Proclaim Liberty.us

The night begins with the love of my life, David, grasping my hand tightly as the shadows of his life pass though my memories while I listen for his last labored breaths.   My free hand I place on his brow to feel his skin becoming a little cold and clammy, when I say, “I love you” his reply sometime is ‘yes’.  I feel him slipping away from me, my mind not really believing this is happening.  The hours seem like minutes because I know these are the last for him and I together on this earth.  Repeatedly I ask if he needs anything, dab his lips with water, pat him on the chest, kiss his forehead, and continue to hold his hand not letting go.  Each moment becoming more precious as I realize this our last night together, I close my eyes and the tears flow, I know what will happen, not the first going home of someone I love, but this the hardest for me.  I cry out to God to give me strength that I do not have to go though the next hours of my life. Time is in some kind of suspension when you know there is very little of it left.  Nothing entered my thoughts except that moment of feeling David hold my hand, hearing his breathing, praying and being thankful for the great man God gave to me for all these years.  What David had prayed four days earlier engulfed my mind now and wave after wave of peace crept into my heart!  I know David felt this also.  Then like a huge clap of thunder erupted in the room breaking the stillness of the early morning, David sit straight up in bed throwing his shirt off saying very matter of fact,  with a clear strong voice “I gotta go—I gotta go”!  Without hesitation this weak frail body of his flew out of bed just as quickly as I flew beside him trying to figure out what he needed.  Within seconds he collapsed and back in bed uttered his last words, “Jesus Jesus” as he took his last breath.  Stunned by the suddenness of what just happened I wept, as he took that last breath I held his head in my hands and said “David go home, go home.”  Part of my soul left with David in the blink of an eye his entrance into Heaven.  Never quiet on the earth his leaving fitting for the person I love and know well.  I am sure his arrival into Heaven just as dramatic for those witnessing it too.

Today marks three weeks of David going home to his Heavenly reward.  I miss him every second, but I also can rejoice because I know where he is and I can imagine some of the things he is busy doing.  My heart is so grateful for family and friends who have held David and I in their prayers and given us much support and love during this past year.  Be not dismayed or disappointed because the miracle we all hoped for changed.  God is Faithful and the devil a liar.  Until two weeks before leaving us David totally believed in his miracle here but he looked at me and said “I am in so much pain, I am ready to go home, my duty here is finished, I have lived well, I want to stay with you but I trust God, He does everything right, no regrets, just blessings. God has prepared you and me for this to come.”  As he spoke this I too knew it was time for him to continue his journey with His Savior in that Heavenly home he had labored on his entire life while living on this earth.  As difficult as those words were to say and hear we both were comforted by our faith which never waivers even when God’s plan is not what we want or think we can endure. The entire time of this conversation David held me in his arms and I felt overpowering love as we both wept.  Great strength came into our spirits from our heavenly father we love so much.  Again we placed our lives in His will not ours.  This moment in time never to be repeated together it was like taking our vows once more renewed love to bear what would come into my life in the days ahead.  Even now water down my cheeks flow remembering David’s voice proclaiming with surety God knows His children and He will always walk with us through the shadow of death. Everything we know about God so real in our hearts both David and I looked into each other’s eyes and saw God’s eye not ourselves but Him living in us giving us His love and comfort so that it would be all right  to be apart for a little while.  David knew I would be fine and I knew David ready to be in the presence of God– the hope we both carry in our heart since a child almost here for him.  I find it hard to pour out the words of love I have for David and our life lived together. My days left here never to be the same without David by my side, our love unchanged by death.  He the part of me that had no fear, no doubt, only knowledge that if God led him, God would help him accomplish what I saw as impossible.  I think David must have left some of his passion and fire with me because I am more sure of my faith now than ever before and know that whatever God’s plan for me I will follow as did David without fear, or doubt only belief that God will continue to be ever present in my life while my duty continues.  Very hard for me to say, but this is what is in my heart.  I will trust in God and work while I await my entrance into Heaven.

The last days of David’s life were spent with many family and friends in those remarkable conversations reliving stories that mark who David is.  As the days drew close to his going home   his thoughts turned toward ‘seeing with his spirit’ not his mind so brilliant that  it could retain monumental amounts of knowledge for him to share with us, but now the spirit man comes to the surface no longer bound by what the brain knows.  We were now having conversations with David that included glimpses into a realm where none of us has been, nor could see yet.  Every day as we would care for him we would hear of a new revelation so wonderful David was more in the spirit than with us. We would cry and laugh at the same time knowing what David was experiencing was given to him by God Creator of the Universe.  This part of walking through the ‘valley of the shadow of death’ true as scripture says not alone, fearing nothing, receiving comfort from the Lord we were seeing David walk this part of his journey and it was making us stronger to deal with what we knew was coming for us.  I must tell you of a few of the comments David would make during our last conversations with him.  When you walked into the room you could feel God’s love and know you were not alone.  The Glory of God filling our hearts as David poured these ‘glimpses’ his spirit saw into our world.  His reality changing as we were seeing David’s vessel of clay being consumed by this disease we were amazed by God revealing Himself anew to us through David’s spirit eye.

