Dear Praying Friends,

The following is an update from Joanna’s sister, Jennie:

After 2.5 days in a hospital room and 2 days on the hospice floor, Joanna got to come home on Thursday. July 18.  They were able to clear up the infection in her abdomen although, as mentioned previously, her liver is basically destroyed so I don’t really know how long it will be before she has more trouble with that.  As I told you in the last journal update, the doctors have told us there is nothing more they can do for her and that, due to the condition of her liver, they are unable to ever give her any more treatments for the cancer.  Hospice will be coming in a couple of times a week to manage her pain meds but, other than that, she will not be receiving any treatment or care other than from our family.

Joanna is alert and still able to be up and functioning somewhat although she tires very easily and is extremely weak.  She continues to ask God to heal her and give her more time to serve Him here on earth and to be with the people she loves yet, again, she humbly submits to His will and plan.

Because Joanna accepted Christ as her Lord and Saviour when she was a young girl, she (and we) know with certainty that her last breath here on earth will be her first breath in the presence of the Lord she has served so faithfully.  God won’t take her because He needs more angels, because people don’t become angels, but He does love her and delights in her, and He cares about her life and death.  In fact, although Joanna isn’t perfect and has her weaknesses (as her older sister, I could give you a list.....GRIN) because of her personal relationship with Christ, God calls her a “saint.”  And Psalms 116:15 tells us, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”  So if God chooses to heal her in Heaven rather than here on earth, we will grieve and hurt but will also have the peace of knowing she is with Him.  As 1 Thessalonians 4:13 says, we won’t grieve as those who have no hope because we DO have peace and assurance that she will be in the presence of God where we will one day join her.

We are so appreciative of every prayer offered on her and our behalf.

If you would like to send a note of encouragement to Joanna or my parents, their new address is:

7548 Colorado Tech Drive

Colorado Springs, CO  80915

You have all been so good to our family and we are deeply grateful.

* * * * * * *

Just a note here from her pastor, as all of you know, God, not only can, but has done healing miracles when all hope was lost humanly speaking.  In case you’re wondering, many are still asking the Lord for her healing on this side of Heaven.

Joanna’s cancer verse is Philippians 1:20, “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.” Certainly, she has magnified Christ through it all.

Your friend,

Pastor Dan Parton

Timberline Baptist Church

Manitou Springs, Colorado

_________________________

God Is Always Good...

Dear Praying Friends,

This is Dan Parton, Joanna's pastor writing this update out of necessity.  I'm sure Joanna would be writing this update if she were able to, but she is in the hospital at the moment, and I need to get this new information out to you.  Her sister wrote the following, and I have only changed a couple of statements which needed to be updated:

"Early Sunday morning, Joanna was admitted to the hospital due to a fever and significant abdominal and back pain.  A CT scan was taken, and the doctors reported that the results were substantially worse than the CT scan taken just a few weeks ago.  Also, they discovered that her liver is seeping an infection into her abdomen thus causing the abdominal and back pain.  The liver problems are due to the increase in the tumors in her liver stretching it beyond its capabilities.

They have her on an antibiotic to try to clear up the infection and, until they are able to, she is not allowed to take the new cancer pill she received just this past Friday.  We were all very disheartened to learn from the doctors that, given her current condition, they don't expect her to live more than 6 months, and possibly only 3.

Of course, we are all asking you to continue joining with us asking God for that miracle of healing we all so desperately desire.  But, true to form, Joanna ended up being a huge blessing and inspiration to the hospital chaplain who wandered into her room this afternoon.  After visiting with her for a while, he said he could tell who actually had the stronger faith (and it wasn't him, in his determination).

Joanna will remain in the hospital for a while as they attempt to clear up the infection in her abdominal cavity.  She continues to ask God for more time but is humbly submitting to whatever His will is.  We love and appreciate each of you who are upholding our family in prayer."

I went to the hospital this morning (Monday, July 15) to see her and to learn of any new news.  She had just seen the doctor, and he said that she may last only 3-6 more months due to the spread of the cancer and the liver failure she is experiencing.  Her liver is only functioning at 20%.  They have her on a strong antibiotic and a strong pain killer.

If the infection is better by tomorrow, she may get to go home.  There, she will be under hospice care.  I will let you know of any further news as it comes available.

In case you are wondering, our prayers for JoJo have not changed one iota.  We are still praying for her healing on this side of Heaven.  We do know that the Lord has done this in the past, and we are praying He will do it again for Joanna.  Will you continue to pray with us?

Lately, I have tarried long at the following passage in Luke 11:9-13, "And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"  I'm not asking for bread, a fish, or an egg.  I'm still praying for a miracle.

Please, pray for grace and Joanna’s healing.

Pastor Dan Parton

Timberline Baptist Church

Manitou Springs, Colorado

“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right...” (Psalm 119:128)

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Dear Loving Family & Friends,

Thank you for your continued prayers and concern for me.  Your patience for me to post an update is most appreciated as I’ve waited for complete news to give you and have also wrestled with my feeling up to writing one.

I did indeed enjoy my time with Sarah Glover; however, I was, as I had warned her, unable to do much of anything other than lie on the couch.  I did get to see many pictures of her service in PNG which was a sweet blessing.

I finished my rounds of radiation on Friday, May 24, and had finally started feeling some relief from the pain.  That lasted for about a week, and then the pain came back full-force as if I had no treatment at all.  Oh, how disappointed I was!  The doctor worked on fine-tuning my meds which helped a small degree but not enough to make life livable.  A CT was ordered for Friday, June 14, and I got the results the following Tuesday.  Although we expected bad news, we were not expecting it to be as bad as it was.  Here’s the lowdown:

1. 1. - I have a few new cancer spots on my lungs, and the other ones have gotten bigger.
      

   2. - The spots on my liver are growing.
      

   3. - The tumor near my rectum is larger.
      

   4. - The lymph nodes in the back of my abdomen are larger.
      

2. 
   

So, what’s the next step?  To continue the chemo I was on would be fruitless.  It wasn’t helping, so there’s no need to return to that form of treatment.  I will start taking a set of 3 pills once a day.  This would last for 3 weeks and then one week off and continue thusly.  It is not considered chemo but is a treatment for cancer.  It is called Stivarga which is a new treatment that was approved just 6 months ago.  The side effects are fatigue, bowel problems, possible dehydration, mouth sores, redness of mouth, hands and feet.  My liver will need to be watched closely (via blood tests) to make sure it does not get irritated.  If it does, then we will have to take a break from the treatment for a while.  They have never before treated someone so young with this pill, so they don’t know what the results will be, although it has been helpful to older patients.  If this pill regimen doesn’t work, then I would be put on a clinical trial of some sort.

After the doctor gave us this news, I said, “I have one question to make sure I completely understand.  This is bad news because I have now gone on to the next phase of treatment, so my options are getting smaller?”  He nodded in agreement.  Where has this left the Jackson family?  Well, mom and I have shed many tears, and all my family seems to be greatly concerned over this turn of events.  I’ll probably cry more easily for a long time.  It’s just “da way tings is,” as they say.  The Lord has brought a song to mind, though, that has been a great source of needed encouragement:

1. 1. “God is always good, and God is always right,
      

   2. No matter what He uses, no matter what He chooses
      

   3. To place within our lives.
      

   4. We may not always understand
      

   5. The unfolding of His perfect plan;
      

   6. But even through the darkest night,
      

   7. God is always good, and God is always right.”
      

2. 
   

Again, thank you for your loving support.  I’m in need of each of you!

Joanna

* Order Joanna’s book The Abundant Single life here for $12.95.

* The Kindle edition is available for $6.50.

* Write her at joannajax@timberlinebaptist.org if you wish to use her tract, Peace That Passes Understanding and Joy Unspeakable.

Please, pray for grace and Joanna’s healing.

Pastor Dan Parton

Timberline Baptist Church

Manitou Springs, Colorado

“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right...” (Psalm 119:128)

_________________________

The Recipe Isn't Always Easy, but the Outcome is God-Made!

Dear Ones,

It's hard to believe three weeks have passed since my last update.  I have waited on purpose hoping to share more information.

At the end of April, I had a physical exam and met with a radiation doctor and nurse who explained what I would be facing with the upcoming treatments.  After I got home, I had myself a good cry.  It was time.  Even though the side effects of radiation are not as drastic as those of chemo, I was unprepared mentally and emotionally for the happenings of the day and found myself struggling greatly.  Although I tried not to outwardly show it, I found myself for the next few days battling a heavy heart.  No matter how strong one's faith is, there are times that are just plain harder than others.  It's part of the recipe of suffering.

I did indeed start radiation on Friday, May 3.  Unfortunately, the pain not only continued but increased.  After three treatments, I was able to meet with one of the radiation doctors.  Upon explaining my plight, he said that he was not surprised because radiation often makes a tumor swell, which, obviously, causes more pain.  He said that it could last between 1-2 weeks before I saw any improvement.  Today marks exactly two weeks since I started radiation, and I've seen no relief from any of the symptoms.  In fact, I am experiencing pain similar to what I had before my diagnosis. The doctor told me this past Tuesday that we may not know if radiation helps me at all until about a month from now.   Wow.  Not an answer I like to hear in this day of quick-fixes and microwave meals!   Another opportunity to wait and trust, and trust and wait.  Radiation will continue for one more week, and then I'll have a couple weeks off to allow my body to recover before restarting chemo.

