Thursday, December 13, 2012
Dec 2012
One more clear cancer checkup in the books. There was no scan this time. I haven't had a scan since May. They don't too much radiation from the CT scans. Just bloodwork and x-ray. All clear. I wonder if cancer survivors get antsy if they don't get a scan. My doc said they will do a scan in Feb. Which is the 2 year anniversary of my diagnosis and treatment. Time flies, can't believe it's almost - Christmas. This has been a crazy year- not quite as crazy as last year but still. I am more appreciative of family and friends than ever before. I am loving being a soccer dad. I am praying for more and more people every day with loved ones that have cancer- it's scary. but like i always tell the people at work- let's control the controllables and don't worry about things you do not have any control over. I gotta look back at last years post and see if i accomplished any of the things i set out do this year. We will have to see. wishing everyone a safe and merry holidays- hope to see all of you soon- thanks to all who donated to movember- the stache was just as bad if not worse- i will post some pics on my next blog. peace
Sunday, November 11, 2012
November 11, 2012
Today is Remembrance day. Its early in the morning and I am preparing a small talk for the elderly care home we are visiting this afternoon. June, Rhys and I, along with some other members of Tenth Church go to an elderly care home every other month and lead a church service there. In preparing my talk, I am reminded that remembering is something that seems tougher as I grow older. One of the reasons I kept this blog was so that there would be a record of me long after I am gone. It's been over a year since the cancer is gone. I have another checkup at the end of the month. I realize that no matter how long its been- cancer is one thing that I will not have any trouble remembering. A lot has happened since my last post. We have finally moved into our new place. A small townhouse in Steveston. Rhys has joined a soccer team. I am the proudest day watching her run around chasing that ball. Yes, I realize I am turning into Will Ferrel from Kicking and Screaming- can't wait to be coach. Rhys has also learned how to ride a bike without training wheels. Crazy times that pass so fast.
I also had the chance to do a 2 day road trip with my dad and my brother- we drove down to portland a few saturdays ago to surprise my uncle on his 70th birthday. It was an amazing trip. It made me realize that life is too short (if i didn't already know that) and its not about what you have- but its about the experiences you had and who you had them with. My brother always talks about being intentional in things we do. It's true- the quantity of team sometimes lies in the quality.
I found this poem on the internet as I was preparing my talk. It made me tear up just reading it. This girl could be Rhys, could still be- who knows. But if RHys can understand one day that heaven isn't too far away- just like this girl did, then I believe June and I have done our job as parents.
Daddy's Poem
Not one in that room could explain it,
for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
was a fragrant long-stemmed rose.
I also had the chance to do a 2 day road trip with my dad and my brother- we drove down to portland a few saturdays ago to surprise my uncle on his 70th birthday. It was an amazing trip. It made me realize that life is too short (if i didn't already know that) and its not about what you have- but its about the experiences you had and who you had them with. My brother always talks about being intentional in things we do. It's true- the quantity of team sometimes lies in the quality.
I found this poem on the internet as I was preparing my talk. It made me tear up just reading it. This girl could be Rhys, could still be- who knows. But if RHys can understand one day that heaven isn't too far away- just like this girl did, then I believe June and I have done our job as parents.
Remembrance Day Poem called 'Daddy's Poem'
author unknown
Daddy's Poem
Her hair was up in a pony tail,
her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
and she couldn't wait to go.
her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
and she couldn't wait to go.
But her mommy tried to tell her,
that she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
if she went to school alone.
that she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
if she went to school alone.
But she was not afraid;
she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
of why he wasn't there today.
she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
of why he wasn't there today.
But still her mother worried,
for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
she tried to keep her daughter home.
for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
she tried to keep her daughter home.
But the little girl went to school
eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees
a dad who never calls.
eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees
a dad who never calls.
There were daddies along the wall in back,
for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
anxious in their seats
for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
anxious in their seats
One by one the teacher called
a student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
as seconds slowly passed.
a student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
as seconds slowly passed.
At last the teacher called her name,
every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
a man who wasn't there.
every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
a man who wasn't there.
'Where's her daddy at?'
She heard a boy call out.
'She probably doesn't have one,'
another student dared to shout.
She heard a boy call out.
'She probably doesn't have one,'
another student dared to shout.
And from somewhere near the back,
she heard a daddy say,
'Looks like another deadbeat dad,
too busy to waste his day.'
she heard a daddy say,
'Looks like another deadbeat dad,
too busy to waste his day.'
The words did not offend her,
as she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher,
who told her to go on.
as she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher,
who told her to go on.
And with hands behind her back,
slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
came words incredibly unique.
slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
came words incredibly unique.
'My Daddy couldn't be here,
because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
since this is such a special day.
because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
since this is such a special day.
And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
and how much he loves me so.
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
and how much he loves me so.
He loved to tell me stories
he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
and taught me to fly a kite.
he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
and taught me to fly a kite.
We used to share fudge sundaes,
and ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him.
I'm not standing here alone.
and ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him.
I'm not standing here alone.
'Cause my daddy's al ways with me,
even though we are apart
I know because he told me,
he'll forever be in my heart'
even though we are apart
I know because he told me,
he'll forever be in my heart'
With that, her little hand reached up,
and lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat,
beneath her favorite dress.
and lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat,
beneath her favorite dress.
And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads,
her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
who was wise beyond her years.
her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
who was wise beyond her years.
For she stood up for the love
of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
doing what was right.
of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
doing what was right.
And when she dropped her hand back down,
staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
but its message clear and loud.
staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
but its message clear and loud.
'I love my daddy very much,
he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
but heaven's just too far.
he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
but heaven's just too far.
You see he is a Canadian soldier
And died just this past year
When a roadside bomb hit his convoy
and taught Canadians to fear.
And died just this past year
When a roadside bomb hit his convoy
and taught Canadians to fear.
But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away.'
And then she closed her eyes,
and saw him there that day.
it's like he never went away.'
And then she closed her eyes,
and saw him there that day.
And to her mothers amazement,
she witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children,
all starting to close their eyes.
she witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children,
all starting to close their eyes.
Who knows what they saw before them,
who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
they saw him at her side.
who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
they saw him at her side.
'I know you're with me Daddy,'
to the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
of those once filled with doubt.
to the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
of those once filled with doubt.
