The Rest Of The Story

He would greet us with the trademark "Hello Americans..... Staaaannnd by for News!!" When broadcast legend Paul Harvey past away this weekend, so too did a radio era. He was the last of a generation of journalists who had that unique ability to paint a picture in the minds eye with nothing but carefully crafted words and a technique that set Harvey apart from the rest, the masterful use of the inflection, the intonation, the.... pause. No one in broadcasting could wrap his arms around a story like Paul Harvey.

From the time I was in high school and knew I wanted to make a living at this craft, Paul Harvey proved an inspiration. I would wait with great anticipation to hear his news and comment as well as his Rest Of The Story broadcasts. It was a privilege to one day host my own talk show with the Rest Of The Story as my lead-in. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Harvey in person at a Radio Television News Directors convention in San Antonio, Texas in 1991. He addressed us all and I listened as a grandson would at the knee of his grandfather. I hinged on each word, each exhortation, each challenge to get it right as journalists and to maintain a standard worthy of the calling.

He once said of his unique style that as a young broadcaster that he tried to imitate someone else until his boss gave him this advice. If you try to be like someone else, the best you can ever hope for is second best. Be your own person. Good advise that I took to heart early on in my own career.

I admired so much about the man, but probably nothing more than his ability throughout his career to remain unchanged by fame, fortune and popularity. He was at his death, the same grounded individual who got into the business as a young high schooler in 1933. Paul Harvey was a man of high ideals, true integrity and deep faith. In a world where it's not always popular to share that faith, Paul Harvey never shied away from that important part of his life. As my sister so appropriately put it in an e-mail to me upon his passing, "Now Paul Harvey does really know . . . the rest of the story."

Rest in peace, Mr. Harvey. Job well done. . . . . . . Good Day!!

It Got Me Thinking

     I stumbled across a video on You Tube this morning that caused me to turn a little introspective I suppose.  The majority of the piece is made up of photographs of what we can only imagine to be family members through the years, exteriors of homes, landscapes and such. But what it brought to my mind is how brief life really is and if we are not careful, it will pass us by and we won't even realize the moments we missed.  Each of us has been given one life; no dress rehearsal.  This is the real deal and I don't know about you but I want to drink it in to its fullest with no regrets.  

      The message this weekend by Pastor Tim Chambers at Shore Fellowship was all about finding balance in life.  The truth is when you find that balance, you'll be less likely to miss what really matters. 

      It's fun to look back at photographs that mark the milestones and moments of your life.  But even more rewarding, is the ability we are given with that glance of an image to recall sounds and smells, laughter and tears as we are immediately taken in our minds eye to that moment in time. 

      A wise man by the name of Jim tells us that our life is only a vapor.  Here for a moment and then it vanishes just like the morning fog.  Jim reminds us to major on the important things in life and realize where each breath comes from to begin with.  

     Does any of this make sense to you?  I don't know; I saw this video and it just got me thinking.

The Little Lamb

     I'm awaken at 4 this morning by the soft whisper and warm breath of my 3 1/2 year old.  I'm startled at first as I opened my eyes to this little person, concerned look on her face, standing before me in her soft, polka dot sleeper.  "I can't find my lamb Daddy."  "Let's go look.  I'll find it for you," as I stumbled out of bed and followed down the hall.  

     There it was right under her bed where it fell.  (She had made a point to tell me earlier as I said good night that tonight she was going to snuggle her little lamb.)  Now, as I handed her this tiny stuffed animal she looked up at me, "Thanks", she whispered as I tucked her in.  "Night, Daddy... don't let the bed bugs bite."  She smiled and closed her eyes.  

     As I walked out of her room, down the hall and back to bed the parable of the lost sheep came to mind.  Jesus tells the story of the shepherd who had a hundred sheep and one of them got lost.  He says when that happened, didn't the shepherd leave the ninety-nine and go look for the one.  And when he found it, he returned and rejoiced.  Jesus goes on to tell us that that is how God looks on us when we who are lost come to Him.  

     Even in the middle of the night, startled out of a sound sleep, how could I as a father not respond to my little girl who's little lamb was missing.  In the same way, our heavenly Father is ready to respond.  All He is waiting for is for us to come to Him and share our concerns and burdens.  