These are some the last few days conversations with David more of his spirit talking than his mind.  “Overwhelmed, overwhelmed by God” his statement of faith repeated several times.  “Did you know God sits on the front row and He has everything under control?”
“I have tried to gain knowledge and insight into everything all my life, but now I understand.”  We ask him to expound more what do you understand and he only smiled and gazed upward.   “God does all things right.”  “I walked into a brand new church” I ask him what it looked like and all he said was “it had so many future colors so beautiful” then without missing a word said to me “I built my second church today with new kind of bricks you never saw before and future colors” (meaning I guess buildings that looks like a church with those future colors).  “Wonderful to be alive; God has given us wonderful privileges.”   Bethany and I walked into the room the day before he went home and he was playing his trumpet (no horn just moving his fingers) and singing.  “Great joy to be in God’s place,” his comment on Monday about 3 p.m. after David woke from a deep sleep.  Every word out of his mouth was of praise to God.  Something was changing and we could feel the presence of God everywhere in the house even with most of the 19 grandchildren playing outside and downstairs. His conversation now conveying “he just was helping set up a dinner you know one like those national dinners we go to only grander and he told his granddaughter he would be there in a little while!”  When I ask more questions he just kept smiling and praising God with his frail skinny arm raised in the air.  By 7 P.M. Monday the pastor and family came to pray with him and found David in worship clapping his hands together with all that was within him praying thanking God.  Saying, “I am so blessed, I am so blessed” praying “Jesus, Jesus, ready to go, yep, let’s go; not my will but thine oh Lord”!   Also that night Kathy and Dennis came over David wanted them to sing, so we all sang, cried and worshipped.  David’s words now were “oh, what has God wrought, the “shekinah” (Hebrew word that means the dwelling or settling, and is used to denote the dwelling or settling presence of God—divine presence) miracles of God; Glory to God.”  This was David’s spirit speaking to us all before leaving his worn out vessel of clay.

Now the final moments of David’s life here with us resume with the first paragraph of this story.  David’s last words all night before going home on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 are “Praise the Lord” and whispering “Jesus, Jesus” the last word on his lips as my love took his first step into Heaven.

David gave me a wonderful gift our last hours together—those “glimpses” into the heavenly realm so clear to him so comforting to me—our spirits connected these past forty plus years on this earth now his continuing upward—leaving mine with a few more precious sights into my future home with those ‘future colors’—where together again we will serve our Lord and Savior forever.  I love you David thank you once again for surprising me.

It is hard to put into words on this paper the huge piece of me that I feel missing these past few days without David.  I find my thoughts wondering far away toward heaven.  It is hard to be whole with part of my heart gone.  Everything that surrounds me is David.  So unfamiliar this path I now am on, I can only be assured of this one thing that when I cry, when I am alone, or when I am unsure of my next step my Lord wraps me in His love.  When I breathe the name of ‘Jesus’ my fears melt, my doubts leave, and peace engulfs my heart.  Try as I may my mind cannot comprehend those “wonders” David now sees, nor the things he is doing, but this I do know whatever he is doing, or seeing —-he was created to be doing just those things and living with God—-as David wrote in his last letter to us;
“No one has yet believed in God and the kingdom of God, no one has yet heard about the realm of the resurrected, and not been homesick for that hour, waiting and looking forward joyfully to being released from bodily existence…..Death is hell and night and cold if it is not transformed by our faith. But that is just what is so marvelous, that we can transform death,” quoted by Dietrich Bonheoffer on his way to be martyred.  The greatest wisdom I know and pass on is “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so,” taught to me as a child I now carry with me as my journey continues in my Heavenly Home.  I look forward to our reunion.  David”

Heaven closer today, my longing more real, but while I live here with you my desire the same as before last year’s days of my life: to love and serve God with all my heart, mind and soul.  I too look forward to our reunion.

I have given you a ‘glimpse’ into what will become one of the last chapters of the book David started in which I and our children will finish for him.  Much more detail and many more miracles have occurred this past year in our lives that we will write in memory of David Hall.

I must thank everyone who gave such great honor to David and our family at David’s celebration of life service.  I think David would be a little amazed at the pouring out of yourselves to stand and give such love and honor to him….he would say “I am overwhelmed, I love you all so much, now continue to do your “duty”—I am proud to know each one of you.”  We, his family, wish you to know that your love for David and being with us to take the Liberty Bell on its last journey with David will never be forgotten. We too were overwhelmed.  Our love to all!

