I prepared this press release earlier today for work and wanted to pass it along. I will soon be sharing my journal entries and wanted to keep you guys informed.
I was officially diagnosed with a papillary carcinoma (thyroid cancer) on August 12, 2009. I began my journal entry that night with the words, “Today I officially became a cancer survivor.” My family and I met with Dr. Dale Browne and his associate at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center yesterday in order to discuss my care plan and various treatment options. Further tests revealed that the cancer has metastasized into the surrounding and underlying lymph nodes.
I will return to WFUBMC next Wednesday for additional tests and pre-op clearance. Surgery is scheduled for September 2, 2009. My care plan calls for a total removal of the thyroid gland, surrounding tissues, and any affected lymph nodes. Further treatments will involve highly radioactive doses of iodine that kill any remaining thyroid tissues and cancerous cells. Other medications will be utilized to supplement thyroid production and aid recovery. At this point chemotherapy and radiation are not even being discussed due to how effectively the radioactive iodine addresses this type of cancer.
Cancer is not a word I had ever anticipated hearing when discussing my own health, but I am very thankful that my particular type is very treatable and has a high success rate. I am so appreciative of the outpouring of love and support my family and I have already received from so many people. With God’s help we are determined to remain nothing but positive and trust Him through this experience.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Images from Home
Rustie
Brownie
Lady
Purple martin nesting at home
Abandoned fawn Rachel and I found at Bluestone State Park (Hinton, WV)
Monday, August 10, 2009
Images
Bluestone Lake
Bluestone River at the Canyon Rim, Pipestem, WV
One of my favorite overlooks at Pipestem Resort
Sunday, August 9, 2009
My Thoughts: The Shack
Recently I have heard several friends discussing the The Shack. I ordered it several days ago, an the book was waiting for me when I arrived at home Friday evening. I started reading that night and finished the last words earlier this afternoon. I must say that this has to be one of the best books I've ever read. I simply could not put the book down, and at times I had to wipe away a torrent of tears streaming down my face. While not wanting to give away the story line...I do want to post several excerpts.
"I suppose that since most of our hurts come through relationships, so will our healing, and I know that grace rarely makes sense for those looking in from the outside.
"Love and relationship. All love and relationship is possible for you only because it already exists within me, within God myself. Love is not the limitation; love is the flying. I am love.
"Obviously what was truly important here was the love they had for one another and the fullness it brought them. He shook his head. How different this was from the way he sometimes treated the ones he loved.
"Sarayu squeezed his hand and seemed to sit back. 'I do too! Relationships are never about power, and one way to avoid the will to hold power over another is to choose to limit oneself==to serve. Humans often do this--in touching the infirm and sick, in serving the ones whose minds have left to wander, in relating to the poor, in loving the very old and the very young, or even in caring from the other who has assumed a position of power over them.
"It is quite simple really. Being always transcends appearance--that which only seems to be. Once you begin to know the being behind the very pretty or very ugly face, as determined by your bias, the surface appearances fade way until they simply no longer matter. That is why Elouisa is such a wonderful name. God, who is the ground of all being, dwells in, around, and through all things--ultimately emerging as the real--and any appearances that mask that reality will fall away.
"Well, their mistake isn't fatal. Rumors of glory are often hidden inside what many consider myths and tales.
"You can't, not alone. But together we will watch the change take place. For now I just want you to be with me and discover that our relationship is not about performance or your having to please me. I'm not a bully, not some self-centered demanding little deity insisting on my own way. I am good, and I desire only what is best for you. You cannot find that through guilt or condemnation or coercion, only through a relationship of love. And I do love you.
'"The darkness hides the true size of fears and lies and regrets,' Jesus explained. 'The truth is they are more shadow then reality, so they seem bigger in the dark. When the light shines into the places where they live inside you, you start to see them for what they are.'
"Mack, just because I work incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies doesn't mean I orchestrate the tragedies. Don't ever assume that my using something means I caused it or that I needed it to accomplish my purposes. That will only lead you to false notions about me. Grace doesn't depend on suffering to exist, but where there is suffering you will find grace in many facets and colors.
