorite things to do in life is playing games. Work, money and relationships can be stressful, but games are an escape from all of that. I like board games, outdoor games, video games and sporting games. Games can be played with anyone at any age, with or without skill, and no matter if you win or lose, you still benefit from the ultimate goal of having fun.

Right now there is one game that tops the list for my enjoyment. It started with Yatzee and playing Gin Rummy with my grandma, but with the added pleasure of stacking chips before your opponents, Texas Hold Em' Poker has become my choice game for life. With the ability to learn and make choices based on your cards and your opponents behaviors the game is not just a game of chance anymore, although a little luck kicks in sometimes.

As I sit at a table with friends that I have played with for years now I find that the fun of playing hands and betting chips has become competitive. We wouldn't have it any other way though, when there is a prize to be won, it's all or nothing. There is pressure to play but win or lose we all are friends again in the end and look forward to the next poker night.

There is something to be said about games and life that are both similar and different. While life finds many ways to stress and discourage the heart, games on the other hand bring out relief and joy from those places in the heart that are so crowded by life. Sometimes life hurts relationships we share with people close to us, and games help bring them closer together in ways never imagined. Other times games can be competitive, working against another team but families come together in times of trouble.

What if in life, like in a game of poker, you were taken advantage of and you lost a bunch of chips? What would you naturally do then? Would you walk away from the table and leave all that you have worked for ? Would you take the hit and focus on being more competitive? Would you go All-In willing to risk it all for your own good? What if in life, you did everything that you were Not suppose to do in a game? What if you just gave all you had to the person who just took half of all you had your heart on?

Have you ever heard that Life is not a game? Then if thats true you may want to take this to heart......

Jesus said, "But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.  But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.....

Life is truly not a game and people are not our competitors. God made us all the same and we all have one goal and purpose working together to glorify our creator. The part of life that Is like a game though is the end prize.

.....then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6)

Now that's the game of life I want to play

Questions

Why me? Why is this happening to my son? Is there a reason for this? Does not God have plans for his future many years from now?

Pieces

Today is a big day in our journey with Lincoln. We decided to have a port surgically placed under his skin that will last for the few years to come. Because this is surgery there are risks and recovery, just another thing added onto our plate of things that seem to be overflowing right now.

I Think I Can

My thought wander to many places as I reflect on the summer this far. From where has this month gone to where is the future leading me. I have felt both overwhelmed and

For Now

We are sitting outside right now on the deck in the shade because it is warm outside. Lincoln has had some pain from

Letters

A long time ago, long before texting, long before Facebook, long before blogging and e-mail there was an envelop with a stamp and address on it that contained a folded piece of paper, with writing on it from a pen or pencil.

It was something that people used to send messages to each other, long distances away, and it could take days to send and receive these "letters" between friends.

At summer camp one year (a long, long, LOOONG time ago) I met someone and became friends and we would soon become what used to be called a "pen pal." We would write things to each other about what was happening in our lives and would begin to build a relationship that would last even to this day. No matter how we felt we would write and share and even though we never saw each other, we felt connected. We were very faithful to write and we could count the days from the time the letter was sent until it would arrive.

Now in this day of age we can send messages and receive them instantly, but there is a problem that I observe. When I sent a letter that would tell of the last 8 days since I sent one, I had a lot of time to think of the words I would use. I would want to use the best sentences as to describe vividly what my friend would read. I wanted to make a lasting impact and hoped my friend would also think deeply of words to share.

Now that we have the luxury of instantly responding, I feel there is something missing. There are feelings that are raw and uncensored and filled with emotion that may not be the same a few days later, but when I had time to write I would write what I thought was true and pure because I had only one chance every week. There is one letter that I read almost daily from a friend from a long time ago because I know this friend was wise and would not waste a single word in sharing with me.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1 NIV)

This letter of Love was written with you in mind. It was sent to you on paper written with pen and stamped and sealed for security. There is no mistake that the author has made because he had eternity to write it and present it from the beginning of time until the end. You can read these words and trust them with your life, and you can remember them and recall the hope they give because the Author of life has written directly to your heart greatest needs. So next time you go to check your email or friends Facebook status remember this:

For, "All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever."
And this is the word that was preached to you. (1 1:24-25 NIV)

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 NIV)

Crushed

Somedays there is just one word that comes to mind. Today that word is hard and heavy. Although it was a day of accomplishment with the unforeseen challenges that I would face, that one word taunted me. The weight, the hurt and the empathy I have for my son try to CRUSH me inside.

I have looked at him many times in his life and told myself that he will be my boy for life. He may be the only one I ever call Son and he will be with me as we grow old. Now my hopes are thinning as I realize that he has a life threatening disease. I can tell myself that my God is in control of our lives but my feelings are real and strong and I cannot deny them.

I have so much and so many to lean on but now that I see two ends to his life, one old and one young, my life feels twisted and battered. Each day when I see his face and in the middle of the night when I serve his needs I know that these are the moments I own, but the feelings reappear. I do not fear when he is so close and I don't cave in when I go to work, but when I see him suffering in the security of his own room, my heart begins to fragment.

