Good News. Bad News.

 

 

 

Bad news first: This is likely my last post on this blog.

Now the good news: I am now blogging on my new website-

doug-burr.com    (don't forget the dash)

Besides blogging I now have a full-fledged site with all kinds of other information about my teaching, speaking, mentoring, and writing.

Pages include: My Blog, My Bio, My Purpose, Teaching Topics, Testimonials, Questions and Answers, and Recommended Reading. You can also easily contact me from any page to ask questions or schedule me for your next event.

Come to think of it-  why not have me speak at your next event? I would love to meet you in person and work with your people.

Some of my topics are Holiness, Spiritual Gifts & Personality, Spiritual Warfare & Demonology, Prayer and Listening Prayer, Inner Healing and Deliverance. Or better yet- customize your experience with me to meet your needs exactly as you wish.

The testimonials page includes a variety of people I have worked with over the years, who recommend connecting with me as a teacher, preacher, mentor, and writer. Maybe you could add your comments to that list. I would be honored.

A quote from Major Stephen Court, Salvation Army officer and author:

“Major Doug Burr has been a Salvation Army officer (pastor) since 1981. His real-life experience on spiritual front lines at regional fairs and in back alleys and across neighborhood tables has sparked a strategic interest in spiritual warfare which he has cultivated over more than three decades in formal training, study, and practice. A gifted teacher, he has shared what he has learned in various contexts, including camps, retreats, discipleship schools, and corps.  He writes with an intensely matter-of-fact accessible, readable, folksy style that invites readers into some deep subject matter."

So join me at my new location. Contribute and become a part of the conversation.

See you there. 

Godspeed and Many Blessings! 

Doug 

 

Our Retirement Home Blessing

This is our retirement home. Nestled at the edge of Forestbrook Reserve in Myrtle Beach, you will find our "forever home." Being a Salvation Army officer's kid, that says a lot, because I lived in 9 different houses before I graduated college (we actually lived in two houses while I was in college). Since then, you can add another 19 until we finally landed here! We don't plan on moving ever again! By the way- I have the address list of very house I ever lived in.

Here is the story of our retirement home blessing:

Three years before retirement (2020), our plan was to come to Myrtle Beach and find a good realtor (and we found one of the BEST!). We wanted him to show us some houses and we would fill him in on what we liked and what we didn't like about those houses. Then in 2021, we would come back and get serious about buying a home. During that year, I would learn everything I needed to know about buying a house, because, well, I had never done that. We always lived in Salvation Army provided "quarters" (homes).

Our realtor gave us access to his web site where we found about 4-5 houses we liked. The day before he was to show us around these houses, we drove around ourselves to see them from the outside.

The first was already SOLD, so that was crossed off the list. The second was in a neighborhood we didn't particularly like (and it was hard to get to), so that one was crossed off the list. The next one just didn't look as good in person as it did online, so off the list. The last two were fine and since we didn't have any others we liked, we would go with the realtor to see them the next day.

Very quickly that day, we realized the first house looked great on the outside, but was going to take more renovation than we wanted. Almost a bit sadly, we went to our final house. I mean, we had "struck out" so far, what was going to happen with our last one?

In case you haven't guessed already, we walked into the house shown above. Within 5 minutes of looking Debbie and I both KNEW this was THE house! Good news, bad news- we loved the house, but I knew nothing about the house buying process and wasn't even sure we could make an appropriate down payment. I went into deep thinking mode to figure out if we could do it.

Our realtor said if we liked it, we should make an offer right away, because he was certain it would not stay on the market much longer. To make a long story short, we made an offer and went back and forth a couple of times until it was all settled. Then a date was set for the closing. We went home back North to figure out the process and work through all the paperwork we needed to do.

About a month later, we came back to close and "lived" in our home for 5 days before we returned to work and decided to rent the place until we needed it. That proved to be a God-thing as well, because that extra money helped a LOT in paying for the mortgage and having some money to do the minor renovations we wanted- like painting, carpets, etc.

A year passed. You might remember the housing market went CRAZY in 2021! If we had waited until we had planned on buying a house, we never could have afforded our house or anything like it. The price had gone way above our limit. God had a plan all along. I am glad we chose to listen to His plan and not mine!

God says "My ways are not your ways." Good thing!