'"Mack, pain has a way of clipping our wings and keeping us from being able to fly.' She waited a moment, allowing her words to settle. 'And if it's left unresolved for very long, you can almost forget that you were ever created to fly in the first place.'
Sarayu interrupted him. 'Mack, if anything matters then everything matters. Because you are important, everything you do is important. Every time you forgive, the universe changes; every time you reach out and touch a heart or a life, the world changes; with every kindness and service, seen or unseen, my purposes are accomplished and nothing will ever be the same again."
This book brings the reader through some very tragic, deep situations which, in the end, very effectively demonstrates what I believe to be the true heart of God. This is a must read...definitely a book that I will be sharing with friends!
http:www.theshackbook.com
"I suppose that since most of our hurts come through relationships, so will our healing, and I know that grace rarely makes sense for those looking in from the outside.
"Love and relationship. All love and relationship is possible for you only because it already exists within me, within God myself. Love is not the limitation; love is the flying. I am love.
"Obviously what was truly important here was the love they had for one another and the fullness it brought them. He shook his head. How different this was from the way he sometimes treated the ones he loved.
"Sarayu squeezed his hand and seemed to sit back. 'I do too! Relationships are never about power, and one way to avoid the will to hold power over another is to choose to limit oneself==to serve. Humans often do this--in touching the infirm and sick, in serving the ones whose minds have left to wander, in relating to the poor, in loving the very old and the very young, or even in caring from the other who has assumed a position of power over them.
"It is quite simple really. Being always transcends appearance--that which only seems to be. Once you begin to know the being behind the very pretty or very ugly face, as determined by your bias, the surface appearances fade way until they simply no longer matter. That is why Elouisa is such a wonderful name. God, who is the ground of all being, dwells in, around, and through all things--ultimately emerging as the real--and any appearances that mask that reality will fall away.
"Well, their mistake isn't fatal. Rumors of glory are often hidden inside what many consider myths and tales.
"You can't, not alone. But together we will watch the change take place. For now I just want you to be with me and discover that our relationship is not about performance or your having to please me. I'm not a bully, not some self-centered demanding little deity insisting on my own way. I am good, and I desire only what is best for you. You cannot find that through guilt or condemnation or coercion, only through a relationship of love. And I do love you.
'"The darkness hides the true size of fears and lies and regrets,' Jesus explained. 'The truth is they are more shadow then reality, so they seem bigger in the dark. When the light shines into the places where they live inside you, you start to see them for what they are.'
"Mack, just because I work incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies doesn't mean I orchestrate the tragedies. Don't ever assume that my using something means I caused it or that I needed it to accomplish my purposes. That will only lead you to false notions about me. Grace doesn't depend on suffering to exist, but where there is suffering you will find grace in many facets and colors.
'"Mack, pain has a way of clipping our wings and keeping us from being able to fly.' She waited a moment, allowing her words to settle. 'And if it's left unresolved for very long, you can almost forget that you were ever created to fly in the first place.'
Sarayu interrupted him. 'Mack, if anything matters then everything matters. Because you are important, everything you do is important. Every time you forgive, the universe changes; every time you reach out and touch a heart or a life, the world changes; with every kindness and service, seen or unseen, my purposes are accomplished and nothing will ever be the same again."
This book brings the reader through some very tragic, deep situations which, in the end, very effectively demonstrates what I believe to be the true heart of God. This is a must read...definitely a book that I will be sharing with friends!
http:www.theshackbook.com
Friday, August 7, 2009
At the pub....
I was in the pub yesterday when I suddenly realized I desperately needed to fart.
The music was really, really loud, so I timed my farts with the beat.
After a couple of songs, I started to feel better. I finished my pint and noticed that everybody was staring at me.
Then I suddenly remembered that I was listening to my iPod.
...from Maxine.
