Since 7th April, our e-mail account has become unconscious, possibly due to the parlous state of Tiscali's finances - we've paid them our bit!! - but they seem to be heading for receivership. So if you've had a bounce-back on "screaming.net", try us on davidmyerscough a.t rocketmail d.o.t c.o.m. (This in code to avoid spammer robots). Hopefully our old address will revive in due course.
Been fairly tired this week, not helped by tooth abcess, which has put me back on the same antibiotics that blew up my intestines a couple of months ago. Half dose this time, and so thankfully disturbance not so dramatic, with copious consumption of live yoghurt. I fear Elaine has found the abcess far more stressful than I - her empathy is too well informed.
Wonderful lines from a film ('Shall we Dance') we watched last night.
"We need a witness to our lives. There's a billion people on the planet... I mean, what does any one life really mean? But in a marriage, you're promising to care about everything. The good things, the bad things, the terrible things, the mundane things... all of it, all of the time, every day. You're saying 'Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it. Your life will not go un-witnessed because I will be your witness"'
I'm thankful for you, my 'cloud of witnesses' - pray for continued strength for Elaine, my key witness.
Saturday, 11 April 2009
Monday, 6 April 2009
Why Albania?
A question on the lips of many (including ourselves) as they have watched our two daughters marry Albanians engaged in God's work in that country. The natural explanation, that Ruth went to work there for six weeks in summer 2001 on children's camps, and returned one year later to a full time role, that involved camp work in the summers, and marriage to Maki, the camp commandant late 2005. And Miriam naturally followed her sister's lead in helping at those camps from summer 2005, met Besmir the camp "fixer", and Maki's right hand man, and recognised God's partner for her, leading to their marriage late 2008.
Unknown to both of them, there was another dynamic at work.
In November 1999, shortly after we had linked up with Cairns Road Baptist Church, the death was announced one Sunday morning of a young American missionary working in Tirana, Albania. He and his wife, an Albanian, were known to the church, tho' not to me, nor did I at the time have much clue about Albania. But something resonated that morning as I sat on the back row, hearing such news. The very principle of scripture that out of death comes resurrection, whether the death of a corn of wheat in Christ's parable, or His own death that has brought life to millions. And so I stood and prayed out, reminding God of His principles, reminding God of His promises, and asking that in this American's place, Albanian young men would step our to work for God's kingdom in their own land. None of the rest of the family was there to hear the prayer, and while prayed passionately at the time, it did not linger in my own thinking.
About a year ago, as Elaine reflected with me on the issue of a second daughter marrying an Albanian, I admitted to her for the first time the strength that I had in this regard, knowing that I was seeing an unexpected answer to a prayer of nine years previous.
I shared the story with the two families on Miriam's wedding day last November, and with some of our church members shortly thereafter. I am conscious of the words spoken of Mary, who having seen a heavenly vision "treasured these things in her heart". So forgive me if you feel that in going public I am overstepping. But if we are to talk of the power of one smooth stone, we need to remind ourselves that the God of David has not changed, and still is ready to act on behalf of those who step out naming His name.
We are not called to kill Goliath every day. And David was later to demonstrate that "acting in his name" was also about the care of Mephibosheth, the disabled grandson of one who had been his enemy. So if God calls you to mercy today then act. And if calls you to fight, He is the same God. Just choose your weapons carefully.
Medical update - still below par after two days of (dog)-tiredness, but mind and spirit in good shape. Due for CT scan this afternoon , to see effect of chemo to date. Results due next week.
Unknown to both of them, there was another dynamic at work.
In November 1999, shortly after we had linked up with Cairns Road Baptist Church, the death was announced one Sunday morning of a young American missionary working in Tirana, Albania. He and his wife, an Albanian, were known to the church, tho' not to me, nor did I at the time have much clue about Albania. But something resonated that morning as I sat on the back row, hearing such news. The very principle of scripture that out of death comes resurrection, whether the death of a corn of wheat in Christ's parable, or His own death that has brought life to millions. And so I stood and prayed out, reminding God of His principles, reminding God of His promises, and asking that in this American's place, Albanian young men would step our to work for God's kingdom in their own land. None of the rest of the family was there to hear the prayer, and while prayed passionately at the time, it did not linger in my own thinking.
About a year ago, as Elaine reflected with me on the issue of a second daughter marrying an Albanian, I admitted to her for the first time the strength that I had in this regard, knowing that I was seeing an unexpected answer to a prayer of nine years previous.
I shared the story with the two families on Miriam's wedding day last November, and with some of our church members shortly thereafter. I am conscious of the words spoken of Mary, who having seen a heavenly vision "treasured these things in her heart". So forgive me if you feel that in going public I am overstepping. But if we are to talk of the power of one smooth stone, we need to remind ourselves that the God of David has not changed, and still is ready to act on behalf of those who step out naming His name.
We are not called to kill Goliath every day. And David was later to demonstrate that "acting in his name" was also about the care of Mephibosheth, the disabled grandson of one who had been his enemy. So if God calls you to mercy today then act. And if calls you to fight, He is the same God. Just choose your weapons carefully.
