A lasting legacy...

2006-08-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

......

2006-02-09T12:46:00.000-08:00

The past four weeks have allowed us much needed time to reflect, pray, and think about what God has in store for us. We have also set aside some time to rest, heal, study God's word, and spend time with family. Charles' sister and brother are doing very, very well with their brothers passing. They too are leaning on God's word and comfort through it all. Basically, our whole family has become closer to God and He has continued to bless us tremendously!

Because of God's grace and His drawing people at Charles funeral celebration, some of my immediate relatives have come to know God and now attend our church regularly. We continue to pray that our whole family come to know God and His love for us all.

And finally, after some more praying, we are ready to get to work for God. One of the things we believe God has called us to do is for us to organize a teen bible study group in our home. We have planned to begin in mid February. A local pastor, who mentored Charles with starting up a teen bible study group last year, is helping us by providing guidance and study material. We are also attending a couple’s bi-monthly fellowship/prayer/bible study group. On the very first day we attended there was another first time couple and the husband is going through treatments for lung cancer. What a time for us to share Charles' testimony and of what God has done for us through the past year and a half. At the meeting we all talked, cried, prayed and I know that by the end of the evening, we all received a shot of encouragement and faith. Thank God! I have also been attending a small men's bible study group headed up by a friend where some in the group are guys who seek a closer relationship with God. Some in the group are new Christians and we pray that they too come to know the Lord by attending. It has been awesome, and I know that God will continue to teach and reveal more of his glory to us.

One other thing that God has put a strong desire in my heart for is to share Charles' and our testimony to others in writing. I began to think of the journals, writings and poems Charles left us with. Then there are all of the wonderful things that God did for us since Charles’ passing. I have begun to write some and I will share some of Charles poems with you all from time to time.

Charles wrote about his faith often, and his poems reflect his strong love for God and his glory regardless of what he was going through. The following poem, I think captures some of his faith and should be a reminder of what we need to do in times of struggle. God will listen to our cries and will deliver us from all suffering and struggles if we fall on our face before Him and surrender to Him!

One of the scriptures Charles’ read often is in James 4:7-8
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Faith Unshaken

I am a child of God,
I go nowhere without Him
I know no fear,

I walk by faith…
In the midst of fire,
Resembles He, who endured trial,
Endured pain, and yet,
He gave His life.

Faith unshaken.
Faith unshaken, to the very end.

Though my body faileth,
I, in God stand unshaken.

For our bodies all must fail…
One day.

Copyright 2005 Charles S. Garcia

2006-01-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, DEATH HAS BEEN SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY!

On Saturday, January 7, 2006, a funeral celebration was held for Charles near his home town. Approximately four hundred and fifty friends and family members attended. Many have described the ceremony as a true celebration of Charles' going home to be with the Lord. Among the family and friends in attendance were several very special people which Charles befriended while in the hospital in Houston. Without a doubt, these special friendships which Charles forged with his faith and encouragement in God will continue to flourish with those of us still here.

Several scriptures that were read at the ceremony truly depict what we had prayed as soon as Charles went home to be with our Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 says, O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?

One of Charles' favorite bible verses was in Psalms 118:24. It reads, This is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it. Basically, that was Charles' motto. Regardless of the circumstances and the impending fight ahead, he was glad and would rejoice in knowing that God's hand was at work, despite any bad report or facing death, this is what he would rejoice in!

NOW SOME MORE AWESOME NEWS...

We were thrilled to learn that an extremely talented Houston Chronicle sports reporter, John Lopez, wrote an article which came out on the Chronicles' Sunday January 8, 2006 edition. The article tells how Louisville Cardinals' All-American defensive end, Elvis Dumervil, was in Houston in December as one of three finalists eligible to receive the prestigious Lombardi award. Just days before the event, a few incredible things happened.

Charles had been selected to attend the ceremony and had already been fitted for a tuxedo. A limousine was to pick him up at the house and drive him to the event. He was to sit with other cancer patients also attending the event. Charles was thrilled and excited about attending the Lombardi awards ceremony. Well, as had often happened in the past, plans changed. Charles became ill and ended up back in the hospital just a few days before the event.

The day All-American defensive end Elvis Dumervil visited with children at Houston's Texas Children's Hospital, he met Charles. I don't know exactly what they shared with each other, but I do know that Charles was excited and was looking forward to attending the ceremony and watching Mr. Dumervil on TV playing football and keeping up with any future draft prospects. Apparently they had a profound effect on each other. I believe it was God, (he has a tendency to do that)!

For more on the story please go to Houston Chronicle's web site at chron.com and search for Elvis Dumervil. This will take you to the article titled, Elvis leaves the building...changed. I think that you will truly be amazed at how the two bonded the day there paths crossed. I still believe Charles left a lasting legacy for Christ and we are only seeing the beginning of that legacy.

Charles was a remarkable young man and would almost always best express his inner most thoughts and feelings by writing. We continue to find poems and letters dedicated to certain people and numerous other writings about his life and the trials he faced, and of his AMAZING faith in God. I think we have enough gathered to write a book that can help encourage many others who are going through a similar situation in life.

While facing the storm of his life, Charles was always ready to encourage and help others in the hospital even during times when most of us would turn and shut out the world when the fight became unbearable. You see, that is when Charles became the strongest because he understood that at our weakest, God is made stronger. And God made him stronger in return.

We had often been told that Charles was a remarkable kid and that he would grow and touch the lives of many for God. That is exactly what he is doing! Charles made many friends who attended bible study groups in the hospital with him and now know that he is finally healed!

