Hi everyone,
I hope this note finds you enjoying life and finding peace and assurance in all you do thru our Almighty God.
I have to be totally honest with you. Yesterday at my benefit put on by family and friends to help raise funds to pay for medical expenses I was completely blown away by the outpouring of love shown to us by the tremendous amount of people who came to support us!! You see most of our medical expenses from the cancer treatments are out of pocket because they lack FDA acknowledgement. But, God is good!! Over 350 friends, family, and loved ones showed up in mass to give me and my family love, encouragement, and support. Praise God—it was totally amazing. Words cannot express my sincere appreciation for everyone that had anything to do with the event including those of you that came and shared your life with us for a few hours. I was totally and completely emotionally exhausted after the 3.5 hour event. (in a good way.. 🙂 )It was so good to see so many people rally behind me and my family.
I have uploaded a video my son and daughter-in-law Nay Nay taped for us this past winter. It’s my story in verbal form. You’ll find it at listed right after my blessing below just click on it.
After spending the day with all the people that attended the benefit I am reminded of what God told the Israelites thru the prophet Jeremiah in Jeremiah 29:11-12; “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a FUTURE. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you”.
To me, prospering isn’t just about money. It’s about the blessings a person receives thru rich relationships and enduring friendships one gains through life. It’s how God takes care of us as we lean on him, obey him, and follow his commands. Based on Sunday’s response, I am one of the most wealthiest person on earth–thanks be to God!
Sending warm thoughts, deliberate prayers, and special blessings out to you……
Craig (aka Papa G)
Pressing On 
Craig-this is Gail Hurley that you went to High School with. I am sorry to hear about your illness. You are, however, putting your faith in action and hitting it head on. I will pray for you and Terry and I hope that you will find an answer to your prayers. God bless you and your family.
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Hi Gail,
I remember you well. Thank you for your well wishes. We are in God’s hand and feel peace and assurance thru all of this. I feel very confident that healing in on the way…..
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Craig, You always have been a fine example of how to live life. You know I love You and will always.
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Hey Coot—cheers to many years of friendship. It was good to see you and Muriel. Sending love right back to you Steve.
Craig (aka Papa G)
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Craig,
You are amazing & your attitude is one I wish that everyone had, including myself. One would never know what you & your family are going through. I wish nothing but the best for you & your entire family.
I am just speechless after watching the video. You are just awesome!
I also love the smile that those babies give you! 🙂
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Heidi–Thanks for your words of encouragement. We appreciate your support. Those grandbabies are what keep me loving life.
Blessings to you!
Craig
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Craig, Larry could also tell a similar story regarding you getting distracted and starting to watch a movie on TV, while Terry and kids in car waiting!! LOL We love you always!
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Isn’t that the truth……I know there are more. We could tell a few about Uncle Lar too😊
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Wow! What an encouragement. Thank you for sharing. This is Jodi Ellingson from Peace church and I am so moved. We had a tough year in 2012 and I always felt God puts us in situations for us to praise him… no matter what. (1 Thes 5:16-18) and you gracefully are giving God all the glory. I hope you are okay with me showing this to my youth group! Thank you !
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Hi Jodi, yes I remember you from Peace….you can share this with everyone and anyone. Giving Glory to God in the best and worst of times….
Blessings to you and your youth group.
Craig
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Thank you Craig and Terri,
The love you both show for our Savior Jesus is genuine and so compassion filled. Hope you are beinging to feel better with the treatment you were able to find as God is around you holding you in his pinions. Ps. 413
Blessings to all. Hello to Terri. She is a joy.
Polly Kersten
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Hi Polly,
Thank you for your words of encouragement and for revealing to us such a great piece of promising scripture–Terry says Hi and hopes you are doing well.
Craig
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Craig,
Every time I read your posts, I come away inspired. Your video was very special. You have been such a role model for so many in dealing with such an extremely difficult situation.
God Bless you and your family! Praying for peace and healing!
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Holly, thanks for following my posts. I am grateful to have you support, prayers, and words of encouragement.
Many blessings to you and you family!
Craig
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