God is so good to us. We see our retirement home as a direct blessing from God. And the first of our many blessings he poured down on us as we headed into retirement.

Trust in Yahweh with your whole heart and don't depend on your own knowledge and understanding. If you do this, He will make your path an easy one (my paraphrase). 

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Postscript: In the process of buying our house, I learned a LOT about the process of buying a house. If anyone reading this is interested, I can provide a simple two sheet list of steps.

Wow! It's been a LONG time!

So today I came across a link to my old blog! Yes, if you're reading this, this is what I'm talking about. My last post was way back in 2008. Uh let's see, that's . . . sixteen years ago (had to get the calculator out for that). 

I used to blog daily for a few years, then every few days or so. Then . . . I stopped completely. Looking back over some of those posts, it got me thinking maybe I could start back up again, now that I'm retired and have some T I M E on my hands, as it were. Let's see if I can get back into the swing of it. No guarantees!

In 2008, we were stationed in Rhode Island as State Coordinators (2007-2009). Here's the rest of the list if anyone is interested:

2009-2011 Quincy, MA - Corps Officers
2011-2014 Wilmore, KY - SASF Directors
2014-2017 Chambersburg, PA - Corps Officers
2017-2020 Sunbury-on-Thames, UK - Sunbury Court/ICO
                    Doug Business Services; Deb Program Services
2020-2020 (Apr-Jul) Nyack, NY - USA East THQ
                    (COVID limbo upon returning from UK)
2020-2023 Rochester, NY - Area Services
2023-2023 (Jul-Nov) Penn Yan, NY - Empire NY DHQ
                    Young Officer Support
2023          Dec 1 - Retirement to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!

A lot has happened in those 16 years. Maybe I'll bring up some blog worthy stories as we go along.

For now let's just say God has been GOOD (ALL the time!) and he has been faithful. I will definitely be posting some of the AMAZING things he has done throughout our retirement process. I am DAILY amazed at how he continues to work on our behalf with some simple things and some HUGE things.

We are now enjoying our time at the Conway, SC corps (in the Carolinas Division), where we have found great friends, fellowship, ministry opportunities, and fulfilling worship. Our Corps Officers are incredible! Shout out to Major Jenn and Captain Carl Melton! We love them already.

Make sure I post about 1) our house purchase, 2) my Bass Trombone (yeah, I always capitalize Bass Trombone as it is so awesome an instrument!), and 3) Our car. On a tough note, I should post about our most difficult move and the long process I went through to heal from that deep hurt. God is just SO patient and wise.

Here's to a re-energized Light Seeker. To be sure- I AM still seeking THE Light!
- - - - -

Oh: I need to clean up a lot of the side links and such, so be patient as I sort through all that.

The War College 2008

My annual teaching trip to The War College in Vancouver, Canada for 2008 is now officially history. The history part is a sad thing as I am already missing the DTES with its many good friends, students, powerful ministry and cute little mice in the apartment. Well, 3 out of 4 ain't bad! Here are some thoughts about my trip:

This was a new season for me. Many things have changed since last year, including my roll in the 614 community. Oh sure, I taught a class, but I spent more time with leadership and past missioners than this year's batch of students.

I also spent quite a bit of prayer ministry time counseling as well as casting out demons. Yeah, I did do plenty casting with great results, but my prayer ministry time was regularly more than what it has been. I liked that.

The 614 community used me as a guinea pig in their latest innovation called "Community Hospitality." Basically different people fed me each meal and engaged me in hanging out! A smashing success, I'd say! I loved it!

I ended up with 2 new Battle Gear T-shirts! One is the new long sleeved "Saved to Save" design for officers. Yeah!

Computers were everywhere for me to use when I needed one. SL, JG, JS to name a few, but I offer special thanks to RB (who doesn't like to be called RB, but I'm just using initials!) who was exceptionally generous!

Here are a few of highlights from the prayer sessions:

One walked on water with Jesus! Steve Court: take note! Special Credit is due!

One had a Sword of the Spirit that was so big, it had to be handled with 2 hands! A Two-Handed Sword of the Spirit is awesome (and it does massive damage to the Enemy, trust me)!

More than a couple had false images of Jesus that were absolutely destroyed and replaced with an accurate image of The One who loves them like no other!