Many are the questions as to what I am doing?  What about the Liberty Bell?  What is the Plan?
Many are the answers we do not yet know.  As a family we are working on a plan to continue the “duty” of the Liberty Bell— it has been foremost in our hearts these past few weeks.  As for me I am going to help finish the Bell documentary with our videographer.  This is first on my list of ‘to do’s’.   Then early next year I will try to finish David’s book with the help of the children.
The past three weeks I have been finalizing the loose ends of life.  Most of you want details I have very few right now, I wait on God to give me those.

My children and grandchildren are of great help to me and as always they care for me.  Missing dad and pawpaw one of their life’s greatest challenges so far, but they too depend on the Lord for comfort and direction— David and my greatest legacy is our children and grandchildren.  As David’s children and grandchildren learn to live their young lives apart from their dad and pawpaw I can see David’s eyes, his smile, his determination, his love, and his compassion left in them to surround this world with their ‘loud living’ just as David did every day with us.   Our one year old Maya roams the house sometime in search of ‘pawpaw’— he is not far away from our memories.  When Pro our 3 year old tornado of a boy walked into the room asking “Where is pawpaw?” without hesitation our wise 4 year old Sam proclaims loudly, “Pro, remember Pawpaw is in Heaven that’s upstairs!”  It is a wonderful privilege to have all these “wise” little ones to ease some of our pain.  I will make sure the ‘baton’ is passed to them helping them remember who their pawpaw is and I can quote some of his famous sayings without thinking.  Do not worry David cared for me if he were to leave me just as he provided for me and the family as he lived with us….all is well. I am blessed.  Our family will continue to grow and take ‘pawpaw’ with us into our living ‘Loud for the Lord.’

I  have so many of you to thank for the prayers, support, love shown to David and I and  our family this past year I would have to write a book just to list your blessings to us.  I truly love you and without all those ‘hugs’ I would not have been able to walk though these past few days of living.  When you think that prayer, card, email or note mean nothing you are wrong they mean life to me.  I feel your love, and prayers.  I thank God for all of you.

Now before I get to work I am personally taking a few weeks and doing nothing—I think.  I am going to try to collect my random thoughts, and put them into some kind of order while I rest a little.   And I might do some writing.

My prayer for you is one that David prayed for me:
“God give you His peace” and as David said to me “God has prepared you and me for this to come—-may He also prepare you for this to come!”   May each of us run our race as David did with passion and fire to serve the Lord in all things all of our days.

I see David with Jesus, and as I wrote a couple of weeks ago his “to do list” more pleasant, enormous, and joyous living in the presence of God “I can only imagine.”

God Bless every one,

Phyllis Hall in Memory of my love David Hall

P.S.  I am all ready getting asks if I am going to continue writing —I will let you know!
The Liberty Bell & Law Memorial Website will have updates and when a definite plan of action is complete I will let everyone know.   The email for me is bell@proclaimliberty.us

Surprise for me from David found Nov. 1, 2011
I cleaned my billfold out a few days ago and found this note tucked inside.  This is David’s handwriting and the date on the note is our Anniversary and my maiden name—-I cried then smiled– David leaving me yet another jewel of love to help get me through this time without him by my side —needless to say I put this back where he left it and treasure his thinking of me.  I have no idea when he put it in my billfold —knowing David it has meaning I must need now.  Every time I read it there is a memory sparked that just David and I share.  FYI very few times has David written me a note, sometimes poems or letters, but never has he placed one in my billfold.
I love you David.

(From David written by him the last 3 weeks here on this Earth to All)

“I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

I strive to live my life as an example of Jesus Christ, to be God’s servant my desire never fearing man only God.  Many may think I am too BOLD –hard not bending in my quest to accomplish the work given to me—I am– forgive me if I stepped on your toes too hard during our times of sharing the load of labors together.  A quote from William Penn
taken from his book “No Cross No Crown” says, “Godliness does not turn men out of the world, but enables them to live better in it and excites their endeavors to mend it; not hide their candle under a bushel, but to set it upon a table in a candlestick.”  Well, I might have set my candle out on a haystack sometime during this life’s journey and started a few larger fires than anticipated, but I have no regrets.  I now realize my work and my duty complete here on this Earth.  My days here full and overflowing blessed by God Creator of the Universe.   My vessel of clay worn out, but my spirit soars.  I exhort you to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior now for the time is short before He Comes.  You may only have today for tomorrow may be your entrance into Heaven.