It was that incredibly contagious personality that people loved about him. He was always positive and humble before God. He truly understood what it was to live under God's complete control. Placing his entire life (on earth and in heaven) in God's hands enabled him to live and fight the way he did. And I thank God that he had a profound effect on me and my family as well.

As mentioned before, Charles left us all many, many poems to remember him by. On December 5, 2005, Charles wrote his final poem. He titled it Roadway to heaven. I am sharing the poem with you all and believe it will touch your life as it has ours.

Roadway to heaven

The road for me has not yet ended.
With steep hills,
And even steeper drops,
Winding roads,
And no pit stops.

Trying to be a nice passenger,
I sometimes wonder if the driver is asleep.
But then He comforts me,
And told me He shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Without warning,
The weather changes,
Rain heavily pours down upon our party,
But the guests still remain gleeful,
For they are grateful for the party…

Fog blankets my home in an instant.
I can’t see tomorrow,
But I have no fear.
I have Jesus, and He is light.
I walk with Him and all darkness must flee.

But one thing is for sure,
No matter what the circumstance…
This is the day that the Lord has made
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

-Charles Garcia
Monday, December 5, 2005

To all of the wonderful people praying for us out there, THANK YOU and keep up the great work! Keep writing those encouraging comments and please share this blogspot with as many family and friends as you can. Remember, Charles could not have imagined the magnitude of how his little old blogspot would help and encourage others. He was simply living for God and was obedient to Him.

More to come...

2005-12-29T18:59:00.000-08:00

It brings me great sadness to inform you that on Thursday, December 29, 2005, Charles went to be with the Lord. He is once again rejoicing and has been made whole! Do not fret, because Charles loved the Lord and had faith that is uncommon. He touched the lives of many with his encouraging words, writings, bible studies, prayers and poems. He will leave a lasting legacy for the Lord and people from all over will see God's faith and grace through Charles and many seeds will continue to be planted.

God will continue to use Charles mightily. Charles did not plan to touch the lives of so many, but only intended to live for God. A by product of his committed faith is the work that we see occurring today. A true testimony of how what the enemy intended for bad, God turned around for good! What a testimony! Charles has inadvertently touched the lives of so many and we know he is rejoicing in heaven.

I thank God that while we endured a horrible storm over the past year and a half, we are still standing! God was honing our faith all along, and it has been galvanized, tested by fire, has endured wind and rain, and ultimately death. Thank God that we remain standing! And after the calm of the storm we thank God for removing the sting from our mourning. We will miss Charles, yes, but he would not want us to mourn without the hope of joy returning to our hearts soon. God has showered us with His grace and love that only He can deliver. Again, we thank God for all He has done and will continue to do in our lives and for the blessings He has provided our family during this past Christmas and this New Year. I can only pray that everyone reading this will be blessed by God this New Year and will come to seek and understand the kind of joy and love only He is capable of providing regardless of ANY circumstance.

Charles we love you and miss you!! We rejoice in knowing that you are made perfect and will never suffer again!

2 Timothy 4:6-8

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time
has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the
race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on
that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his
appearing.

Throughout the past few days, and even prior to Charles’ passing, God has not given us one reason to doubt Him. We have not for one second asked God why Charles was taken from us. We understand that God’s understanding is not our own. We will remain focused on Him and we will continue to be thankful!

For the “denial” theorists out there, I pray that you too come to understand faith in God and be consumed by His grace, love and joy. Then you can celebrate and stand firm regardless of any storm in life that comes your way.

We are finding more of Charles’ writings and poems in his personal journals, notebooks and computer. We will post them as we continue the journey on his blog. We encourage everyone reading this blog to share it with others as a testimony of what faith can do!

This poem was found only yesterday morning, and is yet another testimony of Charles’ faith in God. I pray that it speaks to your heart as it has ours.

Trustworthy One

Our lives at times are smooth,
We thank God for the small things,
We smile and act strong,
But that’s not all life has to bring.

To stand even when there seems to be no ground,
To trust God amidst the storm and wave,
Is to know He is God.
The same God who delivered you from the small,
Is He not great enough for the big?

Oh, Trustworthy One,
Who is there when we seem to have it all
Watching over us
Waiting for the fall?
One who is our fortress
Even to the very end.

2005-12-24T08:34:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR from Charles and family!

Charles has progressed little by little in the last week or so. He is not able to speak or move yet, but he is now opening his eyes and blinking at times (Thank God!). We have seen progress and are encouraged by it, as are the doctors. According to the doctors' reports and MRI results, Charles sustained significant brain damage as a result of extremely low blood pressure and possibly a stroke as well. They are not able to tell us at this time when Charles will recover. The plans for a bone-marrow transplant are also on hold until more progress is made. We will keep you posted. Remember that we do not place our faith in doctors' reports, but in God's report! Do not ever stop believing in God's power, all you have to do is look past the present, move forward with Him, thank Him, and praise Him for what he has in store for us.

As you continue to read, please keep in mind that I am not naive, I am not in denial, and do not think for one second that I am setting myself up for some great disappointment. Do not feel sorry for me, but continue to pray for me and my family. You see, God is not a disappointing God. If we allow him, He will reveal great things to us despite what we see in the natural world. God has allowed me to see past the present situation! I am not allowing myself to get bogged down with all of the negative fears and doubts many might feel surrounding Charles' condition! I will continue to thank God for the future no matter what happens. You see, it has already happened, it is done, and God had this all planned out way before Charles was even born! We often don't realize it, but God has a plan bigger than we can sometimes comprehend. I do know that he has used Charles mightily and because of that God has given me more and more faith. I have seen past the present and God has great things in store for me and my family.