One had a wonderful banquet with Jesus and ate some very tasty stuff that dissolved the Enemy's influence!

One flew with Jesus over the countryside a la Peter Pan! There was powerful spiritual direction in their travel direction.

One did a deep sea dive underwater to find a sunken treasure chest. They were more valuable than any of the chest's jewels.

One took a high dive of a huge cliff with Jesus into crystal clear water!

I even got a session led by a wonderful team who were very helpful. Trust me, I needed some dusting off too!

Well, it seems my visit was all over before it started. Although the area may seem like a scary place for some, I've got to tell you, Vancouver DTES always feels like home to me. I love it- but most of all I love the people who are giving their lives in this place to help bring Jesus to the lost.

To all of you 614ites I offer my blessing for continued joy in service, successful ministry that changes lives and peace right in the middle of the Enemy's camp. Storm the forts of darkness- bring them down!

The Oil Spill (Part 2)

We're 1 day short of a week since our oil spill incident. It's quite a story already, but it's not over yet. In fact, we discovered Tuesday (after they bored 20 test holes through our basement cement floor) that there are 4 "hot spots" in the soil beneath our house. In other words . . . oil did reach the dirt beneath the floor so they will be jack-hammering up at least 4 sections of our basement to remove all contaminated dirt! Maybe it's a prophetic sign of a Holy Spirit explosion on the way that will ruin every vessel in RI for God...

Oil Spill Takes on New Meaning

Today was a good day. Some hard work- nothing "bad" or tough, but at 4 PM I was ready to head home for an evening to just crash. I had a bit of a headache and I was tired. Saturday was looking good!

As soon as I walked in the door, I intended to call the oil company to come look at our furnace. It was leaking some water and our hot water in the house wasn't quite up to snuff lately. Little did I know, I would be calling the oil company, but not to look at my furnace.

As I pulled out my keys at the front door, I noticed a bit of a smell. "Oil," I thought and, sure enough, when I opened the door it hit me hard! Whoa! BIG time oil smell right in the front foyer! So I headed down to the basement to look at the furnace.

When I turned the corner into the laundry room, I almost slipped and fell. The floor was covered in a layer of black, slippery oil. Thinking the furnace could be the problem, I inched my way carefully over to look, but as I neared the big machine, I noticed there was no oil on that part of the floor. So back to the other side of the room, where it looked deeper.

As I slide my feet through the slippery muck, I looked around the room and saw that oil had been soaking into everything it could reach from the floor- apparently for some time. Rugs were soaked black, boxes on the floor were a shiny black instead of the usual dull brown. Then I noticed the brand spanking new oil tank (less than a month old) was covered in a light film of oil and the depth meter was missing. Later I found it in pieces around the area, because it had been blown off the oil tank. Apparently, the oil company over filled our tank and the pressure, blew the gauge off and oil spewed to the ceiling rafters and all around that side of the room! Somewhere around 10 gallons were now soaked into our sheet-rock walls, woodwork, carpets, ceiling beams, boxes, 2 mattresses and box springs and a bedroom dresser.

All kinds of things were damaged beyond use including my son's entire summer wardrobe of pants and shorts in his closet. All our instruments were dry (whew!), but we ended up having to throw out a lot of things that could not be salvaged.

As I stood there in the middle of our new disaster, I was dumbfounded. If it had been water, I would have known what to do, but oil? Where in the world should I start? Several phone calls and a few hours later, we finally got someone in to begin the cleanup process. He just left, but the house still reeks! There's a LOT more to do. Looks like it's going to be days (weeks?) before we get things settled again. And we're going to have to replace floor tiles, carpeting, some furniture, some walls . . . oh man!

Well, after the initial shock wore off, both Debbie and I began taking it all a little easier. I mean, you gotta just roll with these kind of punches- there's nothing else you can do. One day it will all be a "can you top THIS one?" story we can tell!

It's a good thing we know God's in control. Without that certain knowledge that he knows it all and nothing comes our way without him first approving it and giving us the strength to deal with it, we'd be lost for sure.

But we're not lost and he IS in control. Hallelujah!

Merry Christmas- Have a Ball!