Phyllis my forever love making me complete; you are the balancing wheel in my life, the other part of who I am, helping accomplish our life’s work.  Fit together by God to bring into this world another generation of children who love God and serve Him our greatest legacy. Bethany ‘my bertha T bird legs’ I am so blessed to be your father and thank you for always being my little girl; my boys Aaron, Phillip, Caleb, Jordan & Paul my son-in law — now men you make me proud. Never have you been disobedient thank you for continuing to accomplish those huge dreams and my boys thank you for giving me my beautiful
daughter in laws. I could not imagine the great mix of Hall girls we now have in the family I  love you Sarah, Sally, and Claire; thank you for my grandchildren.  My 19 grandchildren the joy of life now and throughout eternity, each a gift from God and I pray you remember ‘pawpaw’ as the man who loved you with his whole heart expecting God to use each of you to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to this lost world.  I see the great lives you will live. God in His infinite wisdom placed me in a wonderful large family.  My brothers the Hall boys, never still, always doing, ready to create that next project especially if mom was out of sight and then our little sister came into our lives giving us some gentleness and much love.  Because of the ‘size’ of our family meaning numbers never were we far from that best friend who we could play with or grow old with.  Blessings from God my family generation to generation we stand honoring God, Family and Country.  My extended family so large,
Phyllis tells me how many over and over, my love to you forever. I am blessed. Wonderful friends, know that without your help I could not have done my duty. I will carry you in my heart forever.  Now continue your ‘duty’ with all diligence. There is much to be done.

“No one has yet believed in God and the kingdom of God, no one has yet heard about the realm of the resurrected, and not been homesick for that hour, waiting and looking forward joyfully to being released from bodily existence…..Death is hell and night and cold if it is not transformed by our faith. But that is just what is so marvelous, that we can transform death,” quoted by Dietrich Bonheoffer on his way to be martyred.   The greatest wisdom I know and pass on is, “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so,” taught to me as a child I now carry with me as my journey continues in my Heavenly Home.  I look forward to our reunion.  David

David Edward Hall, 60, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday October 11th.  A visitation service will be held Friday October 14^th 2011 from 6-8 PM at the Mount Olivet Funeral Home and a celebration of his life on Saturday October 15^th 2011 at 2:30 PM at Calvary Cathedral Church in Fort Worth.

David spent his life living for others following the example of his Lord Jesus Christ.  He believed that we are to live for each other and that the highest calling a man can have is to lay down his life for his friends.  David laid down his life everyday putting himself second; believing that while we were all created equal, we each have unique ways in which we can be Jesus to this world.

Over the last 15 years, David’s heart broke for the men and women of our military, law enforcement and first responders.  David believed that each person has a duty to live and that he could best dispense his duty by giving final honors to those who have laid down their lives for others.  As the Belladier, David honored thousands of US servicemen and women, Firefighters and Police Officers.  At each service with each note reverberating from the Liberty Bell, David did what he could with what he was given.

He found that as he used what he was given, God brought others to labor with him and consequently joined and worked with many like minded organizations including:  Son’s of the American Revolution, Son’s of the American Legion, The Patriot Guard Riders, and The Texas Navy.

His work with these organizations and his service to his fellow man brought many
honors and awards to his door.  David has received commendations from Presidents Clinton and Bush.  He received a commission as an Admiral in the Texas Navy by Governor Rick Perry, in addition to numerous awards from civic, corporate, and government organizations.  These awards include the highest Civilian awards from the Sons of the American Revolution and The American Legion, commendations from the Military Order of World Wars & the Veterans Administration and the New York Fire Department, and many letters of appreciations.

David was born on August 3^rd 1951 in Hannibal Missouri.  Blessed with a large family, he is survived by his wife Phyllis, their 5 children, Bethany, Aaron, Phillip, Caleb, Jordan; 19 grandchildren; his 5 brothers, Daniel, Paul, Jonathan, James, Andrew; his sister Miriam and 25 nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Vivian Hall, his brother Mark Hall and many beloved family members.

The Bell will continue to do its duty to honor those who give the last full measure of devotion.  In lieu of flowers donations to the Liberty Bell and Law Memorial Foundation are requested and will be used to carry on the important work David started.  Donations can be sent to:

The Liberty Bell and Law Memorial Foundation

PO Box 77843

Fort Worth, TX 76177.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support.

Visitation will be Friday, October 14, 2011 from 6-8 pm at Mount Olivet Funeral Home.

The celebration of life will be Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 2:30 pm, held at Calvary Cathedral International. The interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to:

The Liberty Bell and Law Memorial Foundation

PO Box 77843

Fort Worth, TX 76177

All donations will go toward continuing the work of the bell.

8.3.1951 – 10.11.2011

David’s race  is over; he has won the victory and is now taking the first break he’s had in  over 60 years.  We are celebrating  his life through our tears and remembering a life full of joy and service.  David spent his life living for others  following the example of his Lord Jesus Christ.  He believed that we are here for each  other and that the highest calling a man can have is to lay down his life for  his friends.  David laid down his  life everyday putting himself second; believing that while we were all created  equal, we each have unique ways in which we can be Jesus to this  world.

Over the last 15 years, David’s heart  broke for the men and women of our military, law enforcement and first  responders.  David believed that  each person has a duty to live and that he could best dispense his duty by  giving final honors to those who have literally laid down their lives for  others.  As the Belladier, David  honored thousands of US servicemen and women, Firefighters and Police  Officers.  At each service with each  note reverberating from the Bell, David did what he could with what he was  given.