Not one in that room could explain it,for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
was a fragrant long-stemmed rose.
And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,
by the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing,
that heaven is never too far.
by the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing,
that heaven is never too far.
Lest We Forget!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Oct 1,2012
I started to go to church when I was 2 years old. I basically grew up in the church. When I was about 12 years old, my church took a break from sunday school every summer. Instead we would get to join all the older kids for a summer video series. Back then, watching videos sure was better than being in a classroom. But I was young and dumb at the time(as opposed to being old and dumb now) and those videos bored me too. I remember the video that changed my entire outlook on Christian speakers and pastors. We watch this one video where this guy was yelling and spitting and he was so funny. It was like watching a comedian and through all the laughter, the message of Christ's love still made it into my brain. This guy had a way of relating life and humor and what it meant to live a life where you put your trust in Jesus. That was over 20 years ago. His name was Tony Campolo. He is speaking at my church this sunday. I can't believe it. I am inviting everyone in blogworld to my church this sunday to hear Tony speak. He is speaking on behalf of world vision. June and I support this organization and we sponsor 2 children: Pelince and Vibol. I know it's thanksgiving sunday and its football and long weekend but come on out, my church has 3 services, 9:15, 11:15 and 6:30 at night. Hope to see you there.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Sept 23, 2012
I think it's time to share the real reason why I have almost stopped blogging. I can blame it on the busyness of life or many other factors but I know the real reason. And when I say it, it will probably make a few people upset and that is not my intention. This blog started as a way to communicate my battle with cancer with people I knew. Then it morphed into a way of getting my thoughts and beliefs out there in a very non threatening manner . But the reason I stopped was because i was afraid my blog was turning into a news feed in Facebook. Now I don't have Facebook but I made the mistake of creepin June's. And I was shocked. I could not believe how many people post such weird and obscure things on there. I was hooked and read page after page getting more and more disgusted the more I read. But I realized that I was reading it so obviously it meant something . Anyways this isn't a rant but I didn't want people to read my blog and say. Who cares. Which was what I did when I read the news feed. Anyways. I have come to terms of it and I am still not on Facebook but I want to keep blogging because I want this to be a record of my life after cancer and I don't want to forget. So you won't find me checking into my basement or into my bathroom or the garage. Wait I guess I just disliked Facebook. Haha. Anyways. This week was Rhys first soccer practice. And she loved it.she was so cute in her little cleats and shin guards and uniform. I cannot wait to be will ferrell in kicking and screaming on the sideline as the proud yet overbearing father. I am also taking a leadership course at my church and it is teaching me that in order to be a good leader- you first must be a good follower. I have an amazing staff at work and I learn from them all the time. I am now trying to learn to follow them too. Servant leadership. We also moved into our new place...moving not fun but our new place is pretty sweet. NOw to find time to enjoy. To of my cousins getting married next year and i am going to take a road trip with my dad and brother in a few weeks. Family first. always.
Gil
Gil
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Aug 30,2012
Well. It has been a long time since my last entry. Not because I had nothin to say but maybe because there was too much to say. Today I find myself at the cancer clinic for a routine checkup. The scans are now 6 months apart so today was just a Bloodwork and an X-ray. All things fine says the doc see u in the new year. The last time I checked in was my birthday. It has been a crazy summer. We did a week at anvil again and this year was tougher than most for June and I. But Rhys had a blast and many kids got to know Jesus. I am always amazed at how God works even despite my numerous attempts to mess things up. We also just moved and that's always stressful. Well just looking forward to things slowing down a bit and I can sit back and hang out with friends in our new place. Later.
Friday, July 6, 2012
July 6, 2012. Free day Friday!
Once again it's the one day of the year that makes a cheap man like me happy happy happy.
Let's start off the day with Rhys and I at Denny's. Free breakfast. I paid for a coffee and hashbrowns. Rhys ate all he sausages and I feel healthy as I ordered the turkey bacon. Bill came to $6. And I tipped like I was ballin!
Will update as the day goes on- free day Friday!!!
Off to church kids camp with Rhys. Then free burger at Vera's for lunch and then maybe some Pajo's fish and chips for afternoon snack but not before hitting the mall to get some birthday savings. It's tiring going around getting free stuff. Good thing I got Rhys with me
Monday, June 11, 2012
June 11, 2012
Father's day came early this year. Kinda. It was father/daughter weekend with June out of town. I know I spent 9 months with Rhys every day last year but it was different. Being sick gave me a different mindset but I don't ever want to forget how precious these moments with my young daughter is. I am in no position to give any advice to any father out there- but I would recommend every dad to send their wives away for a few days vacation and hang out with your kid one on one. Totally different. It's almost like without June, my parental spidey senses needed to be heightened. I didn't have my wife to shoulder some of the burden. I became more attentive, slept earlier knowing I had to watch her the next day. I carried around snacks, and water and extra clothes and shoes. I'm sure these are things moms do regularly and any mother reading this is going, pffffhhh, watchu want a cookie gil, for taking care of your kid? thats what you suppose to do! Noted but it still was a lot of fun. It did have it's moments. I realize that when i am going out alone with Rhys- I drink less water because I don't want to pee. Maybe this is just father's with daughters. But if i have to pee, i have to find a private bathroom(pref starbucks.) I make rhys stand in the corner so she can't see me go #1. I can't bring her into the guys and have her stare at a bunch of men in front of urinals. Just me? Anyone? Bueller? But I digress. I just wanted to jot down some memories in case i forget in my old age.
Friday- got to pick her up from preschool- she was pretty stoked. All the kids stay after school and play in the playground. Rhys set up a picnic with her friends. I thought I would be smart and bring her snacks. I made the mistake of bringing her a whole box of crackers. So of course she shared with her friends- that's cool. What's not cool is the chubby kid that grabbed about 6 handfuls and 2 minutes later, the box was empty. I couldn't even get mad at him- cuz that probably used to be me ( i was the chubby kid that ate other people's food)
We then went to costco and then hung out at Andis' house for dinner. Rhys ran around Alden for a few hours and we went home. Tired and happy.
Saturday- pancake breakfast- she even knows its Uncle Stevo's recipe from scratch. I am getting good at making shapes of various animals with the batter. Maybe start my own restaurant chain. I will call it Panshapes and Bacon.