Starring You! eCards on JibJab

The Empty Nest

Yesterday we settled our son into his new college dorm room in Ohio. Naturally he wanted his parents out of the picture as soon as possible, so we obliged. As we were walking around the mall, I began to feel . . . well, empty and sad. There, I said it.

When we left Bangor, Chris stayed behind, but because he had friends, a job and trusted family friends around the area, it was no problem for me. I knew he'd be fine as we moved on to Rhode Island. If he had any difficulties or needs, he had people around he could turn to. He did fine on his own for those 3 months.

But this is different. Even though I know he's very excited, he's now going to be 14ish hours away, with the closest family friends 1 hour away. He's living in a college dorm with a bunch of guys from all around the country we don't know at all. The school doesn't even have a meal plan, so he's on his own for food. I imagine him eating Ramen noodles and potato chips for 2 straight years!

So here I am feeling very sad and emotional about leaving him on his own- what an empty feeling! The last time I felt this way was when Jenn was heading back to Vancouver after her first Christmas break at home. Ugh! Who knew these cute, rambunctious little toddlers would grow up to cause such heartache in their parents!

Knowing he won't read my blog, I know I can freely write these things. If he knew- he'd probably rant a bit! But I know deep down, he feels similarly (even if he'd NEVER admit it!). That probably makes it that much worse.

So I'm praying for Chris to find some good Christian friends, a good church family (we're all going to a local church tomorrow) and to do well in his studies. I pray he'll keep busy so he won't feel lonely, he'll eat well (enough to survive!), find a job to supplement his finances, and stay away from spiritual dangers that want to sweep him far away from God (He's already found a friend who invited him to church with him tomorrow!).

Please join Debbie & I in these prayers. And while you're at it, pray for Chris' parents too!

Family in Rhode Island

It looks like there's family in Rhode Island! Jenn & Josh decided to vacation with us for about a week, so Chris decided to come down and see everyone too. He brought a couple of friends and spent most of the time at the beach, but it was great having everyone together at our home again.

It's interesting how the house instantly felt more like home when they all came to join us.

Ah, family. Can't beat it!

Released!

Today was our final SonDay in Bangor. Fully expecting an incredible day, I arrived shortly after 7 AM- even earlier than I usually do. I quickly got things set up and began to pray on my face (as is my custom).

After awhile, I sensed God wanted me to get under the waterfall of his grace again. He didn't need to tell me twice! I jumped right in and began to soak up all I could. After a time, he wanted me to roll over on my back. When I did, I soon sensed God sent angels to wash me with brushes. They were scrubbing me all over!

Then God had me go to my favorite spot in the corps building- under the Holiness Table. There the angels began to anoint me with oil. Soon the Holy Spirit opened a trap door in the back of my head and began to pour oil (Himself) in and it filled me up completely. When that was finished, he told me I was released from Bangor. I immediately felt a joyous freedom! Up until that time, I found it hard to think about and focus on Rhode Island. I kept coming back to Bangor as if something invisible kept restraining me.

From there out the day got progressively better (if you can believe that)! Study class was great; lots of people showed up to say farewell- some had never been to our church, some had been away for a long time. There was a great spirit (Spirit!) in the chapel; we were ready to worship! And that we did!

Stephanie has quickly become one of my favorite live worship leaders and she was seriously worshiping today! Tears welled in my eyes many times as we all lifted our hearts to Jesus. The whole room seemed to be worshiping with everything they had.

After my final message, our friends gathered around us and prayed for us. God spoke clearly through everyone who prayed. Some spoke words of comfort and challenge, others spoke words of prophetic power over us! These prayers reminded us that God has some powerful things in store for these people too. Their prayers were refreshing, challenging and encouraging. I will not soon forget the love spoken over us.

After singing "Nothing Compares to the Promise I have in You!," Debbie and I together offered our final benediction and blessing. I could barely keep my voice from cracking as emotion flowed over me and through me. Wow!

Many hugs, tears, good words and handshakes followed before we headed down for a fellowship luncheon together. Good food, pictures and a nice time of fun and memories before more hugs, tears, good words and handshakes! Whew! I was drained, but loving it. I could have done it all over again! We'll certainly miss the wonderful people of Bangor, Maine!