Because of the side affects, I am taking even more pain medicine and being more "out of it" than "with it."  Recently, I came to a point where I thought, not out of anger or frustration, but from true bewilderment, "Why does't God care about my health?"  Of course, in my heart, I know He does, but it was one of those surprising passing thoughts I had.  I took out my Bible and opened it to Psalm 139, knowing it was a chapter which would remind me of God's incredible care for my very being.  It gave me the comfort I needed and got my thoughts back in line with the true character of God.  My pastor has often said that if we judge God or others based upon our feelings, that person cannot win, for our feelings are untrustworthy and are ever-changing.  How thankful I am that when my life's circumstances seem topsy-turvy and when my heart is overwhelmed, there is the steadiness of my God and His Word on which I can lean!

Praise the Lord, I was able to close on my house last week, which is a direct answer to prayer and something else that's now off my plate.  Thank you to those who prayed about this.  I am amazed how my place was on the market for basically only two months.  God's leading was most definitely evident!

My brother leaves for Afghanistan in the near future and will be there a year.  If you would please pray for Russell's safety while in such a dangerous place, I would be so grateful.

Though these past several weeks have been physically and emotionally draining, the Lord has sent encouragements along the way, not just through His Word but through sweet e-mails, cards, letters, and reminders of those who are praying for me.  This coming week, I will be blessed to have one of my sweet missionary friends Sarah Glover visit with me.  Although I have warned her that I will most likely need to be horizontal during most of her visit, she has graciously given me the freedom to do what's needed.

We were honored to have Dr. David Gibbs from the Christian Law Association with us this past Sunday morning.  As he shook my hand, he assured me of his prayers for me as well as others at the CLA.  If I could open my heart to each of you who continues to pray for me through this long process, you would see a humbled and yet incredibly thankful heart.  It's so easy to pray once for someone; it takes an entirely different kind of Christian character to continue to pray for someone month after month.  Thank you for having the kind of Christian maturity that continues to love me and pray for me through this arduous journey called my life.  God has blessed me with you!

With utmost sincerity,

Joanna

* Order The Abundant Single life here for $12.95.

* The Kindle edition is available here for $6.50.

* Write her at joannajax@timberlinebaptist.org if you wish to use her tract, Peace That Passes Understanding and Joy Unspeakable.

Please, pray for grace and Joanna’s healing.

Pastor Dan Parton

Timberline Baptist Church

Manitou Springs, Colorado

“Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.” (Psalm 61:1-3)

_________________________

Your Friend In Need

Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you for your patience as I have needed to wait to send out an update.

On Monday, April 15, I had chemo; and even though I struggled with the normal nausea, pain, and tiredness, I didn't feel as badly as previous times.  All of that changed on Wednesday.  I awoke to unusual nausea and felt rather lousy which caused me to do the bare minimum in getting ready to go to the hospital to get detached from my chemo.

Because the hospital's parking garage was packed, dad dropped me off at the door.  I toddled to the elevator with my nausea increasing.  Before I arrived at the doors, I vomited.  Thankfully, I had a sick-sack with me.  (I've learned to be prepared!)  When I arrived on the tenth floor, I informed the sign-in nurse what had happened.  She got me her desk chair and wheeled me into a room.  She got me a couple other sick-sacks, and the saga began.  I started throwing up my socks.  After that, everything's a blur for me.  I lost all sense of time.  My dad had arrived in the room, and nurses were scurrying trying to help me.  I really have no idea all that was done to or for me.  Much later, little to my knowledge, dad and I arrived home.  I, literally, crawled into bed so weak and lifeless.

My body woke me up later that day to some great sickness.  I will withhold the details as they are entirely too gruesome to share.  But suffice it to say, as I ran into my parents' bathroom to take care of what was happening, I ended up leaving a mess that looked like a war zone consisting of things other than blood.  As everything was happening, my dear mother was trying to help me while getting things cleaned up.  I asked where dad was, and mom replied that he was at church.  I had no idea it was even nighttime.  That's when I realized I had lost a good part of the day and had no idea it had even passed.  This was the sickest I'd been in a long time, and I wasn't sure I was going to be able to pull through.  The next day consisted of more of the same with dear ol' dad jumping in for clean-up duty. 

Honestly, I do not know how I would be surviving right now without my parents.  They have had to clean up and care for issues with me that I'm sure they never dreamed they would have to be doing; and all the while, they have not complained one iota.  As I've meditated on this, I realized that the right kind of parent is not just a parent until the kids leave home.  Parenting is a life-long commitment for those who genuinely love their children.

Praise the Lord, I have slowly made a recovery from all of this.  I was unable to make church on Sunday night due to pain, but I'm thankful I was able to attend Sunday morning and this past Wednesday night. 

After seeing the doctor on Thursday, he decided to delay chemo for a few weeks and have me try radiation.  One cannot have radiation and chemo in tandem, and chemo isn't taking care of my pain nor other symptoms I am experiencing.  He's hoping the radiation will deal with all of them.  I have to wait to hear from a radiologist and set up some appointments.  Radiation will be several days in a row for a couple of weeks but shouldn't have the same side effects as chemo.  I'm praying this will give me some much-needed relief.

In all of this, God continues to send me encouragements along the way.  One such encouragement was a verse I came across in my Bible reading, 2 Chronicles 16:9, “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him...” I thought it interesting that almighty God is searching for someone to whom He can show Himself mighty.  I can picture God's flexing His muscles and wanting someone to notice.  I'm noticing; and, oh, how I need Him!  He is good and is still here for me.  How grateful am I!

Lastly, it appears that I do have a buyer for my townhome.  Although I am not getting exactly what I needed to take care of all of the expenses, it seems to be what the Lord has provided.  I'm thankful and blessed.

Thank you for loving me and for praying for me.  I need each of you.

Sincerely your needy friend,

Joanna

* Order The Abundant Single life here.

* The Kindle edition is available here for $6.50.

* Write her at joannajax@timberlinebaptist.org if you wish to use her tract, Peace That Passes Understanding and Joy Unspeakable.

Please, pray for Joanna’s healing.

Pastor Dan Parton

Timberline Baptist Church

Manitou Springs, Colorado

“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.” (Philippians 1:20)

_________________________

Waiting and Remembering...

Dear Faithful Ones,

Three weeks ago, I had a PET scan.  I didn’t mention it on the internet since I had no idea when I would get the results.  Although it’s been very difficult to get the results due to some unfortunate circumstances, my doctor was finally able to talk to the radiologist who read my scan.

The report is, everything looks about the same.  Some places are a little worse; some places are a little better.  My doctor’s recommendation is to continue with the same treatment.

I was hoping that the cancer would be less visible because of the chemo, but that’s not the case.  It’s a bit disappointing since chemo is such a difficult process to endure, and I’d like to see better results from my “suffering.”  But the bright side is that the cancer has not gotten increasingly worse.  I choose to focus on the bright side.  

Some of you have asked why I can’t have some kind of blood transfusion or other medicine to help increase the platelets to allow me to have chemo more regularly.  I asked my doctor that today, and he said that they only give platelet transfusions to those who have much lower platelets than I do.  Also, the only medications they can administer to help my body produce more platelets have really bad side effects and are also very expensive.  He said the majority of patients that have to go that route struggle with the side effects so much so that they regret taking the medication.

Where do I go from here?  I wait and see if my platelets are up on Friday.  If so, I will have chemo on Monday.  If not, then I will wait some more.

After my last treatment, I was talking to an elderly lady in our church who doesn’t use the internet which means she’s a bit in the dark regarding the details of my treatment.  After answering her questions regarding how chemo makes me feel, I said to her with tears in my eyes, “I hope someday, God lets me forget.”  I meant that I hope if He heals me, He’ll let me forget the pains of chemo because of how bad it makes me feel.  As I walked out to my car after our conversation, the Lord immediately convicted me.  He didn’t speak to me in an audible voice, but He prompted my spirit with these words, “I don’t want you to forget.  I want you to remember to be able to help others.”  Immediately the words to the following chorus came to mind, and I submitted to His desires to make sure I don’t ever forget:

1. 1. “Help me remember the storms,
      

   2. Remember my tears,
      

   3. The broken heart You gave to me,
      

   4. I’d forgotten through the years.
      

   5. Now, Lord, receive me back again,
      

   6. Draw me close, Lord, close to Thee.
      

   7. I’d forgotten;
      

   8. Now, Lord, work Your work through me.”
      

2. 
   

Remembering,

Joanna

* Order The Abundant Single life here.  It’s still on sale for $9.71 (That’s 25% off!)

* The Kindle edition is available here for $6.50.

