Saturday, March 17, 2007

In the Presence of God

Happy St. Patty's Day!

The more time I spend alone with God, the more clearly I hear His small voice whispering to me. I was reminded of this today towards the end of my quiet time with Him.

As I move forward in my life, and in my Faith and Health Connection ministry, it remains critical for me to be in His presence as much as I can so that the decisions I make, what I write about and the materials I put together all come from Him, not from me. I want to make sure that my writings are true to the nature and truth of God, so that as people read what I have written, they are learning God's truth, not my opinion.

Two weeks ago I made a decision to stop my job as a career coach. Yesterday was my last day. I will now have much more time to devote to teaching others about the relationship between the Christian faith and health. It should also allow me to post more of my thoughts here... thoughts that hopefully are strongly influenced by the time I spend alone with God.

I'll also have more time to devote to researching my options to treat the prostate cancer. That will be hugely important as well!

Spring is right around the corner as we had two days of 80 degree weather this week in Charlotte. My daffodils are in bloom and the tulips are not far behind. Many trees are in full bloom with their flowers. God's nature is great!!

Blessings,

Dale

Monday, March 5, 2007

A Personal Health Battle with Prostate Cancer

On Friday, March 2nd I received a call from my Urologist with the results of the biopsy of my prostate. He told me that 50% of the 12 core samples taken had cancer cells. I have prostate cancer.

Today I visit with this Urologist to learn more specifics and to learn about what my next steps need to be. Wow! I am sure glad that I have God in my life to guide me and give me strength and courage.

When I last visited with the doctor to have the biopsy performed, he asked me what my profession was. I had brought into the office the book I was currently reading- Faith, Health and God, by Jeff Levin. I shared with him that I am most passionate about the faith and health connection and of my work in that arena. He shared his insights on how his patients that have a strong faith were more resilient and handled the battle with cancer in a stronger way. Now I will have an opportunity to experience this journey personally.

I know I will be strong with God's help and I hope that God will be glorified in all the circumstances surrounding this personal journey. It's something... my motivation to teach others about the faith and health connection has primarily come from my experiences, knowledge and education with a health promotion perspective. Now I will have first hand experience as to how God works in the life of someone who trusts and believes in His healing power.


"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28