And the rest of the day got even better! I played my last game of Halo2 with Michael & Stephanie (they let me win!). We packed more (uh maybe this wasn't "better"), had a farewell dinner with Drew P and finished up with The Foundry (more cool worship and God's Word!). Then it was home again to pack more (ugh!) because the truck comes @ 7:30 tomorrow morning! And facebook and blogging before packing my computer (I hope I survive without it!).

Bangor family: Thank-you; it's been an awesome ride! You have blessed us and we will remember all of you with love. We are confident that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).

Stay close to Jesus!

Thinking About Moving

Well with 8 days left in Bangor before we move, it's beginning to hit me. I mean, I'll be sitting somewhere, driving somewhere, working at my desk, talking with someone, etc and all of a sudden it hits me: I'm leaving. It's no longer an exercise of the mind.

It's actually happening. I'm moving to Rhode Island (why isn't "Rhode" in ANY electronic spelling dictionary?) and leaving my house, my friends, my life . . .

Yeah, that's what it's like. I'm heading somewhere I know nothing about (well, very little anyway). I don't know the people. I don't know exactly what I'll be doing. I don't even know the directions to my office from my new home. Come to think of it, I don't know the directions to my new home without a map in the first place!

And we'll have to "prove" ourselves all over again to a whole bunch of new people, including our new leaders. We've been established and trusted here, but we're just a name to all our (soon to be) new friends in Rhode Island.

You know moving isn't what it's cracked up to be. Maybe I've been in New England so long, it's rubbed off on me and I don't like change any more! (Bet you like that one, huh Mary?)

Bangor has been a hard appointment in many ways, but when it comes right down to it, I'm going to miss a whole lot about this place! Especially many of the people.

When we moved here, I was taking a class that included a study of the moving process. It was interesting because I was able to see what they labeled the things I was feeling! As I felt the separation and loss, and went through the grieving process, I was able to relate it to the natural part of the moving process. It helped a lot.

The more I think about it while writing, the more I realize it's a good thing to actually FEEL these things. We shouldn't try to ignore our feelings- we need to experience them so we can work through them and come out on the other side. Sure we'll miss people, but it's not like anyone is dying! This is The Army after all, we'll see people over and over again (OOB, congresses, meetings, etc)!

I do think there are quite a few people in Bangor who are NOT dealing with their feelings about us leaving. They've been a bit distant these last few weeks and haven't said very much at all to us about our moving. I think they are just repressing their feelings and that can only come back to hurt you later.

When people say "we'll miss you," I say "good!" It's supposed to be that way, if you've become good friends. Separation is hard and it really hurts when it means something to you. Many people here mean a lot to me and I'm certainly feeling it!

You know, I'm actually feeling better after working through these things and writing them down. I know I'll have another wave of sadness soon enough, but I can also rejoice that I know these people in the first place! I got to spend 7 whole years in Bangor!

And that too, is a good thing!

Stephanie Burr

As many of you know, Stephanie is our War College intern this summer in Bangor. While I was in Vancouver teaching in January, I heard from God that she was the one who should come and I was pleased when the staff agreed and was able to work that out. Each year God has sent us great students and Bangor has benefited greatly from their ministry with us.

Almost a month ago, as Denise and I were driving Stephanie to Bangor from the airport, I started hearing Stephanie was to be even more special.

Not too long after that, I sensed I was to "adopt" her. Now Stephanie already has a father and I'm not looking to replace him- however God wants me to provide a spiritual covering, a mentoring, a fatherly blessing. But I hadn't known Stephanie very long. I wondered how would she take that news. Even so, I knew if God wanted it, He would work out the timing and details.

So the other day we were chatting about the day they officially announced she would come to Bangor. She said that day, God told her she was coming to Bangor and that He had a father for her in that. When she spoke those words, I knew immediately God had given me the confirmation I needed! So when I brought it up, she was totally on the same page as I was.

So yesterday, we cemented our new relationship as father and daughter. I look forward to what it will bring us both and how God will bless others through this spiritual connection. I pray I will be able to live up to what God is asking of me.

Welcome to the Burr family, Stephanie! You've got a new brother (Chris) and two sisters (Jenn & Heather) already, but at the rate God is working in my life- that could just be the beginning!

Oh and I almost forgot your new brother Winfield.

Con'grad'uations!