In a Memorial  Day Speech in 1884, Supreme Court Justice, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. said  this…

I think that, as life is action and  passion, it is required of a man that he should share the passion and action of  his time at peril of being judged not to have lived.

David lived  his life sharing in the passion and action of his time and has changed this  world in a thousand unknown ways.  His life will reverberate like the sound of his bell throughout the years  to come being heard by those who knew him and by many of those who didn’t.

We will miss  his humor, his smile and his letters.   We will miss his stories, his  handshake and the way he answered the phone.  We are grateful for the life he poured  into all of us and for the sense of urgency with which he dispense his duty to  live.

We appreciate  your prayers.

Two weeks ago, in Emory, Texas:

Fighting this cancer has placed us in two extreme locations to live this year. One elevation 10,000 feet on top of a volcano in a city of over 2 million inhabitants, the next 400 feet elevation in the flat part of east Texas where there are more cows than humans. Once again, David and I leave home for more life-saving treatments to fend off this disease called cancer. Just another battle to win the war…..

Since returning home from Ecuador, we have been in contact with the doctor there and a new found doctor in Texas who does some alternate cancer treatments similar to those given to David in Quito. Both doctors have talked and set a new regiment of continued treatments for David after new symptoms of pain started a month ago. When the pain began we immediately decided to do more intense therapies much like those we did in Ecuador. The therapies require David to be at the medical clinic twice a day for a month to six weeks so, plan B developed almost overnight. We packed our bags again, only this time no plane ride, just loaded a borrowed RV and headed to small town America so a doctor
could attack our new problem. Packing an RV in 2 days’ notice is not easy and I did forget many things, but we are only 100 miles from home so in the past two weeks I have headed west a few times to retrieve what I forgot. David’s day at the clinic is much like what happened in Quito only we are trying new IV’s, two being new cancer meds. He says his arms are again nothing but mobile IV ports. Oh, and on the plus side, everyone speaks English here and the food is better. We tried a few things to stop the pain for about two weeks before making the decision to attack what could be causing this intense pain. As of today, David still has pain and the doctors are trying pain meds that would not hinder the
IV therapies. The plan includes us being at the doctor’s clinic in east Texas 24/7, meaning that our home away from home RV is parked beside the medical facility and the doctor is at the clinic 7 days a week for him. We have learned so much from these caring physicians. We are praying and diligently doing all we can to stop whatever new bad thing that is going on in David’s body.

Without hesitation, we continue to walk with our Lord wherever life’s journey takes us. Determined always to endure this suffering knowing that God is Faithful and the devil is a liar. Living this miracle of life no matter what the circumstances a joy for the child of God, we only have to find that joy sometime. God is God, we are his children, and He knows our names including where we are and what is happening in our day-to-day living. We stand firm in the knowledge that our Savior hears us. David and I covet your prayers while we
fight another part of this battle called cancer. We have seen your love as you speak to God on our behalf, we are humbled, and today as yesterday, we believe in the power of prayer.

Many times this year ‘tomorrow’ has been threatened; our response is to fight the good fight today until tomorrow comes. God will take care of us. Our Lord is in our tomorrows as our todays. We have no doubt or fear we trust in God for God is good and worthy of our praise through all things. After all these days of suffering could be ‘blessings in disguise’; this trial another opportunity for us to share the love of our Savior with someone.

Today:

Now two more weeks have passed and another page turns for us in this battle with cancer.
I sit in my office at home trying to convey the news of the last couple of weeks. I have been interrupted repeatedly because of not knowing where to continue with this update, and also being literally too busy, not finding the time to put on paper what is occurring today in our lives. I wrote in one of the first updates how when a person has a ‘disease’ the whole family carries that sickness with them in their hearts also. They fight the disease with you,
they cry with you, they do battle with you, they rejoice with you, they care for you, and they become part of you more than ever before because of love and they too want to win this war. I have found this past year that not only family shares in your life changing circumstances but so do your friends. Believing, hoping, enduring, struggling, ever-praying that you will be faithful through the suffering, our desire while we again rely on God to be our strong tower in time of need. Not looking with our eye but trying to see our life through the eye of God is very difficult to do sometimes. We are willing servants loving our Lord with all our body, mind and soul.

I know you want details. This is what we know: about eight weeks ago, David started having pain that did not subside. We went to plan B and spent two weeks in East, Texas, doing the IV therapies. However, the pain did not diminish; it only worsened. Friday two weeks ago, we made the decision to come home, get another MRI, and seek pain relief for David. We scheduled another scan of his abdomen which showed the liver was normal size, only some lesions looked bigger than in April (some of this normal for the trauma that the liver has endured these past few months) but according to one doctor could be cancerous. What looks like a lobed tumor is growing on the dead tumor on the pancreas.
Doctors that have seen the MRI details say the original tumor is dead but they see a new tumor trying to grow on top of it and this could be causing the pain. The tumors on the pancreas are on the outside, not inside any organ.  “Just some worrisome spots on the liver,” they say, and the new tumor is our ‘recent news’. Therefore, a third plan formed rapidly this past week after the report from the MRI and speaking with the doctors. We went to a pain doctor and he suggested a celiac plexus block that promised to help alleviate some of the back pain. Today six days after this procedure we returned to the doctor for follow up and more management pain control for David. We agreed that the block helped decrease the back pain in which we are thankful. He is working with us to help solve this problem called pain. David is not thriving as he did the past few months because of the pain. We covet your prayers again for him.

