Wednesday, November 18, 2015

I am Unique, I am Special…

I am sure many of you have heard The Veggie Tales slogan: “God made you special and He loves you very much!”

I have been told that I was “special” all my life. Well, once again I have proof. Let me catch you up to speed.

During our annual Heart2Heart preteen girls conference at the end of September, I found myself abnormally tired and was bruising very easily. Tricia and Grandma and friends at work lovingly encouraged me to go get a physical and get it checked out. In the middle of October I shared with my fellow Pastors a prayer request, sharing that I had become even more tired recently that it was affecting my day-to-day processes. I told them that I was going in for a complete physical and blood screening. On October 22nd I had my physical.

I was with a new doctor as a new patient and not feeling well. I was expecting to be giving a vitamin or iron supplement and told to take a day off and recoup. Nowhere on my mind was the thought of Cancer. My physical revealed that my spleen was about six times larger then it was supposed to be and my blood levels were in the critical range. I was immediately admitted to the hospital for testing and transfusions. Because of my world travels, I was also tested for many different possible infections. I had scans, exams, was poked/prodded and questioned by many well-trained medical personnel.

After three days, two units of whole blood and two units of platelets I was released from the hospital. The following week I had not one but two attempts to remove a significant bone sample (it seems that I have hard bones) and a bone marrow specimen during the biopsies. I had multiple blood draws and tests. Read my blog “A New Path” for more details.

I was scheduled for a lymph node biopsy, a lumbar puncture and port placement during a hospital stay on November 5, 6 and 7. Read my Blog titled “Here is an Update” for more info on this hospital stay. There was more testing and more exams.

Thursday, November 12th I had my first Chemo treatment. More about this later.

Friday, November 13th I had two follow up appointments. My levels were critical again and I was admitted for additional blood and platelets.

Tuesday, November 17th and I had another platelet transfusion.

In the past 28 days I have received five units of whole blood and seven units of platelets and have spent seven days in the hospital.

I pause here to say “Thank You” to all who have and do donate blood, platelets and plasma! You have truly saved my life and the lives of many others. Please donate if you can!

So in the past three and a half weeks the big question is “What do I have?” Which brings me back to the title of this blog- I am Unique, I am Special! We have received a diagnosis. The doctors tell us they are 90+% positive of my diagnosis. The doctors have been examining everything they have taken out of my body over these past days: blood, tissue, bone and so on. They have consulted with many specialists. One of my doctors tells me that he has consulted with more specialists over my case then any patient in his career. Yes, we believe we know what I have.

So, now you think. “Ok, Skipper what is it?” I wish it were so simple to say I have this or that. After prayerfully seeking wisdom from medical professionals and spiritual advisors we have decided to not share the technical name of my type of cancer. WHAT, you say?!

Let me explain. I am NOT normal. Here is what I can tell you- I have a rare form of lymphoma. If I was to share with you the name of this rare form of lymphoma many friends and loved ones would Google it and then go on to read multiple decades of information based on patients, none of which apply to me. I am not normal! There are not that many patients with this form of lymphoma. Most of the people diagnosed with this type of cancer are over the age of sixty-five and have additional ailments and had symptoms and declining health prior to their diagnosis. I do not meet any of those criteria. This is why my doctors have sought so many consultations with other doctors. I just don’t fit the norm. So what does all of this mean?

My doctors are monitoring me very closely. My levels are checked every two to three days. My doctors are being very aggressive in their attack. They are “optimistic” with my case. They are not treating me like “normal”. For example, I had to receive special consideration to receive my first chemo treatment, as my levels did not meet the baseline standards.

We have a plan. We know what we are fighting and we are at war daily!

There is no “normal” schedule or plan for my particular case. There is only day-to-day!

Here is what we know:
  • I have a rare form of lymphoma.
  •  I have had one round of chemo.
  • They monitor me closely.

What’s Next:
  • Pray for levels to stabilize.
  • Undergo Mega-Chemo in an isolation room at the hospital, for three to seven days as soon as I can.
  • Pray for an acceptable level of remission.
  • Receive a bone marrow transplant.


When:
  • Whenever God allows the above to take place.
  • I am literally a day-by-day case.


So what now:
  • Tricia and I have been advised of a clinic in Texas, which has done extensive research and treatment of my type of cancer. We will be in touch with them over the next few days to see if I meet any of their criteria as a patient.
  • We continue to receive excellent care from our local physicians and move forward towards the mega chemo treatment.
  • We wake up each day and seek God for wisdom and direction. We specifically ask how we can serve His kingdom that day. God has allowed us to pray with, share our faith with and tell many others about our path. This is a “new mission field” for us and we seek God’s guidance each day.


