Janet's Testimony

Janet’s Testimony

Jeremy Allard, Pastor at the Sheldon Church of Christ, asked me to give a testimony during the Church service on Sunday and share how Kevin, Sheena and I got through the battles we had and are still experiencing with cancer in our lives.

In December of 1995, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. For the next 9 months I went through surgeries, chemotherapy and then 5 weeks of radiation. Was it easy? NO! Not at all! But through it all, I was drawn closer to my heavenly Father through prayer, His word, family, friends and my Church family. They gave me encouragement and lifted me up in prayer. I felt His divine presence with me and my family every step of the way. Through each needle poke, surgery and treatment, I felt that I was being held in his loving arms. I felt safe, secure and very Loved. In reading His word, I was drawn many times to (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." You may think that is a strange scripture for me to hold on to in such a difficult time, but now I realize that God was preparing me for more difficult times to come.

You see, my younger sister Jean was diagnosed with breast cancer a year before I was. She decided to have the tumor removed and to have no further treatment. However, when she saw how well I got through my treatments, she decided to seek further treatment. Unfortunately, by then, it was too late for her; the cancer had spread to her brain and her lungs. The doctor gave her just months to live. This news was much harder on me than going through the cancer and treatments myself. But Jean never gave up; she went through as many treatments as her body could handle. Toward the end...she was bedridden. I would spend every week day afternoon with her from 2:00 until her husband, Kent, got home from work. That was such a special time that I was allowed to spend with her. I would never trade that time for anything. Jean had a very strong faith in God. We would share Scripture, prayer, her hopes, and her dreams.

One day when I arrived, she was sleeping. I didn’t want to disturb her sleep, so I sat next to her bed, prayed and read the bible quietly. Suddenly, she woke up and spoke with such excitement that it startled me and I jumped. After we were done laughing at my fright, she told me of the dream she just had. Jean loved horses. She loved riding them and since she couldn't even walk at that time, her dream was of riding her horse at a full run though a meadow of green grass and wild flowers, feeling the warm sun shining on her wind blown face and a freedom she never felt before, with a perfect, new body. She said, I think that is what Heaven is going to be like. It will be perfect, without worry, without pain, without sadness, without guilt, and without sin! It will be carefree, joyous freedom, and we will be singing praises to our Heavenly, Holy Father. How Beautiful!!! It wasn't long after that she went home to be with the Lord. Even though I knew where she would be spending eternity, I still grieved her passing. I missed her dearly, it took a couple of years before I could even talk about her without tears and feeling the void she left in my heart.

Life went on with its peaks and valley's, but for the most part, it was nice and even. Then on January 4th of 2009, Kevin passed out in Sheena's arms while I lay in bed with the flu. “Mom Help!” Sheena called out, “Dad fainted and I can't hold him by myself.” I ran to her aid, helped her set him down on the floor and ran to the kitchen sink, where I threw up several times. I called Jeremy to help Sheena take him to the hospital, and then I went back to throwing up. Jeremy got to our home very fast and off they went to the hospital, while I went back to bed.

I was in a daze, barely holding on to reality, when Sheena called me with the bad news, “Dad has brain tumors and they want to remove them as soon as possible.” All I could say was..”WHAT DID YOU SAY?” Sheena replied...”Yes, he has Brain tumors and I'm staying here with daddy,...Mom are you okay?” I told her I was OK and that she needed to stay with her Dad. While that was going on, Jeremy started a prayer chain for Kevin and I. I just got off the phone with Sheena, when Nicky called and convinced me to let her take me to the same hospital for dehydration from the flu. I was so thankful for her offer to help, but I didn't want to make a mess in Nicky's van. Fortunately we made it to the hospital without a mess. While I was getting pumped with fluids, Sheena was going between first and third floors of the hospital to check on her parents. Poor child! She told us never to do that to her again, not fair for an only child.

The next day the doctor showed me Kevin's MRI, revealing the large brain tumors. He looked me straight in the eyes and said with such seriousness, “from this day forward, your life will never be the same.”

He was right! Our life will never be the same. Is that a bad thing? NO, just different. Does this story have a happy ending? I think so! I can say with joy and confidence that it does. Our Faith has carried us through this season in our lives. Each and every day He fills us with His Love, hope, joy, peace, courage, confidence and strength. He has opened our eyes to His miracles and we give Him praise and thanksgiving for that gift. You have all played a part in this miracle. Jeremy and the elders came over before Kevin's surgery; they laid their hands on him and prayed over him. All of you, our church family, our family, our friends and our acquaintances lifted us up in prayer and have continued to pray for us. Prayer is powerful and effective.

