Hope for Cindy

A Tender Spot & Good News

Mark — Wed, 09 May 2012 02:02:13 +0000

With Mother’s Day around the corner, I’m feeling a tender spot for we ladies. Some of you have recently (or not so recently) lost your moms; some have moms battling illness. Some await a child’s wedding day; a few are praying for God’s perfect spouse choice for your child. Others are asking the Lord to bring their “babies” into a right relationship with their loving Father. Some of us are overworked or overwhelmed moms, some of us long to be moms, some of us currently know estrangement as moms, and there are a few brand new moms out there, too. Certainly, being a mom brings its real moments of hugs, tears, hard work, angst and elated joy. By God’s grace we go.

Wherever we live, any place on this beautiful planet, with all women we share the privilege of raising children. Similar parenting/grand parenting issues occupy the deeper recesses of our hearts, and it is to those places that our minds go when the head finally hits the pillow at night. Jesus awaits us there.He is our Holy Helper, the only Way and the only One to grow us up as moms in His likeness.

Finally, /sisters/, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellentor praiseworthy–think about such things….the apostle Paul

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!! ~ cindy

PS. Another BIG THANK YOU for praying that I heal completely as God chooses. The cataract surgery was a great success! I do need prayer for continued recovery from severe dry eyes, one side effect of donor transplants. I am so grateful to report that my blood cancer marker remains in the normal range; I am now 97% (up from 92% last visit) my sister, Sherrie.

Along with you in His holy and loving grip, “Shindy!”
Cindy Morris

Attentive

Mark — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:54:21 +0000

Today, if you hear /my/ voice, do not harden your hearts…./instead, LISTEN and/ enter my rest.”

Hebrews 3:8-11

Mark and I are so spoiled. At least once a week we go on a breakfast date to the neighborhood coffee shop. Here we share our hearts, some good toast, a bit of laughter, the daily newspaper and our calendars. This all happens listening to a lovely classical music backdrop; and, therefore, tends to ‘calm the beast’ within. My prayer for you and me is that we all find some quiet moments over these sweet but sometimes stressful and frivolous holidays to LISTEN to the True, Pure Voice of “Jesus Calling.” Only there can we discover real joy and the peace that comes as we YIELD ALL to the Christ child.

Today we can all find a plethora of reasons to give thanks. You are on the top of my list. THANK YOU for faithfully praying for my health. The last check up resulted in the definite tapering of one of two anti-rejection (immunosuppressant) medications. We pray that this drug reduction will invigorate my sister Sherrie’s good cells, which still have not dominated, overtaken my DNA. I appreciate you joining us here, on our way to complete healing, as God deems fit. The tapering will likely create some side effects, most of which are manageable and definitely worth it.

This holiday season is the year for our entire clan – three precious couples and two adorable grandbabies (Maddie and Jack) to celebrate THANKSGIVING together with us, CiCi and GrandBarry.

Oh, “the /undeserved/ kindnesses of the Lord!” Isaiah 63:7 and Romans 2:4

Walking by grace alone, with gratitude -

Cindy (and Mark) Morris

Clip The Wire

Mark — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 21:36:08 +0000

Whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men. Colossians 3:23

I heard about a man who bought a property only to find a big roll of barbed wire from a former fence at the back. The roll of wire was too large to move past the tree line. The solution was simple. He would take a morning walk and clip a foot long piece from the roll daily and remove it. Gradually the huge obstacle decreased and was removed. The lesson to be learned: As we press on in Christ, just “clip the wire.” My cancer journey has given me a great appreciation for this expression. Each day I find satisfaction in taking a few small steps of service for Christ.

Three PRAISES and PRAYER REQUESTS:

1. Mark has been literally clipping wires and building fences in our backyard. During the building of his mom’s cottage behind our house, the construction crew ran over the old chain-linked fence; thus, the wire-clipping and subsequent replacement with a wooden fence. In all of this, God has again proven that His timing is perfect. The stem cell transplant manual specifically states: “While in treatment, avoid any areas of construction.” Audrey’s house was built during those very 100 donor transplant days while we were away!

2. Last week we returned from Cindy’s scheduled check up in Nashville. ”Just call me ‘Sh-indy’!” Sherrie’s healthy stem cells are taking over my DNA, trending upwards from 86% last visit to now 90%. Praise God! Thank you for continued prayer that Cindy’s immune system becomes 100% Sherrie’s. (Cancer did sadly take the life of a former Muslim brother in Christ this week; please ask God to comfort and guide the family of five as they grieve.)