* Write her at joannajax@timberlinebaptist.org if you wish to use her tract, Peace That Passes Understanding and Joy Unspeakable.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Joanna’s healing.

Pastor Dan Parton

Timberline Baptist Church

Manitou Springs, Colorado

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

_________________________

Better Late Than Never!

Dear Loved Ones,

If you're reading this, yes, you are loved by this gal.  My heart is overwhelmingly thankful for each and every one of you!  Please forgive the delay of this update.  The week of chemo was too hard for me to do one.  I tried and felt like I could hardly put two sentences together that read better than a child's writings.  So here goes my feeble attempt now!

While speaking with one of my close friends who was trying to understand how this regimen of chemo is affecting me, I was finally able to draw a picture with my words.  This chemo is making me feel like an empty shell.  Being able to focus, hold any type of conversation, or even stay awake for more than 30 minutes are, at times, insurmountable aspirations.  Each time I have chemo, I'm not sure I'll survive it or that it's worth going through.  But, as I've said before, I choose to keep my mind and eyes focused on the days after chemo week when I begin to feel more human.  My heart's desire is that the doctor would say, "You're healed; we can't find any more cancer.  You're done with chemo forever."  However, that conversation has not yet taken place, so I try to keep my heart calm knowing that I'm going to be an empty, limp person for several days.

Many have asked about my counts from my blood draw.  My CEA went up to 21.8...bummer!  And my platelets and white blood cells were both low.  The doctor said he was going to wait to see how I was feeling to determine whether or not to give me chemo.  I felt fine, so we went ahead as planned.

I also have other news for you.  My parents decided to sell their home which was about an hour south of where I live.  For the past year+, they have been living with and caring for me in my modest-sized townhome.  Although none of us complained, it was getting more and more difficult.  Also, my parents' home was sitting empty only to have them visit it once-a-week to pick up mail and do odds and ends.  The Lord sold the house in record-time (literally!), and we found a home big enough for all of us.  My parents have the main floor, and I have the basement.  This gives each of us our own space and allows us to house company comfortably.  Our thoughts are that if I continue to get sicker, they will be able to care for me more easily.  If I get better, then I will be able to care for them more easily.  Either way, it's a win-win situation.  My townhome is now on the market, and I need the Lord to do for me what He did for my parents—and He can!

Through the struggles of these recent weeks, the Lord gave me something precious in the Word of God in 2 Kings 18:5, “He [Hezekiah] trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.”  This verse emphasizes that a characteristic that was more remarkable about Hezekiah than any other kings at his time or before him was his trust in the Lord.  As I studied further into the meaning of the word "trust," I found some amazingly comforting thoughts.  The meanings include:  "to have confidence in, to be bold, to be secure, to be safe, to be without worry."  My understanding of trust has always leaned toward the "to have confidence in" definition, but there's so much more!

When chemo makes me so weak, empty, and lifeless, I can be bold in my soul, for I trust in God!  When thoughts of possibly enduring chemo for the rest of my life shake my inner being, I can be secure, for I trust in God!  Since chemo attacks not only my bad cells but also the good cells and leaves me feeling vulnerable, I can still feel safe, for I trust in God!  When I wonder if enduring chemo is worth the physical and psychological toll or how much longer I will be able to hold up through it all, I can be without worry, for I trust in God!

Each negative chemo can throw at me is shot down with trust's wonderfully multi-faceted meaning!  What victory for my empty inner soul!  It also means that any of you who choose to trust the Lord instead of doubt, question, or judge Him can have that same boldness, security, safety, and inner peace.  Now, those are the "places" I want to be!

This truth has come to me in perfect timing as we have learned that my brother, Russell, will be soon shipped off to Afghanistan.  Although we are so thankful Russell wants to serve God by serving his country, it adds a pressure onto some already hurting hearts in our family.  We would greatly appreciate your prayers for his safety.

Again, thank you for your kind notes, e-mails, cards, and concern.  You've helped me make it through another round of chemo!

Loving you all,

Joanna

* Order The Abundant Single life here.  It’s still on sale for $9.71 (That’s 25% off!)

* The Kindle edition is available here for $6.50.

* Write her at joannajax@timberlinebaptist.org if you wish to use her tract, Peace That Passes Understanding and Joy Unspeakable.

Thank you for continuing to pray for Joanna’s healing.

Pastor Dan Parton

Timberline Baptist Church

Manitou Springs, CO

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)

_________________________

God Opted With Me This Time!

Dear Faithful Ones,

I am home and resting, and here are the results of my colonoscopy.

The difficulty I was having the last several weeks is, most likely, due to inflammation and irritation on the inside of my body.  There is a mystery of (I don't even know how to explain it) an extra "tube" coming from my colostomy.  The doctor didn't know if the colostomy doctor did it on purpose (which normally would not be) or if there is something odd about me.  I find it amusing as I had jokingly said to someone earlier, "I wonder if I've grown an extra colon!"  :)

So, the doc is giving me some "medications" to hopefully ward off the symptoms I've been experiencing.  He also said something quite interesting...he said he couldn't see my rectal tumor!  So, the chemo is working, and God is answering prayer.  Although I know this does not mean I am healed, it does mean God has given us some breathing room.  It's always nice to have a good report.  Believe it or not, one of the nurses from today said she remembered me and my parents from over a year ago.  I was floored.  She then said, "You had such a hard diagnosis."  I then realized she remembered us because of that.  Sobering.  So, getting some good news was even sweeter.

Thank you for praying.  Please continue to do so.  You are touching the heart of God and helping me along the way.

Loving you all,

Joanna

* Order The Abundant Single life here.  It’s still on sale for $9.71 (That’s 25% off!)

* The Kindle edition is available here for $6.50.

* Write her at joannajax@timberlinebaptist.org if you wish to use her tract, Peace That Passes Understanding and Joy Unspeakable.

Please, continue to pray for Joanna’s healing.

Pastor Dan Parton

Timberline Baptist Church

Manitou Springs, CO

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness!” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

_________________________

A Time To...

Almost three weeks have passed since my last update.  I’ve waited on purpose.  So much has happened that I feel like I don’t even know where to begin.  My body has had more pain and other complications for which I still have no answers.  Another colonoscopy is in my near future.  I will inform you when I hear any news.  It could be good; it could be bad.  I just don’t know and will not even try to guess as that would be irresponsible of me.  I’m not worried; I just don’t know what to think.  For curious minds, my CEA went up slightly to 19.5.

Since starting my new chemo regimen, I have been unable to attend the Wednesday services immediately thereafter.  Because of this, I watch preaching, via the internet, from other trusted churches so I can still be fed the Word of God by a man of God.  During one such service, I learned of the heartbreak of a young man, only 41, whose wife of 10 years, passed away.  She was only 31.  She left behind 3 children ranging from the ages of 2-8.  I found her pictorial memorial video online (link is included below), watched it, and wept.  What a beautiful spirit amid such suffering!  Her husband’s name is Keith Carpenter.  He and his children have been added to my prayer list.  Such names bring me no joy to add; I wish there were no need to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHDXlfDfC1U

Then, on Valentine’s Day, Denise Leuthold, age 39, was killed in an apparent botched robbery.  Who was she?  No one I knew, but she was a missionary home on furlough with her husband, Nathan, and three small children.  Again, another memorial (included) I watched and another family to add to my list.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCQUqLftBFw&feature=youtu.be

On Thursday night, February 21, my family received a phone call we were anticipating yet dreading.  The beloved wife of Evangelist Dan Hawtree, Pat, passed away.  I was saved at the age of 11 under the ministry of Brother Hawtree.  He and his wife were, literally, the salt of the earth, genuine, real people who had a fervency for the Lord and were a team that sang and preached across America for many years.  Her long, hard battle with liver cancer ended.  What a privilege to pray for her as she went through this for the past 3+ years.

Believe it or not, there have also been some precious memories recently made.  First of all, my father celebrated his 82nd birthday on the 21st.  Dad, mom, and I enjoyed an Italian take-out meal at home since my immune system is too weak to be in public.  As dad opened cards, we laughed...I shed a tear or two, and pictures were taken.  What a sweet time!

Friday while at work for just a few short hours, my pastor received a text.  Victoryanna, the premature baby girl who I asked prayer for, got to finally go home...after 75 days in the hospital.  Praise the Lord!

Also, this past Sunday, the Lord allowed me the privilege of singing special music with my dad and mom.  Serving the Lord is an honor and something I truly enjoy, but it’s especially sweet when shared with my own flesh and blood.  Thank You, Lord, for allowing me to do so!

As I’ve pondered the above events, the Lord brought to mind the following verses from Ecclesiastes 3:2 & 4, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die...a time to laugh; a time to mourn...”

I’ve cried an awful lot lately, but I’ve also laughed quite a bit.  I’ve reminded myself, I only have to “make it” right now, not tomorrow or the next day...just today.  There are times, that’s all the strength I can muster.  Also, I’ve reminded myself, God is good...all the time!  As one nearly-blind evangelist coined, “God is always good, and God is always right!”