I always imagined a moment in my life when everything was stripped away and nothing mattered anymore. Now I live with the reality that it could be. My faith may be shaken in that moment and I may feel like I am just another organism on this evolutionary food chain but regardless of my feelings, these words will remain a timeless truth:

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18 NIV)

The Lord is close, so close to those who believe.

Yesterday

Yesterday morning was a great morning. It was Sunday so I didn't have to work, it was not too cold so I went outside with my coffee to enjoy the sun, and it was another day with

Day 1

We are going to be in for a long haul this next week and for several months to come.
It feels like a dream we are in and it was just as surreal to hear

Day 2

Lincoln had a good day today with a long nap and a transfusion before more chemo. We are still learning about what will happen this week and we feel more equip to battle this disease every day. We appreciate everyone's thoughts, prayers and

My Son Has Cancer

Thank you again to all who are thinking of little Lincoln at this time and praying for miracles which happen every day. The hardest part is

Don't Make Plans

It was two weeks ago today that we were packed and ready to go to the beach for the 4th of July weekend and a double fireworks show in Ilwaco, WA. My wife had been preparing all week by
packing clothes and making sure there was nothing left to do before our very short vacation. Our plans were in place but our destination was uncertain as we waited to hear from the doctors office that afternoon. When we heard that we were going to the ER at Oregon Health and Science University we knew the plans we had were not our plans anymore. Our plans were out of the question and we knew there was nothing we could do to rearrange them. We went from celebrating the 4th of July...to leukemia. How do you say I'll figure out a different way?

When dreams turn into nightmares remember these words after watching this music video:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you."

When you discover that God loves you, you discover that he is going to care for you as if you were a two year old child with cancer. He is not going to leave you alone to "figure it out." He does have a plan for your life and it's a good one. Read it again and take it to heart: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you."

When you enter into the will of God, nothing can stand against you, not disease, not poverty, not loneliness, not rejection. Gods grace IS Amazing and He has more than enough to go around.

Gaps

The last two days have been long and exhausting for our family. With going back to my full time job on Tuesday and an extra visit to the clinic to get Lincoln's blood transfusion plus the talk of getting a Port surgically placed in his chest, is a lot to take in. I feel like there are gaps in my life where I have missed important things, like in that Adam Sandler movie "Click". To recap, he is a very busy man trying to support his family by working hard for a promotion and he is tired of the struggle so he finds a magical remote control to click the buttons of a better life for himself. It starts off good but then backfires and the controller sends him through fast forward and makes him miss most of his life.
On June 30th my wife Jenny and I went on a date for our 10th anniversary. We wanted to take a two hour break from the regular day in and day out and enjoy each other. The very next day we would find out how much we would need each other for the rest of our lives and the rest of our sons new life with cancer. It happened so fast and is still happening I can't keep up with what I have worked for so far and what I will now need to fight for to keep my son alive.

I am only human and I only have the capacity that I have gained thus far in my 34 years and I don't have room for cancer. But even after 10 years of marriage, two promotions to management, two beautiful children and the countless other blessings I have received, I will count it all as lost for the sake of my son and my family.

This journey will not slow down and there will be little time for rest but like a pair of aces at the poker table, I'm all in!

Everythig Changes

Today is a new and, one of a kind.

The Sun is Shining

This morning I was awakened by the sound of a small cry from across the room on the oversized chair. I had been sleeping on the couch since sometime in the middle of the night when Lincoln wanted to get out of his bed to be with me.  It was dark and I was tired so we went to the living room but he would not stay on the couch. He likes the big chair and he slept through the night once again on it.

Now the sun is up and as I crack the front door to sit outside and write, I can't help but soak in the early morning rays of warmth. Today the sun shines through the clouds of life and reminds me that through rain or storm it will always be shining. Lincoln has many days ahead on the road to recovery and some will be intense. Meds twice a day, extra on the weekend, clinic twice a week to draw blood and check counts and lumbar punctures once a month for a boost of treatment to protect his brain. He doesn't realize that his sister didn't have to go through this at his age but he is going through with it. The overcast we seem to have so much in Oregon doesn't compare to the treatments he has ahead but the sun is still shining and we wait patiently for those days. We may not have a great summer and this one will be short with the late spring weather but the sun will rise and another day with my son is all I need.

Give thanks to the lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever. (Psalm 136

Speed Bumps

It's been quite a ride on this roller coaster this week.

A Deep Breath of Relief

As we close our eyes tonight and thank God for the life that we have, we remember all that has happened over the last 7 days. We went from not knowing if our child was going to live, to spending a quiet evening at home in the comfort of our home. Tonight we can breath easy know God is in control. Every ring of fire that we have passed through this week was one step closer to the safety of our own food and beds. Leaving the fears of the unknown behind, we will take this journey of surviving cancer with all seriousness. We will fight and we will win. The devastation of the diagnosis will turn into the hope for many days to come with our son. I will go to work tomorrow knowing God will sustain my little boys body since it cannot do so on it's own. You may imagine a child weak and suffering because his immune system is in shutdown mode, but God grants him plenty of energy as a boy should have. I look forward to coming home each day to hear him run to the door to tell me he missed me. Jenny's first day with the medications was pleasent. She crushes a pill and mixes it in chocolate syrup and put it into his mouth with a syringe. Twice a day is all. It's not always easy getting him to open his mouth, and brushing his teeth is a challenge too, but he is getting used to the thermometer under his arm. We still notice a few of the minor side effects but they are even mild at best. He is drinking as much as he used to and may be eating more already. One more day this week and then the weekend routine begins. A different medication for A couple of days and lots of time making Legos together. Taking a deep breath and off to bed.