Medical update - still below par after two days of (dog)-tiredness, but mind and spirit in good shape. Due for CT scan this afternoon , to see effect of chemo to date. Results due next week.
Saturday, 4 April 2009
The authority of the believer
When asked at elders meeting last week for my current reflections, I could do no more than quote this title of a booklet that has been on my shelf for the last 40 years, as evidenced by its two shilling price tag. It is a seed thought that sits on the surface of my mind at present, with echoes of Genesis, where Adam is given authority over the earth (subdue it), and more specifically of Jesus' issue of authority to his disciples in realms of binding and loosing, healing, evil spirits, and his final command "all authority has been given to me, go ye therefore".
The source of authority is well taught by the Roman Centurion who recognised that to be in authority, one had to be under authority. And Christ himself reminded the Roman Governor, Pilate, that "you would have no authority over me unless it was given you from above."
Our present age shies away from authority, for the fairly obvious reason that they do not wish to be under it themselves. But such thinking should not be allowed to infiltrate us as church. I am not denying the place for concensus (the place of unity where God commands the blessing; Psalm 133), but let us not be ever seeking that place and failing to act with God given (and not concensus given) authority, that comes from true submission.
Mike's sermon last Sunday was a powerful statement from the story of David and Goliath of the power of one smooth stone in God's name, not a hail of stones, nor a fight fought with the weapons of others, not one side or argument ranged against another. This David faces his Goliath, but we all have our own to face. Whose armour are we trusting in? Have we faced the lion and the bear in the hidden place guarding our own sheep, to be able to stand in the public place when God so calls us? I've got a story about one smooth stone, but I'll give you space to think of your own first. Dave
The source of authority is well taught by the Roman Centurion who recognised that to be in authority, one had to be under authority. And Christ himself reminded the Roman Governor, Pilate, that "you would have no authority over me unless it was given you from above."
Our present age shies away from authority, for the fairly obvious reason that they do not wish to be under it themselves. But such thinking should not be allowed to infiltrate us as church. I am not denying the place for concensus (the place of unity where God commands the blessing; Psalm 133), but let us not be ever seeking that place and failing to act with God given (and not concensus given) authority, that comes from true submission.
Mike's sermon last Sunday was a powerful statement from the story of David and Goliath of the power of one smooth stone in God's name, not a hail of stones, nor a fight fought with the weapons of others, not one side or argument ranged against another. This David faces his Goliath, but we all have our own to face. Whose armour are we trusting in? Have we faced the lion and the bear in the hidden place guarding our own sheep, to be able to stand in the public place when God so calls us? I've got a story about one smooth stone, but I'll give you space to think of your own first. Dave
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Round 6
In answer to Elaine's daily prayer, white cell levels enabled round 6 to go ahead as planned. About 3 hours at hospital, preceded by about an hour at my "virtual office desk", and this evening an hour or so trying to get the 2006 church accounts printed off for the auditor, interspersed with Skype call with Ruth in Albania, and lying on the settee. We've been given the hospital appointments for the next six weeks, which gives us a better idea of shape than the two week horizon we've generally been working to.
Miriam and Besi flew back today - temperature in Durres reported as 23 degrees, but cloudy. We'd taken them to my brother in Reading yesterday, and they caught the train today from there to Gatwick. We trust their bulging cases got past the BA check-in - they're now very strict on not sharing allowances (ie every bag must be below 23kg, you can't borrow the 22kg of your wife to get 24kg allowed on yours - a real jobsworth's charter.) Although they have enjoyed their four weeks here, they'll be glad to settle back into normal life - whatever that is??! Our love D&E
Miriam and Besi flew back today - temperature in Durres reported as 23 degrees, but cloudy. We'd taken them to my brother in Reading yesterday, and they caught the train today from there to Gatwick. We trust their bulging cases got past the BA check-in - they're now very strict on not sharing allowances (ie every bag must be below 23kg, you can't borrow the 22kg of your wife to get 24kg allowed on yours - a real jobsworth's charter.) Although they have enjoyed their four weeks here, they'll be glad to settle back into normal life - whatever that is??! Our love D&E
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Catch-up
I meet friends, and they tell me "Dave, you're leaving us in the lurch - it's too long since you last posted" - trouble is my approach to life has always been - if you've nothing to say keep quiet! But round 5 has been good, energy levels not as low as last time, and now I'm back at the end of week 2 and conscious of much that could fill today on top of the 5 or 6 hours I'll spend "in the office".
We ended week 1 in a 4* hotel in Berkshire, a birthday present for Elaine, and a refreshing 24 hour break for us both - lovely grounds where we walked for over an hour, and then the main lounge to ourselves, coffee and newspapers on the house!
Great to see some of you at Miriam and Besi's presentation last Sunday - a reminder of the blessing that comes from being body together, and not just leading isolated lives. Their task between now and Tuesday flight to cram in those last minute visits, to cram their overflowing suitcases, and to finish the shower - only joking Besi! - but you know that the tiling will be good practice for when you build your own house this summer!
