Hey everyone!!

The definition of “aftermath” is the consequences of an event (especially a catastrophic event). I am living in the aftermath of a truly wonderful benefit that family and friends had for me a few weeks ago. It’s like drifting on the ocean on a huge yacht with your face in the sun, a cool breeze whistling thru your hair while you day dream looking at the gorgeous turquoise water…….

I am here to tell you that Terry and I were flat out blown away, flabbergasted, and unequivocally blessed in a major way by the love and support nearly 400 family and friends displayed by their attendance at my benefit 3 weeks ago!!!

As I said at the event….thank you, thank you, thank you! I was truly and completed touched by the entire experience. I am pleased to say we have over 125 thank you letters to send out in the next week or so. A task I am so thankful to be doing as a result of so many people giving selflessly.

What is it I can do for you? If you need prayer, or to talk about a particular challenge in your life just reach out to me via my email at tcgiles@hotmail.com. I would love to pray for you or help you in any way I can.

So, grab a cup of coffee or tea and we’ll chat a bit about what’s coming up next. It’s been a little over 3 months now after my 3 weeks of Chemo and Immunotherapy. Currently, I am on Nexavar a Chemo drug in the pill form. Thus far, side affects have been minimal and I feel pretty good. In fact, there are times I don’t even believe I have stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma. As you know, I have leaned on the Lord for my strength, courage and joy thru it all. As is customary in my blog I love to share a favorite piece of scripture. The one I lean into on nearly a daily basis comes to us from the Bible, the word of the true God in Isaiah 41:10; “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” I love this verse and hold on to it dearly.

Continuing on…..this month I go in for my MRI and chest X-ray. We are hoping and praying that the disease is completely gone. However, as a measure of precaution Terry and I will be heading back to Reno for one week either in late June or July at some point for the follow up treatment.

So, this is when our faith and beliefs are tested—-in the waiting, living in the shadows of the unknown. In the middle of things. However, this is also the time where we can “stretch our faith muscles”. A promise all of us can be part of is in 1 Peter 5:10-11; “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever.” Isn’t this awesome? We all can inherit eternity thru Christ!!

At the end of the day thru all of this for me it comes down to; “do I believe in God and his promises or not”? If so, what are I worried about? He’s got my back…..I believe it. I choose hope. 🙂

Living in victory and loving life,
Craig (aka Papa G)