What about work:

Tricia and I have met with Pastor Derek. He has constantly been there for us. Checking in several times a day. Pastor Tim and Nick have also reached out and been there for my family and me. I cannot begin to say Thank you enough for their support. Pastor Derek has met with the personnel committee. Together we have come up with several action items that I can do from home. I will go into the office as I feel up to it. How I feel is currently different every day and every hour.

I have met with a band of brothers. True Knights, who serve God. These men have been brought up to speed on my case and have lovingly accepted the call to be my “strong arm”. They have accepted to be there for my family and me. They have agreed to help dispel any mis-information. They will hold me accountable in my walk with and service to the Lord. They will be my prayer support and my muscle when I cannot do what needs to be done. They along with Pastor Derek will be kept apprised of all updates. We are realistically taking it day by day. These Knights of the King are: Aaron McQuaid, Bob McMillian, Drew Mock and Kyle Petteway. If you have any concerns or questions about my current situation please feel free to contact myself, Pastor Derek or one of these men.

My Faith Family:

My Faith Family in High Springs has been amazing!! The notes of love and kindness have meant the world to us. The offers of food, cleaning supplies, and many acts of love have been an incredible blessing to us. Our faith family and friends from Orange Park have reached out and have shown their love and prayers as well. I have been informed by many of my brothers and sisters around the world that they are praying for me. There is not enough paper nor enough words to express my thanks to everyone!

Health and Care:

Tricia and I have to be VERY careful with our health. Grandma has moved over to the big house and she and Tricia take care of the kids. I have moved into Grandmas house. It has become my little “germ free zone”. Because of the desire to attack my case in a strong and dramatic way, due to my particular condition, my levels fluctuate daily. One day I am no longer immune deficient and the next three days I am.

Please understand that my hearts desire, Tricia’s desire is to be live a “normal” life right now! We desire to go to church and the grocery store. We just have to be so careful right now. We need me to stay healthy. We need Tricia to stay healthy. We have to avoid large crowds right now. How long? We just do not know. We need my levels to stabilize so I can move on to the next battle (mega-chemo) as soon as possible. Please understand! One of my doctors said that there are three main places that people get sick and catch something: Schools, places of employment and churches.

We have four kids in school who say hello to me from the doorway. They have to wear a mask, wash hands with sanitizer and literally spray their cloths down with Lysol before they can give me a quick hug. To some this may seem like over kill. To us it is a necessary step in order to do battle. This has become our “new normal” at our house.

My work place is a church and when I go to church I interact with hundreds of people. Right now, Tricia and I have to do what whatever we can, each day, to stay healthy so that we can go on to the next battle- mega chemo!

What can you do:
  • Pray!
  • Pray for my levels to stabilize so I can undergo mega-chemo. The desire is to do this before the end of the year.
  • Pray I make it through the mega-chemo.
  • Pray I stabilize following mega chemo.
  • Pray I go into remission.
  • Pray I can have a bone marrow transplant and live.


There will be days and times we need you! Days we will need help. We will let it be known. There will be times we cannot carry on in our own strength. Be there then. Be there when Tricia needs food or cleaning supplies and cannot go to the store. Be there when we need physical help with a project. Be there in prayer daily for each member of my family. There is no “normal” for us right now.

None of us know how many days we are given. None of us are promised anything. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ and have invited Him into your life then seek Him daily. Seek His calling and direction in your life each morning you wake up. Live with no regrets. Live today as if it may be your last. Love God, Love Others!

If you have no idea or you are skeptical of this “Jesus thing” I am speaking of, then I ask you only one thing: Why are you here? As you seek the answer to that question listen and see if God speaks to you. If you ever have any questions about my faith or who Jesus is then please contact me directly. I would love to share my Story with you!

We thank you and we love you and we will continue to provide updates through this blog and social media as we can. Day-by-day!

Blessings and Battle On!


I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Here is an Update

Hello all! I wanted to give you all an update on my past few days.

Thursday some dear, incredible friends surprised us. Granny Alice and Papa Jim came to stay with us (Tricia) during my procedures so she would not be alone. These two dear friends are like family. They have mentored Tricia and I over the past decade and we love them dearly. Alice said that she felt like God told her that they had to come and be here this weekend for/with us. I am so glad she listened!!!