     As my head hit the pillow, I smiled to myself as I thought of how much comfort I brought my child.  God wants to do the same for each one of us if we'll let Him.   I hope that thought comforts you today.

   

Let's Never Forget - Say A Prayer Today

This morning at 8:45 as I sat in the parking lot of a convenience story, I looked around me and saw people walking in and out, checking out at the counter, getting gasoline for their cars, most I'm sure not giving a second thought as to the significance of the moment.  At that very minute 7 years ago, the first airplane crashed into the World Trade Center setting off a series of events that day which would forever alter our world and how we see it.  As painful as it is (for family and friends of victims especially), we need to see that video again and again of what took place on that day.  We should never forget or allow anyone else to forget or minimize the attack that occurred not only on this country, but freedom loving people everywhere.  Thank God we have not seen another day like that since September 11, 2001, but that does not mean there are not evil, terrible monster still out there who wish us harm.  We must remain vigilant, not let down our guard and be willing to stand up and fight for what is good and decent.  

Encouraging news today out of the New York Times that President Bush secretly approved orders in July that for the first time allow American Special Operations forces to carry out ground assaults inside Pakistan without the prior approval of the Pakistani government.  Hopefully this will lead to bringing Bin Laden and others to justice.  Will it stop terrorism and the on-going threat?  No, but it is a step in the right direction.  If this nation is to remain free, it is imperative that the next President and Congress live up to their Constitutional responsibilities to protect and defend us or we will most certainly crumble as a country.

Sometime today, take a few minutes to reflect on the horrific day 7 years ago determined to do all in your power to hold government accountable to insure it will never happen again.  And do one other thing as well.  Pray for our nation, continued protection and for the families who's loved ones paid the ultimate price. 

Take a look at this video as well.  This is an interview I conducted and used in a worship service at Shore Fellowship Church in Egg Harbor Township.  It puts a real personal face on the events of that terrible day.

The Bucket List

     My wife and I saw "The Bucket List" this past weekend and we both came away counting our blessings.  Our brush with cancer this past Summer in a way that is hard to explain has been a gift as opposed to a curse.  When you are faced with your own mortality,  you are given a new appreciation for each day.     

     In "The Bucket List", two men (played by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman) from two vastly different worlds are confronted with the ravages of cancer and brevity of life.  They both determine to pursue a list of  places they want to see, emotions they want to internalize and things they want to do before they "kick the bucket".  While it's unlikely the  scenario would ever take place, the overriding message is one we can all learn from.  

    The New Testament Apostle James said that our life is but a vapor.  Here one moment and gone the next.  We would all do well to remember that and determine to make the very most of each breath we are given.  Being diagnosed with Leukemia (seemingly out of the blue) actually has increased my faith, drew our family closer and gave us all a much keener appreciation for the healthy days we are given.  We now have much more compassion and care for those who are going through their own struggles whether health related or otherwise.  It's hard to explain what an experience like this will do for you and through you.

     I encourage you to see "The Bucket List".  Introspection is good for the soul.  

     Carpe Diem!!

Stories That Impact

     Sunday mornings Worship Service at Shore Fellowship was far reaching in its impact.  We planned one of the worship songs around an opportunity to tell real life stories of change.  The song, From The Inside Out tells of how Jesus changes lives from the inside out.  New lives, new direction, new purpose.  In the middle of the song we asked several members of Shore Fellowship to come on stage and share their life change story with everyone.  Nothing fancy or profound about that idea, but it was the story each of them shared that touched lives.  One by one they testified, this was my life before Christ; this is my life after finding Christ.  

     Each of our lives tell a story.  Some of us have a story of victory, others of struggles, failures, the ups and downs of life.  If you were to title the chapter of your life as you are experiencing it this very day, what would the title be?  No matter where your chapter finds you on your life journey, it's never too late to make the next chapter what I call, the turnaround chapter.  

     The chapters in our book already written can't be changed, but the next chapter is yet to be written. I encourage you to join us next Sunday morning at Shore Fellowship as Pastor Tim Chambers continues his series Blueprint For Life.  If you're reading this blog from somewhere other than Southern New Jersey, visit Shore's website and listen online.  Feel free to share your story with someone here.  Who's knows the far reaching impact it might have.

