Introduction
Welcome to “Nothing New.” The goal of my blog in the past has been to stimulate discussion about all things related to CBC, the Christian life, and the world at large. But it has recently been hijacked by my cancer and treatment. This means I have to eat some crow (which I hate) because early on
I boldly claimed I would not allow my condition to take center stage in my life.
But it is taking center stage on my blog – for a while. I am rather torn about this development. I am uncomfortable making this all about me – because it’s not. It is strangely therapeutic for me to blog about this, however, and I cannot express even a fraction of my appreciation for everyone who reads and leaves their funny, weird, and /or encouraging words in comments and emails.
So please join with me in dialogue. I always look forward to reading your comments. (If you'd like to follow my cancer journey from day 1, please go to my post on 6/25/08 -
Life Takes Guts - in the archives and follow the posts upwards from there.)
Here’s the Nothing New Guestbook.
Posts
49 comments:
Hi my name is James, or for those who are little more daring, Big Game James. I used to have the privledge of being a student of Dr. New's when he taught on Sunday Mornings at WBC. One my favorite parts of his class werethe random Q's of the Day. One he always wanted to do but was never allowed was the "innie/outie" survery. I would love to have more random questions of the day!! Peace.
BGJ
Hi this is Mom and I love reading your blog everyday! I'm proud that you are my son!
I love you!
jkn
Hello my name is Eric and I found this blog through being in many of your classes. Keep up the good work. P.S. How cool is it that your mom reads and has written a post?
I'm Tara. I read your blog while I'm at work....I found it because its been listed in like at least 10 of my sylibus'. I don't think I spelled that right..but I'm not an english major.
How cute is it that your mom posted on your blog!!! That's adorable!
- say hello and/or introduce yourself
Hello. David McLaughlin. Corporate Trainer. Former tax accountant. Ordained minister. Newly published author. Former full time minister. Found the blog through Craig Smith.
- offer general comments not applicable to specific posts
I like pie.
- suggest future blog topics
Favorite pies.
This is a pretty cool blog spot!
Hi Doc. I pray you're well. In the midst of doing some research to drastically change how we minister via the web, we came across your blog on my book, Sacred Sex. First of all, let me say that I am very honored. Second, I did not want to be presumptuous or rude and join without asking, but I would be more than happy (and, again, honored) to participate in the blog conversation if you think it would be helpful to your students. I have no intention of stifling conversation or disagreement; I actually like and encourage that. It's just that I noticed several bloggers struggling with what the author meant, and, being the author, I'd enjoy helping out -- especially on the singles issue. I get to speak to college audiences fairly frequently and they are always one of my favorite groups to connect with. No hard feelings if you don't think my participating would be the best idea. I defer to you. God's blessings on your work! Tim Gardner
Dr. Gardner,
Thank you for your interest in our discussion! It would be a privilege to have you dialogue with us. I have sent you an email to the address given at the very end of Sacred Sex. Please let me know if I should use another. You may reach me at anew@cbc.edu.
Nothing is impossible when we put our trust in the Lord. Thank you for your faith and your witness. We have held the New Family in our hearts since 1987. What a blessing you and your folks have been to us. We pray for you daily. We know you can do this...we pray God's strength for Shanda, too. PTL Sandy & Denny
Hi! My name is Amie, and I am a friend of Jenni Kailey's. I love your blog and think you are inspirational. My thoughts and love are with you.
Hi, We are so proud of you and all you have accomplished. God is doing a great work through you and do you know how I can tell. You have brought a group of people to pray, to be in one accord and of one mind. We are praying for you and your family.
Carolyn and Harold Ensign
Aaron and family,
I'm so sad to hear that you are facing cancer and chemo. You are in my heart and prayers.
Janet Rasher
Aaron,
I just heard about your situation and the cancer. Praise God for your faith...God will see you through this!
Ginger and I will be praying for you. We love you!
Shalom,
Terry McIlvain (T.Mac)
Hi Aaron. My name is Dave Buchholz. I do not know your dad, but I know who he is - he spoke to us at rehearsal at Immanuel wednesday. He is so proud of you he could explode. I have 4 children and my 17 yr old son Cooper is really fired up jor Jesus after going to camp. There seems to be a lot of love in your family. Our family is also being tested. Please pray for us. I am praying for your family.
Aaron! You haven't changed one bit and I'm so glad! : )
I will always think of you as my little brother in Christ and just wanted you to know I'm praying for you! Love you!
-Chelley G.
Aaron I am praying for you from Sedgwick, KS. Your father-in-law, Spencer told us of your need for prayer and my husband and I pray every night for your strength, peace and courage.
Here is a power point e-mail I think you would enjoy:
DiosteDice-LEELABIBLIA.pps
We will continue to pray for you and your family for 6 months.
Don and Bev Cox
Hi Aaron,
Ronnie and I have been at Immanuel for about 34yrs. We had the privilege of watching you and Nikki grow up there with our kids, Aaron and Stephanie. We heard about your battle with cancer from your dad in SS, and wanted you to know you are in our prayers daily. We will wait to hear good
new(s) about your progress soon.