So, as I’ve shared the heartbreak of others, I want to thank you for continuing on through my personal heartache.  I don’t take your care, concern, love, or prayers lightly nor for granted.  I need you and am grateful beyond words for each of you!

Lovingly posted,

Joanna

* Order The Abundant Single life here.  It’s still on sale for $9.71 (That’s 25% off!)

* The Kindle edition is available here for $6.50.

* Write her at joannajax@timberlinebaptist.org if you wish to use her tract, Peace That Passes Understanding and Joy Unspeakable.

Please, continue to pray for Joanna’s healing.

Pastor Dan Parton

Timberline Baptist Church

Manitou Springs, CO

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness!” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

_________________________

Victory and Heartbreak

After missing church for 1 1/2 weeks, I was blessed beyond measure by being allowed to go last Wednesday, January 30, and this Sunday, February 3.  Wednesday, I got something specific that I needed.  My pastor brought up Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”  He reminded us of the context of this verse. Paul was not speaking of one's making a goal in life and knowing it can be accomplished because of Christ.  As my pastor so often says, the Bible preached in context is much more powerful than preached out of context.  The previous verses to Philippians 4:13 tell how Paul had learned how to abound and to be abased, how to be full and to be hungry, how to abound and to suffer need.  Whatever state he found himself in (and his list of perils was quite awful—false imprisonment, shipwreck, beaten with rods, stoned to death, whipped, robbed, suffered hunger, thirst, weariness, pain—not to mention the emotional burdens that had been placed upon him!), Paul could make it because of Christ.  I wrote beside that verse in my Bible, "I can have the faith to be sick with cancer."  Does this mean everything will be easy from now on?  Uh, uh!  Does this mean there will be no more tears or hard days ahead?  No way!  But it does mean my thinking is doing better.  It's not the "power of positive thinking" either; it is the power of proper thinking.  I can have the faith to be sick, why?  Because Christ, the hope of glory who is within me, strengthens me.  I put this thinking into practice as we left the hospital today.  I entered the elevator, and tears started trickling down my cheeks.  "I hate how this makes me feel," is what I told my mom.  I got in the car, and reminded myself, "I can have the faith to be sick because Christ strengthens me."

Is it any wonder that the Bible says faith comes by hearing the Word of God?  Oh, how grateful I am to have the privilege to go to church to have my faith increased!  When people choose to miss church, they're just shooting themselves in the faith foot and limiting their ability to have their faith increased.  Although personal Bible reading and study will also increase our faith, there's just something about being able to be taught the Scriptures by a true man of God that can make all the difference in the world!  Thank you, Preacher!

On Sunday, the Lord gave me the strength to sing in a trio with my mom and my pastor's wife.  The last line of the chorus says:  "Lord, You're the best thing that's ever happened to me!"  Oh, what a privilege to sing but especially such heart-felt and heart-meant words.  No matter what blessings come my way, the Lord IS the best thing that's ever happened to this gal!

I got a good report regarding my last blood test.  My CEA count went down to 19.4, and my platelet count was up to 117,000.  I was shocked at both numbers because of some pain I have been experiencing and also because of the sickness I have struggled with for the past 2 weeks. So, I look at both of these numbers as a direct answer to prayer.  Thank you for continuing to pray for me!

Amid these bits of encouraging news, why does my title include heartbreak?  In recent days, I learned of a 31-year-old, faithful Christian man, who is married and has four small children, who has been diagnosed with the same disease as I, except his is even worse. Only 10% of his liver is functioning, and his small intestines are completely blocked.  His name is Richard Bueckert, and below is a link if you'd like to see his picture and read a little about him:

http://www.oldetymebaptist.com/urgentprayer.html

As I read the testimony his wife posted on Facebook, I wanted to share one paragraph:

"Lovingkindness.  That's our word for today.  The word Richard chose for devotions with the kids.  Praising God for His lovingkindness in the good times, bad times, or sad times.  He encouraged our children to do this, no matter what happens, even if sad things happen.  And truly, God's lovingkindness is what we have felt today in the presence of family, friends, and the blessings they have brought.  Yes, there came along some more sobering news this afternoon:  his small intestine, not his large, is completely blocked and inflamed....not something you can fix easily, and further treatment is postponed until that is resolved....but all this means is that God has a plan, it is very truly in His hands.  No matter what He decides, He is loving and kind.  And we felt it today."

Oh, Lord, may I have this kind of spirit as I face cancer!  My heart is broken for this family, and I desperately want these precious children to have their daddy.  I also want this wife to be able to grow old with her husband.  As I pondered the Bueckert's and my situations today, my mind returned to this chorus:

I just keep trusting my Lord as I walk along,

I just keep trusting my Lord, and He gives a song;

Though the storm clouds darken the sky

O'er the Heavenly trail,

I just keep trusting my Lord;

He will never fail.

He truly is our faithful God Who has bestowed upon us His lovingkindness and has never failed us—not one time!  Again, thank you for your prayers for me.  I am so very thankful that you have chosen to face this battle with me instead of letting me bear it alone!  I love you!

With deepest gratitude,

Joanna

* Order The Abundant Single life here.  It’s still on sale for $9.71 (That’s 25% off!)

* The Kindle edition is available here for $6.50.

* Write her at joannajax@timberlinebaptist.org if you wish to use her tract, Peace That Passes Understanding and Joy Unspeakable.

Please, pray for Joanna’s healing.

Pastor Dan Parton

Timberline Baptist Church

Manitou Springs, CO

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness!” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

_________________________

A Humble Thank You

Dear Ones,

It's only been a week since my last update, but I must write.  It is now the early hours of January 27, and I cannot sleep.  My mind has been mulling over the last year, and I've wept as I've thought of so much that has happened.

January 18 marks one year since my cancer diagnosis.  Although I knew something was wrong prior to that date, my world was changed forever on January 18, 2012.  I remember the phone call.  I was riding in the back of my parents' car as we were traveling home from my having a colonoscopy that had been followed up by a CT scan conducted at the hospital.  The doctor called me and said, "It's the worst-case scenario.  You have colorectal cancer that has spread to your liver and lungs.  It's incurable."  I quietly wrote down the details as my father drove us home.  When we arrived home, I sat on the couch and asked my parents to sit down as I told them the doctor's report.  Nothing's been the same...for any of us.

The next day found us at another doctor's office.  He said I needed to have a colostomy, a rerouting of the intestines.  I didn't know what all was involved, but I knew it meant I'd have a bag on the outside of my body.  What?  Me?  I was barely 41!  How could this be possible?  As I sat there, I cannot explain the peace the Lord gave me in my soul.  I think the doctor was surprised too because he finally said straight to me, "You have the worst stage of cancer.  There's one, two, three, and four; you have four!  There's no cure."  I wasn't trying to be strong, and I wasn't in denial.  It was what it was, and I just needed to know what we needed to do next.  He said the surgery needed to be done as soon as possible.  In fact, he wanted it done the very next week.  We stepped out of the consulting room and went to a computer where he pulled up the results of my CT scan.  He started showing all the "spots" of cancer all throughout my lungs.  Wow!  "How long do I have?" was the question I posed to him.  "If left untreated, less than a year.  With treatment, between 1-3."  Hearing that response, my mom walked away unable to control her tears.

The following Thursday, January 26, I had the scheduled surgery.  All of my siblings came.  What a blessing and unexpected surprise!  The surgery went well.  However, Saturday night, I took a turn for the worse and started vomiting.  Again and again.  Would it ever end?  Sunday, I was so weak, I could hardly open my eyes.  The afternoon brought a steady stream of visitors as my church family filed in little by little staying for just a few minutes as per instructions.  Late that evening, my pastor and his wife visited me.  I was spent.  Flat on my back with my eyes barely opened, I wearily admitted to them that I didn't think I could continue.  It was time for Jesus to take me Home, and I had told Him to go ahead and do so.  I wasn't being dramatic.  I believe because I had been in so much pain for so many months prior to the surgery that I had no reservoir of strength.  There was nothing left within me.  After some reassuring words, Robin leaned over to me and quoted Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”  Little did she know that I stumbled upon that verse as a teen while I was reading my Bible for my devotions, and had been one of my comfort verses ever since.

Several days after my surgery, I recall a nurse entering my hospital room to show me how to change my colostomy bag.  She showed me how to cut it to properly fit the area.  After she showed me, she wanted me to practice.  I held the small scissors and started to cut the hole to fit around my stoma.  My sister Julie watched as she would be helping me once I got home.  As I cut, tears started flowing.  "This will be my life now," I was thinking, "So different from what I expected!"

I will spare you the details of the following weeks; but suffice it to say, they were challenging.  Only one other time during this trial did I ask the Lord to take me Home.  It was after my first chemo treatment when I became violently ill.  We all thought it was just a reaction to the chemo but later found out that I probably caught the flu which was "going around" at the hospital at the time I had my chemo.  I was so sick, so weak, so lifeless.