We have some new challenges and we are trusting in God to hear our prayer again. I was asked, “How many miracles can you expect?” I looked at them and said,  “All of them”! Each day unfamiliar aspects of this cancer rear its ugly face as we diligently fight back with all we know and depend on our Lord to continue healing David’s body. Living one day at a time striving to fight the ‘good’ fight with all we have and all we are—- remembering to give thanks for our many ‘blessings’ amidst the conflict this is how we live today.

Many times these past few months hopelessness raises its flag of victory trying to overcome our successes. However, surrender is not an option for us. When David is weak, we must be strong, when we are weak, God must be our refuge. I do not know the future except we are overcomers through Our Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing happening in the present can detour our resolve to do all we can do to live and do our duty, as David says, while God is our strength in these trials of life. David and I have discussed these very issues before. Now that we live with them —–our love together a sure foundation even when suffering comes into our lives because we never waiver in our love for the Lord God, our reason for living. In the natural we cannot endure this suffering; it takes our spirit to pursue peace in the pain. This is not easy for either one of us. Sometimes the only thing we can do is call the name of Jesus. We cannot lean on what we understand about what is happening and why it is occurring but we must again breathe His wonderful name as the fears melt away, and through the suffering grasp hope once more while waiting for another miracle.

Our children are a great help during this time of difficulty. Not sure what new thing will appear tomorrow, they continue to hold us in their hearts as they petition the throne of God again for their dad. David woke up a few days ago and the first thing he said was, “We are blessed.  Look at our children and our grandchildren– God is Good.” Without their help I could not feel secure in caring for David during this, our most challenging time together. They make me smile. With confidence we all depend on God to walk with us through today and tomorrow. Our wonderful news this month is the coming arrival of our nineteenth grandchild–a girl. In the midst of our trials, God sends another piece of hope and love to our family. We thank Him.

Friends – a remarkable word, precious to have ’you’ in our lives. Since learning of David’s sickness many months ago, numerous friends have continually offered their help. We thank each one for loving us and giving of yourselves to uphold David in your prayers and thoughts. Phone call after phone call ends with “I am praying for you”, a gracious gift to us from you. Each of you is remembered in David’s heart; you are a part of his living. God be with you and bless you and your family is our prayer.

Right now I sit in a chair not far from David as he tries to sleep. He still has some pain, but he is able to rest –we are thankful. Overnight, David’s health changes. Every few days a new challenge. Now as never before in this life our lives are in the hands of God. In Him we have peace. David said he places his trust in his Lord and Savior. He says he knows not how long he will live but will continue to do his duty to fight and love his Lord through it all (meaning the pain and suffering). Since a child he has placed all his days in God’s care. The prayer of David and I today is Psalms 23:

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still
waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his
name’s Sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no Evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou
Anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

I now understand this scripture more than any other time in my life. All is well.

I live today again struggling to see this part of my life through the eye of God. Whatever comes tomorrow, my Savior knows our names and walks each step with us.

David and I give Him Praise for He is Worthy to be praised.

Our love to all,

David and Phyllis

Brilliant waves of light penetrate through this haze called life in the twinkle of an eye as the soul erupts into creations most beautiful symphony of sights and sounds this first step into ‘forever’ —Janny’s entrance into heaven. Wrapped in God’s light, love pouring from the Throne, Jesus placing His hand into the new arrivals hand embracing His child finally home, “free indeed” Janny would say. Pure peace and joy flow into the soul, all longing fulfilled, understanding complete, and the journey continues anew—called eternity.
Our dear friend and member of our family Janny Grein arrived safely ‘home’ this week, she now abides in our Saviors arms, sadness for us great joy for Janny.  Our son
Phillip married Sally the daughter of Janny & Bill Grein and their love brought our two families together for eternity.  We share two wonderful grandsons with Janny and Bill.  Our hearts are heavy we miss her.  ‘Covenant Woman’ singing now with the redeemed is ‘Stronger than Before.’ Her vast audience here on this earth can only listen to what she left behind while she continues to serve her Lord and Savior writing and singing those new songs of worship at His feet.  I can only imagine how much bigger her contagious smile must be as she looks in the eyes of Jesus face to face at last.  Her life’s talent, music, always
proclaiming the Love of the Savior to the hurting heart each song a gift reassuring this desperate world that we are “More than Conquerors” when we “Cast our Bread upon the Water” as we learn to “Count it all Joy” while we “Praise Him”!  Janny remains in our lives through the songs composed with her soul.  Music poured from her heart into our lives drawing us closer to our Savior and changing lives eternally this is her legacy. Generations to come will listen to these songs and many will come to know the Savior because she was willing to empty out her life into this lost world leaving light in the darkness. Thank you Janny until we meet again I will love and care for Sally, Phillip, Ethan and Eli our shared treasures.

