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!!

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.

   

I Am Inspired!

     I'm inspired this morning!  Not by a new President, but by what he represents.  And it's not what you think.  I'm not talking about the politics of it all.  For the most part, I don't agree with the policies of this administration (although I want to give him a chance).  I'm talking about something different.  When I woke this morning, I couldn't help but imagine what Mr Obama was thinking as his feet hit the floor for the first time in the White House; as he watched the brilliant sun rise out his window.  He walks down the hall.  "Good Morning, Mr. President."  "How are feeling this morning, Mr. President".  He opens the door to the oval office and for the first time, sits behind the desk.  Wow!  "Here we go", he must think.  He is off and running.  

    There is something about newness, fresh starts and clean slates.  Sure there is much on his plate (more I dare say than on any of ours).  But nevertheless at least for this morning there is an ability to tackle the tasks before him with fresh eyes.

     So, from where does my inspiration come?  It's in this.  This morning, though you and I may not be new to our roles, we still have the ability to start fresh.  We too can look at the world around us as if for the first time.  It was Jesus who said, "I have come to make all things new."  We can look to Him for the guidance, wisdom, strength and inspiration to inspire and impact our own world around us.  If each of us could for a single moment grasp the concept that we have the ability to affect change in our world, we'd turn things upside down!.

    So this morning . . . be inspired by the fact that YOU can approach each day with the knowledge that you too can inspire, lead, impact and affect change right where you are; right where God has planted you!!

     I close my radio show each afternoon by reminding my listeners to go out and make a difference.  Do it!  Be the difference maker right where you are today.  Then write to me and let me know how you are impacting your world.  I'd love to hear from you. 

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.

A Friend Has Gone Home

     You know how sometimes in life, you get to know someone (although it may be brief) but they make a lasting impact.  Bill Becker is one of those people.  Our paths crossed at our church (Shore Fellowship) less than a year ago.  He had come off a bout of cancer and I was in the middle of mine.  We connected.  He shared with me that I was an encouragement to him as he read my blog during my journey through Leukemia.  Interestingly enough as the next several months unfolded, Bill became an encouragement to me.  His cancer returned.  Ups and downs. Uncertainty. Good news.  Not so good news.  Through it all, Bill praised his Creator.  If you haven't seen an interview I did with him over 3 months ago, you need to. 

     Bill passed peacefully to glory last evening.  My families thoughts and prayers are with his wife Kathy and his family. 

      Bill was and still is an inspiration to so many.  The apostle Paul reminds us in a letter to Timothy that it should be our goal as believers to be able to say with him, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  Therefore there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."  Bill has done just that.

   You can say nothing greater of a person than that they were a "friend of God".  Bill was not only a friend to so many of us,  he was and is today "a friend of God".  Thanks for touching our lives Bill.  Thanks for crossing our paths.  We are all so much richer for having known you.

Evolution - So Many Questions

     Looking forward to Monday nights Jeff Whitaker Show over WOND.  The Associate Producer of the documentary Expelled will be my guest.  Mark Mathis will join me to talk about this controversial film starring Ben Stein.  Horrors... of all things Stein dares to ask the question of Darwinists worldwide... "So, where did whatever caused life, actually begin?"  The answer he got was consistent and angry, "We don't know!", they shout back.  But could there be such a thing as intelligent design?  NO, is the answer.   Whether you believe in the possibility of a higher power or not, you're going to want to tune in.  I encourage your questions for my guest.  This is going to be great discussion.  Join me Monday night at 6 eastern.  Listen locally in the Atlantic City, NJ area over WOND or to streaming audio on the internet.

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.

Take The Test

     I don't know anyone who really likes to take tests.  So why on this first day of the new year am I asking you to do something you probably don't want to do?  Because this test is very easy and the payoff can be enormous.  

     Every January 1st a majority of us sit down and decide how this year is going to be different.  We think through what we are going to stop and what we will start; habits we are determined to destroy and others we are convinced we can instill in our daily routines.  All two often it seems like we don't know where to start.  In our desire to make this year so much better than the last, we tend to bite off more than we can chew and that usually results in dropping much of what we resolve by the end of the first week.  

     So here is a simple place to start because we all need to start somewhere.  It comes in a statement by the American author Richard Bach who once said:  "Here is a test to find out whether your mission in life is complete.  If you're alive, it isn't."  So figure out what your mission is and then go for it with all the gusto you can muster.   You are alive today so make the most of it.  This past year with my diagnosis of Cancer I was awaken to the reality that nothing in this life is certain and we are not guaranteed tomorrow.  I still chew on that every day realizing over and over how I need to make every moment count, take in every breath with an understanding that it is a gift not to be squandered or taken lightly.  

     Another author  Alexander Woollcott said that there is no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant day.  How true is that.  Tell the expectant mother who's doctor says her baby needs two more weeks in the womb in order to survive that days are "unimportant".  Tell the service man or woman preparing to head off to war that each day left with his or her family is unimportant.  Tell a person who's been told they only have months or weeks to live that one day is unimportant. The sum of our lives is made up of "days".

    Go ahead.  Take the test.  I dare you.  Pinch yourself.  Are you still alive?  Then God who has breathed His life into you, isn't through with you yet.  He has put you where you are for this time in history for a purpose.  Don't miss your mission, your calling, your purpose.

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.

More Good News!

From time to time I update my recovery from my Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL). I had some more great news from the doctor this week. Every Wednesday I have my blood levels checked to see my progress since Chemo treatment back in August. For the first time, my levels are starting to turn in the positive direction. From White Blood Cell levels to Hemoglobin levels to Platelets, everything is on the upswing. White Cells and Hemoglobin are still below the normal level, but they are headed in the right direction. Thank God for His provision and thanks to many of you who have expressed your concern and offered prayers on my behalf and my families as well. You can see more information on my treatment at my wifes entries at a page she has set up on carepages.com . Just sign up for free and find the page jeffwhitaker2007 to go to my carepage.

One Week Later

One week has passed since my last entry regarding my on-going health issues. Since my last post, I've visited my doctor and received some very encouraging news. My white blood count is the lowest it's been so far. While that may not sound good, it indicates that the chemo is working at killing off the bad cells. On the other hand my red blood cells have climbed the best level since the time I was told to head to the hospital back in June. The doctor told me that as the bad cells die off, it is making room for the good ones. I could still face the possibility of a fever or catching a virus in the days and weeks ahead because of my low resistance, so I appreciate your continued prayers.

My next visit to the doctor will be next week to again check my blood levels. I am feeling great and so far have had no reaction whatsoever to the treatment of last week. I give all the credit to my Lords protection throughout this ordeal.

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.

I'm Learning Faith and Patience

Well, the doctors are pretty certain I have something called HCL or Hairy Cell Leukemia. They say if there is any kind of leukemia to have, this is it. It is not acute. That means they can treat it and in a vast majority of the cases it goes into remission for life. Thank you Lord. These past weeks have been a real growing experience for me and my wife. It is an ongoing process. While the doctors are nearly certain this is the diagnosis, we are still awaiting a second opinion from the University of Pennsylvania. There had been a delay in getting some slides to them and hopefully this week they will let us know for sure if it is HCL and if so, I will be begin what is only a 5 day treatment next week. God is good and through this has allowed us as a family to be an encouragement to others going through tough and uncertain times. I'll keep you posted on my progress and welcome your comments or questions.