Shortly thereafter, I saw a video clip of a young woman who was diagnosed with cancer when she was a senior in high school.  After being treated and having her cancer return and being sent home to "die within 3 weeks," the Lord miraculously healed her.  She said on the video, "I knew I couldn't give up because then I would be letting down everyone who was praying for me."  I never thought of it like that before.  That day, I determined I would never again ask the Lord to let me out of this trial via death.  That would be giving up; and I, like this young lady, had too many people praying for me.  I didn't want to let anyone down by giving up.

Why am I sharing all of this?  Because if you're reading this, you've stuck with me for over a year now.  That's a long time!  Thank you!  My sweet parents have, literally, given up their lives to care for me.  My siblings have been here for me in numerous ways.  My boss has been incredibly forgiving as I've worked less than half a year.  Again, my boss and church family have stepped in and filled each responsibility I've left open.  My church family has provided meals during each chemo week.  Family, friends, and even those I've never met have sent in funds to care for my medical needs.  So many have sent cards, letters, and e-mails of encouragement.  And many, even clear across the world, continue to pray for me.  How humbled am I!  From the depths of my heart, I gratefully say thank you!

Finally, through it all, the Lord continues to be faithful.  He continues to show me nuggets in Scripture to keep me encouraged.  Such was the case on the 26th as I pondered the past year, “...I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.” (Psalms 26:1)  As I saw the word "slide," I looked up it's meaning.  It means "to slip, totter, shake."  Cancer holds its own uncertainties.  Chemotherapy makes me weak and wobbly.  However, if I trust in the Lord, I SHALL NOT SLIDE.  It all comes back to trust, doesn't it.  I am determined to continue to trust the One Who loves me and knows what's best for me and Who is always right!

Again, thank you for bearing this load with me.  Each of you has touched my life in a special and incredible way, and you have been living examples of the true meaning of the word "Christian."  I do love each and every one of you, and I feel very loved by you as well!

Forever grateful and indebted am I,

Joanna

P.S. - My chemo has been delayed until next week, February 4, due to my being ill.

* Order The Abundant Single life here.  It’s still on sale for $9.71 (That’s 25% off!)

* The Kindle edition is available here for $6.50.

* Write her at joannajax@timberlinebaptist.org if you wish to use her tract, Peace That Passes Understanding and Joy Unspeakable.

Please, pray for Joanna’s healing.

Pastor Dan Parton

Timberline Baptist Church

Manitou Springs, CO

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness!” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

_________________________

Here ya go.  It’s a long one:

Dear Ones,

Amazed am I at how many have wanted an update on my health.  What in the world has made anyone interested blows my mind yet encourages me at the same time!  Thank you for your care of me; for, as the old saying says, “You care for what you care about.”

Fair warning:  some of the following information is not for the weak in heart.  I am sharing the realness of chemo, and it might be too much for some of you.  For that, I apologize; but I determined long ago that if I were going to share about chemo, I was going to be as open as possible.  Here it goes!

The weeks since my last update have definitely been a mixed bag.  I was blessed beyond measure when one of my dear college friends Amy Cook and her three-year-old daughter, Megan, flew out to see me.  It was Amy’s first time to fly and first time out west.  For inquiring minds, I have been privileged to visit Amy and her family, but the Lord never brought the pieces together for her to be able to come see me.  Such is the life of an assistant pastor’s wife who has four kids.  Choosing between turning on the heat in the winter and coming out to see me was not a difficult choice; and, yes, there were times they didn’t turn on the heat even though they live in Michigan!  So, having the Lord miraculously provide for them to come out was a blessing indeed.  Megan was beyond angelic and entertained herself easily while Amy and I fellowshipped.  She was only here for four nights, but we enjoyed the time we had.  Before she left on Saturday, we were chatting in my living room, and I burst into tears thanking her for coming.  She and I embraced and had ourselves a good cry.  She said she had been determined not to cry, and I praised her for doing so well.  She then confessed that she had cried every night after she went to bed.  I had no idea.  Such situations remind me how hard cancer is...on everyone, not just me.  When I saw her pass through security at the airport, I left bawling like a baby.  Yep, it’s official!  “Blubbering idiot” is my name, and crying is my game!  =]

The next Monday brought another chemo round.  In spite of the extra anti-nausea medicine, I struggled with it the whole time.  My body was so weak from the treatment that my nurse got me a wheelchair.  After plopping by weary body into the chair, my emotions, once again, got the better of me, and I sobbed.  After gaining my composure, we headed for the lobby.  Picture my 76-year-old mother walking as her 42-year-old daughter was groggily riding along.  Pathetic, don’t you think?  Ain’t nothin’ I can do ‘bout it, though!  The nausea has continued since my treatment and has made life quite miserable.  I’m praying my doctor can give me more direction for future treatments.

Recently, my mom had been experiencing extreme shortness of breath, so a heart catheterization was scheduled for Thursday.  Sadly, we got news of an aunt’s sudden passing and needed to move up the procedure to Wednesday.  Thankfully, my sister Jennie offered to come help, and we quickly took her up on her offer.  Had she not come, I couldn’t have been at the hospital with mom.  There I was, with my chemo pack pumping into me while my mom was lying on a gurney getting poked by nurses.  Mom came through the test with little to no blockage found and didn’t need any further procedures; however, they did keep her overnight.  After receiving the good news, Jennie and I headed back for my parents’ home for me to rest until I could come to Colorado Springs to get detached from the chemo pack.  After the hour-long trip to the Springs, I was done.  There was absolutely nothing left within my physical being.  We grabbed Arby’s, ate, and headed back to my parents’ house in Pueblo West.  After arriving home, I got into my “jammies,” crawled into bed, and sobbed.  Jennie came in and laid beside me and stroked my brow.  “I just feel so awful!” was all I could say.

Thursday after my mom arrived home from the hospital, we all headed for Casper, Wyoming, for my aunt’s funeral.  I knew it wouldn’t be an easy trip since just having chemo, but we had no choice.  Dad and Jennie did all the driving as mom, Honey (my dog), and I rode in the back.  Again, had Jennie not come, I don’t know how we would have managed!

Although mom and I were both very weak, we were able to shortly stay for part of the viewing on Thursday and attend the funeral on Friday.  Saturday found us back in the car headed to Colorado Springs.  By the time we arrived home, I slumped on the couch, and started to cry.  Mom sat beside me and allowed me to lie my head on her lap.  As the tears streamed down my face, we realized that traveling on chemo week is not wise and can never be repeated.  I mean, I felt so bad that when I saw my aunt in the casket, I was ready to jump in beside her.  It was bad!

The Lord did allow me the grace to make it to each church service on Sunday, including Sunday school, and even play the piano.  I looked pretty much like death warmed over, but I made it.  Today (Tuesday) finds me sitting on my couch at home ill as can be.  Most likely, I have a sinus infection or the flu or both.  Who knows!  I was able to get a prescription from the doc so am hoping to nip this in the bud.

So, has anything positive come out of the last three weeks?  Other than Amy’s coming?  Yes.  As we traveled back to Colorado from Wyoming, we had a CD playing in the car, and the song “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” started playing.  The chorus says:

1. 1. Many things about tomorrow,
      

   2. I don’t seem to understand;
      

   3. But I know Who holds tomorrow,
      

   4. And I know Who holds my hand.
      

2. 
   

Love the song!  However, my mind thought, “I can’t even think about tomorrow in this trial, for that’s too far away.  I have to focus on making it today, this hour, this minute.”  Thinking about tomorrow when I feel the way I feel is too hard, too overwhelming, too impossible.  I just gotta make it now, right now.

Also, I was reminded of another dear friend’s words to me (it was actually Amy’s sister Sarah) who emailed me this quote she read in a book, “It is good to have faith to be healed, but do you have faith to be sick?”  Sarah thanked me for having such faith.  I have contemplated that quote since reading it.  Do I, Joanna Jackson, have the faith to be sick?  I’m not sure I do, but one of my college mentors Marlene Evans taught us that when someone praises us for something we don’t possess to make that a goal in our lives instead of denying that we are that way.  So, I have prayed many a time since reading the quote, but especially in these past two weeks, “Lord, help me to have the faith to be sick.”  It’s easy to believe God will heal, but it’s a bigger challenge to live a happy, fulfilled life while sick.  Some days, I fail miserably; others are better.  I’m growing.  Please be patient with me.

Now, just a couple more things, and I’ll be through.  First of all, we found out that my book, “The Abundant Single Life,” is now available on Amazon for Kindle users.  May I just say a big THANK YOU to the Sword of the Lord Publishers!  They have been more than kind to me and have gone above-and-beyond the call of duty in making this work available.  You know, as I struggled with being single (and I still have hard days...another growing area for me), I longed for a fundamental Bible-based book to turn to that specifically dealt with issues of being single.  Amid my searching, I found very little available.  Please take advantage of something that I was not privileged to have, and use what the Lord has taught me to help you and others you know.

Secondly, I have failed to mention that if anyone is interested in having some of my tracts to pass out, I will gladly provide them free of charge.  Now, my tracts are not meant to be placed inside of bills or just left around.  (Use other tracts for those purposes, please.)  They need to be directly handed to people if you want me to provide them for you.  I want them used with care and purpose.  Please, let me know if you would like some and how many.  One of our missionaries Becky Pope provided for our church family one year tract holders that keep tracts neat and clean inside of purses and pockets.  I use mine and am able to keep tracts from getting tattered before handing them out.  It’s a good investment for anyone who wants to be a tract-passer-outer!  