My mind cannot fully comprehend what the entrance into Heaven is like, but whatever we see, hear, or happens our soul will be completely able to engage its splendor.  Many are the family and friends I know that now dwell in Heaven with my Lord and Savior.  Yes, Heaven, a real place.  My soul longs for this home called Heaven and when my time is finished here on this earth, I too will join those who have made this most excellent journey into forever. As Ethan talked to me this week about Heaven, I realized again how my grandchildren are always teaching me another of life’s precious truths. He said, “Mommom I only have you here with me now, only one grandma left except for Great-Grandma Davis, too.  That is okay cause God needed my grandma she has a lot to do in Heaven and when I get there I will remember and tell her all my stories!”  At age 6, he
fully intends on his home being in Heaven someday too. So simple the acceptance children have of God’s plan may I learn this too.  We will make sure Ethan & Eli remember grandma (Janny) and take her with them on their life’s journey.  I rejoice for Janny, she is home.

Part of the continued duty of the Liberty Bell and Law Memorial is honoring those who give all for God, Country, and Family.  We see the grief of a nation, the sorrow of families, and the cost of being a free American.  Rarely does a week go by without the bell tolling for that cost. David has been able to toll the bell at several concluding honors for our American Heroes this summer– today a WWII POW, and tomorrow a young soldier Killed in Action in Afghanistan.  Every generation has Heroes to remember.  Never will we forget.
First, if I did not tell you how HOT it is in Texas right now, I am sure our daughter-in-law Claire would add her thoughts at the end of this update. How HOT is it?  The last time it was this HOT –I was 9 months pregnant with Phillip—year 1980–69 days of over 100* I did not venture out anywhere!  However, today in my older age I can get around without too much trouble if I carry ICE with me everywhere.  Claire from Canada thinks some snow would be NICE about now.  FYI it is 107F in the shade with a fiery hot breeze. Never fear we keep telling her our wonderful fall and winter temperatures will be here soon! True story: every time David goes to the store or out to eat he carries a hoodie with him to wear because they keep the inside temps in every buildingat 60F.  It feels colder inside when it
is 109F outside.  So inside tip– always carry a hoodie in the car when going shopping if it is over a 100F outside cause the inside is gonna freeze your nose!  (I also carry a hoodie in the car—it is either hurry and freeze or take my time in comfort another little known fact of living in Texas and shopping in the summertime.)  With this heat one has to be careful outside so either go out early morning or late night say midnight the temp will be a comfortable 85F also a record low that is high.  Burnt to a crisp would be the description of most grass with that pretty light brown color, and watch your step because we officially have one & two inch wide cracks several feet long  in the fields that could swallow the foot of a toddler.  Maybe that is why my boys would come home with just one shoe after playing in the field.  My poor flowers are hurting again this year but they look good in May and September.  Ok enough about weather but had to let all know for Claire.

Since my last update, several of you have emailed or talked to me and you seem to want the same answer to a question.  Just where is the ‘secret passage’ in my house?  My answer the same to all it is a secret!  You must look for it to find it.  To schedule a time to search…….just kidding.   I am currently writing some of the stories of those who found this ‘secret passage’ and what they found —Sam has not told anyone where it is either.  Stories are coming.