I know that Charles is able to see past the present and for that he has inspired many. One of the many things that God revealed to Charles was looking ahead and remaining steadfast despite ANY situation he was faced with, even death. He almost made it look easy. I wanted to know how I could find that kind of faith. God answered my prayer and has allowed me to experience it on my own. It is liberating and can only be described as true freedom! There is no way humanly possible to explain it or to transfer it over. You have to want it and it can only come from God and His word!

The bible teaches us continually that despite trials and tribulations we are capable of seeing past the present. What we are going through is nothing compared to what many before us have endured. Nothing, with God's help and grace is impossible! I am looking past the present like the apostles did and I will not allow any current negative situation and negative emotions way me down. I’m prepared to do what it takes for God in the future. I realize that many will think that I’m a little crazy.... but even that; I can endure with God on my side. Please read God's word concerning faith, trials and tribulations, and how we can overcome anything with God. His truth will set you free! Free from anything that you are going through.

You see, once you entertain the thought of “well, you don’t know what I’m going through”, you have set yourself up for not allowing God to do His work. So don't allow self pity, worry, anxiety, doubt, fear, pain, suffering, sickness, confusion, family problems, financial problems, etc. have control over your walk and climb with God! Do not let the enemy rob and steal the joy of God from you! Place beneath you all of your worries and problems and use them as a giant stepping stool, you will SEE past the present and SEE what God has in store for you and His glory! Once you do that, there is no looking back, Thank God!

The biggest obstacle that prevented me from accepting God’s complete faith was doubt and uncertainty brought on by the enemy. That very doubt and uncertainty would not allow God to give me a more complete faith in Him. I began to worry about how I would handle disappointment and failure in prayer, after placing my entire trust in Him. How would I handle trusting Him completely, and then have the floor I stood on kicked out from under me? I also began to wonder how God could allow something like that to happen. Christian friends would even tell me that I needed to be ready for that kind of disappointment. Some would say that I shouldn’t have that kind of faith because ultimately I don’t know God’s will and believing the uncertain is almost like having false hope. In God there is never, ever any false hope nor is there never, ever any disappointment! That may seem like a hard pill to swallow for some, but it is the absolute truth!

Now that I have given God complete control and my complete trust and faith in Him, he has shown me that I need not worry about the floor under my feet because I will remain standing firm, regardless! I thank God that I am able to handle the present situation, or having the floor kicked out from under me or even handling the unknown. You see when you allow Him complete control, there is never any need to worry or doubt. I will remain standing firm and will never look back. I will look forward and upward and never lose sight of Him.

God is now able to teach me that faith alone is not enough. As His word says in James 2:14-17:
What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

*****************
For many, the uncertainty of what happens after death is fearful. It doesn’t have to be. Remember that anyone one of us can die unexpectedly. Charles understood that a long time ago. Because of God’s knowledge and by God’s saving grace, Charles is saved and will go to be with the Lord when that day comes. I can say that with absolute certainty, not because it sounds "nice" or because it will read nice in the obituaries. Unfortunately many believe that we are born, we live life, we die and by God’s default we are all floating on some cloud in heaven. It doesn’t work that way.

Charles is in a “win- win” situation. I know that even in his last breath he would tell us not to worry about him, but rather would remind us that we need to take care of ourselves here on earth while we still have the opportunity to make sure that we are ready for eternal life in heaven. That my friend is liberating! Thank God! Because of that freedom, I no longer worry about what the doctors will say next. I will continue to stand firm and believe that God has already healed Charles. All we need to do now is to wait for the manifestation. Because of Charles’ future with God here on earth or in heaven, I no longer have to worry about Charles’ present. God is in total control of His perfect will.

Despite all of the turmoil that we face, God has continued to bless my family with His love, peace, joy and knowledge in His word. As we continue with the spiritual battle for Charles, we have at times grown weary, but through God almighty, we are renewed in our strength and press forward towards victory. You see, we believe that victory already belongs to Charles because of our ability to look past the present.

About four months ago, I was faced with telling Charles, for the first time, that doctors believed there was nothing else they could do for him. They contemplated sending him home and making him comfortable to eventually die. While a difficult thing to do, imagine being on the receiving end of that conversation. Now imagine being told that several times during the last 4 months.

We prayed, cried and talked a short while. I left him alone for an hour or so and when I returned it was as if our conversation had never occurred! He refused to accept defeat. Charles never conceded, instead God was honing his faith and put him to the test. You see, he was able to see past the present because of God’s grace, not due to denial, but rather because of God’s freedom and showers of mercy and grace which reign in his heart.

What ever you struggle with, remember what God's word says in Hebrews 11:23-27:

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

If you are still struggling, then put on God’s armor of faith like He says in Ephesians 6:10-18:

"Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occassion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.

2005-12-18T13:37:00.000-08:00

Update on Charles...

First and foremost, I THANK GOD for his continued blessings and protection over my family.

Charles is doing great and his organs continue to function better and better every day! He is still sedated and has been so for a little over one week now! He should be well rested when he wakes up! (ha ha!) Doctors are concerned that he has not come out of the state of sedation despite discontinuing certain medications. Over the next few days, they will continue to run tests on brainwave activity and check for meningitis and so on, but God is in control and the outcome has already been ordained by Him.

