Getting back to 'Normal:' An update from the patient himself and nurse Cathy Jo

Just realized I can't define normal any longer, or at least not in the way I used to.  All is well here, or getting well.  After ten long days, I was released from Mayo, but have now become their patient in every area.  Dr. Heller in Melrose has been my primary physician for seventeen years - the friendship will remain for much longer!  We're camping out at Bob and Rachelle's home in Rochester.  They have been an incredible help and strength for CJ and me throughout the past couple weeks, the past month!
​
We're on the road to our next round of chemo . . . next Thursday thru Saturday.  I'm supposed to be resting from last night's blood infusion.  On Tuesday, my wonderful uncle, Clyde Masters - Bud to those who love him, is coming for the week and we're heading up to Eagle Bend for a couple of days of visiting and face time with my beloved congregation.  Then back for the chemo.  Rest the next weekend, and then home to my pulpit for Sunday, October 30th. 

A word about the Lord . . . He's the One who drives me!  I mean drive, as in motivates.  In reality, Jesus doesn't drive us, he motivates us, he moves us, He's "Savior, like a shepherd, lead us!"  He's been very precious in the night time.  Little moments of his presence get me through the night.  My friend wrote about the darkness of the night, like walking in the fog.  Yep, I'm in the fog, but I do feel Jesus' presence.  I long to be in a worship service.  Last Sunday I was working through the whole hospital thing - endless days and nights with busy nurses coming and going . . . if it hadn't been for the visitors, the Lord's day would have been empty.  People actually brought in to my room the presence of God last Sunday.  Tomorrow, I'm supposed to be resting from the blood infusion . . . but rest will include being in Bob's church in Rochester, Mercy Hill.  I'm going to teach Bob's adult class.  Our passage is from Hebrews 4.  Entering into God's rest!  But aside from the opportunity to teach the Word, I am most looking forward to the praise and worship. Anyway, God's been good to me this week, even through the pain and the other issues.  God is Good, all the time! 

A friend of mine just text me, told me he was cooking ribs for supper.  Mind if I share my rib technique with you?  I boil a thawed rib rack in water for about an hour . . . with a generous portion of Grillin' Magic in the water.  The flavor of the meat is enhanced by the magic seasoning.  When the meat is nearly ready to fall off the bone, I take them out of the water and spread them on a cookie sheet for the oven, or foil for on the grill.  I know they're about ready because I see the meat separating from the bone. Ok, shake a couple or three shakes of GM on the rack of ribs, both sides, and give them another hour very slow, very low heat.  You are now prepared to be amazed by your creation!  You can add your favorite bbq sauce for that last hour on the grill or in the oven if you want to . . . CJ likes them with only Grillin' Magic . . . I like a little sauce. Enjoy!  Give me a little warning and I'll be at your house for supper!

Just a quick word about nurse CJ . . . other than her wheel chair pushing talent (or, non-talent, in her case) she's doing a great job taking care of me!  Only Jesus had done a real good job taking care of me better!  (that's a song title by Levoy and Cleon Dewey, by the way).  Pray for her.  I'm wearing her out, for sure! 

Well, I need to get this off..  Stay in touch.  Thanks for all of you who are new to the website, new to Grillin' Magic, new to the Bernard family . . . Keep your eyes on Jesus, who for the joy set before him, despised the cross, endured the pain, and is now set down at the right hand of the Father in heaven making intercession for us!