In Christ's Love,
Ronnie & Cindy Kendall
Hi Aaron - We finally are getting your updates via e-mail rather than phone, so we have your blog address now, too. It really was a blessing reading your thoughts; I thank God for your faith and for the strength that comes through Him alone. And now I know more specifically how to pray for you, Shanda and the boys. You're on the prayer list of Big Springs Baptist in Garland, too. My prayer vers for you is this: "For I will restore your health, and I will heal your wounds." Jeremiah 30:17 We love you guys and will be fighting this battle with you.
Love from Melanie (Wes and Zoe, too)
Aaron
Your family in Oklahoma want you to know that we are joining in prayer with many many other family and friends asking our Lord for strength and comfort for you during this very difficult time. We know that you can lean on HIM for ALL of your needs and even though the road is rough and winding and the journey difficult, we pray for God's healing touch upon your body. HE is the great physician and we have encountered many instances of his mighty works.
Aaron you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers each and every day and please know that we love you and are praying for a full and complete recovery.
God bless
Steve and Teresa Litz
Ryan Carmel and family
Shannon Brandon and family
Hi Aaron. My name is Linda Lundy. I'm a member of Big Springs Baptist church in Garland, TX where your cousin, Melanie, Wes and Zoe attend. I want you to know we are praying for you and your family to have strength and courage each day knowing God is with you every moment. Being a mom and grandmother,I know how much it means to your mother to be able to read and share in other's words of encouragement, love and prayers for you. My heart is with her also.
God Bless You Real Good!
Mark & I just recently met you in the hospital in Wichita as you were visiting your grandmother. I know she must be very proud of the way you are handling all of this! Mark & I are glad to hear you were able to spend the weekend with Shanda and the kids. Mexican food is good for the soul! Take care and God bless -- you are all in our prayers!
Mark & Vicki Alfred
Hi Aaron! This is my first blog, I think! I've been hesitant to try it, but thought who better to try something new than for you! We wanted you to know that we have been praying for you non-stop! We know that God is doing great things through your witness during this time in your life. We are so proud of you! Your blogs are such a blessing. We're keeping an eye out for your folks and will continue to pray for you and your family. We love you! btw - you made a great choice in OTB - I see my neighborly influence of eating out paid off! :)
Aaron and Shanda,
I just found out through Sharon S. about your struggles and wanted to let you know that Jim and I will be praying big time. We are living in Weatherford now and have fallen off the radar so I apologize for losing track.
May you feel his strength and peace all around you throughout this time. I'll be sending you a note with our new contact information.
much love to you, Shanda and the boys,
Cynthia B
Aaron,
Pam let Krista and I know what is going on. Just know we are praying for you. I appreciate the honesty and transparency. Hang in there. Bruce
Well Aaron ... I, like our old friend Bob Doucette, am just 'getting it'. You'll become part of my daily prayers. God loves you brother, and I can see He is working through you each and every day.
Hi Aaron! Just a brief note to let you know that Hughes Middle School faculty and staff are praying for you, Shanda, and the boys.
Ok. Here are my thoughts on the"thanks" postings:
I keep thinking of the song, Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart, so you could use "Gr8fulheart posts" or even more simple, "TP" posts-- Thanks and Praise posts.
Maybe this will help get your creative juices flowing!
Love reading your Blog.
v alfred
Just want you to know that we are thinking of you and praying for you. I had a dream last night that we visited you, and you had a full head of hair...I mean "Keith Abbott in the the 80's hair". So here's to trends coming full circle!
Miss you! Pam and the Fam
Aaron & Shanda: Such wonderful news about Parker. What a super way our Lord lets us know He is aware of everything...let the children come! God Bless you all, Denny and Sandy
Aaron & Shanda,
I learned of the "big C word" being part of your life just last night in my accountability group. I teared up and had a knot in my stomach. Then, last night when I was alone and praying, I had a peace that if anyone can beat this - you can AND WILL.
I was skimming thru and saw that sweet Parker accepted Christ. PTL! He is so amazing! While I was teaching the other 2's class opposite of him at Discovery School, we always got a kick out of his statements. We even started a list of "Parkerisms". He was always a smile on a ho-hum day. Just like I'm sure his salvation is a bright light in this dark battle.
I will continue to pray for you both and the kids. I will blog-stalk often to get the updates!
Blessings,
Abby Boerger (& Paul)
NEW!! Hey, this is Ryan Smithee. It's been a long time, my brother. Wow...LeAnne and I will be praying for you and your family on a daily basis. I appreciate you and the encouragement you provided for me during those OBU years. Also, thanks for helping Craig out...I worry about him...Love ya, my brotha!
Ryan Smithee
Hey Aaron and Shanda! It's Heath and Shelli Bryant. We heard about all that's been going on with you guys at camp (I met one of the counselors from your church). Anyway, Pam Rowe gave me the link to your bloggsite. You guys are in our prayers... I can tell you are more than a teacher to your students... i love the way you seem to relate to them. Thanks so much for walking the walk... We're in the Little Rock area if you need us... my email is hbryant@gsfbc.org.