The music was really, really loud, so I timed my farts with the beat.
After a couple of songs, I started to feel better. I finished my pint and noticed that everybody was staring at me.
Then I suddenly remembered that I was listening to my iPod.
...from Maxine.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Photos from Cleveland
I love this water-front, patriotic park. 
This shot of the skyline was great. 
Anyone who knows me well knows that I love lighthouses. :)
Living Justice: Introductory Thoughts
Living Justice: Introductory Thoughts
Lately I have been reading and learning much about the subject of justice. I must say that I am both outraged and encouraged by the things that I read. Rarely am I confronted with a situation that fails to leave me both brokenhearted and optimistic.
Many estimate that there are currently many more men, women, and children involved in the modern-day slave trade than at any time during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Worldwide, individuals are forced into slave labor or work in sweatshops earning barely enough to survive, land is seized illegally, and children are sexually exploited en masse. On our own shores, decorated veterans struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder and are forced to live on the streets because our own government, churches, and civic organizations have refused to get involved. Inner city and rural teens slip into worlds of violence and drug abuse because in many cases there is little else to occupy their time. HIV and AIDS education abounds, but thousands die daily from the horrible disease.
Yet nonprofits and governments are working to combat these problems. International Justice Mission, Christian Solidarity, and Free the Slaves are very active in working to combat the causes of poverty and prosecute the perpetrators of injustice. IJM has taskforces working throughout the world to apprehend perpetrators and rehabilitate those involved in child prostitution. World Vision, Compassion International, and others also work to free children from bondage and provide them with the tools necessary to succeed (food, clothing, shelter, clean drinking water, child-friendly places, education, and technical/vocational skills). Volunteers serve at soup kitchens, tutor students who are falling behind in their studies, and alternative programs are becoming available in our cities and towns. The U.S. government spends millions of dollars annually (at home and abroad) on providing necessities, development assistance, disaster relief, educational materials, strength, and support.
Yet somehow, ignorance abounds. Many of our churches have missed the boat. We simply refuse to help others, and find ways to excuse ourselves from becoming active in the fight for justice. Conservative leaders refer to feeding the homeless and helping those less fortunate than ourselves as the social gospel in a failed attempt to diminish their own responsibility. Many believe that this social gospel is not the true gospel, and therefore all of their efforts are instead turned only toward evangelism and discipleship.
Now, before my inbox fills up with letters of protest and disgust let me say this: evangelism and discipleship are incredibly important to the Christian community. However, they are not the only tools with which God has given us to impact our world. I have heard it said that it is much easier to hear and understand the gospel after the growling of one’s stomach subsides and men and women have seen the love of God in action not just from behind a lectern. Personally, I have set through worship services, chapel services, and class lectures where the importance of the gospel were expounded, yet the alleviation of human suffering and need were never once mentioned.
Read the words of Jesus as he begins his public ministry: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Before we allegorize Christ’s words as all alluding only to the spiritual work of the gospel let us remind ourselves of the many physical needs that Christ met while on earth.
Those who suffer greatly often have a sense of hopelessness further exacerbated by feeling that others have forgotten about them. Let’s let those who suffer needlessly know that we have not forgotten them.
Lately I have been reading and learning much about the subject of justice. I must say that I am both outraged and encouraged by the things that I read. Rarely am I confronted with a situation that fails to leave me both brokenhearted and optimistic.
Many estimate that there are currently many more men, women, and children involved in the modern-day slave trade than at any time during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Worldwide, individuals are forced into slave labor or work in sweatshops earning barely enough to survive, land is seized illegally, and children are sexually exploited en masse. On our own shores, decorated veterans struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder and are forced to live on the streets because our own government, churches, and civic organizations have refused to get involved. Inner city and rural teens slip into worlds of violence and drug abuse because in many cases there is little else to occupy their time. HIV and AIDS education abounds, but thousands die daily from the horrible disease.