As soon as he is able, Charles will jump at the opportunity to give his testimony on what God has done this past week.

Looking back at the past eighteen months since Charles initially was diagnosed with Leukemia, God has not stopped blessing and protecting my family and me. He has taught me to base my hope in Christ and has given me increased faith to withstand the rains and winds as His word says in Matthew 7:25:

[Jesus said] "The rain came down, the streams rose, and the

winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall,

because it had its foundation on the rock."

God has also poured out his blessings through my rather large blood family (thank God), work, and everyone at Church of the Good Sheperd in McAllen, Baptist Temple Church in McAllen, Calvary Baptist Church in McAllen, Journey Church in Mission, Christ Commission Bible Church in Houston, and through many, many others who are continually praying for us. THANK YOU, GOD BLESS YOU and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Matthew 5:2-5

[Jesus] said: "Your blessed when you're at the end of your rope.

With less of you there is more of God and his rule. You're blessed

when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can

you be embraced by the One most dear to you. You're blessed when

you're content with just who you are...no more, no less. That's the

moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought."

2005-12-15T20:01:00.000-08:00

Update on Charles...

Charles is stable and continues to improve since this past Tuesday. This should not be a surprise since God's hand is about him and we declare that Charles has already been healed, thank God!

Doctors report that he is still recovering and is very ill. They also say that they will need to do a cat scan on his brain to determine if any brain damage has occurred. Well, Valerie and I are standing firm in our faith given to us by God! We are not waiting for, nor are we relying on any report from the doctors. Our perfect doctor and healer, Jesus Christ, has already declared the perfect report.

We will persevere and continue to stand firm because in Hebrews 10:23 it says:

Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the
hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to
keep his promise.

So we are trusting God and his word!

Charles had recently written some encouraging messages which he passed out to several young cancer patients and their parents. Here is a portion of his writings...

"I write this to you by faith, that you will be encouraged by God as I have through this time of trial and tribulation."

As one who has been through much and has experienced pain, I feel called, being given a gift of words by God to write this to you, knowing that you yourself have experienced much no matter how long it's been, or how hopeless it may appear. For to read a book or letter or even so much as to hear words from one who has not been in your shoes, does little compared to someone who is told he has no hope with medicine or science. Therefore, I write this with compassion and understanding, that I can share not the pain and suffering I have come through, but what it, through Christ has produced. Even in scripture does it continually speak of tribulations producing certain things. In Romans 5:3-4 it says:

...we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience: and patience experience and experience hope...

Since Charles cannot use a computer and his cell phone at this time, I'm sure he will get back to all of his friends and family that have left him messages asap! In the meanwhile, I (Charles' dad) will be updating his blog for him.

God bless You All!

2005-12-13T10:16:00.000-08:00

An update on Charles for all the wonderful people who have been following Charles' progress and keeping him in prayer.

On Friday, December 09, Charles experienced a setback and was admitted to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston with a serious bacterial infection and has been suffering from what is best described as septic shock. Septic shock can be extremely dangerous and usually impedes the normal functioning of most major organs, including the heart and lungs.

Charles is currently stable, breathing on his own (and with some assistance) and he has been sedated since early Saturday morning.

The doctors tell us that they will run tests on his heart and kidneys today (Tuesday) because they are not functioning at their peak.

*****PRAISE REPORTS*****

While Charles has gone through a few bumps on the road since Friday, he has come out on top and for that I give all the glory and thanks to God!

I thank God that Charles is reaching out to people for Christ and that he is an encourager despite his own afflictions. I also thank God for allowing me the opportunity give Charles over to Him for his glory.

I Thank God that doctors quickly discovered the source of infection (catheter in his chest used to infuse chemo)!

I Thank God that the many possible life threatening complications involved in removing the catheter due to his condition at the time of surgery, did not happen!

I Thank God that as I'm writing this update Charle's kidney function is doing better and the heart test results show no signs of continued deterioration!

I Thank God that Charles is asleep and is as comfortable as can be and is at one of the best pediatric ICU's in the country!

I Thank God that many reading this will help him with prayer for a speedy recovery.

*****PRAYER REQUEST*****

Pray for the team of doctors, nurses and technicians, and that they are given guidance, wisdom and knowledge from God to perform their perfect work in Charles.

Pray for Charles' healing from any and all infection in his body.

Pray for God's protection over his organs.

Pray for God's continued plan for healing Charles from leukemia even if it includes a bone marrow transplant.

Pray that my family will continue to grow in faith despite what we are going through.

Pray for God's peace and comfort over my family.

Scripture from the groaning of Charles' heart:

I love the Lord because he hears and answers my prayers

because he bends down and listens,

I will pray as long as I have breath!

Death had its hands around my throat;

the terrors of the grave overtook me.

I saw only trouble and sorrow.

Then I called on the name of the Lord:

"Please, Lord, save me!"

How kind the Lord is! How good He is!

So merciful, this God of ours!

The Lord protects those of childlike faith;

I was facing death, and then He saved me.

Now I can rest again,

for the Lord has been so good to me.

He has saved me from death,

my eyes from tears,

my feet from stumbling.

And so I walk in the Lord's presence

as I live hear on earth!

Psalms 116:1-09

2005-12-06T14:10:00.000-08:00

Day four of Chemo!!!