I added this music video that is related to a relationship but says a lot when it comes to life changing events

Home-Sweet Home

Today is our first full day at home. Last night Lincoln played with his sister Emma and played doctor with their toys. He showed her how to use the stethoscope and other instruments he got in his doctors bag of play instruments. It was a happy evening that made everything feel ok again. Unfortunately things have changed and will change.

Today I return to my job which takes me far away to Sweet Home, Oregon. I want to be closer to Home but I only have to spend a few days there. These next few days could be critical as Lincoln's white blood cell drop even lower and his risk for infection increases. As soon as we notice the slightest little change in his health we need to check for a temperature of 100.4. Then we go to the Salem ER to start IV antibiotics. Pray this never happens because it will be scary.

Until we see any real hit to his health we will be watching closely, washing our hands a lot and sanitizing with a sneeze or a cough because bacteria is abundant and wants to find a way to upset things.

Cramming for Finals

As we prepare to leave the hospital we carry a load of information. We were not prepared for leukemia but we are preparing for Lincoln's journey, as fast as possible. There is a Manuel of instructions we need to follow closely to care for our boy. No more nurses doctors or hospital room to stay on course, it's time to sail this ship.

Lincoln is still doing great as a little boy should but his blood counts are getting to the lowest point. Killing cancer cells means killing the bodied immune system temporeraly. Now come the tough part. The road ahead is long and rough but we are survivors.

Follow @ http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lincolndanieljones/journal too!
Your also welcome to 'friend' me on Facebook

Going the Distance

Tonight feels like the night before graduation from high school. For a very long time, in some cases 4 years and in others, 4 days, we prepare to go out into the great unknown.

The excitement of completing the course and the fear of the unknown, while still knowing next to nothing when it comes to the real world, are stirring inside. We just took a crash course and now were off to finish this race called life.

There are many obstacles that dissolved before us from the time Lincoln was diagnosed until now, but there are a few more that have an opportunity to present serious challenges.

We have heard a lot about the steroid Dexamethasone that has some more serious side effects from constipation to extreme mood swings, and that could be for the next 6 months.

We may be leaving tomorrow but we will be back every Monday and Thursday for clinic.

There are still some unknown genetic issues we could discover that could complicate or even lower some risks.

The biggest thing is a very real change in lifestyle that could be 3-5 years until he is completely cured.

Cancer has been exposed to the medical field and is losing it's power, but it can still be sneaky and it still kills 1000s of children each year.

I refuse to believe medicine and doctors are the only chance of survival from life threatening diseases. God, family and friends who support the victim of cancer with prayer, communication and every day living needs are more significant than could be expected.

Thanks is not enough from our family to yours. With so many blessings We want to give it all back and then pay it forward to someone else in need.

A new direction

Thank you for visiting my blog to hear more about Lincoln and his new journey. I promise I will have plenty to share and everyone will have a chance to hear.
Here's what's new: his animea is getting better, his white blood cells (both good and bad)are decreasing, he has had very minor side effects to the treatment but that's not all. We very well may be going home tomorrow!! Can you believe it?

Lincoln has had more prayer and good thoughts sent his way than one could ever imagine. The evidence of God's grace and mercy are abundant. It's actually almost to good to be true, under the circumstances. Thank you all, you made a difference. But we all know there is still a journey to complete.

For the next three years our lives will change dramatically to keep this little one healthy. Keep praying, keep hoping, keep believing. More soon...

THE WORD
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. HE was with God in the beginning. John 1:1-2

Who was He?

The WORD became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only SON, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

HE was the WORD, the Son of God.

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the WORD of LIFE. The life appeared...We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:1-3

Jesus Christ is the WORD of LIFE

Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The WORDS I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. John 14:10

These are the WORDS of the Father 

Jesus answered, "I am the Way and the Truth and the LIFE. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

The WORD is the Way, the WORD is the Truth, the WORD is Life.

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is Light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the Light, as he is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. John 1:5-7
 
The WORD is Light in the darkness

How can a young person stay on the path of Purity? By living according to Your WORD. Psalm 119:10

The WORD is Pure

I have hidden your WORD in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:12

The WORD protects you

If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his WORD is not in us. 1 John 1:10

Is the WORD in you?

For the WORD of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

The WORD is powerful 

But the WORD of the Lord endures forever."  And this is the WORD that was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:25

Sanctify them by the truth; your WORD is truth. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. John 17:17,19

Sanctity through the WORD is sanctity through Jesus

Ask yourself today, if Jesus is the Word, the Word of Life that came from the Father, how do you know He is in your heart?