Yet nonprofits and governments are working to combat these problems. International Justice Mission, Christian Solidarity, and Free the Slaves are very active in working to combat the causes of poverty and prosecute the perpetrators of injustice. IJM has taskforces working throughout the world to apprehend perpetrators and rehabilitate those involved in child prostitution. World Vision, Compassion International, and others also work to free children from bondage and provide them with the tools necessary to succeed (food, clothing, shelter, clean drinking water, child-friendly places, education, and technical/vocational skills). Volunteers serve at soup kitchens, tutor students who are falling behind in their studies, and alternative programs are becoming available in our cities and towns. The U.S. government spends millions of dollars annually (at home and abroad) on providing necessities, development assistance, disaster relief, educational materials, strength, and support.
Yet somehow, ignorance abounds. Many of our churches have missed the boat. We simply refuse to help others, and find ways to excuse ourselves from becoming active in the fight for justice. Conservative leaders refer to feeding the homeless and helping those less fortunate than ourselves as the social gospel in a failed attempt to diminish their own responsibility. Many believe that this social gospel is not the true gospel, and therefore all of their efforts are instead turned only toward evangelism and discipleship.
Now, before my inbox fills up with letters of protest and disgust let me say this: evangelism and discipleship are incredibly important to the Christian community. However, they are not the only tools with which God has given us to impact our world. I have heard it said that it is much easier to hear and understand the gospel after the growling of one’s stomach subsides and men and women have seen the love of God in action not just from behind a lectern. Personally, I have set through worship services, chapel services, and class lectures where the importance of the gospel were expounded, yet the alleviation of human suffering and need were never once mentioned.
Read the words of Jesus as he begins his public ministry: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Before we allegorize Christ’s words as all alluding only to the spiritual work of the gospel let us remind ourselves of the many physical needs that Christ met while on earth.
Those who suffer greatly often have a sense of hopelessness further exacerbated by feeling that others have forgotten about them. Let’s let those who suffer needlessly know that we have not forgotten them.
Shenandoah Presbytery
I took these pictures while visiting churches in Shenandoah Presbytery last year. I was in the Eastern panhandle of WV and got some really great shots. Country roads, take me home...
By the way, the first picture is of a country road that took me right to the bottom of a mountain where GPS expected me to cross a creek in order to get to the church that was located on the other side. Apparently the local rednecks had no problem fording the creek (there were huge tire tracks in the mud leading into the water), but there was absolutely no way I was taking my little company car into that water.
By the way, the first picture is of a country road that took me right to the bottom of a mountain where GPS expected me to cross a creek in order to get to the church that was located on the other side. Apparently the local rednecks had no problem fording the creek (there were huge tire tracks in the mud leading into the water), but there was absolutely no way I was taking my little company car into that water.
I love the various old buildings. I think the one huge house would have been asbolutely beautiful back in its day.
Fun with the Family
I am obviously running quite far behind in uploading some of my favorite pictures. The following pictures were taken at home and at Sandstone Falls (Hinton, WV) during the month of June.
Colton taking a defensive pose while playing with Lily at the house.
(Smart boy)
I absolutely love this picture of Hunter. He is so cute when he poses, and is obviously having a good time at Sandstone Falls.
Papaw, Mom, Hunter, and Charles (aka Virgil) at Sandstone FAlls. The lighting isn't so great, but I like this picture.
The more I travel the more and more I am reminded of the importance of "little moments" with the family. :)
Colton taking a defensive pose while playing with Lily at the house.
(Smart boy)
I absolutely love this picture of Hunter. He is so cute when he poses, and is obviously having a good time at Sandstone Falls.
Papaw, Mom, Hunter, and Charles (aka Virgil) at Sandstone FAlls. The lighting isn't so great, but I like this picture.