David is doing fine if I can keep him out of the heat and not escaping out the back door every hour because he has something to do or somewhere to go. He continues the food, pills yes, still about 70+,  potions,  I.V.’s  and even some new knowledge is helping keep his immune system in balance to keep him healthy. His research continues. New issues to conquer old ones disappear. His weight changes depending on what he does but stays within the 145-150 range.  We attribute some of this to the heat and him being out in it.  He has talked with a few of our friends we met in Quito they also are doing well.  They share ideas that are working for them and what is not working —–a great source of information and wonderful to hear from them. Close to our heart they all are.  David had a full blood workup last Friday so we should get the results this week from our family doctor. The doctor in Emory, Texas did a heavy metal test on him two weeks ago; all was good except for one metal so we are working on getting it out of his body.  Every 2 weeks he receives an IV of minerals or vitamins.  Many thanks to those of you who continue to pray for David; we receive great strength because we are the recipients of all those petitions.  We are being vigilant to do what we know to do to keep David healthy and we
realize God gives us this miracle we live with daily.  God is Faithful.  This year has been challenging for us however, we keep our trust centered on our Lord and Savior.
David resumes life aware of the many aspects of living taken for granted by us each day like the intensive amounts of supplements he has to take and the need for always watching what he eats never before entering his mind until nearly cut down by cancer.  A truth we have learned during this whole process of recovery and maintaining health is that life is precious, each day a new opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with someone hurting in this world. We are surprised by the number of people brought into our path who have cancer, know someone who has cancer, or they just had a family member or friend die of cancer this year.  Scripture says the devil wants to steal, kill, and destroy but God takes all the bad things that happen to you in life and He makes something good out of the bad when we let Him.  This very horrible thing called ‘cancer’ has changed our lives for the better because we now have another opportunity to tell of God’s love.  Not the venue David
nor I would have picked at this stage of life or any stage or for anyone to journey through but, whatever comes God is with us still guiding and leading where we need to go and who we need to met. We are learning not to take for granted the lives of those around us. Suffering brings clarity of purpose and a sense of urgency in living each day.  Struggle a part of this human existence while we live our lives but no matter the source of the pain, loss, sorrow, defeat, disappointment, tragedy, or disease and though I may not understand or even like these obstacles in my path I know this one thing for sure God is sufficient and He knows our name!  I am weak–He is strong.  I fall and He wraps His arms around me repeatedly always ready to forgive and love me.  All have something in their life that only God can heal, and living through all the “what about tomorrows” a huge part of who we are in Christ.  For in Him, all things are possible and in Him we have our breath.  Not knowing tomorrow for any of us is just living by faith.  Sometimes it is hard to do this ‘living by faith’!

This week has been especially difficult for us because we will miss another member of our family, but we rejoice for Janny finishing her race here on this earth making her entrance into Heaven.  I will miss our shared stories of our children and grandchildren, her next stories might beat all the others well they could be more dramatic. I wrote a few months ago about how one person could change this world, and Janny changed everything she touched by giving her all for the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Janny is living with her Lord and I am sure she is singing new songs as they flow from her heart directly to the throne.  If I close my eyes and try to listen, I can almost hear those praises of the redeemed and the new arrival as the song says, “I can only imagine!”

As you might expect I have thought a lot about Heaven this past week, and my finite brain actually has to stop imagining for a minute because it only can see a small fraction of what must be awaiting the child of God upon arrival into Heaven. I realize again this earth is a place for us to prepare to be with God forever.
My thoughts:
Our Eternity begins at birth;  God gives you life;  you live here on this earth for a certain period of time in this body of dirt;  you are born again (when you die to sin by asking Jesus to live in your heart);  you leave this body of dirt called death, either your soul lives with God forever or your soul dies the second death forever in torment; you will never go away
once God creates your life and you will live somewhere forever.  Forever is a long time.
I heard a new song this month while driving to one of the eight funerals for our American Heroes.  I cannot get the words out of my heart and want to share it with you.  It gives me great comfort especially since I do understand some of the trials we endure while living this life.

“Blessings” by Laura Story

“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 is way too much to give us lesser things

(Chorus)

‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if the 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

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

As long as we have faith to believe

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

What if my greatest disappointments

Or the aching of this life

Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy

What if trials of this life

The rain, the storms, the hardest nights

Are your mercies in disguise”

It is encouraging that through our troubles, they can also be “blessings in disguise.”  When trials come God is watching over us bringing us closer to Him. For we live in this world and suffering will come but when it does God is there caring for His child never leaving our side.  He is always bigger than the burden.  We are ‘overcomers’ through the blood of Jesus Christ. You were right Janny.

Words to contemplate that make me stronger than before Janny!

“’Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if the thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise”

No one knows their tomorrows; this past week a precious friend is home, may we live our lives large, as did Janny.  Her last words left here for us were of love and encouragement to continue to run this race.  Janny said, “Everyone has a period of time in their life when things get tough. Through the pain of it all, and the struggling, it should be a period
when integrity of heart and solid character are developed by God. Before it is
all over…if we have learned anything, we will be ‘Stronger than Before’ ….  Now live your lives….He is coming soon!”

As I finished this update I received a phone call from Bethany, our daughter, she informed me of the home going of yet another friend of the family.  A young mother of five, herself only 35 years old, battled cancer for the past 7 years who also made her entrance into Heaven this week.  Sorrow filled my heart and I cried.  Again, I can only trust my Lord and thank Him for allowing Mishann to be a part of our lives during those precious teen years.  Many happy memories I cherish and keep in my heart of this beautiful spirit Mishann who now lives with the Creator of the universe.

When I see those brilliant waves of light and my soul burst through this haze of life and the sights and sounds of  God’s creation thrust me into my “forever” I will be “home at last” with my Lord and Savior.   What a glad reunion day that will be……

Our tears poured out this week for those left behind without their loved one beside them but we rejoice for those who have made that most excellent journey into Heaven.  One day
our soul will be filled with perfect peace, our longings fulfilled, and our understanding complete as our Eternity continues in a place called Heaven. Our prayer for you is to embrace today living large and expect the hope of Heaven in the twinkle of the eye.

Our love to All,
Heaven closer today than yesterday,
David & Phyllis