My prayer for each one of you is that as you meet the trials of life, they would compel you to be drawn closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ and that your faith would be strengthened and you would be filled with a burning desire to share the reason for your hope with everyone around you.

In closing (1 John 3:1) - "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!"

This is why we have the assurance and hope in all that we go through, because we are his children! That means that He loves and cares for us and we are heirs of His kingdom in heaven. His plan from the beginning was to provide a way for all of us to become his children. That is why He sent His Son Jesus Christ to be the perfect sacrifice for our sin. Jesus took the sin and sickness of the world on His shoulders that we might be saved. What a gift, what a blessing, a privilege, and, yes, a responsibility to be called children of God!

How did I end up here?

Whenever you travel, it’s always a big decision to figure out where to eat and it’s best to get a consensus before you stop. Well we decided to stop at a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Arizona and when we walked in, I was really more concerned about where the bathrooms were, than anything else. Everyone else went to be seated in the restaurant and I headed straight for the bathrooms, I was completely focused on where I was going and why. At that point, it was all about me. I came through the door of the hallway and there was the sign…men…I walked right in…stepped into one of the stalls and all of a sudden I thought to myself, you know – that’s weird – I didn’t see any urinals when I walked in. Now, I’ve been in some pretty strange bathrooms in other countries – but this is restaurant chain in the good old USA. They should have urinals…maybe I should recheck this whole situation.

All of a sudden I had that funny feeling in the pit of my stomach…not the one that says “oh I gotta go”, but the one that tells you “oh something just isn’t right here”. So, I walked out of there quicker than I walked in – I looked around and fortunately there wasn’t anyone watching. I went over to the other bathroom – and that sign said…men…so what is up with that. Well, did you ever realize that they just added a WO to men to spell women. Ya, that is how it’s spelled, and when you come into that hall area at the angle that I did, there is a small wall that obstructed the WO part of the word and I was too much in a hurry to pay attention to what the sign really said. So I had walked into the women’s bathroom…and fortunately there wasn’t anyone in it when I did. Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than smart.

As we hurry through our lives, often the focus is on ourselves…our needs…all of the things we think we have to do to fit in, to be comfortable. Then, all of a sudden we find ourselves in a place we know we don’t belong, a situation that just isn’t right. You get that funny feeling in the pit of your stomach because you know you’re not doing what God wants you to. It’s what you do from there that matters. Do you just ignore it so you can fit in with the crowd, or do you stop, look around and realize you aren’t where you should be in your life? We need to become more God centered instead of self-centered.

Romans 12:1 -2 (TMNT) in The Message instructs us like this…

^"1So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. ²Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."

Temporarily Permanent

We have used post-it notes in our office for years. You know they are so handy – you just write on it – put it up there and it sticks right there to remind you what needs to be done.

Unfortunately, sometimes they are left up there so long that they begin to curl and fade, and the next thing you know, they can’t hold on any more and they simply let go and fall off.

Post-it notes have been described as only being “temporarily permanent”. Now that is a pretty weird way to describe it. I guess that’s the way they describe the fact that they stick pretty well, but they just can’t hang in there by themselves forever.

Yet, I have pulled files that have been there for years and years and when I open the file and flip through the pages, I find post-it notes that are hanging on as well as they did when they were first stuck there. So what makes the difference?

Do you think, maybe there is a lesson, about faith, to be learned from the post-it note? You know, when you are out there all alone, doing your best to hang in there by yourself, your faith can begin to fade and it can become hard to hold on and to keep from letting go. But when you have the support of others around you, to worship and fellowship with you, to encourage you in your faith, to keep you accountable, and to lift you up in prayer. Just like being held together in that file folder, you have the support you need to grow in your faith and understanding of what God wants in your life.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (TMNT) "Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps His word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do, but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching."

Being involved in a community of believers, attending church, Bible study or a growth group keeps us growing in our faith. When we share in communion together it is a time of personal confession, a witness of our faith, a reflection of our relationship with Christ and a reminder of the hope that only comes from the sacrifice that Christ made for each one of us.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV) "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

I have heard Post-it notes described as being “temporarily permanent”.

Now just what does that mean? Does it mean…

1. For a short period of time, they will totally hang in there?

2. Or is it, they will stick a lot, but only for a little bit?

3. Maybe, they will hang there almost forever, but only if you don’t move them.

4. Or better still, they will permanently stick on a temporary basis, but… only if you avoid continuously sticking them on a temporary basis to a numerous amount of various surfaces. (in other words, you can’t keep sticking them on and taking them off, sticking them on and taking them off…otherwise they will lose their stickiness!)