12:00- Dance class- or as I call it, Shawshank- I cannot believe what it costs to let our kid dance. I can teach her all that jazz at home with LMFAO pounding in the background. For free!
Spent the afternoon cleaning the house with her helping by not messing it up as I cleaned. Then her friend Maddie came over to play- Maddie and RHys 6 days apart and are great playmates. THey ran around in the playground and then ran around in the house pretending that Maddie's baby brother Conner was a monster. After a full dinner of Udon (her favorite). It was off to bed. Slept to 7:30 and both sat and sun morning comes into our room and goes , "where's momma? In kelowna? I miss her"
Sunday-
Off to church, then June's mom's house for Kimpap (korean sushi) and then off to pick up her school mate and to class birthday party- hawaiian theme. It was good, but I didnt know anyone except for the parents of the birthday girl. So made some new friends and tried to figure out who was related to whom. Big family.
After party- dropped RHys off at my mom's to spend the night. Came home and took a nap, made dinner and did some laundry.
Phew. TIme for bed. Rhys and Gil's weekend adventure is done. Now back to work.
Some photos to highlight the weekend:
Boo and the Aldenator
Child labor- I rewiped, obviously
costco fries- woohoo
booboo and Haribajee(grampa)
about to eat her teddy pancake
Minnie mouse- whaddup
yes those are thought bubbles or drips actually
good thing we didn't name her Anastasia
with momma gone- she needed all her bodyguards before she could sleep, cuz apparently I couldn't protect her.
Friday- got to pick her up from preschool- she was pretty stoked. All the kids stay after school and play in the playground. Rhys set up a picnic with her friends. I thought I would be smart and bring her snacks. I made the mistake of bringing her a whole box of crackers. So of course she shared with her friends- that's cool. What's not cool is the chubby kid that grabbed about 6 handfuls and 2 minutes later, the box was empty. I couldn't even get mad at him- cuz that probably used to be me ( i was the chubby kid that ate other people's food)
We then went to costco and then hung out at Andis' house for dinner. Rhys ran around Alden for a few hours and we went home. Tired and happy.
Saturday- pancake breakfast- she even knows its Uncle Stevo's recipe from scratch. I am getting good at making shapes of various animals with the batter. Maybe start my own restaurant chain. I will call it Panshapes and Bacon.
12:00- Dance class- or as I call it, Shawshank- I cannot believe what it costs to let our kid dance. I can teach her all that jazz at home with LMFAO pounding in the background. For free!
Spent the afternoon cleaning the house with her helping by not messing it up as I cleaned. Then her friend Maddie came over to play- Maddie and RHys 6 days apart and are great playmates. THey ran around in the playground and then ran around in the house pretending that Maddie's baby brother Conner was a monster. After a full dinner of Udon (her favorite). It was off to bed. Slept to 7:30 and both sat and sun morning comes into our room and goes , "where's momma? In kelowna? I miss her"
Sunday-
Off to church, then June's mom's house for Kimpap (korean sushi) and then off to pick up her school mate and to class birthday party- hawaiian theme. It was good, but I didnt know anyone except for the parents of the birthday girl. So made some new friends and tried to figure out who was related to whom. Big family.
After party- dropped RHys off at my mom's to spend the night. Came home and took a nap, made dinner and did some laundry.
Phew. TIme for bed. Rhys and Gil's weekend adventure is done. Now back to work.
Some photos to highlight the weekend:
Child labor- I rewiped, obviously
costco fries- woohoo
booboo and Haribajee(grampa)
about to eat her teddy pancake
Minnie mouse- whaddup
good thing we didn't name her Anastasia
with momma gone- she needed all her bodyguards before she could sleep, cuz apparently I couldn't protect her.
Friday, June 8, 2012
June 8th, 2012
Didn't realize it had been this long. Hmm. I wonder if I am digressing or regressing. No June to proof read. This entry gonna be rough. Long hours at work again, struggling to exercise. This weekend seems like one to recharge. Was hectic for a few weeks. I mean months. 1 year cancer free. 6 years married to June. What a difference a year makes. This weekend I am Mr Mom. Just Rhys and me as June has taken a much needed trip with the ladies up to the Okanagan. I got to observe Rhys in class for 20 mins today. Very interesting. She does know how to be silent. She can put things away. Dr Montessori, you are a genius. What a fun evening just hanging out with the Yu's and then playing princess with my daughter. Can't ask for anything more on a Friday after a long week. Tomorrow- pancakes and dance class- and maybe eat some food that Momma won't let us eat.haha.
My co-worker called me a duck the other day(all who are chinese-cue the laughter) How so you ask? Well, i think I used to be a bit of a spaz, If you ask June, I still am. But apparently, I am now cool and calm on the surface, just like a duck, but underneath the water, the part you can't see. the legs are working like sixty to stay afloat. Which is ironic because I can't swim, still. I guess some things have changed and some still stay the same.
Looking for a worship leader for camp...praying God drops the band right on my lap...
Oh right- we finally found a place to live after 2+ years of looking. Can't wait to have everyone over after we move in August. I finally get my own room...i mean mancave. ah woo, wait for it, hoo
See you all this summer hopefully.
My co-worker called me a duck the other day(all who are chinese-cue the laughter) How so you ask? Well, i think I used to be a bit of a spaz, If you ask June, I still am. But apparently, I am now cool and calm on the surface, just like a duck, but underneath the water, the part you can't see. the legs are working like sixty to stay afloat. Which is ironic because I can't swim, still. I guess some things have changed and some still stay the same.
Looking for a worship leader for camp...praying God drops the band right on my lap...
Oh right- we finally found a place to live after 2+ years of looking. Can't wait to have everyone over after we move in August. I finally get my own room...i mean mancave. ah woo, wait for it, hoo
See you all this summer hopefully.