Forever Grateful

This week I received some much anticipated and extremely exciting news. Those of you who have followed by blog over the past couple of months know that early this Summer I was diagnosed with a very rare form of Leukemia called Hairy Cell Leukemia. The good news from the start was the doctors admonishment to me that if there is any form of Leukemia to have, this is the one. One week of low Chemotherapy treatment and you are on your road to remission. I followed that procedure along with some Homeopathic treatment, increased vitamin and supplements and plenty of prayer from so many. The treatment was in August and this week the good news came.

On Wednesday when I went for my weekly blood test, I learned that my vital blood levels have for the first time in a long time returned to the normal range. I can't tell you how encouraging it was to hear the news. These past few months have been a time of uncertainty, anticipation, growing in faith, realizing the value of life and a learning experience for me and my family beyond anything we could have imagined. What we thought was going to be a relatively routine Summer, turned into a Summer we will never forget.

It is in times of testing that our faith is stretched and times of uncertainty that you learn where true certainty in life lies. My family and I thank all of you who have so faithfully prayed and expressed your love and concern during this time and we give all the glory for this transformation to our Savior Jesus Christ without whom we have no hope of a future. God has proven Himself to be faithful and I look forward to what He has in store now for me and my family.

When Words Define (Out of the Mouth...)

We had a discussion at lunch this week. By we, I mean a group of guys who pretty much all hold the same standards with regards to morals and things spiritual. The discussion somehow turned to music and in particular secular rap music. I don't know if my age is showing, but one of the younger guys at the table (who by the way agreed that much of what we hear in rap and much of the rock music these days is objectionable) seemed to be less phased by it all. Is it that as our society changes, we become more DE-sensitized? I say yes.

Now, I'm really no prude but it really gets to me when all around I have to not only subject my own ears, but the ears of my children to filthy, profane, sexually explicit language and even violent rap "lyrics" coming from idling cars in parking lots, mouths of teens hanging out in shopping malls and even parents scolding their kids in public.

To be sure every culture has its "profane" language and my goal in writing this is not to become the speech police by any means. My observation however is that even in my lifetime and most certainly in the time of my parents and grandparents, the language an increasing amount of people use "in public" without a second thought is more profane than ever. It used to be heard mostly by men and always in the company of ONLY MEN, rarely around women and NEVER around children. Now, even the "children" use the language. The words we use to communicate thoughts, ideas, frustrations, any emotion for that matter says volumes about us as a people. We have children, many of whom can't even conjugate a verb or properly punctuate a sentence communicating with each other in a vulgar sub-language that not only demeans others, but dumbs down our society all together.

It should be easy to see that our everyday language only reflects our cultural erosion. Just today, Fox News reported on a recent survey conducted by researchers at University of East Anglia in Norwich, U.K. They say a leadership study found the use of "taboo language" made the workplace more tolerable? Great, now we're being told it's not only OK to use foul language, it's healthy!

Who is to blame? What's to blame? Dr. Bill Cosby recently spoke about the lions share of the responsibility falling on parents. The entertainer has been at the center of a racially charged controversy since he ridiculed the poor grammar of some blacks. "I can't even talk the way these people talk, 'Why you ain't,' 'Where you is' ... and I blamed the kid until I heard the mother talk," Cosby said in Washington, D.C. at an event marking the anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education desegregation ruling. Dr. Cosby went on to say: "The more you invest in your child, the more you are not going to let some CD tell your child how to curse and how to say the word 'n---r.' This is an accepted word. You are so hip with 'n---r,' but you can't even spell it," But this is not an problem exclusive to the black community. All of us need to take heed. Our children hear how we speak, they listen and simply repeat. Parents need to set the standards in the home.

My fear is that it will only get worse. When I hear young children curse and parents laugh it off. When teenagers, with no regard to anyone around them talk trash with each other; what words will their children and grandchildren use to communicate?

Someone much wiser put it this way: "Out of the abundance of the heart we speak" (Matthew 12:34). Jesus Christ said this over 2000 years ago. He spoke in terms of a vessel filling up with whatever has been poured into it and in turn overflowing. Laws of nature tell us that at some point what is in the vessel as it fills, will eventually overflow and it just so happens most of the time the outlet is our mouth.