I am grateful to God that He has reduced the side affects of these harsh chemo therapies. My faith in God is proving real. Even though the doctors had bad news, they also had another plan that they say is hopeful to get me to the bone marrow transplant. But our hope is in the Lord Jesus.

Lately I have heard people wondering if I ever pray or if I ever quote scriptures to myself and so forth. Well, I have an answer to those people who have that in mind, and maybe not to all of them. My relationship with God is one that is genuine. Meaning that I do not have to formulate some plan to spend time with him, or try to fit Him into MY schedule.

My relationship with God is not like that. It is not some routine that I have to follow just to get through the day. If I don't read the bible for several days that relationship I have with him will tell me so, whereas someone who has a routine relationship with Him will just feel condemned by the devil or just be himself that he hasn't done something.

The relationship that I have found that He wants me to have is one where He is completely under control, and where I live by faith. Also where I know that it is not myself who has the ability to get through all this, it is by God's mercy that I am here today and that I survive every treatment they gave me. I don't wake up every morning looking foward to that one houre this afternon of prayer, or thiry minutes of reading. No, Let God direct you in your day, wake up with prayer for the day read a scripture out of your devotional or something. Throughout the day meditate upon what you read and let God talk to you throughout the day . May the whole day be open to God, not only our schedule to read or pray to God, because when we do the routine relationship then we will get routine results out of God.

The reason why I speak of these things is because it pertains to me greatly at this time. As I wake up in the morning I give Jesus a prayer of thanksgiving for life and protection. Throughout the day I constantly speak with God reminding Him of all His wonderous works and His faithfullnes to me. Give a smile to someone who needs one. Basically let God be Lord over our life.

2005-12-03T14:04:00.000-08:00

Here is my grandma and I spending much needed time together(above).

Here are two of my aunts and I just hanging out in the hospital
I am so grateful to them for taking time out of their day to visit me.

Bone Marrow Results:

Some of results of the bone marrow biopsy have came back. This afternoon my mother entered my hospital room with a look of sorrow on her face. I asked her if the results were good or bad. She said bad. That the doctors found a lot of leukemia cells in the bone marrow. My mother and I had our moment of crying and comforting each other with the word of God. My nurse also comforted us and helped in every way possible.

After this time of sorrow, God lifted us up with his peace and joy.

Now I will have to undergo a week of intense chemotherapy where at the end of the treatment will have to undergo another week of intense chemotherapy and radiation in preparation for the Bone Marrow Transplant. Alone these two weeks should be the most intense treatment that I have ever experianced. But With God nothing is impossible. He is not the author of suffering, but of life.

Psalm 27
Of David. 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

Please pray. Fervently pray that God give us strength. The strength to withstand the attacks of the devil by night.

Please pray for the treatment. Pray that it will work exactly the way it is formulated to work. They will be administering two chemo's, one of which is new. I am going into this by faith.

Faith that requires no distractions. Recquires no waivering or stumbling. This is the time in which God has been preparing me for, a final exam of my faith and patience. The term perseverance comes in to play at this time. I must persevere.

Acts 10:34-38

34Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. 36You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

2005-11-27T18:55:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving successful!

The Thanksgiving holidays were truly something to be thankful for. All of my hospital visits went smoothly and successfully.

My family and I went to a Nigerian church today and was blessed with a message that I once have studied on my own, but until today have heard a more detailed sermon on it. The preacher talked about how we should be thankful for this past year, but more importantly he preached on "investments" we make during our lives. He based his sermon on a verse that I find very profound. A verse that should, when read, cause anyone to think for a while. It is found in the book of Matthew.

Matthew 6:

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

This verse relates to my current circumstance greatly. Ever since I was diagnosed and ultimately accepted God's gift of salvation, I have had to make an investment. Either I was going to invest my time, energy, thought, and patience in the "world", or I was going to invest all these things in heaven. I had to ask myself some important questions and make some important decisions. "What am I doing with my time?", "What kind of conversations am I having with people?", "Are my thoughts really doing the best for me?"...I made a decision to store my treasures in heaven from then on. By what we do, what we say, and what we think, all counts towards our treasure.

We all have heard this at one point or another in our lives, this topic...But how many of us have actually chosen to do something about it?

I believe that God has given us all a spiritual gift, and also believe that He has blessed me with a gift of words and writing. I asked Him to give me a poem that I may give to those who need encouragement including the patients and there family. This just may bless you as well.

From my heart to yours

From my heart to yours,
a symbol of my love
tested by fire
shown true
and faithful.

For they say I should be gone,
That there is no hope,
A quite whisper…
To just go home.

To whom do we turn in such a time,
when this world fails,
when our foundation crumbles,
and there seems to be no way?

We cry out,
seeking refuge in a time of war.
An enemy with death in mind,
But we find refuge Alas!

Expected to be defeated,
We find strength in God,
He who comforts us in our sorrows,
Who heard us when we mourned.

But now our eyes are cleared,
We see the truth,
That in our weakness He is made strong,
That after sorrow comes joy,
And through trial comes patience.
So we press on…towards the prize in the end having done all, to stand.

-From my heart to yours.

By: Charles Garcia

2005-11-17T15:33:00.000-08:00

Praisworthy news today!!!

The results of the bone marrow biopsy pleased the doctors. For the FIRST time since the last relapse, they do not see it full of leukemia cells. In other words the treatment that they have been giving me is working and, and am on the track that they want me on. On their "roadmap" they say that the blood counts are where they should be and that means that I soon should be ready for the bone marrow transplant.