Thursday late afternoon I checked into the hospital. There I received two units of platelets. They were hoping to raise my count from 30 to 100 but it only went to 60. They decided to go on with the scheduled procedures and to infuse more platelets during the process.

Friday morning we had some of our best friends from Orange Park come to the hospital and spend the morning with us. I had so much fun laughing and talking with the Lambs, Papa Jim and Granny Alice. Their time with me that morning was a refreshing distraction. We had a wonderful time of prayer together before the Lambs left.

Around 1:30 they took me down for a lymphoid biopsy and a port placement but they decided to do the lumbar puncture while I was there.

I am so thankful that Granny Alice and Papa Jim listened and obeyed God. They stayed with Tricia during the three plus hours of my procedures. None us knew how critical their attendance would be during what came next. For the next few hours they became instruments of God to support and care for Tricia and I during what was coming!

The biopsy went well. Then things began to go south.

During the spinal tap they hit a nerve not once but twice which caused a muscle spasm each time in my left hip. Ten minutes after the procedure I had a major muscle spasm and cramping in my left hip and buttocks and leg and foot. I have never experienced so much pain in my entire life-ever! Alone with only the nurses I lay screaming and crying begging for help and relief. They finally gave me medication, which helped to mask the pain. The spasms ceased enough for me to calm down and for them to install the port.

After the port was installed they took me to my room. As I entered my room I had another major muscle spasm and cramp. I scared everyone including my transporter because I was in so much pain I could not speak. All I could do was cry and moan. Tricia, the Garners and my nurses helped work out the cramps. I could once again calm down and speak but was very loopy from all the meds and pain. At this point I was able to tell all about what had happened down stairs and the cause of my cramps.

Then we had some visitors; some friends from Orange Park surprised us. The Tarkington's (my old Pastor and his wife) came to see us. I don't remember everything from their visit. I was in and out, but at one point I remember looking up, seeing them and saying hello. It was not until Saturday that Tricia told me that they had been there for a while before I said "hello" and that I had even talked to them before I said "hello". Thus the candy bar gift from Tricia on Saturday that calls me "Loopy". I guess I earned that one! The Tarkington's spent some time with us and I remember parts of their visit. (Sorry guys, I do not remember too much of our time together). The last thing I remember is them praying a very kind and loving prayer for me! Their visit meant a lot.

Not long after the Tarkington's left I had another spasm and cramping. This one was worse. It eased but was quickly followed up by another major spasm causing my entire left side from my back down to tighten up. I again could not talk. This is when Tricia sent out the "Pray for Skipper" Facebook message. All I could do was cry, scream and moan. Occasionally I was able to whisper a word or two. They got the nurse and the Doctor. After what seemed like forever, the pain subsided some and spasms decreased. The doctor prescribed a muscle relaxer and a painkiller. About an hour after taking the heavy-duty muscle relaxer, my muscles relaxed, the pain began to go away and I was able to sleep.

I cannot even begin to say how incredibly thankful I am that Granny Alice and Papa Jim listened and obeyed God. They were truly there when Tricia and I needed them most. I cannot begin to imagine if Tricia had to go through all of that by herself. Papa Jim and Granny Alice not only helped take care of me they literally held Tricia up during all of my pain and agony when I was unable to speak.

I awoke on Saturday to no cramps but every muscle in my left lower side is swollen and sore. I am moving and walking very slowly. I can not get up out of the chair without help as my muscles are so sore. I am home now and my levels are up to a low safe point so I do not have to wear a mask right now. I have been able to hold and hug on my kiddos! Friends from church brought us an incredible meal that hit the spot!

I spent Saturday night holding my kids, snuggling with my girls and sharing with the boys all that had transpired over the past few days. I was able to explain to them that even in the pain, I love, trust and do not blame God. We had a great family prayer time Saturday night.

The plan is for me to start chemo this week sometime.

Based on my past transfusions, my levels will not stay up for long so they predict I will be back on a mask soon. I still cannot be around crowds or the kids a lot.

The prayers from my family and friends were felt. They were appreciated. The text messages and the notes and cards from my faith family mean a lot to me. Your words of encouragement and up lifting thoughts have helped me through some very low and scary points during the past few days. The meals and acts of love are gifts with an unending value.

It is 4:30 am Sunday as I sit here and finish this note. My muscle soreness level is down to almost a two. I am reminded of God's unending Love and His Soldiers of the cross who have been praying for my family and me. As I continue to wait for answers I know that my God has a plan and that he has sent many warriors to stand alongside us. Friends, family and Christ Jesus are all I need to get through this.