Please forgive the length of this update, but “Little Miss Details” is another one of my names!  Thank you for your concern, love, and prayers for me.  Without you, I would surely feel very alone.  And just in case any of you are wondering, amid all the heartache, I still know beyond all doubt that God loves me!

From my heart,

Joanna

* Order The Abundant Single life here.  It’s still on sale for $9.71 (That’s 25% off!)

* The Kindle edition is available here for $6.50.

* Write her at joannajax@timberlinebaptist.org if you wish to use her tract, Peace That Passes Understanding and Joy Unspeakable.

Please, pray for Joanna’s healing.

Pastor Dan Parton

Timberline Baptist Church

Manitou Springs, CO

“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.” (Philippians 1:20)

_________________________

Musings of a Cancer Patient

Dear Faithful Ones,

Please forgive the delay in my update. This week's chemo was so difficult on me that I was unable to do an update any sooner. I am happy to report that my CEA went down to 25. Even though it's not a huge jump, it's going in the right direction which is encouraging to me. The pain has also been much more manageable. After chemo, I was very nauseated but kept the nauseous pills coming on a regular schedule and was, thankfully, able to avoid throwing up. Sadly, I missed church this Wednesday. It is the first time I have missed church in such a long time, but I was too weak from chemo. Just thinking about riding in the car to the church was overwhelming. I cried, but there was nothing I could do about it. Please, if you are physically able, go to church! I wanted to hear my pastor preach, I wanted to sing hymns with my church family, I wanted to get encouragement from the preaching of the Word of God and from others, but I couldn't. You just never know what the Lord has for you, and you never know who needs to see you at church...and you never know when you will not be physically able to attend. It could change in an instant! Go while you can.

Christmas brought a new thought pattern for me. As I've faced cancer, I have thought (and have been reminded by many) of how thankful I am that Jesus died so I could have Heaven to look forward to. Imagine going through life with no hope of Heaven! The Bible says such people are "of all men most miserable." However, my mind went a different direction this Christmas as I mused on Christ's birth. Had Jesus never been born, I couldn't daily face cancer. That little baby, lying in an animal's feeding trough, inspires me to continue on through "today's" battle. His coming not only was the beginning of making eternal life available to me, but the Christ Child motivates me to keep on keepin' on in this life!

As my parents, my sister Jennie, and I sat at our table on Christmas Day, my dad prayed something he's never before prayed at Christmastime or at least not in the same light. He asked the Lord to give us many more Christmases together. I knew why He asked this of the Lord. It wasn't because he's 81 or my mom is 76. It wasn't even because of recent changes within our family. That prayer was solely because of my health. Sobering to say the least.

This past Sunday, my pastor preached a sermon that reminded me of the perspective each of us must have concerning difficulties we face. As he preached, I felt the Lord wanted me to share the points in my update, for there just may be some of you who are at the end of your rope or just don't know what to do. If that's you, may I remind you of what you already know but may have forgotten in your hurt:

1. Accept it.

2. Make peace with it.

3. Use it to bring glory to God.

The sermon was a good reminder for me, especially in light of how difficult my new chemo regimen is. Although I am not giving up and will continue to fight this disease, this week gave me more of an understanding of how some cancer patients come to the point where "enough is enough" and call off further chemo treatments. If I could compare how chemo makes me feel to something, I would do so to give you clearer understanding. However, I am unable to put into words what chemo does to the human body. Needless to say, it ain't easy! This was a week filled with many tears from both my mom and me as I struggled to make it through. I know there is a reason for all of this, and I am asking God to help me to learn each lesson He has for me. This is hard, to say the least; but God is still good, and I will continue to trust Him.

Lastly, on Sunday nights, my pastor is bringing a series on different men in Proverbs. One such man is the Scornful Man, and one of the examples used was Job's three friends who were trying to "support" him in his God-allowed trial. Their consoling efforts were so awful that Job said, "...miserable comforters are ye all." Oh, yes, since my diagnosis, I have had three such "miserable comforters," all of which knew me very little and have left me alone since I didn't respond to their words. But those who have stuck with me for almost a year now have been the direct opposite of Job's three friends, and I thank you! Encouraged, blessed, inspired, and upheld by you dear ones has been such a joy through such heartache. Thank YOU for helping me to make it!

I deeply love you all,

Joanna

** Be sure to get a copy of Joanna’s book, The Abundant Single Life, The Sword of the Lord publishers have it on sale right now for 25% off.

** Your correspondence with Joanna is greatly appreciated.  If you wish, you may e-mail her at joannajax@timberlinebaptist.org or write her at:

Joanna Jackson

512 Canon Avenue

Manitou Springs, CO  80829

Your many faithful prayers for JoJo are of utmost importance.  Thank you for holding her up in prayer!

Praying constantly for that miracle!

Pastor Dan Parton

Timberline Baptist Church

512 Canon Avenue

Manitou Springs, CO  80829

“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.” (Philippians 1:20)

_________________________

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Dear Prayer Partners,

The past two weeks have certainly been a mix of emotions and happenings, thus the title to this update.  First, let me thank you for your continued prayer support and interest throughout my trial.  Although I don't want to bore you with my health details, several have expressed their desire to know the nitty gritty; and if my sharing can help people understand what cancer patients endure, then I'm willing to bare my soul.

The results of my blood test show that my CEA number has jumped to 27.6.  I asked my doctor why he didn't want to pursue radiation after all.  He said that my numbers are showing that the cancer is being more aggressive all throughout my body.  If we were to use radiation, it can be focused only on one specific area, but my whole system needs to be dealt with.  Also, if I were to have radiation, I cannot have chemo in tandem.  Lastly, the radiation could cause more bowel problems which would be harder to deal with once I started chemo again.  The radiation is more to help with pain, and I'm able to mostly control that with medication.  Since we need to attack the cancer throughout my body instead of focus on just one area, chemo is the logical choice.

Monday, I started the new chemo drugs.  The doctor said I should still have my hair for Christmas, but he warned me that I will slowly lose my hair but then may wake up one day and have the majority of it fall out at once.  I'm thankful he warned me of that.  Although I have tried to prepare my heart for losing my hair, I wasn't fully ready for what happened recently.

Here goes the ugly part:  I went to Pueblo's hospital to look at their free wigs.  When the volunteer unlocked the door to their supply room, my heart sunk as I looked at the 1970's mannequin-faced busts with wigs that looked like hair that belonged either on an elderly woman or on the head of a poor girl's doll.  I couldn't believe I had driven an hour for that!  The few wigs I tried looked hideous!  I just wanted to cry!  The good:  The Colorado Springs' hospital had a bit of a better quality but still nothing that would work for me.  So, this past Saturday, my mom and I made it to a local wig shop.  Thankfully, there were more modern hairdos, and I was able to purchase two wigs; one straight, the other curly.  Also, the owner was able to style them similarly to my hair and teach me how to properly put them on and care for them.  Surprisingly, there's a lot more to wearing a wig than just slapping it on your head and going out the door.  I left the shop more encouraged knowing that I will look more natural than I expected and that I have a place that can help educate me more as questions and problems arise.

The bad:  After church this past Sunday morning, my mom was crying so hard.  As we discussed the reason for her tears, her response was, "I hate that you have to go through this, and this is the hardest thing our family has ever endured."  Knowing my trial is hurting others breaks my heart.  I'm thankful for those who love me, but I don't want others hurting because of my circumstances.  However, I can't have one without the other.

More good:  As I've had some harder days recently, the Lord has brought encouragement my way through good words others have shared regarding my book or how my trial has inspired them or via something I've read in my Bible.  I've even had a niece and a sister donate, in my honor, their hair to "Locks of Love," an organization that makes and freely provides human hair wigs for children.  No matter how the "good word" has come my way, the timing has been perfect.  Please let me encourage you, when the Lord touches your heart to say something positive to someone, please share it.  You never know when your words will be exactly what a person needs to hear at a particular time, even if that person isn't obviously hurting.

The good continues:  Recently, I finished reading 1 Samuel in my devotions and was reminded that David was made king of Israel when he was 30.  Of course, the previous chapters showed the hardships David faced beforehand.  I cannot imagine being pursued by my leadership who wanted to kill me.  David was a human just as I am and endured so much at such a young age yet remained faithful, which helps me to know I can do likewise!

Opportunity to let more good arise:  As Pastor Jack Hyles used to say, "Be nice to everybody, because everybody's having a rough time," I am going to ask you to remember to pray for a dear couple, Darrell and Stephanie Reeves and their new-born daughter, Victoryonna.  They have faithfully served the Lord, as pastor and pastor's wife, for over 20 years in a little mountain town.  Victoryonna was born 12 weeks early.  She was a mere 1 pound, 14 oz.  This couple has other children and have even adopted.  They are two people who have proven their sincerity and dedication to the Lord.  The Lord has allowed me 42 precious years of life, and I'd like for Him to give Victoryonna at least the same opportunity at life as I've had.