Friday, May 18, 2012
May 18, 2012
CT scan clear. I was sitting in the doctors office at the cancer clinic reading my bible on my iphone, reading matthew chapter 6-
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry(AC) about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.(AD) Are you not much more valuable than they?(AE) 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life
and my oncologists walks into the room. I say, hi Dr Murray, he says, hello Gilbert, I am looking for a tool for another patient, I will be right with you. 35 minutes later, of not worrying, an intern or a resident walks into the room. This is the conversation
intern- hello gilbert
me- hi
intern- i am DR Craig, i am a resident, so how are you
me- good
intern- thats good, now how have you been feeling
me- tell me what's on the report
intern- what, I er...
me- tell me what is on the report
intern- uh, well, we are still waiting for , see the...
me- am i good or not, was it a clear scan?
intern- we are still waiting for the report, but your bloodwork is good, no raised levels of tumor markers, but we are still waiting for the report
me- so can you go get the report and then we can chat
intern- uh, yeah, i can do that but the scan is clear, nothing unusual on it, just waiting for the actual written report from radiology
me- ok, well thank you, you should tell the patient he is fine first, then you can ask me all the questions you want
intern- yes of course, let me check for the report and i will be back
me- that would be great, why don't you do that
25 more mins...
my regular doc walks in- Gilbert you are fine, things are looking great, you look great, 1 year, congratulations, we won't even need to see you until the end of the summer. ok
me- yup, thanks Doc.
And Scene...haha, never a dull moment
1 year cancer free- Praise God.
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry(AC) about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.(AD) Are you not much more valuable than they?(AE) 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life
and my oncologists walks into the room. I say, hi Dr Murray, he says, hello Gilbert, I am looking for a tool for another patient, I will be right with you. 35 minutes later, of not worrying, an intern or a resident walks into the room. This is the conversation
intern- hello gilbert
me- hi
intern- i am DR Craig, i am a resident, so how are you
me- good
intern- thats good, now how have you been feeling
me- tell me what's on the report
intern- what, I er...
me- tell me what is on the report
intern- uh, well, we are still waiting for , see the...
me- am i good or not, was it a clear scan?
intern- we are still waiting for the report, but your bloodwork is good, no raised levels of tumor markers, but we are still waiting for the report
me- so can you go get the report and then we can chat
intern- uh, yeah, i can do that but the scan is clear, nothing unusual on it, just waiting for the actual written report from radiology
me- ok, well thank you, you should tell the patient he is fine first, then you can ask me all the questions you want
intern- yes of course, let me check for the report and i will be back
me- that would be great, why don't you do that
25 more mins...
my regular doc walks in- Gilbert you are fine, things are looking great, you look great, 1 year, congratulations, we won't even need to see you until the end of the summer. ok
me- yup, thanks Doc.
And Scene...haha, never a dull moment
1 year cancer free- Praise God.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
May 17, 2012
Results day- always an interesting one. Good thing is that I have been so busy lately that I haven't had time to think or worry about it.
On a side note. Looks like we are finally moving to a slightly bigger place. I have to say- I am a pretty cheap, typical asian but I just spent the best $400 of my life the other day. We found a place we love and in the area we want to live. We made and offer and it got accepted, Then I paid $400 for an inspection on the house. WOW- this guy was the most thorough guy I have ever met. I learned more about the place we bought than humanly possible. It was awesome. Any of you out there buying a place- get an inspection- and call me for my guy. I was so reassured that I was buying a great place after his report, made shelling out the deposit a lot easier.
For those of you who know me, you know I hate to pay retail- for anything.(June's friend Glo calls me Good Deal Gil) I used to say that every person needs to have 2 main hookups in their lives. You have to have a good mechanic and a good travel agent( 2 industries that can really rip you off). I gotta say that I may add 2 more people to that list. We were searching for a new home since before the cancer- it's been a long road and so happy that we finally found something we like after almost 2 years. The other 2 people you must have in your life is a good realtor and mortgage broker. When you are going to shell out that kind of money, you want to be able to sleep at night knowing that there are 2 guys that are working for your best interest. Thank you Sterling Wong and Alex Pang- our realtor and mortgage guy. You guys made it happen. Sterling- you are the Jerry Mcguire of real estate- the silent assassin/pitbull of negotiation. Alex, you got us $$$, which is always nice. Especially at a low interest rate. 2 christian brothers that I would recommend to anyone and everyone because you guys are diligent and have amazing dedication and resolve. And I get to move June into a place she loves where Rhys can grow up in. I am forever grateful. Free cokes all around.
Ok off to work and then doc appt this afternoon. Will post when I get my results later today.
On a side note. Looks like we are finally moving to a slightly bigger place. I have to say- I am a pretty cheap, typical asian but I just spent the best $400 of my life the other day. We found a place we love and in the area we want to live. We made and offer and it got accepted, Then I paid $400 for an inspection on the house. WOW- this guy was the most thorough guy I have ever met. I learned more about the place we bought than humanly possible. It was awesome. Any of you out there buying a place- get an inspection- and call me for my guy. I was so reassured that I was buying a great place after his report, made shelling out the deposit a lot easier.
For those of you who know me, you know I hate to pay retail- for anything.(June's friend Glo calls me Good Deal Gil) I used to say that every person needs to have 2 main hookups in their lives. You have to have a good mechanic and a good travel agent( 2 industries that can really rip you off). I gotta say that I may add 2 more people to that list. We were searching for a new home since before the cancer- it's been a long road and so happy that we finally found something we like after almost 2 years. The other 2 people you must have in your life is a good realtor and mortgage broker. When you are going to shell out that kind of money, you want to be able to sleep at night knowing that there are 2 guys that are working for your best interest. Thank you Sterling Wong and Alex Pang- our realtor and mortgage guy. You guys made it happen. Sterling- you are the Jerry Mcguire of real estate- the silent assassin/pitbull of negotiation. Alex, you got us $$$, which is always nice. Especially at a low interest rate. 2 christian brothers that I would recommend to anyone and everyone because you guys are diligent and have amazing dedication and resolve. And I get to move June into a place she loves where Rhys can grow up in. I am forever grateful. Free cokes all around.