The more I travel the more and more I am reminded of the importance of "little moments" with the family. :) Monday, August 3, 2009
Prayer of the Day
Heavenly Father, in your Word you have given us a vision of that holy City to which the nations of the world bring their glory: behold and visit, we pray, the cities of the earth. Renew the ties of mutual regard which form our civic life. Send us honest and able leaders. Enable us to eliminate poverty, prejudice, and oppression, that peace may prevail with righteousness, and justice with order, and that men and women from different cultures and with differing talents may find with one another the fulfillment of their humanity; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
From Living Justice by Jamie Gates and Jon Middendorf
From Living Justice by Jamie Gates and Jon Middendorf
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Spring around National Presbyterian Church
I love this shot of the prayer tower at National Presbyterian Church. This is the church that Ronald and Nancy Reagan frequented while living in D.C. This is such a beautiful area, and the grounds are always well maintained.
I believe these are white crocus.
Yellow daffodils
The tulip trees in D.C. are among the first to bloom every year. I can't wait to see the cherry blossoms blooming next year.
I believe these are white crocus.
Yellow daffodils 
The tulip trees in D.C. are among the first to bloom every year. I can't wait to see the cherry blossoms blooming next year.
The Three Words that Changed my World
"I love you."
The three simple words that changed the world. Okay. So they may not have changed the world, but they definitely changed the course of an entire weekend. They also changed the status of an up-and-coming relationship and brought tears to my eyes and joy to my soul. They took me by surprise but I somehow knew they were coming. My heart had wanted to express itself for quite some time, but I'm thankful that you took the opportunity to express yourself first.
When I am with you...
I feel free. Unencumbered by the cares of this world and the thoughts of others. My soul feels as if it is on fire. My skin tingles when you tenderly caress my arm or pull me close to your side for a quick kiss. It is in those moments that I feel most fully alive. I awake early in the morning only to be lulled back to sleep by the slow, rhythmic cadence of your shallow breaths accented by the occasional deep breath and simple smile on your face. I am grateful, amazed, and constantly thankful to have shared another night with you.
When I am with you...
I feel accepted. Never has anyone (other than my family) accepted me with all of my quirks and idiosyncrasies with such grace and quiet assurance. I know that I can be honest, expressive, and open without having to fear how you will respond. I know that I can make jokes, be silly, and even say sarcastic things without you taking any offense knowing that I am only teasing and like to give you are hard time.
When I am with you...
I feel open. I allow myself to feel: love, desire, openness, honesty, the lack of inhibition, and a sense of freedom that I've never really known and am only beginning to allow to unfold and blossom. I feel completely free to shed a tear when you tell me you love me for the first time, when I hear that special song, and when I finally embrace you after days of being apart. (I somehow manage to hold back my tears until I am out of the driveway and you are safely inside because it is simply easier to leave on a happier than sad note). I feel no negativity, no fear of unmet expectations, and no worry about tomorrow. I'm caught up in the moment...allowing myself to breath deeply and drink in this gift that I have been given. And when I am away... I feel sadness yet a sense of anticipation and expectancy for the soon-coming day when I am allowed to hold you again...close to my side...closer than before...never to be taken for granted again.
What I do know... Life and love are meant to be shared with those important to us...and I'm thankful to share part of my life with you. I have questions about the future. Baggage that must be checked at the door. Uncertainty and hesitancy creep in. The unknown has never been comfortable for me. I do not know what the future holds, but what I do know is that whatever the future holds will be wonderful for I am blessed to have you in my life right now and I will always have you with me.
...."Being like you are, Well this is something else, who would comprehend?...A part of your soul ties you to the next world Or maybe to the last, but I'm still not sure. But what I do know, is to us the world is different. As we are to the world but I guess you would know that. Please don't go, I want you to stay. I'm begging you please, please don't leave here. I don't want you to hate for all the hurt that you feel.The world is just illusion trying to change you." ~Illusion
The three simple words that changed the world. Okay. So they may not have changed the world, but they definitely changed the course of an entire weekend. They also changed the status of an up-and-coming relationship and brought tears to my eyes and joy to my soul. They took me by surprise but I somehow knew they were coming. My heart had wanted to express itself for quite some time, but I'm thankful that you took the opportunity to express yourself first.