This past Saturday (the 15th) was my 42nd birthday, and I'm very thankful the Lord has given me this many years to live for Him.  Thank you for your prayers that He may possibly allow me to have more to come.

I hope each of you have a blessed Christmas!  Again, thank you for the friendship and love you have bestowed upon me.  I am abundantly blessed!

Lovingly posted,

Joanna

1. 1. ** If you have not yet read Joanna’s book, The Abundant Single Life, The Sword of the Lord publishers have it on sale right now for 25% off.  What a great gift idea!
      

   2. ** Your correspondence with Joanna is greatly appreciated.  If you wish, you may e-mail her at joannajax@timberlinebaptist.org or write her at:
      

   3. 
      

   1. Joanna Jackson
      

   2. 512 Canon Avenue
      

   3. Manitou Springs, CO  80829
      

   4. 
      

   5. ** Your many faithful prayers for JoJo are of utmost importance.  Thank you for holding her up in prayer!
      

2. 
   

Still praying for a miracle!

Pastor Dan Parton

Timberline Baptist Church

512 Canon Avenue

Manitou Springs, CO  80829

“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.” (Philippians 1:20)

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It was the Best of Times; it was the Worst of Times

Dear Prayer Supporters,

As I sit here waiting for my next chemo treatment, I am reminded how vital mind control is.  I've had some big blessings since my last update and some bummers.  While at work this past week, I've enjoyed some visiting deer.  I'll never tire seeing Colorado's wildlife!  The weather has been especially mild, which is such a treat for me!  Also, I was able to enjoy the company of my sister Julie, her son Jarod, his wife Trish, and their child this past Saturday, as well as attend our adult Christmas party that evening.  It made for a long day but a good day.

As for the bummer, although my pain has not been as bad as the previous two weeks, I've had some rough days.  Today, I learned that my CEA count has gone up to 20.1.  This means that the lower chemo dose isn't doing much good.  So, my doctor wants to start me on a new chemo regimen the next time I come in (December 17).  This new chemo will cause me to be more fatigued, have more bowel problems, and cause me to lose my hair.  I was hoping to delay the next chemo phase longer, but that's not going to be possible.

So, my mind could focus on the fact that my options for treating this cancer are getting fewer and that my limited time here is looming even bigger now, or I could focus on the blessings the Lord has brought my way.  Although it's sometimes difficult, I choose to focus on the blessings.  On Sunday morning, Dan Penn, our pastor's assistant, sang Ron Hamilton's song "Trust His Word."  As he sang the second verse, I couldn't contain my tears.  Below is that verse and the chorus to this precious song:

He is not a distant stranger, He can be your closest friend.

And He'll always listen closely when you share your heart with Him.

Jesus walks the path beside you; He has been there all along.

And He'll guide your feet when your step is weak,

And your strength is almost gone.

Trust His Word! Trust His Word!

All God's promises are true.  Trust His Word!

When your pathway disappears, when your joy gives way to tears,

When you're plagued with doubts and fears, Trust His Word!

Thank you for supporting me and praying for me.  Although I'm in the shadows right now, God is still good, and I will continue to trust Him.

With trusting heart,

Joanna

* * * * * * *

If you haven’t done so already, you need to order Joanna’s book published by The Sword of the Lord.  You can do so by clicking this link and following the links on that page:  The Abundant Single Life  This would be a great Christmas gift for the singles in your ministry!

Still praying with all our hearts,

Pastor Dan Parton

Timberline Baptist Church

Manitou Springs, Colorado

“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.”

Philippians 1:20

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He's Been Faithful

Dear Concerned Ones,

How thankful I am for those who care enough about me and my situation to pray for me and to read my updates.  Thank you for your unfailing concern even though this trial has been anything but short-term.

The week after my previous chemo treatment, I started to get some much-needed relief from the rectal pain.  However, the second week afterwards, the pain came back in a fury.  Thus, this past Monday's chemo treatment couldn't get here quick enough for me!  

Before chemo, I had an appointment with my oncologist.  After learning more about my pain, he chose to prescribe for me a slow-release pain medication.  He said if that does not help, he will most likely recommend radiation.  If there is no marked improvement after radiation, then we will have to up the dose of chemo.  He (and I agree with him) does not want to up the chemo dose too quickly because that will limit my options in the long run.  I'm thankful for a wise doctor who is not rushing to make changes in my treatment but instead is being cautious to protect me and my future care.

Monday's chemo went well.  The slow-release pain medicine is helping somewhat; however, I am still needing to take the other pain medicine as well, so I am pretty wiped out.  I do have times of no pain, but those times are few and far between.  I am thankful, though, for any degree of relief!

I do not have a CEA number to report from my last blood work because I had a new nurse who did not notice my doctor's order for it.  I was disappointed to discover this, but such is life.

Although I was unable to help in the preparation for our Thanksgiving feast, the Lord gave me the strength and made me pain-free enough to help in the clean up.  Scraping dishes is not normally a duty I praise the Lord for while doing, but it was this week!

I have been wanting to share something miraculous with you but have waited for when I would have a break from my chemo to do so.  Since that is not going to happen unless the Lord heals me, I believe now is the appropriate time to speak up.  The Bible admonishes us to brag on the Lord.  Psalms 145:1-7 say, "I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness. They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness."  So, here it goes!

When I was first diagnosed, I was immediately concerned about the financial cost to me, my family, and/or my church family, so I took my need to the Lord alone.  November 18 marked ten months since my diagnosis, and I can gratefully say that every bill has been paid in full.  I didn't try to figure out how the Lord was going to do this, and there was no use worrying about it.  Having no ability to care for these needs has required me to totally trust in Him and His way of provision.  (Totally trusting the Lord?  Yep!  Sounds a lot like salvation, doesn't it!?  Try it!  You'll like it!)  Truthfully, it has been so exciting to see how the Lord has faithfully provided.

Due to the Lord's leading, many have sent me or my church financial gifts to help care for my medical costs.  I have been amazed at the churches who have taken up love offerings for me, the full-time Christian workers (even some with large families of their own) who have sent in financial help, those who have never met me who have chosen to help care for my needs, friends and family who have been beyond generous, and the list could go on.  No matter the amount of the gift, the Lord has used each one to care for every single need.

For example, recently, I needed to purchase approximately $350 worth of colostomy supplies.  I was able to make a full order because the money was "there" to care for that need.  Each time I have gone to my oncologist, I have paid the bill with no fear, for the money was already there to care for it.

So, my praise first and foremost goes to my incredible God for miraculously providing.  Without Him, I would be in a financial hole with no way out!  Secondly, I humbly thank any who have been led of the Lord and followed that leading to help care for my medical costs.  Each gift has been a sacrifice, and I am blessed beyond measure for your kindness to me.

In my sickness, the financial aspect has never been burdensome, not because of me but because of my wonderful Lord and because of God's good, kind, thoughtful, and generous people.  Boy, do I feel like I am failing in expressing how amazing this is!  You know, it sure is fun to sit back and watch the Lord provide for a trial He has allowed into my life.

Please be assured, I am NOT sharing this to ask anything of any of you.  I am strictly sharing this to give praise to the One Who has been overly good to someone who really doesn't deserve it!

I hope each of you have enjoyed the blessings of this Thanksgiving week and are able to praise the Lord even more because of what I have shared.

With grateful heart,

Joanna

** Feel free forward this to your praying friends, and/or read it on our web site if you prefer.

http://timberlinebaptist.org/JoJos_Updates/JoJos_Updates.html

If you would like to send any correspondence to Joanna via e-mail, send it to:

joannajax@timberlinebaptist.org

If you would like to send something through the mail, please send it to:

Joanna Jackson

Timberline Baptist Church

512 Canon Avenue

Manitou Springs, CO  80829

Still praying with all our hearts,

Pastor Dan Parton

Timberline Baptist Church

Manitou Springs, Colorado

“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.”

Philippians 1:20

___________________________________

God Still Loves Me!

Monday, November 5, 2012

Dear Prayer Warriors,

I cannot thank you enough for praying for me during this trial the Lord has allowed into my life. I will give you my latest update. I had chemo today, and it went well. It was the lower dose, so we were only at the hospital a couple of hours.  Because I have been experiencing more rectal pain, we were prepared for worse results from my blood work. My CEA number was 11.9, which is six points higher than it was the last time I had chemo. My nurse hesitated giving me the results and even teared up before she handed them to me. This made me quite nervous to learn what had happened, but I was actually relieved as I figured the number would be even higher due to the incredible amount of pain I have been experiencing recently.

I don't know when my next doctor's appointment will be, but I'm sure he will tell me what direction he wants to go next. I would like to be able to continue with the reduced amount of chemo, but I don't know if this will help to nip the cancer in the bud, so to speak. I will just have to wait and see what the doctor thinks is best.