Ok off to work and then doc appt this afternoon. Will post when I get my results later today.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
May 5, 2012
Just your typical Sat morning. Got up. Fired up my laptop and read a few emails. But now I am at life labs getting my routine blood test. I had forgotten about it during the week. I have another Ct scan on the 14th. A year ago today. I was finished my chemo and waiting to see if the treatmen had worked. Seemed so long ago but also seems like just yesterday when I was faced with the uncertainty of a disease that has taken so many. Been very busy lately at work but I continue to see God working around me and I seek his peace in these crazy times. I feel very fortunate to have a job where I have never had a day where I looked at the clock hoping it would go faster. Wondering when it was time to go home. Not once in the last 5 years has that happened. Usually it's looking at the clock wondering where all the time went. I have been in jobs when I was younger that I stared at that clock- Willing it to go faster. Not fun. Well, still waiting for them to call my name and draw about 6 vials of blood. Tumor markers, liver and kidney enzymes, glucose. I will never get use to the needles. But gives me a chance to blog while I wait for my words with fiends, friends to play their words. Enjoy life, enjoy work. Whatever you are doing- enjoy the moment. Living a life of hope or glass half full a lot more fulfilling than going through life on glass half empty mode.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
April 29, 2012
Wow, been a while since I posted. So long they changed the interface on this blog sight. Hmmm. It has been an interesting month. You would think that after something like cancer, everything else would just roll off you like water off a ducks back( I have yet to see water do that off a duck, but it is apparently a saying). But life continues with its twists and turns. I am approaching my 1 year anniversary from completing chemo. Time flies. Another CT scan in 2 weeks. June and I had to make some important decisions in the last few months. Things that permanently affect the rest of our lives. It has been an interesting journey. I read that most cancer patients that get better, return to their normal lives. I am fighting to not be part of that statistic. Thank you all who came out for my sharing at church. If you missed it, here's the link
http://www.tenth.ca/media.php?pageID=29 .
I am always grateful to Pastor Ken and Pastor David Jones for allowing me to share how cancer changed me and brought me closer to God and my friends and family. Stress seems to be creeping back into my life, may it be work or family life or life in general. Today I got to help out for Rhys' sunday school. About 20 screaming kids and Rhys telling everyone that I am her daddy and running back to me each time I tried to help a kid. Like animal territorial stalking. I am surprised she didn't pee on me to mark her territory. Kid's are awesome- one kid wouldn't listen to me unless I called him spiderman and another kid kept taking off his shoes and socks.
I have been trying to take more photos lately...here are a few thousand words about my daughter, RHys (don't call me 3, I'm 5) Sofia Yeung...
http://www.tenth.ca/media.php?pageID=29 .
I am always grateful to Pastor Ken and Pastor David Jones for allowing me to share how cancer changed me and brought me closer to God and my friends and family. Stress seems to be creeping back into my life, may it be work or family life or life in general. Today I got to help out for Rhys' sunday school. About 20 screaming kids and Rhys telling everyone that I am her daddy and running back to me each time I tried to help a kid. Like animal territorial stalking. I am surprised she didn't pee on me to mark her territory. Kid's are awesome- one kid wouldn't listen to me unless I called him spiderman and another kid kept taking off his shoes and socks.
I have been trying to take more photos lately...here are a few thousand words about my daughter, RHys (don't call me 3, I'm 5) Sofia Yeung...
Sunday, April 1, 2012
April 1, 2012
Rhys with Uncle Chris
Sunday, March 18, 2012
March 18, 2012
Thank you all who came out to day to one of the church services. I was blessed to see so many faces in the crowd. Each time I share my story whether it be cancer or my faith, I get to meet so many people that end up encouraging me. Just the fact that some of you came out just because I had 5 mins of a 90 minute service is touching. June, Rhys and I are very blessed to be surrounded by so many people that love us and support us in so many ways. I don't remember if I posted this song before, maybe I did, but I heard a few of them this week that really touched my heart. I wanted to share with you today.
Fall Apart- Josh Wilson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXOEZJyqdsg
Blessings- Laura Story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSVqHcdhXQ
there are a few lines in the blessing song that brings me back to when I was in chemo- and wondering about God's plan for me...some of those wonderings are still coming to fruition.
"Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near?
What if trials of this life
Are your mercies in disguise?"
I pray that God meets you there, where ever you are. A place of happiness, sadness or searching. I pray for his blessings to surround you in every circumstance of life.
And for those who didnt make it out today, I will post the link to mp3 if you want to check it out. Our church also has a pretty cool easter service.
Later
Fall Apart- Josh Wilson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXOEZJyqdsg
Blessings- Laura Story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSVqHcdhXQ
there are a few lines in the blessing song that brings me back to when I was in chemo- and wondering about God's plan for me...some of those wonderings are still coming to fruition.
"Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near?
What if trials of this life
Are your mercies in disguise?"
I pray that God meets you there, where ever you are. A place of happiness, sadness or searching. I pray for his blessings to surround you in every circumstance of life.
And for those who didnt make it out today, I will post the link to mp3 if you want to check it out. Our church also has a pretty cool easter service.
Later
Saturday, March 10, 2012
March 10, 2012
I always said that I didn't want this blog to turn out to be like facebook. Where I was updating people on what I had for dinner or things like that. (I am not cracking on facebook- i'm just saying) I guess I always wanted to make sure I had something to say before blogging. It's been a few weeks and the health is good but life will always continue to present new challenges and trials. I wanted to post today because I know that this blog has been able to let me share my faith in an unconventional way. Next Sunday, March 18- I am sharing about my faith in God during my pastor's sermon. I wanted to officially invite everyone out. My church has 4 services and I will be sharing at all 4 of them. Come for the music, come for my pastor's sermon or come for my sharing. It would be great to see all of you, especially those I hardly ever see.
here are the times and places
Sunday March 18, 2012
9:15am- Tenth Avenue Alliance Church first service- 11 West 10th avenue vancouver
10:15am- Kitsilano Secondary School, 2550 West 10th Avenue (and Trafalgar)
11:15am-Tenth Avenue Alliance Church first service- 11 West 10th avenue vancouver
6:30pm-Tenth Avenue Alliance Church first service- 11 West 10th avenue vancouver
Hope to see you there (if you come for the 11:15 or 6:30 service- i will be around afterwards to catch up)
When it's all said and done- I really think it's the relationships you have in this life that matters the most. I want to be able to say that I invested in friendships and memories with people to last a lifetime. There is a reason that when you get together with old friends, you tend to spend most your time talking about t things that you have experienced together. Not a lot of time is spent on what material things you have attained or even professional achievements. Funny how that is.