You know, this can get quite confusing. Do you think God ever gets confused about our relationship with him? As we conduct our lives, do we send mixed messages, not only to God, but to the others around us? Just like a Post-it note, are we easily separated from our faith and willing to compromise our values when it fits the circumstance or suits our needs?

As Christians, we need to continue to hold tight, and to stand firm in our faith.

Hebrews 6:10-12 (NCV) "God is fair; he will not forget the work you did and the love you showed for Him by helping His people. And He will remember that you are still helping them. We want each of you to go on with the same hard work ALL your lives so you will surely get what you hope for. We do not want you to become lazy. Be like those who through faith and patience will receive what God has promised."

In the future – each time you use one of those little Post-it notes, think about your faith and commitment to God. Don't let it be just “temporarily permanent”. Instead, cling with all your might to the promise that God has given you. And surround yourselves with those who will encourage you to hold tight and grow in your faith.

And remember, what God has promised to us is absolutely permanent.

We remember what it is we hope for, and what made our hope possible. Christ paid the price for each one of us, that we might have the hope of salvation through a personal relationship with Him.

The Caddy

I had a fantastic opportunity this past summer; the opportunity to golf at Whistling Straits over in Kohler, WI, a beautiful setting overlooking Lake Michigan. This was a very unique experience, because every pair of golfers were paired up with a caddy. For me, it was the 1st time ever, and I was actually nervous to have someone following me around, watching me, and coaching me on what club to use, what the slope of the green was, how and where to putt the ball, because my golf game is about as inconsistent as can be. But you know what…it only took my caddy a couple holes and he had me all figured out. All I could imagine was, in the back of his mind he was probably thinking about me, (as a golfer, Kevin is just a lost cause).

But, I was wrong, he hung right in there with me. He was very gracious and good at his job. We would walk up to the ball and he would hand me the club I should use. Now, you have to realize, that’s pretty scary. I usually don’t know what club I should use, and I’ve been golfing with me for years!

There were a few times he would hand me a club and I thought, that is a poor choice for a club to use. But he would tell me; "just hit it over there, lay it up short and play it safe." I thought, well what fun is that? Lets give the long ball a try, give it a rip and see what happens. Let’s go for par. He would just smile, shake his head, hand me the club I wanted, and say, "OK, but if you hit it to the right - you’re out of bounds, hit it short or to the left – you’re in a hazard, hit it long - you’re over the green and it will roll into the woods. You will end up with a 7 or 8 (which is 3 or 4 over par)." So, reluctantly I’d take his advice, play the hole his way and end up with a 1 over par. I guess I have to admit, he knew what he was doing.

There are so many lessons to be learned about our life as a Christian from an experience like this. The caddy was there to watch out for me, to help me out when I needed it, to give encouragement and to keep me accountable. Doesn’t that sound just like the role of a Christian parent, a good Christian friend, or your church family?

We are surrounded by hazards every day. Our faith is tested and our attitude and actions are sometimes questionable. We are tempted to take that risky shot. Jesus came to be a light to the world. As we grow in our faith and reliance on Jesus Christ, we understand that He came to be a light to the world and that light is to shine through each one of us. We are all called to be caddy’s – encouraging and leading others to a closer faith and relationship to Jesus.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV) "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

The caddy knew that golf course like the back of his hand. He knew all the right advice to give, and he gave that advice in a kind and caring way, so that the end result would turn out for the best. The only thing is, he couldn’t hit the ball for me. I had to step up and hit that ball myself. I was the only one accountable for my score. It’s the same way in your relationship with Christ. Your parents, spouse, best friend, teacher, pastor or your church can give you all the guidance and instruction you need, but you alone have to make the decision to accept Christ as your personal savior. The free gift of grace is there for you, but there is no one else that can accept it for you. YOU have to step up and hit the ball yourself.

If you haven't made the decision to accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, I pray that you will look to Him and that He will provide you with that caddy to help you on your way.

If there is ever anything I can do, please contact me by phone or you can email me at krbaughman@gmail.com

The Trophy's of Life!

My favorite all time hunting experience happened when my daughter, Sheena, was almost 6 years old. Back in those days, I had a real passion for hunting. Always in search of the trophy. So being a good dad, I thought I should encourage her to go out hunting with me to see if she would catch the fever. And of course, you know she would just jump at the chance.