I am also excited about this thanksgiving break because I am not scheduled to be in the hospital for the whole week!

But for now my family and I still wait in patience for what is to come and still give thanks to God for every day and what He's doing.

Even though I feel tired a lot and sleepy, and am basically anemic right now, I am enjoying the rest that I am able to take to let my body recooperate.

Scripture of the day:

Proverbs 17:22-
22A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

2005-11-14T09:05:00.000-08:00

The BIG day!

Today there are several things that will be happening.

Platelet transfusion before procedures.
Bone marrow aspiration
Insert chemotherapy into my spinal cord
My dad may have to give his blood that will eventually go into me.

I awoke many times last night with the sweats. But all is well right now.

Here is a current picture of me, I thought it was funny because I am taking a medicine called Prednisone right now and it makes my stomach really bloated and me gain weight as well. I don't mind.

2005-11-11T23:25:00.000-08:00

Days of peace and quiet(not literally).

(Look for the scripture references at end of this post to read the scripture that correlates with the (*1))

Well...There has been plenty of things going on in the past several days.

I have been experiencing tremendous pain in all areas of my body, I have had fevers, they discovered the presence of the "Staff" infection in my blood stream, difficulty walking and doing normal every day tasks.

But even though my physical person may suffer, I know that none of this has separated me from the love of God(*1). It even says in scripture that we are more than conquerors in Christ.

The doctors have postponed the procedures until this Monday(Nov. 14), but my family is here in Houston and my father has successfully received his first immune system boostine injections today. The infection that they say I have is being controlled because of the way I feel and look, because if it wasn't I would supposedly be in worse shape. They started me on a high dose of morphine, but now have reduced it by half and still do not have much trouble with the pain. I was thinking the other day and thought to myself, this day full of pain, full of discomfort and "bad reports", is it not a day none the less? It is more than the people who are no longer with us. So for that I told God thank you. God even tells us in the bible that we will experience tribulation but tells us to be of good cheer(*2)!!!

Also I was thinking to myself, how can someone be healed, or even cured, if they have not been sick? How can someone win first place unless something took him through the race? How can you "rise to the top" unless you were first at the bottom? How can someone truly say God's mercy is ever present in my life, unless they have reason to realize it, for it is by God's mercy that some things happen the way they do(*3).

Thank you for your continuous prayers for my family and I during this time. God's hand is ever so present and visible in my life at this time. I pray that others may see this as well.

PRAYER REQUEST: Please pray for peace and comfort to be upon my brother and sister as they enter into a new school, that they will be able to enter this school with a confident spirit that they will do well. Also continue to pray for the health of my father during this time, for the injections he is receiving is likely to cause pain and general discomfort for the time being, and his health is also important to my health for they will eventually retrieve his blood and filter out whatever needs to be and graft it into my bone marrow.

Scripture Reference:

Psalm 73:26 -My flesh and my heart failed: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
John 16:33 (King James Version)-These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Romans 9:16 (King James Version)-So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

2005-11-07T18:25:00.000-08:00

The chains have been broken!

God's mercy has been upon me and my family and it is able to be seen! I no longer will have to go inpatient until the time of the bone marrow transplant...Much of my family came up to visit with me this weekend and blessed me with there company...I have had no adverse reactions to any of the medications, and been fever free for a while...It appears that my brother and sister will be living with us for the time being and will be attending school here in Houston...I plan to volunteer for a nearby museum...the doctors are very pleased with my blood counts and are optimistic...my energy level has been good as well as my appetite...Is the mercy of God not obvious? In the midst of this illness, that is meant to kill me, I am living more abundantly. What more is there to say?

I have to constantly remind myself that it is by God's mercy that I am alive.

Prayer request: This Friday I will be going in for a bone marrow biopsy and the doctors will determine how stable or unstable the leukemia is. Please join us in prayer that they will see clean bone marrow and that I will be ready for the Bone marrow transplant. Also pray for my father and his body that it will be healthy for it seems as though he is going to be the donor, they will start the preparations on him this Friday.

Scripture of the Day:

Romans 9 (King James Version)

16So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

2005-11-02T19:00:00.000-08:00

There has been an atmosphere of confusion lately. There were many doctors telling us different things that brought about uncertainty in our thoughts. The doctor's plan to continue with the experimental drug now that my body has reacted well with a dose of the traditional chemo. So we are thankful to God right now that He is showing himself faithful. This matter is obviously to big for us to handle right now.

My mother, father, and sister were tested the other day to determine which would be the best possible match for a possible blood marrow donor when and if it comes time to proceed with the transplant.

At this time I must be still and allow whatever it is that God has planned for me. He is the one who searches the hearts of man and He knows mine. Now is not the time to play "Christian" and run around doing things artificially. The number of christian CD's or books or sermons I take into possession at this time will not bring about anything but dust. Every day that I awake, am I even more encouraged that there was and is a reason for the things that will follow.

Romans 8:27 (New International Version)

27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

2005-10-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (New King James Version)

6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.

7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be
absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

I arose early today in a joyful spirit. As I have learned, the devil does not sit well with this. I recieved a report from the nurse that my white blood count was at 100,000 today. This is the number that takes me off the study.

We will continue to fight. Continue to believe.

2005-10-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

Today has been the day of answered prayers!!!

Two awesome things happened today. We recieved good news from the doctors that my white blood cell count did not increase any more than yesterdays number. Yesterday my mother and I went to Lakewood church here in Houston and I believe that God sent a woman there to pray for me and talk to me. She prayed saying that when I go back today to the hospital the counts will be fine. My mother also asked many of people to pray for me back home specifically for my counts. Today we went into the hospital believing for a miracle, and God did intervene.