here are the times and places
Sunday March 18, 2012
9:15am- Tenth Avenue Alliance Church first service- 11 West 10th avenue vancouver
10:15am- Kitsilano Secondary School, 2550 West 10th Avenue (and Trafalgar)
11:15am-Tenth Avenue Alliance Church first service- 11 West 10th avenue vancouver
6:30pm-Tenth Avenue Alliance Church first service- 11 West 10th avenue vancouver
Hope to see you there (if you come for the 11:15 or 6:30 service- i will be around afterwards to catch up)
When it's all said and done- I really think it's the relationships you have in this life that matters the most. I want to be able to say that I invested in friendships and memories with people to last a lifetime. There is a reason that when you get together with old friends, you tend to spend most your time talking about t things that you have experienced together. Not a lot of time is spent on what material things you have attained or even professional achievements. Funny how that is.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Feb 23, 2012- CT scan clear
Everything looks normal- that's what my oncologist said. Interesting comment. Looks normal, but is it? Yes it is, he said. You are almost back to normal. But what is normal. A year ago, I was in chemo, balding and fighting. 1 year later, I received my 2nd clear CT scan since treatment. Happy and relieved- yeah. Thanks to all who continue to pray and wish me well. There seems to be more and more people affected by cancer. Please reach out if you ever want to chat about it. I wonder if it's time to watch that movie 50/50 yet. Hmm... Too soon?
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Feb 11, 2012
A few days before my next ct scan. I talked to a cancer survivor that beat it back in 1993. Almost 20 years later, he says he still thinks about it whenever he is sick. There are all these aches and pains in various areas and they mysteriously disappear as soon as you step out of the doctor's office. I totally understand how he feels. It may be in the way back of your mind but it's back there.
I went to buy a car the other day and the finance manager asked me about life insurance. I told her I didn't think I would qualify. She asked why. So I told her I was just coming off a little bout with cancer. She was shocked. I didn't mean to shock her. Just wanted to tell her the truth. She said I looked great. I said thanks but stop trying to get me to buy the extended warranty. Haha.
Lately, there has been a lot of death around me. Parents of my friends and co workers. My prayers are to them and their families. Those who are christians told me that their parent has gone home to the Lord. In their time of their mourning, they see the goodness that God gives. It is inspiring.
My new car comes with satellite radio. Listening the christian station, I heard this song and it brought me right back to a year ago- right in the midst of my chemo. Life is truly about perspectives- and how you choose to live it
Blessings- by laura story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mmgV6mPvb0
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe
‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home,
It's not our home
Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise
Oh and June had a big birthday...but that is a story for another blog day
Peace.
I went to buy a car the other day and the finance manager asked me about life insurance. I told her I didn't think I would qualify. She asked why. So I told her I was just coming off a little bout with cancer. She was shocked. I didn't mean to shock her. Just wanted to tell her the truth. She said I looked great. I said thanks but stop trying to get me to buy the extended warranty. Haha.
Lately, there has been a lot of death around me. Parents of my friends and co workers. My prayers are to them and their families. Those who are christians told me that their parent has gone home to the Lord. In their time of their mourning, they see the goodness that God gives. It is inspiring.
My new car comes with satellite radio. Listening the christian station, I heard this song and it brought me right back to a year ago- right in the midst of my chemo. Life is truly about perspectives- and how you choose to live it
Blessings- by laura story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mmgV6mPvb0
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe
‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home,
It's not our home
Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise
Oh and June had a big birthday...but that is a story for another blog day
Peace.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Jan 30, 2012
I have 48 hours to buy a car... procrastination at it's best. Someone out there in blogworld, please help.
I did make the Anvil brochure this year. That was on the bucket list. And it's a pic of me playing guitar in worship. 2 things off the bucket list.
Also heard an amazing sermon last sunday.
check it out: http://www.tenth.ca/media.php?pageID=29, one of the best I have ever heard.
Well, most of it, as Rhys fell in Sunday School and landed on her nose so had to run downstairs with June to comfort her. She looks like rudolph now.
Anyways, got some really encouraging words from a friend today. Regarding my second life as a photographer. Laleo Photography... watch for it, coming to website near you.
Got another bloodtest this thursday, followed by a CT scan on the 15th and results on 23rd. It was a year ago I got diagnosed. Still seems pretty surreal. Obviously thinking about it more and more. I thought it would get easier as the months pass but not really. Re-living the experience through this blog keeps me grounded and at peace. Alwaya realizing how blessed I have been by God throughout all this. I am sharing my story this Friday night at a youth group. Very excited. I have been surprisingly indecisive lately. Not like me. It could be the busyness of life. I daydream about being a barista at starbucks. WHat does that mean??? Also in a biggest loser competition at work...let the jokes begin.
I did make the Anvil brochure this year. That was on the bucket list. And it's a pic of me playing guitar in worship. 2 things off the bucket list.
Also heard an amazing sermon last sunday.
check it out: http://www.tenth.ca/media.php?pageID=29, one of the best I have ever heard.
Well, most of it, as Rhys fell in Sunday School and landed on her nose so had to run downstairs with June to comfort her. She looks like rudolph now.
Anyways, got some really encouraging words from a friend today. Regarding my second life as a photographer. Laleo Photography... watch for it, coming to website near you.
Got another bloodtest this thursday, followed by a CT scan on the 15th and results on 23rd. It was a year ago I got diagnosed. Still seems pretty surreal. Obviously thinking about it more and more. I thought it would get easier as the months pass but not really. Re-living the experience through this blog keeps me grounded and at peace. Alwaya realizing how blessed I have been by God throughout all this. I am sharing my story this Friday night at a youth group. Very excited. I have been surprisingly indecisive lately. Not like me. It could be the busyness of life. I daydream about being a barista at starbucks. WHat does that mean??? Also in a biggest loser competition at work...let the jokes begin.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Jan 22, 2012
Happy Chinese New Year!
Two things I thought was worth sharing.
1. I am still working on my rule of life- living like an urban monk. It is definitely a work in progress. I wondered today if I should be crafting a rule that revolves around bringing Sunday to the rest of the week. See every Sunday, I sabbath (blackberry is off and no work). I go to church and I am invigorated and inspired by what I hear. I sit there at church and think about the application of these sermons in my regular life. Then Monday comes and work gets busy and I forget everything until next Sunday. As you know, I am all about baby steps. Last week, I heard a speaker talk about how you can be a missionary at work. He gave us a top ten list of things to do. I tried to do some of the things on the list during the week. Felt good. The question is, how can I make every day, Sunday?