3. Vanderbilt gave me permission to travel with Mark on a two-week, work-related journey east. Please ask for traveling mercies, health and God’s good, gospel purposes to be advanced. We will meet with pastors and leaders, visit churches, participate in conferences (i.e. Catalyst), and plan with colleagues at the International Mission Board. Fun!

Happy Fall to you all!

Cindy and Mark Morris

The Latest

Mark — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:03:36 +0000

Thanks for asking about and praying for my recovery from the donor transplant. It will take a full year for my body to get back to normal, so I need patience. I did see the eye doctor and was not surprised to have my prescription/glasses changed. Also, transplant patients typically experience cataract issues. The cloudiness is worsening due to taking steroids that limit the side effects of the graft v. host disease. The docs say that I will probably need cataract surgery in a year or so. In addition, the last blood work up at Vanderbilt indicated that my good immunity is too low, so this week I went to West Clinic for an IVIG infusion.

Finally, the main request remains: For complete healing. I came across the Bible story of “The Woman with a Blood Issue.” With faith she touched the robe of Jesus and found healing. I realized that I, too, am a woman with a blood issue. I’m also reaching out to Jesus. His mercy and goodness are great.

More specifically, please pray that the second of my DNA markers (one 100% Sherrie and the other 83%)– move up to 100%, too. I spoke to my sister/donor Sherrie last night—I am still not as fun as she is….it’s got to be that missing 17%. :)

We are now over halfway through the Muslim fasting season called Ramadan. Mark and I have enjoyed a few visits with some dear Muslim friends here. Let’s pray that Muslims everywhere, who are sincerely seeking truth at this time, see Christ in the kind acts and words of Christian lives around them and make inquiries that lead to salvation. ”God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.” I Timothy See 30-days.net for a great, brief prayer/video guide.

The school year has begun; those teachers and students need our prayer support, as well. May this year be productive for all.

Sincerely, cindy

On Course & a Big Village

Mark — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:53:01 +0000

Maddie & Cici drying nails for the wedding

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21.

I like the expression about many “projects” in life ‘taking a village’ to accomplish. As we get older it is not uncommon to realize our limitations. That was easy for me to remember while transplanting and wedding planning simultaneously this last spring.

Our youngest daughter Kelly married a wonderful John Irvine on June 18. Not knowing how the cancer treatment might deter my helping, I saw God raise up so much help from so many in the Body of Christ. Yes, the day turned out beautifully, and we stand in awe of such a BIG VILLAGE of support and love. A HUGE THANK YOU for each prayer and act of kindness on our behalf.

As scheduled, Mark and I then headed back to Vanderbilt last Friday for my FIRST POST DONOR TRANSPLANT CHECK UP. To summarize, I am “ON COURSE,” praise God! Now the expected yearlong “battle” for my sister Sherrie’s good cells to completely override mine and fight off myeloma is on and is a balancing act. Gut, rash and liver are the usual sites of the struggle, the first two of which I have experienced and are better. This is called Graft vs. Host Disease. We want some of of this GVHD, so that Sherrie’s healthy cells in me know to keep aggressive, but not so much as to lose quality of life.

Still keeping up with all the meds and managing the steroid and immunosuppressant side effects are the frustrating part. Please ask God to give me the right perspective each day to rejoice that the transplant worked! These side effects will one day disappear. As you know, the challenges of life offer us opportunity to either rebel or submit to our Sovereign, Just and Good, Loving Father.

Happy Summer to all! Sincerely, Cindy

Other Prayer Requests:

Please lift up the Concerned Christians for Afghanistan meeting this July 6 – 8, where widow Libby Little and parents of deceased Cheryl Beckett will be sharing. Ask the Spirit to move among the 85-strong group, all for His Glory in that wonderful nation.

There are so many others battling cancer of which you and I are aware; may the Lord send His Healing Hand as He wills, and may He use all kinds of suffering in this world to draw many closer to Jesus.

Managing Side Effects

Mark — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:00:18 +0000

Pray for Cindy as we approach the June 18 wedding of our baby girl, Kelly. Cindy has been very busy getting all the details ready for the wedding. Unfortunately I have been on the road for 3 weeks! : -(

In the mean time, Cindy’s GvHd has spread; one of her most important meds (celcept) is extremely elevated, and I have not been there to help her get her exercise. I feel like a terrible husband.