Also because of the white blood cells increasing so rapidly there was much pain in my knees and right hip. It had come to point where it was very difficult to walk. It has been like this for a while, but just recently has it been the most severe...God again showed His mercy.

I was just sitting in my bed and at some point I noticed that my pain was gone(without morphine or medication) so I stood up and realized that God had took up my pain!!! Two unexplainable things happened...I even asked the doctor that medically speaking should have the white blood counts acted in such a way, and she NO!!! That goes to show that just because the doctors sometimes say some things just because they rely on what has happened in the past doesn't mean it will repeat in the future!!!

Thank you for your prayers.

Matthew 21:22

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

2005-10-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

Today I had a doctors visit as well as my blood checked. We received news that we did not expect. They told us that this new treatment has, up to this point, not worked. I know this news is supposed to bring sadness and doubt in our minds...But the same God who was with us before this news came up, is the same God who is with us now. The doctors gave me two options. The first was to continue with the treatment, and the second was to stop and to just continue with the traditional chemotherapy. I will continue to fight, for my faith in God still remains firm.

As you can imagine, this news was shocking but every day I am still grateful for what God is doing and will do in the future, for I believe that there is a future for me. I still must be patient for this road still continues. I am excited to see this testimony that I am going to have once this is all done with. I encourage you to study God's word, and hear it, and never lose your faith, whatever the "circumstance" may be, for there will always be difficult circumstances in our lives. Most people say "It's in God's hands" for all the small stuff, but when your life is threatened by an illness or by any force, it truly takes God himself for you to say the same thing as in the small stuff. Daily do I fight "reality", because reality is that there is a slim chance that I will make it much longer. Reality says that this medicine isn't working, just give up. But faith is knowing God's word, standing on it, and believing it to be done. I cannot "see" results, but the evidence of the healing we believe God has done is my faith. Will we not all experience our lowest point at one time or another in this life? Why not prepare?

Hebrews 11
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony's By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

2005-10-24T17:15:00.000-07:00

I am out of the hospital now and am currently resting and recooperating from my last procedures in order to prepare for my next procedures this Friday which include a bone marrow biopsy and a Lumbar Puncture. God blessed me with the health to go to church and to learn about Him. My family and I had, for the first time, went to a Nigerian church and was pleased with every part of the service.

During this expieriance God has taught me patience. From what it looks like, I will be away from home for quite some time. Even though this seems to be the case, and even though I am not to be in the hospital as inpatient unless something unexpected happens, the times that I am in the hospital, it is actually an enjoyable experiance. I am able to take part in the sharing of my testimony in order to bring hope through Jesus Christ to those who have no hope. Without God and His word, I truly believe that I would have no hope. The doctors have little hope in what they are giving me, and what hope can I put in people and things around me? What hope, what faith, is there in things, in an expiriment...unless you put God in charge of it and allow Him to work in you. I must be patient during these times. Very very patient. For there is more to come.

Galations 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

2005-10-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

This goes out to all Sharylanders back home!!!

Your not forgotten, I wear these clothes as much as possible. I really enjoyed the sweat jacket, it comes in handy up here.

Well, good news, they are letting me go from the hospital today! And even more good news that since I had no severe reaction to the new treatment yesterday, they will let me receive it outpatient. I do not have to go back for more treatment until next Friday, so until then I will be gaining strength and weight! But just thought I would share some good news.

Proverbs 15:30

The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, And a good report makes the bones healthy.

2005-10-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

Thank God for protecting me today! They administered the first infusion of the new treatment and it went without problems. I was so glad after it was over and nothing of a bad effect had occured. I believe that this medicine will work and do what it's supposed to do and God will have His hand over it the entire time.

Early this morning they first pre-medicated me with benadryl and tylenol along with a drug called Ativan which is for anxiety. So I was pretty much knocked out for the whole morning, I did not awake until 3 in the afternoon.

My family came up to visit, here is a picture of my brother and I playing a game, he's going to spend the night here with my mom and I. It's almost as if we were back home. I am glad they are here with me.

Everything is well with me, I continually have to thank God for all that He is doing in my life, and thank Him even when things look bad because I know He says He makes the crooked paths straight and has a plan for all of us even though the situation in which we are at seems grim.

2 Thessalonians 3:16

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means...

2005-10-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

The doctors have said that I am eligible for this new study. As I have mentioned before, it is apparent to me that to the observer there is not much hope at this point in the study for any of its subjects. But I remain hopeful. I remain joyful in this time of uncertainty. Hope and joy that cannot come from people, feelings, or a "positive attitude" but none other than that of God.

Many have told me that believing in "myself" will get me through this. Others have said that thinking I will get out of this, will get me out. I have tried all these things and more, and have learned that we as people cannot be cured of any disease merely by thinking we will. It might help, but ultimately is it not our Creator that has the final say in whether or not we will live? I do believe He gives us the answers in His Word. He tells us that He wants us to be healed, and how to be healed. Hope in medicine and the doctors have failed me, but hope still remains in God. If it is His will to work through the medicine they are going to administer to me today, then I thank Him for it. I thank Him for the doctors, but I do not put my hope in them that they will sustain me in these times.

I am thankful for the joy He has blessed me with, so that others in similar situations may see the joy and recognize that it is not just happiness, (for who can be happy in the face of death), but joy that comes from God.