What a proud day, her first day of hunting with her father....I even have a picture! I had the perfect spot, a couple of well used deer trails crossing in front of two chair size tree stumps, a little one for Sheena, and a big one right next to it for me. That way we could sit there and enjoy the experience together.

Well, we got out to the woods and actually sat there quietly together for what Sheena felt was an eternity (you know, maybe 10 to 15 minutes) when suddenly she whispered...."Dad, is it time to eat yet?" (before we went out we had the discussion about talking quietly in the woods). "Not yet Sheena" I responded. But, a couple minutes later, a little more insistingly... "Dad, is it time to eat yet?" You see, little did I realize, it wasn't so much the hunting she was interested in, as it was the chance to enjoy a lunch full of the "forbidden" food; you know, pop, chips, and candy bars. Well, I continued to tell her "not yet', but after she asked another hundred times or so, I decided maybe we should eat so we could finally quiet down and see some deer. And sure enough, it wasn't long and I heard a deer coming down the trail. I thought, wow, this is great! Sheena will get to see a deer and will begin to understand the thrill of the hunt and the concept of being quiet....when all of the sudden she says, "DAD, I hear something." I put my finger up to my mouth to quiet her down, but she just pipes right up and says, "NO, DAD I think a deers coming!" Well....needless to say, we didn't end up seeing anything that day, but we did have a fantastic time together and an awesome lunch.

It's strange how we try to influence and encourage our children, family, and others around us to get them interested in something we are excited about. We don't want them to miss out on it. Our enthusiasm and passion are unmistakable and even contagious, because it's just one of those things you can't seem to get enough of, or live without. It is a priority in our lives and we want them to share that priority with us. And you just can't understand it when others don't share that same passion.

Have you thought about it? Is that how you share your passion for God? We are instructed in how to teach our children and others as we journey through life.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (NIV) says "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

I started out thinking that I was going to teach Sheena as a hunter, to seek out and go after the trophy, but after failing to even see a deer the first time out, I thought maybe I had failed. But, now I realize, over the years, my wife, Janet and I have taught her to see the trophies in life and to seek the genuine trophy of life. Not only does she see and appreciate the awesome gifts from God in all things He has created; the beautiful sunrise and sunset, the simple beauty in the sculpture of the trees even without their leaves seeing the magnificent design of grace, the wonder and awesomeness of all that He has created. But, most importantly, she recognized, sought and has accepted the ultimate trophy....the promise of the crown of salvation which is only possible through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of her life.

Yes, our relationship with God should be the #1 passion in our lives. Is it evident in your daily life? What passion do you share with your children and others around you? Think about how you can share your passion adn enthusiasm for God with others in a loving and sincere way. As you think about this, I would like you to consider...

As you stand at His gate,
are there trophies you'll take?
The ones on the wall,
will have no meaning at all.

Was your focus off base,
is it the wind that you chased?
By then you'll be sure,
What it is that was pure.

In the life that you led,
where there one's that you fed?
Did you help open the door,
for them to see Him more?

You'll praise God and sing,
for the ones you helped bring,
and the souls that will cling,
to a life in search of the King.

Introduction!

Just a quick note to explain the title of the blog. I have always felt that it was more important to teach than preach "life" lessons to my daughter, Sheena, in a loving, fun and non-threatening way. One of the earliest "sayings" I taught her was "Don't take any wooden nickels". The point of it all...was for her to understand that things aren't always as they appear. Because, as it says in 2 Corinthians 11:14 "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." I wanted her to learn to discern the difference between the truth and what can be appear to be OK, harmless, acceptable, because after all - everyone else is doing it and they think it's OK. I wanted her to understand that she needed to examine each choice that she faced and determine...is this the genuine article or just a fake imitation.

I knew that throughout her entire life she would be faced with choices and I wouldn't always be right there at the moment to help make those choices with her. I wanted to teach her a simple phrase to remind her to think before acting.

Over the years a tradition arose each time we parted, a firm hug and a kiss on the cheek, a last minute instruction, "good-by sweetheart, have fun, be safe, I Love You," and each time as I continued to talk...she would stop me to say "I know daddy - I won't take any wooden nickels" As she walked away, with those words tucked away she would glance back for a quick smile and a wink.

So this blog is titled "No Wooden Nickels" because throughout my life I want to see truth, show truth, and know truth and I ask the Holy Spirit to work in me to have the spirit of discernment.

In this blog I will be sharing some of my old thoughts, new revelations and my journey through cancer.