Please pray for Cindy during this next week.

1. We want this to be the most awesome wedding week – we pray that Kelly and John will be able to experience this week with great joy and satisfaction, starting their marriage on the right foundation. Pray for Cindy to have the stamina and the health throughout this glorious week for our baby girl.

2. Pray for our family’s collective health care management of the many factors impacting Cindy’s ongoing health. Emily has been a great help, encouraging us and helping us to see important issues.

3. Pray for Cindy’s GvH disease to subside and for her to maintain the correct levels of all her meds to assist in the management of GvH disease.

4. Pray for the strengthening of Cindy’s muscles and improved stamina. One of the dangers for her is to loose muscle mass.

Thank you so much for your prayers.

Mark

Improving

Mark — Sun, 29 May 2011 19:44:01 +0000

Thanks for praying for Cindy’s Host vs. Graft reaction. With the correct medications, things are settling down.

Another issue that came up is problems in her feet. One of the symptoms of the treatment is bone density issues. This week Cindy’s heels have been caused her pain. She is busy trying to work with Kelly on getting ready for the wedding, so she needs to be 100%.

Pray for her feet to recover soon and that everyone will stay strong and healthy through the June 18 wedding.

Blessings

Mark

Bump in the Road

Mark — Tue, 17 May 2011 04:56:48 +0000

We may have given the impression that this battle is over … it simply ain’t so.

After our last blog post, Cindy began dealing with one of the many possible side effects of her three transplants, particularly the most recent transplant using her sister’s stem cells.

Please pray with Cindy as she is now battling a full fledged case of Host versus Graft Disease that is spreading as a rash across her trunk.

Pray that this skin version of the disease is contained and does not spread to her face, mouth, eyes, and other organs.

Thanks so much for praying with us.

Mark

100 Days Done: Pause to Praise The Lord

Mark — Thu, 12 May 2011 12:12:03 +0000

by Cindy

: Maddie says, “Meet Jack!”

My dad’s teary eyes met my teary eyes yesterday at breakfast. In our hearts we were praising God for the good news this week from the Vanderbilt clinic:

“Cindy, there is no sign of Multiple Myeloma in your blood, bones, or urine. The donor transplant has worked, and you have reached a good remission!”

May I declare His “mercy and goodness all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6a).

A special Happy Mother’s Day to Mom, who just spent 9 days “babysitting me” in Nashville. I have felt well 98% of the time. We even got to tour lots of Civil War sites around here! Mark is back safely from India.

Your love and support and prayers have been my lifeline, from all around the world. Speaking of the world, may we not lose sight and concern for her upheaval and turmoil. Isn’t it wonderful that those of us who seek Jesus can “Look to the Rock” (Isaiah 55:1), from where our help truly comes. May God bring those who now suffer such tragedy, from Alabama to Lybia to Japan, find real peace in the Risen Savior.

A personal Isaiah study has blessed my heart! My hope is that the truths below will encourage you, too.

Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (Isaiah 46:4, 5-13)

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters…why spend money on what is not bread and your labor on what does not satisfy? Give ear and come to me; hear me that your soul may live…Seek the Lord while he may be found. (Isaiah 55:1-6)

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail…you will find your joy in the Lord. (Isaiah 58:11-14)

With sincere appreciation, Cindy (for Mark, too)

Winding Down

Mark — Sun, 01 May 2011 17:37:52 +0000

This is our final week – I’m writing from India as Cindy and her Mom are going through the last battery of tests to complete this 100 day treatment.

On Tuesday I’ll be speaking with some field workers here about ways to mobilize more partners. When I return to Nashville on the 5th, I’ll have the privilege of packing up our temporary Nashville apartment and driving us back to Memphis. We Can’t Wait to get home!!!

Thanks for your prayers for me as I travel and serve here. Please pray for Cindy and Peg as they meet with doctors, and prepare all the things that need to happen before finalizing our time in Nashville.

God has truly been good through all of these circumstances.

We celebrate Him and His love .

We pray that through these things, God will truly be glorified.

That we may become smaller and He become large in the hearts of more and more. And pray that those of us who know Him will be instruments in His hands.

Mark Morris