Our words reflect our hearts. Guard your heart and that of your children?

Take this survey and see how you do. Then, let me know your thoughts.

Day Five

I am including a video in todays blog. In many ways it's hard to believe that the week is over after so much anticipation. God has been so merciful during this experience. If you've read Sharon's entries on our CarePage and my entries here, you know that my treatment went great. Today was a long day, as you will hear in my video blog. I was quite a bit tired earlier this evening, took a nap before dinner but other than that, I finished my 5 day treatment this afternoon and then stopped by to our Chiropractor (Richard Klingert) on our way home. I am confident his chiropractic and lazer treatment has made a difference in my physical preparation for this weeklong treatment. I've also taken advantage of Homeopathic treatment as well as extensive use of supplements and vitamins. I really believe the preparation going into this week has meant so much. By far, as I look back it's evident the prayers of so many is however the key.
So with that I ask you to continue your prayers in the days and weeks to come as I look by faith for healing from the HCL.

This experience has really opened my eyes to hurts and needs of others I have seen around me who are not as fortunate has I have been. It continues to be a time of growth in my life to say the least. I will continue to post progress and updates withe hopes of encouraging others in their faith and perhaps even be able to attract others who may be going through similar challenges.

I leave you tonight with this passage from the end of Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians in the New Testiment beginning in Chapter 1, verse 11:

"With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 12We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.^"

Day Four

Feeling a little tired this evening, but I guess that is the least that can be expected. Just another all around good day of treatment. A little slow getting started this morning. My nurses told me the Chemo I am taking is flown up by courier from Florida. When I got to the treatment center they said the delivery had not yet come. After about 45 minutes to an hour it arrived and a two day supply at that, which will get me through the final day tomorrow. I asked the nurses what would have happened if it hadn't arrived, since I am on a five day consecutive treatment plan. They said they were wondering the same thing. But it all worked out. Thank the Lord.

By the time my treatment ended it was time to rush out to the blood center to get my blood drawn for testing in preparation for tomorrows transfusion, which I have to get in addition to the Chemo. It will no doubt be a long day, but I remain so grateful that this week has gone so well.

The prayers and encouragement of so many family and friends continues to mean so much. As we've said so often this week, we had prepared for the possibility of a much different week than it has been. Our God gets all the credit for the way it has turned out.

Day Three

Each day I am continually amazed at God's grace through this ordeal. Again, another day of treatment (now over half way through) and I feel none of the possible side effects I was forewarned of. As I sit each day and receive my treatment, watch and hear some of the stories of others at the Cancer treatment center, I am so grateful to God for His grace in my situation. God only knows for certain why I am called to go through this, but one thing is becoming increasingly clear to me as each day passes. For me, this whole season in my life and in the life of my family has meant spiritual growth, a time to count our blessings and renew ourselves to make the very most of each day. It has shown us the love of God's people, our family and friends and the overwhelming power of prayer. I can share with you that scores of people literally around the world have taken our requests before God. That alone is such a comfort and humbling at the same time.

My blood levels have gone down again some (as they were expected to do) and with the long holiday weekend ahead, the doctor wants me to get another transfusion this Friday. As for the Chemo treatment, hopefully Friday will be the last and anywhere from two to six or seven weeks, I should see my levels return to normal.

I am taking one day at a time and am still told I could feel the fatique and after effects a couple of weeks down the road. I'm ok with that and trust that as I said a couple of days ago, God has already gone ahead where I will be and I leave all of that in His hands.

Thank you to all who have stopped by here and at Sharon's carepage that she set up. Many of you are coming back regularly to view the entries and still others of you have shared such kind and comforting words in the comment section. If you havent' checked out the site yet, you can do so by simply logging into www.carepages.com and opening a free account. When you do, you will then sign in and go the the carepage named jeffwhitaker2007 . Day Four tomorrow!!