As for our trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, it was a blessed time with family, and I'm very thankful I got to go. Unfortunately, I did have extreme pain and nausea at times, but the Lord seemed to hold off the pain until we were done with our different outings. I did get to see some beautiful handiwork of the Lord's, as well as be blessed by Christians in the area, especially the church we got to attend on Wednesday and Sunday. On Sunday, the pastor dedicated a song to me that the choir sang.  Its title is "Written in Red," and the chorus says, "I love you, I love you, that's what Calvary says.  I love you, I love you; I love you, written in red," as if Jesus were speaking.  My mom bawled through the whole song while my brother held her in his arms. It made me more aware of how extremely difficult this trial is on my parents. I want to thank any of you who remember to lift them up in prayer.

I do have a huge blessing I am excited to share with you.  A few months ago, the Lord laid on my heart to write a tract regarding my cancer and how the Lord has given me peace and joy through this situation. I had written the tract but was still doing research as to where to get it printed. I desperately wanted this done before I went on the trip so I could use the tracts as I crossed the paths of different people. Two weeks before our trip, we got an email at the church stating that our church had won free printing of 2,500 tracts. This came as a total surprise to us and was such a blessing, especially with the timing.  I was able to immediately send the text that I had written to this business, and they worked very hard to get it printed in time. They sent 50 tracts to the church I was going to attend while away, and so I was able to use it for a good part of my trip. So, once again, the Lord proved His leading and His provision in my life, and I want to give Him all the glory!  The Lord has opened doors already through this tract, and I'm excited to see what the future holds in regard to it.

Again, thank you for your prayers for me and my family. This trial is not easy, and we have shed many tears through it all. However, I am glad to say that the Lord is still good, and He has proven his goodness to us.

I do not know what the future holds. Having more pain and knowing that my cancer numbers are increasing can be very difficult to be bear.  But I'm thankful I have a God I can trust even when the light at the end of the tunnel seems to be dimming.

Your kind words of reassurance are such a blessing to read. Thank you for taking the time to pray for me and then to let me know that you are praying for me and for my situation. I love you, and I thank you for loving me. Have a wonderful rest of your week!

Sincerely written,

Joanna

** Feel free forward this to your praying friends, and/or read it on our web site if you prefer.

http://timberlinebaptist.org/JoJos_Updates/JoJos_Updates.html

If you would like to send any correspondence to Joanna via e-mail, send it to:

joannajax@timberlinebaptist.org

If you would like to send something through the mail, please send it to:

Joanna Jackson

Timberline Baptist Church

512 Canon Avenue

Manitou Springs, CO  80829

Still praying with all our hearts,

Pastor Dan Parton

Timberline Baptist Church

Manitou Springs, Colorado

“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.”

Philippians 1:20

___________________________________

No Pain, No Gain?  I Don’t Think So!

Dear Faithful Ones,

Ain’t God good?  How can I properly thank the many of you who have diligently prayed for me?  As I was reminded by several this week of their prayers for me, I was, once again, humbled and encouraged all at the same time.  What an inspiration my prayer warriors are to me!

I do have some negative news to share.  Rather than avoiding the subject, I will be direct and to the point.  For the past week, I have been experiencing severe rectal pain.  This pain is reminiscent of the pain I had before I started chemo.  After arriving home from church last Sunday, I took a very strong pain reliever.  It helped the pain greatly but caused me to be very sick the next day.  I was unable to keep anything down until Monday night.

After contacting my oncologist, he prescribed for me a different pain killer which has helped me without making me so nauseated, praise the Lord!  Today (Friday), I was able to have a doctor’s appointment, and he has come to the conclusion that my rectal tumor has become active again which is causing the pain.  We have delayed chemo since October 1 because my family has planned a vacation for us to go to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to take in the beautiful fall colors.  When this trip was planned, we thought I would be having a break from chemo.  Of course, I have had a few weeks but not like we were thinking.  The doctor recommended that daily I take more of the pain medicine for the trip, and I will start back with the reduced chemo treatments when I return.  Also, my doctor is considering radiation treatment as well.  This will be decided at a later date.

I do ask that you pray that my pain can be manageable for this trip.  The medicine makes me sleepy, and I don’t want to sleep my vacation away; however, I can’t function with the pain either.  Although this may be my last vacation, I am trying not to focus on that possibility.  My siblings and their spouses and even some of my nieces and nephews are going to take part in this trip, so my plan is to focus on family, not on the future.

Amid the pain, the Lord has allowed me the strength to be at work a good part of each day and to attend and be involved in each church service.  What a blessing!  I want to encourage you to go to church and to be involved now.  You never know how long you will be physically able to do so, and you’ll never regret doing all you can for the Lord!

Again, thank you for your love, concern, thoughts, and especially your prayers.  My heart has saddened over the loss of two of my cancer buddies this week.  How grateful I am that both were saved and that we have Heaven to look forward to!

I love you and am grateful beyond words for each of you!

Joanna

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Chemo Today, Conked Out Tomorrow

Monday, October 1, 2012

Dear Faithful Ones,

I had a chemo treatment today.  I was surprised that the doctor wanted me to have it as my platelet count was only 89,000.  Usually, he wants the count to be 100,000+.  My last chemo treatment was 6 weeks ago, so it is quite shocking that my platelets aren't bouncing back.  My nurse said my bone marrow is just tired.  I think I can relate!  At any rate, my doctor said to go ahead with the treatment.  My nurse said he probably is weighing the risks against the benefits.  Taking chemo with a lower platelet count ups my possibility of infection.  However, not having the chemo for too long can possibly allow the cancer to take over.

My CEA number has gone up slightly to 5.8.  The last time I had chemo, it was 4.9.  Although this is going in the wrong direction, it is still in the same general numbers area, which is better than it exploding to a higher level.

Having six weeks off was extremely enjoyable for me, I must admit.  These past two weeks, I was feeling strong enough to paint and decorate one of our Sunday school classrooms and also our church's men's restroom.  This was fun!

Also, I was strong enough to vacuum our church's auditorium.  Although I've been involved in our church's cleaning in one way or another, I haven't been able to do so since my surgery in January.  It has never bothered me to clean the church, but I had such a different view of it this time.  As I vacuumed, I was thanking the Lord for the strength to do so.  What a privilege to serve the Lord, whether that be at our church's piano or behind the church's vacuum!  I can identify quite well to the Psalmist when he penned Psalm 84:10, “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”  I'd rather serve my Lord in some way than work in the world any day!

Thank you to each of you who have continued to lift up my name in prayer.  Your faithfulness inspires me!  God bless you...each and every one!

Lovingly posted,

Joanna

* Be sure to buy a copy or two of Joanna’s book, The Abundant Single Life.  It is available at the Sword of the Lord for only $12.95.  This is a “must read” for anyone, especially singles and ministry leaders!

Never stop praying for a miracle!

Brother Parton

Timberline Baptist Church

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Not My Will...

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

I just returned from a consultation with my doctor as to what I should do next.  Many have been praying for him and me to have wisdom in this process.  My desire, as I have expressed to you all, has been to get a break from chemo to start feeling “normal” again.  I’ve been in a process of surrender as this appointment has neared, for I want to do what the Lord wants me to do, not follow my heart.

The doctor helped me better understand the results of my PET scan.  The tumors on my lungs have not only stopped growing but have shrunk, as has the rectal tumor.  My liver still shows cancerous activity although greatly reduced.  So, it is still a good report, praise the Lord!

My doctor’s advice to me is to try to at least maintain this stage in the game.  He does not want me to quit chemo “cold turkey” but would like me to continue with the dosage I was taking the last two rounds but space the treatments out to every three weeks rather than two.  My heart sunk as a break just sounded so good, but I understand my doctor’s reasoning.  The longer we can maintain the cancer with this dosage, the longer we can put off using a higher dosage.  To use the higher dosage too soon would limit my options in the future.

As I left the examining room and re-entered the waiting room, I silently prayed in my heart, “Not my will, but Thine be done,” since this was not the news I was wanting to hear.  However, I will trust the wisdom the Lord has given my doctor.  This news has dimmed the light at the end of the tunnel that I was focusing on.  Having the “twelve rounds” and then a possible break gave me a goal, but now that goal has been removed as my doctor told my mom I will have to continually be on chemo from now on until we’re out of options.  This is yet another challenge to control my thinking.  I’ve considered a comparison, and those who are bound to a wheelchair is what keeps popping up in my mind.  They have no hope of a cure but must live the best life they can with the lot they have been given.  That’s where I am. 

As I said, “Not my will, but Thine be done.”  Thank you for your continued prayers for me and interest in my health.  My faithful prayer warriors are lights of encouragement in my tunnel of cancer.

With surrendered heart,

Joanna

* Joanna has written a book published by the Sword of the Lord entitled, The Abundant Single Life.  You can read about it and order it by clicking this link:

http://timberlinebaptist.org/The_Abundant_Single_Life.html

Everybody, married or single, needs to read this life-changing book written by one who has been there and done that, who is still there and still doing it!

Never stop praying for a miracle!

Brother Parton

Timberline Baptist Church