When I am with you...
I feel free. Unencumbered by the cares of this world and the thoughts of others. My soul feels as if it is on fire. My skin tingles when you tenderly caress my arm or pull me close to your side for a quick kiss. It is in those moments that I feel most fully alive. I awake early in the morning only to be lulled back to sleep by the slow, rhythmic cadence of your shallow breaths accented by the occasional deep breath and simple smile on your face. I am grateful, amazed, and constantly thankful to have shared another night with you.
When I am with you...
I feel accepted. Never has anyone (other than my family) accepted me with all of my quirks and idiosyncrasies with such grace and quiet assurance. I know that I can be honest, expressive, and open without having to fear how you will respond. I know that I can make jokes, be silly, and even say sarcastic things without you taking any offense knowing that I am only teasing and like to give you are hard time.
When I am with you...
I feel open. I allow myself to feel: love, desire, openness, honesty, the lack of inhibition, and a sense of freedom that I've never really known and am only beginning to allow to unfold and blossom. I feel completely free to shed a tear when you tell me you love me for the first time, when I hear that special song, and when I finally embrace you after days of being apart. (I somehow manage to hold back my tears until I am out of the driveway and you are safely inside because it is simply easier to leave on a happier than sad note). I feel no negativity, no fear of unmet expectations, and no worry about tomorrow. I'm caught up in the moment...allowing myself to breath deeply and drink in this gift that I have been given. And when I am away... I feel sadness yet a sense of anticipation and expectancy for the soon-coming day when I am allowed to hold you again...close to my side...closer than before...never to be taken for granted again.
What I do know... Life and love are meant to be shared with those important to us...and I'm thankful to share part of my life with you. I have questions about the future. Baggage that must be checked at the door. Uncertainty and hesitancy creep in. The unknown has never been comfortable for me. I do not know what the future holds, but what I do know is that whatever the future holds will be wonderful for I am blessed to have you in my life right now and I will always have you with me.
...."Being like you are, Well this is something else, who would comprehend?...A part of your soul ties you to the next world Or maybe to the last, but I'm still not sure. But what I do know, is to us the world is different. As we are to the world but I guess you would know that. Please don't go, I want you to stay. I'm begging you please, please don't leave here. I don't want you to hate for all the hurt that you feel.The world is just illusion trying to change you." ~Illusion
Update: August 1, 2009
For some reason or another my previous blog was deleted. I'm sorry that several of my posts were deleted, but I'm thankful that I keep copies of everything that I write. I am also working on importing older writings from my previous blog and Myspace accounts. Be patient. More is on its way soon.
I spent last night with Andy, Jess, McKenzie, Adrienne, Mom, Papaw, Charles, and Lily. We had a wonderful time. McKenzie is growing like a weed and really seems to enjoy crawling all over the place. Lily had met McKenzie before and absolutely adores that baby. It was a job just to keep Lily on her own four paws and out of the baby's face. We all planned on getting in the hot tub, but Andy fell asleep on the love seat with McKenzie and went home before the rest of us were ready to end the night. Simple nights like these reinforce the values I grew up with, and they make me even more thankful for my time at home.
I left just after lunchtime today, and I am now at the hotel in Staunton. I'm speaking tomorrow at a meeting here in town, and then am headed back to the mountains of home.
I spent last night with Andy, Jess, McKenzie, Adrienne, Mom, Papaw, Charles, and Lily. We had a wonderful time. McKenzie is growing like a weed and really seems to enjoy crawling all over the place. Lily had met McKenzie before and absolutely adores that baby. It was a job just to keep Lily on her own four paws and out of the baby's face. We all planned on getting in the hot tub, but Andy fell asleep on the love seat with McKenzie and went home before the rest of us were ready to end the night. Simple nights like these reinforce the values I grew up with, and they make me even more thankful for my time at home.
I left just after lunchtime today, and I am now at the hotel in Staunton. I'm speaking tomorrow at a meeting here in town, and then am headed back to the mountains of home.
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