While everyone in The Salvation Army's Eastern Territory is heading to (or has already reached) Hershey, PA for the Congress, we remain home packing. Not because of our move- rather because our son, Chris, is graduating from High School on SonDay!

Whew! There were days we wondered is any of us would survive the High School years!

Wednesday night, we had a Graduate Celebration Party at the corps as we do every year. This year we had two graduates, Chris and Sam. We feasted on pot luck, had some cake, took a lot of pictures, watched a skit, then had a slide show of growing-up pictures. We presented them with Bibles (written in by some of us) and a little monetary gift to help with after school costs.

Both Sam and Chris are awesome young adults. They have each given their lives to Jesus and re-committed at Youth Councils a couple of weeks ago. We are proud of them and are committed to continuing to support them in the future as family of the Bangor Corps.

Here's to all of the graduates out there: may your future be successful and your lives a blessing to all those around you.

We're on the Move

The word's out; it's now official. Debbie & I are moving at the end of June to be the State Coordinators in Rhode Island. What do we think about it? Good question.

Don't get me wrong- we're definitely excited about the opportunity and the possibilities- we just don't have any frame of reference to relate it to. If we were moving to another corps appointment or a headquarters, we'd know what to expect. We've done that before. But we've never even been stationed in an area command let alone led one.

Are we worried? Not at all. Intrigued is a good word! Bottom line- we're confident God orchestrated this move and has a plan for our good; that we will be blessed and a blessing. Based on a couple of phone calls and emails I've had today, there will be plenty to do and lots of good people to minister with.

Oh another good thing- I know where Rhode Island is and I can spell it!

There are people in Bangor we will miss! I won't even begin to list them here because I'm sure I'd miss many. We've got the shortest time we've ever had to prepare for this move, so we've got some packing to do! And farewelling. And saying goodbye. And wrapping up details. And . . .

I'm sure there will be more info to follow, so keep posted by checking back. I'll sincerely try to get back to blogging more often.

2 Reports in 1 Blog!

A few weeks ago, as I was struggling with my need for a prostate procedure, God spoke to me and suggested we schedule a Deeper Life Weekend at our corps on healing. It was one of those rhema moments and I immediately knew God had a good idea! I also knew immediately who I should contact to come- my brother and sister-in-law Howie and Pat.

I was not surprised when we were able to schedule a date quickly. After all, God knew it was going to happen before he suggested it to me! And he also knew the results, which we still have ahead of us, because the weekend isn't over yet. However, we can report on what happened yesterday during the day seminar.

First we learned a lot about healing! We read about scriptural instances of healing. We learned about healing ministries and practices today. We heard testimonies about how God has healed individuals. But more important than book learning, we were encouraged to get our feet wet and actually pray for the healing of people who had needs right then and there.

We had quite a few people present who needed healing- there was cancer, a prostate issue, feet problems, a terminal disease, diabetes, uncontrollable weight, a blocked blood vessel, etc. Everyone who stepped up was prayed for. To be fair, the results of our praying will be seen in the next few weeks as people get reports from their doctors, but we also learned to CONTINUE praying for healing and not to just pray once and walk away. Sometimes we need to do SOAKING prayer to see the results we expect.

Which brings me to my report on my prostate procedure. One of the reasons I haven't given a report here yet, is that I don't want people to think "my work with Doug is done- on to the next prayer project." I realize that even though my procedure was a success according to my doctor, I have weeks of recovery in front of me. Yes, externally, I appear to be back to full strength and up and around again. But my doctor says internally, healing will be taking place until October! Bet you didn't realize you were signing up for such a long term prayer project when you told me you would pray for me, huh?! ;)

Well you are appreciated and I want you to know your prayers are not ineffective! I know God heals today. I also know God heals in a variety of ways (some of which we learned about yesterday!), including through doctors and gradually over a period of time. Which is where I find myself right now. And in his healing hands is not a bad place to be!

More reports on the weekend to come . . .

Feeling Better

For those of you who might be worried about me, let me assure you I didn't stay "bummed" very long. I just needed to vent and Debbie (who I usually vent to) was away at school. I'm back in good spirits again. {whew!}

I will be heading off to "the procedure" in a couple of hours. I'm really NOT looking forward to it or the recovery period, as you can imagine. I AM looking forward to God's presence throughout and his promise that everything will come out fine "in the end." Get it? Sorry, that was for Howie.