Blessings, Bro! Tell the family hello for us... I'm syked about Parker's decision... it seems like yesterday he was in Shelli's preschool SS class at wedgwood!
The Bryants
Hi Aaron....you don't know me but I had the privilege of meeting your father in person a couple of weeks ago. He has been informing me of your treatment progress....WOW!!...what an exceptional human being. My prayers are with you everyday my friend. Let me say "thank you" for everything you do.
Hi Aaron. I haven't seen you since Nicki got married. I have to say it's sad to hear what you are going through. Did they get all of the cancer? I see that you are still going through chemo.
Please tell your family hello. I miss seeing the New family down the street. God Bless Aaron.
Hidi (Lemons) Byrd
I've never signed this before and decided to "register." I'm Heather, friend of Shanda's and yours too, Aaron. I love you both so much and am so thankful for the good friends you have been to me. You are disciples of Christ in every way- and God's purposes are being revealed in your lives even now.
I'm praying for you today!
Aaron,your thoughts are very inspiring. Everyone at Hughes Middle are thinking of you and Shanda and spending up prayers for your speedy and total recovery. Hope you got the cookie jar of well wishes. Know you are both beyond tired - wish we could send you strength instead of words.
Janet Rasher
Aaron and Shanda, We continue to remember you in our prayers. You can get through this...our God is an awesome God. Love, Denny &Sandy
We're pulling for you, Aaron. Our prayers are for all of you. Hang in there, we know you can do this! Denny and Sandy
Aaron,
I am retired from Hughes Middle School @ Burleson, Texas. I was given your address through a pray chain. Your testimony has been a blessing and encouragement to many. My husband, David, and I are praying for you, Shanda and your boys.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Dunn
Aaron & Shanda,
Found your blog through Cephus' facebook. Will be praying for you guys like crazy. Your transparent walk is an enormous gift. My heart aches, but I smile as I read, partly because I can see your smirk :-)
I look forward to reading more and hearing more of God's faithfulness.
Shawn & I are in Shawnee and have been doing family ministry full-time through NAMB for the last three years. We have four boys...Ha! We have a teenager and a toddler in the house.
Praying His Perfect Strength for You all,
Amber Crawley (Grove)
Kendrick here. Aaron, the song names are a hoot. I think I got all of them. I'm impressed by the song list (which could be one of my own) and the creative tie ins to the milk jug.
kendrick again. I'm wondering if the steroids are giving your brain super strength!
Kendrick here. I read your draft. I like it. As usual with you--well put!
Hey Aaron - thought you might get a kcik out of this. Not sure this is a good way to try to get God to do what you want Him to do or not - but it is worth a try...
A small boy was writing a letter to God about the Christmas presents he badly wanted. "I've been good for six months now," he wrote.
But after a moment's reflection he crossed out "six months" and wrote "three." After a pause, that was crossed out, and he put "two weeks." There was another pause, and that was crossed out too.
He got up from the table and went over to the little nativity scene that had the figures of Mary and Joseph. He picked up the figure of Mary and went back to his writing and started again: "Dear God, if ever you want to see your mother again . . .
We have all been praying for you these days ansd know that God is goign to answer your prayer in His time - with or without threats....
Charles Boswell
I immediately had to plug in my bass guitar and play "Brick House" . Thanks a lot. It will be stuck in my head for days. Come to think of it though, I have had several IBC Christmas cantata tunes stuck there, so this is at least something different. "Start at the Manger" has been playing since I left Dallas yeterday morning. That is a 6 hour drive. Very disturbing.
Will you "Muscle Up" on the steroids ?
Dave Buchholz
Aaron, my name is Paige. My daughter, Kennedy, is in class at WHCP with Tanner. She is one of his "best girls." I found your site through Megan McFerron. Your blog posts are encouraging and sometimes make me laugh and cry at the same time. Thanks so much for your transparency. We're praying for you and your family.
Paige
Aaron,
I talked to your sister at a teacher inservice yesterday and she told me about your blog. I just wanted to let you know I have been praying for you and will continue to. It sounds like God has already used all of this for His glory and I know He will continue. I can't wait to hear all about His healing and blessings at our next class reunion.
Shenae Stein (CHS '90)
Hi Aaron. I don't know if you remember Scott and me from OBU? I just want to thank you for this blog. Scott was diagnosed in September 07 with testicular cancer. The doctors were certain they had gotten it all, especially after the 20 rounds of radiation. This was not the case. He about a month ago was redisgnosed,finished another ten rounds of radiation and had his first round of chemo this week. He is scheduled to have four rounds five days in a row every 21 days. This has been an incredibally trying time on our lives, but like you have stated so well in your blog have had suchh an amazing outpouring of love and support. I have been so encouraged reading your blog. Some of my fears and concerns you have addressed. Just reading these thoughts and feelings are normal has been so encouraging. Thanks again, Rachel Schooler
I didn't tell you before, but Amber Crawley told me about your blog. We too live in Shawnee. Scott is on staff at IBC as Education Minister. RachelSchooler
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