2. Today was daddy daughter sports day. After church, I took Rhys to the Canucks superskills event at Roger's Arena. After that we walked across the street and watched some World Cup qualifying women's soccer. I find that my daughter does not have the greatest attention span for sports. At times, she seemed more interested in the popcorn and playing hide and seek behind the chairs. But at the end of the day when I asked her if she had a good time. She said, "I had a great time today daddy, you are the best daddy in the whole world!" Now for those of you that are close to June and I, there has been very little doubt that Rhys is a daddy's girl. I know it, June knows it. It is farely blatant. Even so, this girl seems to be teaching me more than I am teaching her. I think about how she adores me, loves to spend time with me, can't wait for me to come home and I wonder to myself: Is my daughter teaching me a lesson on what love is? Do I feel the same way toward my own dad? Of my heavenly father. Can I be like my 3 year old and love God with such emotion. Do I treat my daily devotion time like a chore? When my father calls to nag about me not owning property or working too hard after my recovery, do I just brush him off or do I take time out of my day for my parents. Not just the leftover time or convenient time. There was a tv show that was called, Are You Smarter than a 5th grader. I wonder if I am smarter than a preschooler. She seems to have it all together, except for an occasional peeing in the pants. I know that today, I was taught a lesson in love. I used to say to her, "no matter if you are good or bad, I will always love you." Now she says to me," No matter if I am a good girl or bad girl, I will always love you daddy." Haha. Faith like a child, love like a child...
Two things I thought was worth sharing.
1. I am still working on my rule of life- living like an urban monk. It is definitely a work in progress. I wondered today if I should be crafting a rule that revolves around bringing Sunday to the rest of the week. See every Sunday, I sabbath (blackberry is off and no work). I go to church and I am invigorated and inspired by what I hear. I sit there at church and think about the application of these sermons in my regular life. Then Monday comes and work gets busy and I forget everything until next Sunday. As you know, I am all about baby steps. Last week, I heard a speaker talk about how you can be a missionary at work. He gave us a top ten list of things to do. I tried to do some of the things on the list during the week. Felt good. The question is, how can I make every day, Sunday?
2. Today was daddy daughter sports day. After church, I took Rhys to the Canucks superskills event at Roger's Arena. After that we walked across the street and watched some World Cup qualifying women's soccer. I find that my daughter does not have the greatest attention span for sports. At times, she seemed more interested in the popcorn and playing hide and seek behind the chairs. But at the end of the day when I asked her if she had a good time. She said, "I had a great time today daddy, you are the best daddy in the whole world!" Now for those of you that are close to June and I, there has been very little doubt that Rhys is a daddy's girl. I know it, June knows it. It is farely blatant. Even so, this girl seems to be teaching me more than I am teaching her. I think about how she adores me, loves to spend time with me, can't wait for me to come home and I wonder to myself: Is my daughter teaching me a lesson on what love is? Do I feel the same way toward my own dad? Of my heavenly father. Can I be like my 3 year old and love God with such emotion. Do I treat my daily devotion time like a chore? When my father calls to nag about me not owning property or working too hard after my recovery, do I just brush him off or do I take time out of my day for my parents. Not just the leftover time or convenient time. There was a tv show that was called, Are You Smarter than a 5th grader. I wonder if I am smarter than a preschooler. She seems to have it all together, except for an occasional peeing in the pants. I know that today, I was taught a lesson in love. I used to say to her, "no matter if you are good or bad, I will always love you." Now she says to me," No matter if I am a good girl or bad girl, I will always love you daddy." Haha. Faith like a child, love like a child...
Monday, January 16, 2012
Jan 16, 2012
To keep with the new year's resolution theme, this song by Tim Hughes seems appropriate.
EVERYTHING by Tim Hughes
God in my living
There in my breathing
God in my waking
God in my sleeping
God in my resting
There in my working
God in my thinking
God in my speaking
Be my everything
Be my everything
Be my everything
Be my everything
God in my hoping
There in my dreaming
God in my watching
God in my waiting
God in my laughing
There in my weeping
God in my hurting
God in my healing
Christ in me
Christ in me
Christ in me the hope of glory
You are everything
Christ in me
Christ in me
Christ in me the hope of glory
Be my everything
I think I will pick a line every day and make that my focus. God in my working (mon-fri) God in my resting (at night and weekends). God in my hurting...God in my healing...it has been a crazy 12 months. Very simple but a lot there to digest. There in my breathing
God in my waking
God in my sleeping
God in my resting
There in my working
God in my thinking
God in my speaking
Be my everything
Be my everything
Be my everything
Be my everything
God in my hoping
There in my dreaming
God in my watching
God in my waiting
God in my laughing
There in my weeping
God in my hurting
God in my healing
Christ in me
Christ in me
Christ in me the hope of glory
You are everything
Christ in me
Christ in me
Christ in me the hope of glory
Be my everything
Medical update- It's interesting how the mind plays tricks on you- my next CT scan is coming up mid Feb and my back is beginning to hurt on cue. A year ago in Feb is when my diagnosis came back positive for tumors in my lymph nodes. Feels good reading my earlier entries at times like this. Reminds me of what we went through as a family. People seem hesitant nowadays to bring up cancer with me. Funny thing is that I would love to talk about what happened. The medical and the spiritual journey. Please feel free to reach out. Yes I am even contemplating Facebook, or even twitter haha.
Family update- a picture is worth a thousand words- so here you go
Who needs real friends?
My lovely ladies
Rhys' first preschool Christmas concert
Clearly she is advanced in caroling-look how bored she is.
Progress- did not cry on Santa's lap this year
Christmas morning- Microphone with stand- Thank you Uncle Elliot and Auntie Heeya (Gonna buy Jordan a real drumset or electric guitar with 500 watt amp next year- no reason)
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Jan 8, 2012
A friend I met in chemo is going in for surgery tomorrow. He was on the same treatment as me but was a more advance stage case. I never had surgery but I am praying it's just a precaution to remove any dead lymph nodes that were previously cancerous for him. One of the nurses there hooked us up as he started treatment after I finished. He is a very strong young man and I know he will come out of the surgery okay. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family and friends as they rally around him. Much like you all rallied around me last year.