Please keep me and my family in your prayers.

Psalm 73:26

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.

2005-10-18T13:51:00.000-07:00

Time of Prayer...

When those around me including doctors and friends, have little or no hope, when they expect the worst, when they give words of despair...I know, it is a time for prayer. A time to rely on the word of God, for it is life unto me.

Please pray for the bone marrow test tomorrow. Pray that when the doctors look at it expecting to see the leukemia cells, that there will be none. This is what we, as a family, are believing for. But may it be God's will.

Philippians 4:6 (King James Version)

6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

I once heard something that I have remembered in my thoughts, a preacher said one day "Facts change, but the truth never changes."

John 8:31-32 (New King James Version)-

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

2005-10-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

Thank God I'm finally home!!!

We have received so many blessings lately.

I'm enjoying every one of them.

Thank God!

Psalm 107:1

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!For His mercy endures forever.

2005-10-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

2005-10-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

This past week was a great refreshing week for myself and my family. I had a lot of visitors including family and the pastor from our home church. My brother and sister are shown here with me just hanging out in the hospital room. We had a great time walking around and just plain visiting with each other. My dad also came up so I've been visiting with him and enjoying the good outside food.

Good news from the doctors recently!!! They are slowly taking me off the IV medicines preparing for the possibility of letting me leave the hospital maybe even tomorrow or Thursday just to come outpatient on Friday. They even say I might be able to go HOME for a week!!! Please pray that everything will be well with me so that I might be able to leave finally!

2005-09-24T18:53:00.001-07:00

I have experianced a miracle in my life today. And am proud to say it. I truly believe that after a couple came and prayed for my lips to heal, during the next day my lips cleared up wonderfully! all the nasty scabs came off with no sign of them ever being there. Here is a couple of pictures just to show you the true miracle that God has performed on me. I am so grateful to Him.

The doctors have given us some bad news recently. I have considered it, and the more I thought about it, the more worried I became. I decided to not dwell on what could happen, but repeat to myself what will happen. I tell myself that this medicine will work and my body will accept it with no problems. I also have to depend on God to do what He does best, healing and saving people. What more can I do? Other that to pray and study His word.

2005-09-24T18:53:00.000-07:00

Healed!

Psalm 30:5 (New King James Version)

For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

2005-09-19T20:27:00.002-07:00

I am not posting a picture today. My lips are getting better, but for unknown reasons they look a lot worse. The swelling has gone down, so I can talk and drink more. Thank God! Today I ate a little bit of shake today which is a very good sign.

A lot of my family drove about 6 or 7 hours just to come and spend the weekend with me and comfort me. I feel very refreshed and am glad that they came. Hopefully they can come back soon.

The doctors say that they are getting prepared to do a bone marrow aspiration this week, so please pray for the results of this procedure. Pray that there will be no leukemia cells that I will be ready for the bone marrow transplant.

2005-09-19T20:27:00.001-07:00

2005-09-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

Today is a good day for me. The mouth sores have not gotten too bad. They have me on morphine to help with the pain. But sometimes what's meant for good turns out to do more harm. The morphine has caused some constipation and an uneasy stomach. They are giving me nutrition via the IV line. The reason why I say that it is not bad, is because last year it got really bad, and I will not forget that. It's also been a while since i've eaten. I will not worry about that, I know that these sores will go away soon and I will be able to eat normally once again. I must continue to speak life to myself, as well as think positively, if I did not, I would probably be in this Hospital a lot more. But for now I am doing well. This IV nutrition is gradually giving me energy, energy that is vital to my health.

2005-09-07T18:30:00.000-07:00

Today has gone well for me. The nasty taste in my mouth, probably from the treatment, and the raw mucus lining, from the treatment, are not much of an aid to my eating habits, but none the less am I eating. And for that i'm grateful. The weapons that I have chosen are not of this world, but that of God. I believe that the bible to be true, and intend to follow it and take comfort in what it says.

...With the whole armor of God, what war can't we win?...

Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

2005-09-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

Today is a day of rest. Even though I have been involuntarily at rest for the past week or so, it just seems as if the days have been going so fast though. I thank God for every day that I am alive, even if the day seems to be going nowhere.

It's Tuesday and I am feeling better and better as the days advance. It is almost as if in some way my body is getting used to the rigorous treatments and has gathered a rememberance of last years harsh treatments and has exploited the bad times as well as the good so that I may have a chance to better cope with all that is involed with ones treatment. I know God is working in my body as well as in my mind and through my soul. So I will continue to put my trust in God, and what God has promised for me in my life. Through this past year God has been feeding me with the food I need to survive this ordeal. If a person has fed himself unhealthy things, then when he gets sick, what will he have to get better? I am just living off of what God has promised me so far. And am enjoying every day of it.

My mom is here with me and it does not get so homesick.

I'm in the mindset of thinking big...

2005-09-06T15:40:00.000-07:00

My mom and I just hanging out.

2005-09-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

My leukemia was under control. I had achieved remission and underwent what they call a"maintenance" phase. I tried to start my life again. Reading and writing and spending time outdoors with family and friends. But one day it came back. I do not know why it came back. For one to think of a condition afflicting a child once is horrid, but twice! But somehow the time before my relapse had been spent interestingly. To look back can be only for a short while, but the things that I have learned through it is forever.

I'm ready for it. What do I have to be afraid of?

(Look how focused I am..Just try and get to me Chemo)

Psalm 27
Of David. 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?