How can you pray?

-Pray that this mess will be something treatable and curable

-Pray that while my immune system is low and I am quarantined to a separate part of the house with limited contact from anyone, that I stay germ free.

-That Tricia stays well since she taking care of everyone.

-Pray for my Mom, Tricia and my boys as they are scared and worried.

-Pray for Strength and peace as I travel the unknown path

-Pray for God's provision to cover the medical expenses (thankful that we do have insurance, and that I can work from home some)

-Pray for Our kids as they adjust to all of this and that they stay well.

-That we will look outside of ourselves and recognize the opportunities He gives to minister to others we encounter on this journey.  I could tell you many stories where God has already allowed us to share our faith and one person has already accepted Christ through this process.

-Pray that we will be quick to obey Him in all that He asks of us.

-That God will be known and glorified in all of this!!

Thank you for your concerns and your prayers for my family and me!

Blessings to each of you!

Skipper


Sunday, November 1, 2015

Tying my Shoe

Tying your Shoe

Ok, so I don’t know why my mind works the way it does sometimes but this morning I woke up thinking about tying my shoe. Maybe it is because I have five kids and someone always needs to tie their shoe. Maybe it is because my oldest two kids refuse to un-tie their shoes and just slip them on and off which bugs the snot out of me. Maybe it is something a little deeper.

As I was lying there in bed thinking about tying shoes I remembered clearly the first time that I tied my own shoe. I was sitting on the front step of our Plant City house on Pennsylvania Ave. I was going outside to play and had decided to take my shoes out and “by myself” attempt to tie them. The first attempt was a failure. The shoelaces were in a disjointed mess and resembled spaghetti noodles. The second attempt was much better but I had not left enough on the ends so that when I pulled the loops tight the ends pulled thorough also. But, the third time I attempted to tie my shoe it was a success. I remember sitting there staring at that beautiful work of art. I was so excited that I stood up, turned around and ran back inside with only one shoe on to proclaim my success to anyone in the house who would listen. I then returned to my step of success to repeat this incredible feat upon my other shoe. It took me a couple of tries but I did it. I had successfully learned to tie my shoes. From that moment on I was no longer “tied down” to depend on someone else to tie my shoes.

So what in the world does all of this have to do with anything you may ask? I am glad that you asked! It came to me that as the years continued I never really had to give any thought to how I tied my shoes. I would simply step into my shoes bend over and tie them and then move on. I had become a shoe-tying machine. It was routine to me. No real cognitive thought needed. It was a routine part of my day. It wasn’t until I started working with children that it became necessary for me to think through the process of tying your shoe so that I could pass on that wisdom to another.

Now you may be thinking about the shoe tying process as you read this. You may be thinking about how you would teach someone else to tie his or her shoe. Good! That is the point of this blog- to get you to think. There are many different methods of teaching someone to tie their shoe. There is the “bunny around the tree in the hole” method. There is the “bunny ears” method (my personal favorite). Also, there is the “granny knot lock and loop” method. These are, of course just names for tying a simple knot and securing your remaining strings so that your shoes will stay on your feet.

Here is my point: no matter how old you are, tying your shoe goes from a huge life moment to a humdrum activity with no attention to detail or care. It becomes a common practice with little or no focus or appreciation. I feel like too many people in America have gotten up today, tied their shoes and gone to church. They drive the same path, park in their same spot. Go in the same door. Sit in their same seat. Say hello to the same people. Sit, Stand, Sing, Greet, Sit, Pass the plate, Listen Half Heartedly, Stand, Sing, Leave and Go Eat.

Going to church for most believers has become a common practice with little or no focus or appreciation. It has become as commonplace as tying your shoes.

It is time for church leaders to change things up. To stir the pot, shake up and wake up the body of Christ.


It is time for the body of believers to open their eyes! See the beauty of each morning. Rise to the call. Get out of their comfort spot. Learn to look with fresh eyes at the awe and wonder of a room filled with believers and non-believers. Stop and enjoy every aspect of a worship service. We have the opportunity to gather together in a public place and to worship the Creator King. We have the responsibility to serve others! We are not placed here for our own comforts and self-righteous desires. We are called to teach, serve, help, show, grow and lead by example. So whatever you have to do to wake yourself up from your lazy self-imposed trance do it! Rise Up church! Return to that moment of awe and wonder of when you first asked Christ into your life. 

Live so that others see Him in You! 