Thanks for all the emails, notes and prayer support I've been getting. It makes a HUGE difference! Last night in our small group, before we left they asked to pray for me. I wasn't going to ask them to do so, but must admit I was quite happy they DID it. I was also very proud to see them taking the lead in such matters and DOING what I have been teaching them for the last 7 years! They even got out the anointing oil! Seriously nice!

My brother Howie prayed for me on the phone yesterday and while he was praying, I found myself sagging in my chair and almost fell asleep! Not that he was boring or anything(lol!), but I believe God was relaxing me and doing "something" I was unaware of. Suffice it to say, I liked it and have been looking up about the whole situation ever since.

God is good.

All the time!

AAUUGGHH!!

Yesterday was a bad day for me. As many of you know, I'm preparing for a prostate procedure this Saturday. There's been some confusion regarding the insurance coverage and suffice it to say after a few long conversations (one tough one in person at the doctor's office), we'll hit our stop/loss, meaning we're going to have to put out a LOT of money (The Burr family has only done this once- many years ago and it was a much lower limit back then).

This whole realization was coming to a head about the time I sat at another doctor's office. I was being walked through my preparation for the procedure three days away. I don't believe the volume of medicines I have to take over the next 3 months! Top that off with the follow up I have to go through . . . well you get the picture.

Like I said- yesterday was a bad day for me. It's now morning and I don't feel a whole lot better. I'm not sure the outlook is any better for the next few days.

I'm not looking for pity. What I am looking for is prayer support. I'm "bummed" right now about the cost and a lot concerned about the procedure. There are possible complications and all else that goes with such medical work.

Pray for great success, quick healing and recovery, my spirit and my attitude. Thanx.

No Cancer!

I just got back from my doctor's report on my biopsy and it was NEGATIVE! Meaning I have NO cancer. Whew. I do have to have a procedure to take care of an enlarged prostate, but it's a relatively simple office appointment (and a few weeks recovery) that is obviously a whole lot easier to deal with than cancer.

I really wasn't a bit nervous or concerned at all right up until we headed to the doctor's office for the report today. But the closer we got, the more "concerned" I got! I should have had a lunch that was a bit easier on my stomach! I was very pleased when Debbie said she was going with me and even offered to drive (now THAT truly means she loves me)!

I know many of you were praying for me and I appreciate that very much. I believe prayer changes things and based on some things that happened prior to today (there was plenty of spiritual warfare going on over this one), I believe your prayers changed my outcome. Some may believe it a coincidence, but I believe God just chose to remain anonymous (eg: a God-incidence)! Please continue praying for the next few weeks that everything continues to go well with no complications, et al.

We're Baaack!

Okay, we're back from a very restful and fun cruise where the temperature was wonderfully warm and the sun shone brightly every day. So will someone please tell me where the justice is in having to come back to THIS?!

Welcome to MY world. We live in Maine. The cruise was just a momentary dream.

{sigh}

Yeah, yeah- it's pretty, but so is a palm tree.

25 is a Great Number!

About this time tomorrow, Debbie & I will be setting sail on a beautiful Western Caribbean cruise. Ahhhhh. It will be so nice to get some sun and warmth. Not to mention get away from snow (of course I won't mention that)! The ship pictured is the very one we'll be on! If you look closely, you can see me waving from the middle of the third deck near the rear . . .

Well the cruise will be nice, the neat things we plan on doing will be fun (SCUBA diving, cave tubing and more), the food should be way too fattening . . . but the best part is I get to spend a whole week alone with my best friend (alone is a relative term with thousands of people on the same ship)!

We've been saving for this cruise for a couple of years now, because we wanted to do something special for our 25th anniversary (in June)! Twenty-five years! All of them have been wonderful and I love Debbie more now than ever. It's true!

Debbie's been married more than half her life for some time now, but I've still got awhile to go to get there (I married a very young bride). My how time flies- the older you get, the faster it goes (actually, time is slowing down because of entropy, but that's another story entirely).

So since it costs $.95 a minute to get online while on the ship, I seriously DOUBT if we're going to be checking email or blogging (so much for tweaking my fantasy baseball team). We'll see many of you when we get back.

Thanks for your prayers and loving support!