We went to the elderly home care service again today. It was great. Many of the elderly remembered Rhys and she was a great help. She said hi to everyone and passed out all the song books before we got started. She went me with up and down the hallways of the 2nd floor to let people know that service was starting. Most importantly, while June was playing piano and I was singing the hymns, Rhys was doing this interpretive dance that was a fusion of ballet, tap, lmfao's shuffling and what would appear to be slow motion crunk. Very entertaining. She was rewarded by this lady, Margaret, who came with stickers to give her. I hope these are the memories that never leave her. My sharing today was about how our kids emulate what we do, not necessarily listen to what we say. I remember all the selfless acts I saw my parents do when I was young. I believe that is a major part of who I am today. The verse I shared was from Ephesians 5:1-2
"Watch what God does and then do it, like children who learn proper behaviour from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that."
The messages at church have been crazy good lately. We heard a testimony from a doctor that fixes cleft palates in children in third world countries. Today, we heard from one of our pastor's wife, who grew up as a Muslim. She said her journey with God began with one simple conversation with a friend, many years ago. It was powerful.
This week begins the training for the Sun run. I ran 4 kms twice last week. Time to up the game.
We went to the elderly home care service again today. It was great. Many of the elderly remembered Rhys and she was a great help. She said hi to everyone and passed out all the song books before we got started. She went me with up and down the hallways of the 2nd floor to let people know that service was starting. Most importantly, while June was playing piano and I was singing the hymns, Rhys was doing this interpretive dance that was a fusion of ballet, tap, lmfao's shuffling and what would appear to be slow motion crunk. Very entertaining. She was rewarded by this lady, Margaret, who came with stickers to give her. I hope these are the memories that never leave her. My sharing today was about how our kids emulate what we do, not necessarily listen to what we say. I remember all the selfless acts I saw my parents do when I was young. I believe that is a major part of who I am today. The verse I shared was from Ephesians 5:1-2
"Watch what God does and then do it, like children who learn proper behaviour from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that."
The messages at church have been crazy good lately. We heard a testimony from a doctor that fixes cleft palates in children in third world countries. Today, we heard from one of our pastor's wife, who grew up as a Muslim. She said her journey with God began with one simple conversation with a friend, many years ago. It was powerful.
This week begins the training for the Sun run. I ran 4 kms twice last week. Time to up the game.
Friday, January 6, 2012
January 6, 2012
I have started to put together a list of things I would like to do in 2012. It is not a bucket list, but just like Ross in Friends with the "something new" every day. Calm down, I am not going to buy leather pants. Although that was one of the funniest episodes. I was too sick and weak last year to do some of this stuff. And some of it, I was just to chicken. Other things I started or made a weak attempt. But life is short. Let's go for it this year. Who is with me?
In no particular order (and a working list no less):
1. get to london for the olympics- come on coke!
2. run the sun run (with my buddy charles)
3. audition for the worship team at my church (have not decided in what capacity- guitar? drums? lead vocals? triangle or egg shaker?
4. lose 30 pounds
5. ride my bike on the road (away from the safety of the dyke)
6. win an argument against my wife where she will concede defeat without any eye rolling or sarcastic tonage in her voice
7. learn to swim...again
8. tell complete strangers about God
9. take some photos that June will like (non blurry, centered, and all that good stuff)
10. shoot under 90 in golf (that's right mark, get the money ready)
I know, I'm Indiana Jones.
Open to suggestions. I am not a marathon, triathlon, bungee jumping, sky diving, kind of guy. I am safe guy. Fun but still safe. I also would like to see one of my friends make good on their claim to eat 9 filet o fishes. Maybe see a stanley cup parade live. There must be more, the list will grow.
If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that. —James 4:15
In no particular order (and a working list no less):
1. get to london for the olympics- come on coke!
2. run the sun run (with my buddy charles)
3. audition for the worship team at my church (have not decided in what capacity- guitar? drums? lead vocals? triangle or egg shaker?
4. lose 30 pounds
5. ride my bike on the road (away from the safety of the dyke)
6. win an argument against my wife where she will concede defeat without any eye rolling or sarcastic tonage in her voice
7. learn to swim...again
8. tell complete strangers about God
9. take some photos that June will like (non blurry, centered, and all that good stuff)
10. shoot under 90 in golf (that's right mark, get the money ready)
I know, I'm Indiana Jones.
Open to suggestions. I am not a marathon, triathlon, bungee jumping, sky diving, kind of guy. I am safe guy. Fun but still safe. I also would like to see one of my friends make good on their claim to eat 9 filet o fishes. Maybe see a stanley cup parade live. There must be more, the list will grow.
If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that. —James 4:15
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Jan 4, 2012
That serenity prayer really works. Without going into too much detail, yesterday was brewing up to be quite a stressful day. But in he midst of all the stress, I prayed that prayer and it helped. I was calmed knowing some things are beyond my control. So I tried to control the controllables. Long story short, God answers prayers sometimes just straight up and my belief in the good of human nature is restored. My brother said it best. There Are more good people out there than there are bad. Here's to doing the right thing. Now off to sell some more coke. Happy new year.
Monday, January 2, 2012
A brand new year.
Well, thanks to all of you who donated to movember. I am glad to shave that off. No one was happier than June. I raised over $2400- thanks to you. I am not into resolutions but I think that blogging more regularly should be a rule of life for me in 2012. I have another CT scan in 2 months. I was reminded today that I had cancer. Also on new years day at my in laws. I year ago, we were celebrating my clean bill of health after surgery and a month later I was in chemo. I am not planning on repeating that in 2012.
I have spent the day trying to clean up the house, throwing away junk and de-cluttering. I found an old journal of mine( journal means blogging in a notebook and no one ever reads it, for those of you that are young out there). It was the journal I kept when I went to Africa on a missions trip. On the cover of the journal had the Serenity Prayer- its a good one to ring in the new year.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Happy New Year everyone!
I have spent the day trying to clean up the house, throwing away junk and de-cluttering. I found an old journal of mine( journal means blogging in a notebook and no one ever reads it, for those of you that are young out there). It was the journal I kept when I went to Africa on a missions trip. On the cover of the journal had the Serenity Prayer- its a good one to ring in the new year.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Happy New Year everyone!
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