Pete and Ruth joined us last week-end, and Stephen will be with us this week-end. A friend from church visited Maki and Ruth last week-end, and brought back photos of Amelia, growing in size, in smiles, and in likeness to her father. We thank God for them all, and for all of you. D & E
We ended week 1 in a 4* hotel in Berkshire, a birthday present for Elaine, and a refreshing 24 hour break for us both - lovely grounds where we walked for over an hour, and then the main lounge to ourselves, coffee and newspapers on the house!
Great to see some of you at Miriam and Besi's presentation last Sunday - a reminder of the blessing that comes from being body together, and not just leading isolated lives. Their task between now and Tuesday flight to cram in those last minute visits, to cram their overflowing suitcases, and to finish the shower - only joking Besi! - but you know that the tiling will be good practice for when you build your own house this summer!
Pete and Ruth joined us last week-end, and Stephen will be with us this week-end. A friend from church visited Maki and Ruth last week-end, and brought back photos of Amelia, growing in size, in smiles, and in likeness to her father. We thank God for them all, and for all of you. D & E
Monday, 16 March 2009
Back online
Day one of round 5, and hooked up once again to chemo. Just back from 4 hours hospital. Initial concern that my neotrophil count was too low for chemo(ie below 1) - measure of white blood cells ability to fight infection - apparently lowest in 2nd/3rd week after chemo - normal level 4 to 7, my levels 0.7 last Tuesday, 0.85 Friday, but did a fresh test today and back up to 3. So looks like the time I feel most fit at the end of the chemo cycle, is actually the time when most vulnerable to coughs colds etc.
Anyway, did feel fit during last week, and did 3 full days at work W-F. Meanwhile Besi was fitting out our upstairs shower - they're away for a few days now, but I'm under instruction to buy the tiles before he returns. Saturday we all had a sunny day in Somerset, Chew Valley, Cheddar Gorge, Wells and scrumpy farm. Besi has just planted 3,000 vines at home, and was interested to see if the process of apples to cider would work with Albanian apples. He preached at Cairns yesterday, and then they were off to Leicester. Next Sunday 17:30 at Cairns, tea cake will be served, and Mim and Bes will talk of their plans for the year ahead. All welcome.
Note that we are not going ahead with UK wedding celebrations - seemed a bit false four months after the event - but we have 120 home-grown half-pears in the freezer which the guests were going to get with red-wine sauce - maybe we'll have some next Sunday. Our love. Dave & Elaine
Anyway, did feel fit during last week, and did 3 full days at work W-F. Meanwhile Besi was fitting out our upstairs shower - they're away for a few days now, but I'm under instruction to buy the tiles before he returns. Saturday we all had a sunny day in Somerset, Chew Valley, Cheddar Gorge, Wells and scrumpy farm. Besi has just planted 3,000 vines at home, and was interested to see if the process of apples to cider would work with Albanian apples. He preached at Cairns yesterday, and then they were off to Leicester. Next Sunday 17:30 at Cairns, tea cake will be served, and Mim and Bes will talk of their plans for the year ahead. All welcome.
Note that we are not going ahead with UK wedding celebrations - seemed a bit false four months after the event - but we have 120 home-grown half-pears in the freezer which the guests were going to get with red-wine sauce - maybe we'll have some next Sunday. Our love. Dave & Elaine
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Holiday blessings
We look back with thanks for a wonderful holiday in Scotland. 7 of us (incl Pete & Ruth, Mim & Bes, and Stephen & Wii) drove last Sunday to Edinburgh, one night there with Mum, (which gave me time to set her up on Skype), then on with her to Aberfeldy to my brother's luxury cottage (sleeps 10-12 - see The Ruin). We arrived Monday tea-time, and Monday night the mild weather of the previous two weeks ended with the first of many snow showers. My younger brother joined us with his son for three days, bringing sledges which were put to good use on virgin snow at 1200 feet in the lee of Schiehallion. A wonderful drive to Rannoch Station (what I call the station at the end of the universe) - blue skies, no wind, snow covered moors and mountains, deer, melt-swollen rivers, 15 miles lakeside driving.....glory.
I'd wondered if by the Friday I may be fit enough to climb a Munro - the reality that 150 vertical metres behind the cottage the limit of my energies at very slow pace, but still glorious to have climbed up to the snowline viewing deer driven down to the same line by the snow.
Healthwise I'm aware that the tiredness is now affecting me well into week 2 of each cycle - this time there will be a week 3, since next chemo Monday week. But great that this week 3 will include quality time with Miriam and Besmir.
Really encouraged by various comments on this site, from friends old and new. I know some of you have tried to comment but failed - see right hand menu for a tip about this.
I'd wondered if by the Friday I may be fit enough to climb a Munro - the reality that 150 vertical metres behind the cottage the limit of my energies at very slow pace, but still glorious to have climbed up to the snowline viewing deer driven down to the same line by the snow.
Healthwise I'm aware that the tiredness is now affecting me well into week 2 of each cycle - this time there will be a week 3, since next chemo Monday week. But great that this week 3 will include quality time with Miriam and Besmir.
Really encouraged by various comments on this site, from friends old and new. I know some of you have tried to comment but failed - see right hand menu for a tip about this.
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