Day One

With Sharon by my side, we stopped by our Chiropractor on the way to treatment. He adjusted me and used cutting edge laser technology that helps build up and repair cellular tissue. It is a holistic treatment I've taken advantage of for quite some time and the results are great. I've spent the time since first learning of my ailment to really build up my immune system with supplements along with homeopathic treatment. I want to take advantage of every thing that is available to fight this Cancer.

From there we went straight to the Cancer Treatment Center. They could not have been more accommodating. The treatment itself is a form of Chemotherapy called 2-CDA. It is a treatment for Hairy Cell Leukemia that has been used successfully since the early 90's. Before the 2-CDA, they gave me some anti-nausia medicine and a type of steroid (all of this intravenously). I've opted for a five day in a row, 2 hour a day treatment that lasts for one week. After that they continually monitor my blood levels and see where it goes from there. Usually, one round of treatment is enough to put it in remission.

I'm grateful to have such support from family and friends. It was great to have my wife right by my side during the treatment and she has been a such a comfort and support during this time.

As for my reaction on Day One? I really don't feel any different. Wasn't sure what to expect and so far I feel normal. Tired tonight but no more so than usual. The nurses say it could be a couple of weeks before my blood count may dip before it rises again. That could bring with it fatigue to some extent. We just don't know yet. So, that was my first day. Four more to go. Thanks again for your prayers and support. I'll have another update tomorrow and you can also check out a CarePage Sharon set up at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania website where she is keeping a daily log as well from her perspective. The address is: http://www.carepages.com/uphs Once there, you can follow the instructions for setting up a free account and logging on to our page. You are looking to sign in an account you create and go to

jeffwhitaker2007 .

More tomorrow. God is good!!

The Next 5 Days

Last week at this time my family and I were just beginning what would be a great week of vacation in Sunny South Carolina. I'll write more about that in a future post. ( I decided to consciously take a break from the computer last week to enjoy my time with family, so I've got some catching up to do on the blog).

As for this week, it's a different story. The vacation is over and time for my much anticipated treatment for the Hairy Cell Leukemia. We've decided to go with the one week, five day treatment as opposed to spreading it out, once a week for 7 weeks. I am anxious to begin. I've been told what to expect; feeling tired, maybe a fever, risk of catching a cold or something like that and maybe some unsettling in my stomach. Other than that, my doctors say this week begins the road to remission. I'll keep you posted each day as to my progress. I do so much appreciate and covet your prayers for me and my family. I really believe it's through the power of prayer and a deep faith that we are able to move through this stage in our families life. So many of you have expressed to me your thoughts and prayers and I can't begin to tell you how much that means. I'll keep you posted. Its such a comfort to know that as uncertain as we are as to where the week with take me, our God has been there already and He knows. What a relief.

Moving Forward

Well, the doctors have made it official. The Hospital at the University of Pa. agree that I do indeed have Hairy Cell Leukemia (HSL). So, now its time for the treatment. We're talking one week (five days straight) of Chemo. The word is that this one treatment in a vast majority of the cases will put this disease in full remission, a statistic I am very thankful for. I feel fine and am looking with anticipation at going through the treatment. I'm set to begin two Mondays from tomorrow. There are supposedly little side effects. Throughout this whole challenge, my wife and I have had such a peace about this phase in my life and the life of our family. It may sound trite, but to have the peace that the God of the universe knows all about each one of us and cares so much, makes all the difference in the world. The Bible tells us of a peace that passes all understanding and we as a family can testify to the reality of that assurance.

Later this week I want to tell you about a family party we had today for my Mom who is turning 80. It was a great time of looking back, laughing, choking on a few tears and counting our blessings. Until tomorrow.....

Have Patience

The doctors need until tomorrow to reach that all important second opinion we are looking for in regard to my diagnosis. But that means that if they do indeed find it is Hairy Cell Leukemia, because of other circumstances, I'll have to wait another couple of weeks to start treatment. I'm fine with that and my doctors say there is no urgency to start right away. I really do want to get this all behind me, but God is teaching me everything in His timing. My favorite passage in the Bible is found in the book of Isaiah, chapter 40. The text ends .... but those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount with wings like eagles. They will run and not be weary. They will walk and not faint. Take the time to read the entire chapter. It really has a way of putting everything in life in perspective and realizing how small we are in comparison to our great God who watches over us.