Honor the King by teaching someone else how to tie his or her own shoes.

Friday, October 23, 2015

A new path...

A New Path...

Dear Friends,

I have just walked down a new path that I hope you do not travel on...

I know that some of you have seen or heard my most recent news about some health issues.

Here is a summary of the past few days.

I had not been feeling well for the past few weeks so I went in Thursday for a complete physical and blood work. Well during the physical they found that my spleen was enlarged and that some of my blood work showed critically low levels. They sent me across the street where I was admitted to the hospital.

Since then they have done a CAT scan which showed several enlarged lymph-nodes. They have been working for the past 20 hours to try and stabilize my blood levels so that additional test can be done. At this time if my levels stay up following platelets and a blood transfusion then I will undergo some biopsy tests in the next few days. Right now they are just trying to stabilize my levels then they can begin to explore the cause.

Here are specific prayer request: 1- Please pray that my levels will stabilize so that I can begin testing to discover the cause. 2- Pray that they can discover the cause. According to my doctors there is a large range of possibilities from an infection to cancer (praying for easily treated and completely curable). 3- I am scheduled to lead a team to Haiti in 14 days- pray that if I can then I will be able to go. 4- Please pray for Tricia, Grandma and the kids! I am blessed to have an incredible faith family and a loving family by my side.

Thank you for your prayers!

Blessings!

Skipper

Monday, February 9, 2015

Rise of the Droids

Rise of the Droids - How to keep our church from becoming a Droid factory.
The following article is a summary of my message from Sunday evening, February 8, 2015

What do you think of when I use the word Droid or Android?

Many will think about their cellular phone or maybe even Star Wars “These are Not the Droids you’re looking for.” Obi Won Kenobi -Star Wars episode 1 or 4 (depending on how you look at it).

Here is the definition of the word: Android- an automation in the form of a human being. This android is often designed to do a task for a human or a task that a human does not wish to do.

We will get back to the Droids soon!

In a recent study by George Barna & David Kinnaman titled “Church-less”. They share how a study form the 1990’s showed that 30% of America’s population was “Un-churched”. Now fast forward 20 years and today you find that 43% are “un-churched”. That’s more than four out of ten that do not go to or are not affiliated with church. As you can see that is a 13% increase over 20 years. At this pace we will exceed the 50% margin sometime during the next 10 years. That means that in the next 10 years 1 out of every 2 people you pass on the street will say they don’t have anything to do with organized religion!

I hate math- but I get this!

Here is another alarming number- From the Un-Church we are now going to look at the “De-churched” There is an increasing number of people who have just stopped going to church. These De-churched individuals were most often servant leaders. They were among the dedicated and active people in their church who were part of the 20% club. The 20% club is the small group of individuals’ doing 80% of the work in and for the church. These are the Droids. The droids are the laborers who do the work that we (the 80%) don’t want to do. They work week after week, changing diapers, Teaching Youth or handing out a bulletin.

The church has become Consumer Minded. The modern church has created an environment similar to the consumer minded culture around us. The majority of church attendees come to church, they Plop into “Their” seat, Pay others to do the work, Pray and GO! They do this only to come back and do it all over again next week.

In a recent study conducted for Group publishing by sociologist Josh Packard titled Future of the Church- these De-church individuals stated the following as reasons for their quitting: I’m tired of being lectured to. I’m just done with having some guy ask me for money and tell me what to do. No one cares. I served my time. It’s time for someone else to do this. These Droids are tired of the plop, pray & pay Sunday after Sunday.

In this study the De-churched were asked what they wanted. What might have helped them not quit: They want input. They want to be “thanked”, appreciated. They want to participate at a higher level. Understand- These De-churched individuals are not giving up on GOD! Just the church!

So what can we do to help our church from becoming a Droid factory? Here are two Action Points to help us: First, Say Thank You! Tell everyone who is currently serving “Thank You!” Let them know how much you appreciate what they do. Psalm 138 can be a guide for saying “Thanks”. I personally like the way the Message paraphrase words it. Second, look for ways to Share YOUR story every day! If you are actively seeking opportunities to share what Jesus is doing in your life He will provide them. The more you focus on what God is doing in your life, the more you will share with others about what God is doing in your life. The more you share, the more you will have a desire to find YOUR place of service. Soon we can make it the 50% Club. Remember what was said in Matthew 28- each and everyone one of His believers are called to serve!

So in conclusion I leave you with this challenge- Stop filling in holes and begin serving souls!

Blessings!

Skipper